(28-01-2011 01:45 )StridentOnanist Wrote: (27-01-2011 23:48 )iloveMegan Wrote: Why have a 25 man squad if you're not allowed to use them?
Exactly my thoughts.
The selection of exactly how many "2nd choice" players constitutes a weakened team anyway = 6,7,8,9? - If a manager wants to drop the entire team he should be allowed to do so.
Also, what if the 'weakened' team win, do they still get fined? Or is it only when they draw/lose?
Couldn't agree more! This 'fielding a weakened team' rule is full of leaks in my opinion. I definitely agree that the smaler clubs are unfairly treated where this rule is applied. The problem is that Ian Holloway openly came out and said beforehand that Blackpool would be fielding a weakened team at Villa Park, where, correct me if I'm wrong, they lost 3-2 to an 89th minute goal. Three days later I was at Villa Park to see United escape with a barely-deserved 2-2 draw despite having fielded a full-strengh team. So on that form Blackpool's 'reserves' can't be that bad can they?
The authorities will probably argue that the likes of United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City and yes, even Liverpool can - and do - make wholesale changes and still field about 7 or 8 full internationals. But your'e absolutely right - why allow for 25-man squads and then insult professional players who have earned the right to play in the Premiership by basically calling their ability into question?
One more point - I recall Wolves deliberately fielding an under-strength side at Old Trafford last season and also receivng a fine as a consequence. They - and Mick McCarthy in particular - received a much harder time from the press and football fans alike at the time than Blackpool did, who's 'offence' let's face it, was pretty much forgotten until the punishment was meted out this week. This clearly had something to do with the fact that Wolves' selection was against a United side who may have benefitted come the end of the season in a tight Premiership finish. However, unlikely as it is to happen, should Villa escape relegation by just a point...
I just think fans in general and the media in particular should take off their biased blinkers on these matters and treat each case the same way. Blackpools 'crime' not that I think it was one, could yet have far more reaching consequences come May than Wolves' transgression last season ultimately did.
But Blackpool enjoy a very good press because of the likeability factor that Ian Holloway's interviews and the club's wage cap policy, and deservedly so.