Claret and Hugh readers found themselves almost as split as us in the latest poll on the site.
Hugh and Sean found themselves disagreeing on whether or not Manuel Pellegrini should blood one or two more youngsters as the season draws to a close.
With the likes of Xande Silva, Nathan Holland and Ben Johnson waiting patiently it seems, on the one hand, a reasonable idea to give them a chance.
But with so much cash incentive involved for positioning it is equally fair to argue that the dough is required more urgently.
And it seems the fans too were uncertain of which way to go on the question “Should we blood the youngsters or go for the money.”
In the end however, Sean’s view won the day with 53.69 per cent of those voting ( 545) going with the financial view and 46.31 per cent (470) believing now was the time to give the kids their chance.
I think that it is possible to combine both – put some youngsters on teh bench and if we are ahead by two goals or behind by two goals give one a 10 minute run out for a taste of first team football
While the money for positions is important for the fans there are other things that matter – I remember in the final game of Roeder’s first season he could have either brought on Steve Potts for his 500th appearance or brought on Izzy Iriekpen for his debut but did neither saying that the result was all important – I thought that he got that wrong and my view has not changed
Put at least two “youngsters” on every subs bench and use them in the second half if we are in a comfortable position in the match.
It’s not about the money. It’s about finishing in a European place and helping pellegrini attract better players in the summer.
If we go up 2 places we gain another 3.8 millions. What does that buy us? Playing a youngster or two, even for part games could save us a fortune in the near future.
I think that a European place is extremely unlikely – given our tough run in and the fact that for 7th place to qualify for the Europa League needs Man City to win the FA cup
Our last European campaign didn’t do much to attract players.
Is this like Brexit, can we make it best of 3 ?