‘Stupid’ squad rules give EPL bosses new headache
Premier League managers face an extra headache this season as they
try to adapt to a new rule, described as “stupid” by Arsenal boss Arsene
Wenger, which requires all top-flight teams to pick from a strict 25-man
squad.
A Premier League edict brought in to encourage the development of
young talent demands that only 25 players are eligible for selection by
the 20 clubs in England’s top tier, of which eight must be homegrown.
So while Sir Alex Ferguson, Wenger, Carlo Ancelotti and company would
usually be concentrating on their tactics going into the first weekend
of the Premier League campaign, this year they are also frantically
juggling their squads to decide which players will make the cut for the
September 1 deadline.
Squad list
In addition to the 25-man group, clubs can also include as many
players as they like who are under 21 on their overall squad list, and
they are also available for selection.
But if a club doesn’t have eight homegrown players, it is forced to
name a smaller squad.
In exceptional circumstances, such as two goalkeepers out of three
being injured, a replacement can be added to the original list of 25.
But aside from that, no changes to the 25 can be made before the
transfer window reopens in January.
Ostensibly the rule is supposed to help produce more British players
at a time when the Premier League has more foreign players than any
other league in the world.
Young stars
England’s failure at the World Cup has only intensified the debate
about how to bring through more young stars.
But the Premier League’s definition of ‘home-grown’ actually only
requires the player to have been registered with an English or Welsh
club for three years between their 16th and 21st birthdays, meaning a
foreign youngster brought into the country could also qualify.
It is a rule widely criticised by top managers who are used to
stockpiling players from around the globe to cope with the demands of
challenging for trophies domestically and in Europe.
Arsenal boss Wenger admits it has already affected his thinking as he
ponders whether to make more signings before the transfer window shuts
on August 31.
Strong squad
“When everyone is fit and available, we have quite a strong squad,”
Wenger said.
“Also, we have this stupid rule in place with the 25 players, so
everybody has to not have too many players.”
The rule means Tottenham are faced with the prospect of England
defender Jonathan Woodgate, currently sidelined through injury, sitting
in the stands even if he returns to fitness because boss Harry Redknapp
can’t risk giving up a space in his 25 to a player who may not be
available for several months. Manchester United manager Ferguson has the
same problem with sidelined England midfielder Owen Hargreaves.
Senior players
Across Manchester, City boss Roberto Mancini has 33 senior players
and is likely to leave Craig Bellamy and Roque Santa Cruz - two strikers
who cost a combined 20 million pounds - out of his 25 altogether due to
his close-season spending spree.
Redknapp doesn’t agree that the rule will help with youth
development.
“If young players are good enough they’ll come through anyway,” he
told the Daily Mail. “You get some kids who will get in the 25 and don’t
work on their game.
“You’ve got to deserve to be there, rather than just having them for
the sake of it, token players.”
LONDON, Sunday (AFP) |