Originally Posted by
freemuzzy
Main issue is the manager really needs to not be overpowered by the senior players, or at least grasp how to get the most from them, which doesn’t necessarily mean rolling them out to play every minute, as Harrogate and other teams have shown how the lack of legs can be brutally exploited.
Even at 39, with the levels of fitness he has Doyle could still be a great asset with his professionalism and leadership abilities. But he’s never even been subbed in a game this season, such is his influence. At his age that is absolutely crazy. Yesterday demonstrated in stark terms what happens when all our ‘experience’ comes up against a team with high energy so even if younger midfield reinforcements come in, they’re only going to be useful if they actually get on the pitch. For example, Crawford was brilliant pre-lockdown but wasn’t even given a shot late in the game yesterday.
Similarly, Turner - along with JOB the other most vocal pro in the dressing room - was brought straight back in ahead of arguably our player of the season, and wasn’t even subbed yesterday despite one of the worst individual displays any of our players have produced all season. Turner is one who’s definitely under contract next season and I worry about the state of our defence if he’s guaranteed to play 90 minutes no matter what.
Until Ardley gets control back and isn’t afraid to use these senior pros selectively (when they would undoubtedly be assets), I can’t see us kicking on and pushing for the title next season.