I think you’ve completely missed the point here. I don’t think anyone has a problem with youngsters/squad players getting game time, but considering how poor we’ve been to date not using this to at least try and get the players to gel a bit is just bizarre. To then not even have the supposed regulars on the bench at least is plain ridiculous. That bench is honestly an insult to the fans that travelled and there’s no excuse for it being that weak.
WE'VE PLAYED TWO GAMES. I haven't even looked at the table yet. Harrogate was shit but how many great seasons have we had where I've been to shit games? Every single one.
Lyndsey's interview before the match explained why the changes have been made, and it's not rocket science, rest the side, giving them some extra recovery time after having to bust a gut playing with 10 men for over an hour in the heat on Saturday. It's not exactly chilly tonight, so why risk our first teamers, if we are apparently struggling so much, on a hot, exhausting Tuesday night cup game against fucking Walsall? This kind of weather is going to completely fuck you over if you're not on top of your fluid and salt intake and Lyndsey obviously doesn't want to risk the first teamers, we've already lost a few to various knocks and injuries and when we have eager younger players who are up to snuff we have to start them at some point.
The bench is there to support the team on the pitch and whilst it's not the strongest one, see the points above. It's not an 'insult'. It's a reality of trying to develop players, and also a decision probably based on who's most familiar with each other. Now's the time for some of the youngsters to stake a place in the team going forward.
Also, it puts in the shop window how willing we are to trust youth when we're obviously still actively recruiting in the loan and transfer market.
