History

In respect of a previous action point which over past seasons has been a real concern to many players at the club and also for players who potentially would have considered joining the club. Players need to be aware of how the managers / club will treat them depending on varying circumstances.

We need to be really honest, air some views and agree a standard for the club and most importantly the managers and players to follow.

AP 3.7 Meeting to be held between the managers of both teams and myself as chairman to formulate some understanding so players know what to expect in certain situations.

Considerations

An understanding that although we can put down some guidelines for differing situations, occasions will arise that mean the guidelines need to be adapted – i.e. increased player absence or injury meaning that players can’t follow the route back into the teams that we agree or a lack of certain players for particular positions.

The management’s decisions are final but that the important thing is for there to be an open and honest communication to support their decision.      

Issues

Players being considered as favourites and regardless of form given a guaranteed start week after week.

  • Players returning from self induced absences such as holiday’s and family events

  • Players returning from absences due to injury

  • New players joining the club

  • Players who have been playing in the 1st team and then due to excess player availability have to drop down to 2nd team

  • Players who are playing well in the 2nd team and are considered by their manager to be worthy of a place in the 1st team

  • Players who have been stuck on the 1st team bench for 3 games and can’t get back into the team due to team performances

  • Players who have been on the 1st team bench to provide cover due to absences (usually 3rd sub or young inexperienced players)

  • Squad rotation

    Outcomes 

    1. All player’s to be selected based on previous weeks performance and if form dips over a period of 3 games consideration given that-

      1. 1st team - he should be benched or given a starting place in reserves to allow a return to form.

      2. 2nd team – he should be benched or dropped from squad and told to improve in training.

    2.  All player’s to be informed that self induced absences should see them return to the squad on the bench depending on other player’s availability in their playing positions

      1. 1st team – he should be on the bench or if no availability in squad he should be given a starting place in the reserves. (Manager’s discretion depending on reserves current performance as to whether starts in team or on bench)

      2. 2nd team – he should be on the bench or have to wait for squad availability

    3. All players to be informed that after injury they should return to the squad on the bench depending on other player’s availability in their playing position

      1. 1st team – he should be on the bench or if no availability in the squad he should be given a starting place in the reserves. (Manager’s discretion depending on reserves current performance as to whether starts in team or on bench)

      2.  2nd team – he should be on the bench or have to wait for squad availability

    4. Players to be assessed of their capabilities by the manager who is introducing them to the club either by observing in training sessions or on prior knowledge or player referral.

      1. 1st team initial standard – he should be on the bench or start if no other players available of same standard in player’s position in 1st team or 2nd team. If no availability in squad he should be given a starting place in the reserves. (Manager’s discretion depending on reserves current performance as to whether starts in team or on bench)

      2. 2nd team initial standard – he should be on the bench or start if no other players available of same standard in player’s position in 2nd team or have to wait for squad availability

    5. All players who are deemed excess to requirements in the 1st team through no fault of their own i.e. absence, injury or lack of form should be given a starting place in the 2nd team.

    6. All players who have been consistently performing well in the 2nd team should be approached to ask if they would like to be made available for 1st team selection.

      1. If yes – 2nd team manager should approach 1st team manager to offer the player and ascertain position availability. A place on the bench should be accommodated as soon as possible and an opportunity to prove himself given. If no starting place obtained within 3 games player should then be covered by outcome 7

      2. If no – 2nd team manager should encourage the player to perform for the club and ascertain reasons why doesn’t want progression. 

    7. All players who have been on the 1st team bench for 3 games based on inability to get a starting place due to team performance should be given the opportunity to drop down to the 2nd team and be given a starting place.

    8. All players who have been on the 1st team bench to cover absences should be offered to the 2nd team manager and depending on availability and capability given a starting place or put on the bench (Manager’s discretion)

    9. Manager’s discretion as to whether he undertakes squad rotation depending on selected playing formation and player availability and capability.