Squad Sizes

[jonny72]

So do people think the new squad sizes coming in this season will have much of an effect on the transfer market?

Whilst the rules differ slightly between the PL and FL the main thrust is the same - 25 players over the age of 21. From a quick check on Soccerbase most clubs seem to be very close already to the limit and a number are over it, not just the big clubs (eg Man City) either as some of the small clubs are as well (eg Bolton).

Come the close of the transfer window any extra players are basically useless as a squad list has to be submitted and if you're not in the squad you can't play. I can't see any clubs wanting to hold on to players they can't play so they'll need to be offloaded (potentially very quickly if there are last minute new signings) or put out on loan. Plus players will filter down, as one club offloads players the clubs that take them have to as well and so on.

Potentially this could be a big help to clubs such as us, as the could be bargains to be had or decent players put out on loan.

[Doore]

A bit odd that no-one has replied to this.  I think that this definitely has a potential knock-on effect for clubs in the lower leagues.  I'm not sure we'll see much of this effect this summer, as clubs will need to see for themselves exactly the affect it has on those players on the books but not named.  Once its been in place for a while and it will hopefully see more players available on loan.

What I do think is worrying is this may mean there is even fewer opportunities for young players at the top end.  Whereas previously there may have been a small opportunity for the "lesser" rated (for want of a better word) young players to make the bench at the top clubs on the odd occasion, this rule may potentially negate this - the big clubs won't want to include these players in those squads.  Big clubs have dozens of young players, and a lot of those won't be involved at all, with no hope of breaking through unexpectedly as the ruling won't allow it.

Again, this should lead to more players going out on loan - which is more beneficial to both the young players and the lower league clubs.

[Panda Paws]

I shouldn't really hinder the young players really. Under 21s do not need to be registered so they're still going to be in and around the first team squad and if anything have fewer experienced pros ahead of them.

If anything it will have a negative impact on clubs like Swindon becuase home grown players will be kept around for longer to ensure the quotas are met.

[Doore]

Under 21s do not need to be registered

Ah, I didn't know that.  That's my well thought out and thoroughly researched points null and void then.

[jonny72]

The under 21's not counting towards the squad size could have a negative effect. With 25 senior players it's likely some clubs will hold on to the younger players, rather than letting them go out on loan, to provide additional cover to the squad. I'm convinced that young players sitting in the reserves at PL clubs rather than playing in competitive matches at a lower level hinders their development and this is likely to only make it a lot worse.

[Colin Todd]

I'm not sure it will have much effect on us.  The bigger premier league clubs might hold onto a few more youngsters that are on the fringes on the 25, but realistically they would have gone on loan to the championship, not us.

[Doore]

A very brief introduction to the new rules can be found here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8858634.stm

This will stop you making a fool of yourselves by not knowing what you are talking about - see my post earlier.

[Simon Pieman]

A very brief introduction to the new rules can be found here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8858634.stm

This will stop you making a fool of yourselves by not knowing what you are talking about - see my post earlier.

If only that were true for all of your posts

[Doore]

If only that were true for all of your posts

No, that would be no fun.