Rolling subs in Priaulx request
VALE REC coach and former Muratti keeper Jody Bisson has called for rolling subs to be introduced at all levels.
And, if it happens, you won’t find Jez Robin, coach to the champions, moaning.
While the use of unlimited substitutions from within a match-day squad has grown in recent years to the extent that it was introduced in this year’s Junior Muratti clash, it has largely been restricted to junior matches and the likes of the Stranger Cup.
It is now firmly part and parcel of the Guernsey FA Cup format and Bisson’s Vale side, who tonight attempt to retain the trophy against FNB Priaulx League champions Rovers at the Track, wants to see it adopted in the league, having notably used them in the 5-0 semi-final win over St Martin’s.
‘My preference would be to allow rolling subs [in all football] going forward. Why not share the minutes, as in other sports?,’ he said.
Rolling subs are not everyone’s cup of tea, though, and to some fans the introduction in the Junior Muratti was a step too far, especially the way it was utilised by U18s Guernsey coach Martin Scott.
Robin can see the merits.
‘It makes life easier. Definitely not against it,’ he said.
‘At the moment we can use three out of five subs and the Priaulx League is now the only GFA competition where there are not rolling subs.’
While Robin sees traditionalists opposing the idea, he believes it has ‘loads of advantages’ and he imagines every Priaulx coach would be in favour of it.
‘If you’ve got someone that is 50-50 in terms of fitness you have got to make a big decision as to whether to start them. It is also easier to introduce younger players as you are not committing yourself to a substitution that might go wrong.’
As for tonight’s game, Robin already has a depleted squad, with fitness concerns over a couple more. ‘I’m waiting on a couple – Jack Batiste and Louis Falla. But hopefully they will be OK.
‘We can only pick from a pre-registered squad and we already have Sam Hall, Max [Robin] and Ben Relph unavailable from the named squad.’
He expects a tight game.
‘Rec have done well of late and of course they have got Seb [Skillen] available now.’
Tonight’s game at the Track kicks off at 7.30.
