Substitutions

[fulwoodshrimp]

The manager has had a good first year at the club and generally seems to read games well but I just wonder if in the last few weeks we have seen a weakness? His use of substitutions or rather failure to use substitutions. Bringing 2 players on in the 90th minute today makes no sense. Failure to bring any substitutes on in the last game made no sense. He also seems to have favourites that he retains without changing them no matter how poorly they are playing. I accept that he has generally improved us and organised us but I think we are capable of even more with a bit more thought and action with the substitutes.

[tim-sanchez]

I wonder if it's a failure to adapt to 5 subs?

Derek definitely seems to have an "if it ain't broke" attitude to starting lineups and to subs, we've hardly seen the starting lineup change throughout a busy period. Even if you don't make subs tactically though, I think with 2 matches a week you've got to make the most of subs to keep players fresh. I'm not surprised we've had a few injuries, it seems the only way players get a rest!

It's not as if we've got rubbish on the bench either, we're bringing on players who are more than capable.