Does PV give any thought at all to the bench, we just seem to role the same ones out week after week, you don't need Kelly, Ward and Tomkins on the bench with no LB cover, No wide player cover, Adaramola and Rak-Sakyi should be permanently subs.

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

only last week people were remarking on the strength of our bench, and 1 week on this thread.

IMHO as there are 9 places on the bench to have 3 defenders seems reasonable. Add a goalie, 2 mids and 3 strikers that seems a fair distribution.

As Ward came on a LB and has played there previously he was clearly ear marked as the LB cover for that game. Not a great choice i agree, but we have not had any proper cover there all season.

I've seen the odd game where 2 defenders clash heads and both need to be subbed. If that was to occur we would need Kelly and Tomkins as replacements.

PV watches the youngsters in training, so he is in the best position to decide if they are worthy of a place on the bench.

PV could have been bolder e.g. Jeff to LB and Macca on, but he can be quite cautious at times.

I don't think the subs bench was the reason for our defeat yesterday

Unless he was injured I can't understand Riedewald not making the bench. I still think he's a fantastic midfielder plus he covered at left back either last season or the one before and won player of the month whilst playing there. Of course he has defensive weaknesses but I'd have him as left back cover personally

"It's ok postman , he'll lick you to death" "That isn't really that comforting , I still end up dead !!"

I'm very happy with where the squad is this season. We need to replace some older faces for next season. We seem to have been getting upgrades on what we have recently.

In terms of a left back, we had schulp on the pitch who could have dropped back.

I think PVs selections reflect some of the comments we saw in the media last week when the five subs rule for next season was announced. Basically, most managers were broadly in favour because it keeps their players happy. The bottom line is every manager wants as big, strong, and competitive a squad as possible. But that requires signing players who aren't going to start very many games. But you have to keep them involved if you want them to be at least marginally happy and that's why benches are full of experienced players rather than used to cultivate youth. Not saying I like it this way; just that's the reason why benches are shaped the way they are. Adaramola isn't going to complain if he's not on the bench. Tomkins might.

Sydenham by birth. Selhurst by the Grace of God.