Are smaller squads a good thing sometimes?

hoof_it_up_to_benty

Not always convinced about the benefits of a larger squad of mainly mediocre players. Sometimes a smaller squad leads to better team spirit, less opportunity for tinkering with the lineup and players get more playing time.
At present some players have very limited opportunity to make a mark before they're dropped.

JT

Seems to be working this season .

hoof_it_up_to_benty

Our squad seems bigger than that of many clubs.

Huskaris

hoof_it_up_to_benty said:

Our squad seems bigger than that of many clubs.

Largely because we give so many (all?) of our youth players a squad number which is why it appears bigger on matchday programes. As for actual squad size, I agree, its best to have as small a squad as you can get away with, but with reasonable depth/players who are real utility players able to play in several positions.

SheffieldRed

From memory, Liverpool or Villa won a title using only 14 players.

It's up to the manager to manage a squad. As the season progresses the benefits of a larger squad can usually be seen when injuries and suspensions take effect. A larger squad allows more options regarding ways to play.

Charlton's current problems are not due to squad size.

se9addick

In terms of senior players I'd imagine we have a smaller squad than many.

hoof_it_up_to_benty

What concerns me is the constant tinkering with the team/formation. How many players have we used this season?

eaststandmike

hoof_it_up_to_benty said:

What concerns me is the constant tinkering with the team/formation. How many players have we used this season?

With injuries, suspensions and all round poor performances I cannot see we have had little choice.

Simonsen

SheffieldRed said:

From memory, Liverpool or Villa won a title using only 14 players.

.

They did...but they were only allowed one sub in those days. These days there's hundreds of them running up and down....

chazza

Depends on the quality of the squad. Injuries and suspensions will always happen. I think our squad is the right size, the ability of the personnel is debatable (as with a lot of other teams).

Lincsaddick

hoof_it_up_to_benty said:

Not always convinced about the benefits of a larger squad of mainly mediocre players. Sometimes a smaller squad leads to better team spirit, less opportunity for tinkering with the lineup and players get more playing time.
At present some players have very limited opportunity to make a mark before they're dropped.

As you have outlined above, smaller squads are better than large ones, with the proviso of course that the squad (say 23 players) is of decent strength and quality. Small squads force managers to be extra careful when signing players and to stick to tactics without tinkering and faffing about for every other game. I would also abolish the entire loan system. If the fully contracted players can't do the business, tough. What's good enough for José M, Lord of Chelsea should be good enough for lesser mortals ((:>)