- Jan 11, 2013
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- #3,661
Yeah that wouldn't work, the original suggestion when moving from 5 to 7, was that the extra two would be youth.
Like any youth integration it ultimately comes down to how willing is the manager to do so. With the idea making two extra bench spots available solely for youth would at least get kids into the matchday squad and in certain circumstances given the managers preference give some lads an opportunity they wouldn't of had otherwise.
I think the point BG was trying to make and I agree was that even if you increased it to 9 or 11 and had 2 compulsory youth players on the bench, in what circumstance would Poch for example turn to the youth player over an experienced player.
I think the general purpose is in the event that teams are running riot and can bring them on, but when Poch doesn't want to use them until 85 mins if at all when we are 3/4-0 up why would adding academy slots make a difference. Additionally if the games is a high pressure one he sin't going to bring on an academy player. He only brings them on for 5mins at a time regardless of the situation. I don't think many managers will be any different so it won't make a difference
One option could be to make it a rule that if you are to use 3 subs at least one as to be an academy player. That way when people make their benches they will take the strongest player from their academy in that position in the event they have to play. So looking at Palace for example Kirby is their best player in their u23s, so they would drop McArthur from the bench and put Kirby in. If they have to bring on a CM in the game they have to bring on Kirby. It is only one player, and if people felt they are disadvantaged then that should encourage them to improve their academies.