Benefits and problems from our new bigger squad
ITS been a couple of days now since we added to the Coventry City squad. Aidy Boothroyd mentioned he was looking for up to ten players and I wasn't sure he meant it but he's getting there
But with seven additions to what remains from last season and Doyle's return from his season long loan I believe I counted a squad twenty eight players strong
More than a few of them can play in different positions so Aidy isn't short of options when he picks the team. Plus more are due to come in before the season starts
In a lot of ways this is good news. No club every challenged at the top end of the table without having a strong squad. There's ample cover for injuries and loss of form for example
Also there's lots of room for the manager to play different formations when and if they are needed.
As the squad was under strength last season this effort to increase it has been worthwhile. And by and large I agree with TJL it has improved the squad at little cost.
Even in the case of Clive Platt you only have to look back at Keith Houchen as a mature City buy from the lower divisions which came up trumps
But clearly so many new players will take time to gell together and this may be reflected in the early results. So i may have to be patient though like most fans it's not something I'm good at
The other problem it seems to me is with so many options it's easy for the manager to make change for changes sake. Claudio Ranieri tended to fall for this with his big Chelsea squad hence the "tinkerman" nickname
So Aidy will have to have an idea of what his strongest team is and make changes as and when needed to that template. It's a fine judgement and his comments in yesterdays Telegraph suggest he understands that
He's keeping both me and the players guessing who's going to play against Portsmouth. Today's team against West Brom might give some clues . As long as he has a clear idea of where he's going that'll do for me though
His comments about the squad being all in it together and everyone getting a chance in a long season will hopefully keep those non first choices on board.
Things like playing different sides in the League Cup would help too. I remain convinced also that a regularly playing reserve side would help keep all of the squad in good condition for this vital condition
I continue to believe in Aidy Boothroyd and approach the season with optimism. It's to be hoped a confident group of players share that in the weeks to come
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Totally agree Kev, and I too continue to believe in Boothroyd. I often get caught up in the hype that surrounds numerous signings and ignore the fact that lots of new players means that the team will need time to gel and start playing as a unit. Today's result was promising though, as was the performance as a whole.