U14s v Ormskirk Blue

The next three weeks sees us play three important games in which we will look to play the strongest team from the start, with as few changes as possible, in what will probably be very tight and possibly title deciding games.

The right attitude of the subs over these games is essential.
We have given every player every opportunity to play, and spoken to individuals weeks ago to address what we believe they need to do to improve their chances of playing for longer.

The last few weeks everyone has worked really hard and made it difficult for us to pick the strongest team at this moment in time. The midfield is particularly competitive.

The main difference between players has been fitness, attendance at training and ability to play how we ask them to play once they go onto the pitch.

(Yes mums and dads, we do have tactics, so coaching from the sidelines will often only cause confusion, so just encouragement please!
I would also ask you to trust us as we have both been coaching (FA qualified) some of the lads for seven years now. Please accept our decisions are made in totally good faith.)

We appreciate attendance at training is not always possible, but for whatever the reason, it will affect our team selections.

There is little difference in ability of all of the squad, and those named as subs for the next couple of games, which might well change, we need them to know that they are still very valued and essential members of the squad.
Also there are many more games to follow in which they will have plenty of opportunity to address the parts of their play that need working on and make it difficult for us to put them on the bench.

So basically we can't guarantee the named subs a game over the next few games, and this may be particularly disappointing in the away games, but we will only make changes we see as necessary, not changes to give players a game during this period.

Unfortunately it's the price of playing for a team with title aspirations!

Thanks very much,

The Management!