: Fri May 15, 2009 4:05 pm  

Duckman wrote:

I would, but I suspect McNamara wont.

I'd be tempted to "rest" someone like Menzies who has got through a hell of a lot of work and we'll need him for the bigger games later on, and I dont see any easier opportuntiy to give game time to Olbison (as I dont think there is such a thing as an easy game any more) than a home game against the bottom club on the back of two impressive wins.

I'd take Leedsmetbull1's team, rest Menzies, put Cook in the starting 13 and Olbison on the bench and make sure he gets a good 40min in two spells.

Problem is if Celtic then beat us without a fully fit Menzies McNamara will be slated - but thats why he's a head coach and I'm not!

I could see the rationale in resting Menzies, but its asking for trouble.

: Fri May 15, 2009 4:48 pm  

Cibaman wrote:

I could see the rationale in resting Menzies, but its asking for trouble.

problem is if we keep playing menzies the way we are, we might be looking at him having an enforced rest due to injury. with no disrespect to celtic this is one of the best games on paper to rest him in.2nd best option would be to let worrincy/cook start and only bring menzies on if we're struggling. although this potentially ties up a bench spot he does cover a fair few positions in case of injury so its not a bad option.

: Fri May 15, 2009 5:10 pm  

http://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/news/421 ... AN%20SQUAD

http://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/news/421 ... AN%20SQUAD

: Fri May 15, 2009 5:57 pm  

Am I the only one he can't see any real benefit in resting Menzies this week? We have just had a 2 week break, so the players should have overcome most minor bumps and bruises. Players who may still be overcoming injuries.. fair enough but why rest our star player when he's already had a break?

I feel one or two may be seeing this game as 2 points in the bag before a ball is even kicked. I hope our players don't also think this way, otherwise we'll be the side to kick start the Crusaders season.

: Fri May 15, 2009 6:35 pm  

There is a further consideration, that we play the strongest team possible, subject to fitness, to enhance its effectineness as a unit.

: Fri May 15, 2009 6:54 pm  

bobsmyuncle wrote:

There is a further consideration, that we play the strongest team possible, subject to fitness, to enhance its effectineness as a unit.

Good point also. If we were sitting pretty up near the top then perhaps we could afford to rest a few but we need to continue to find some consistency.

: Fri May 15, 2009 7:09 pm  

Bully_Boxer wrote:

Am I the only one he can't see any real benefit in resting Menzies this week? We have just had a 2 week break, so the players should have overcome most minor bumps and bruises. Players who may still be overcoming injuries.. fair enough but why rest our star player when he's already had a break?

I feel one or two may be seeing this game as 2 points in the bag before a ball is even kicked. I hope our players don't also think this way, otherwise we'll be the side to kick start the Crusaders season.

I dont see this as 2 points in the bag, but we have youngsters to bring through, Olibison is in the squad and I can't see too many other fixtures coming up that would be better than this one to give him some game time. Im only advocating resting one backrower to give another some game time out of choice before we might have to play him - the squad minus Menzies should be able to compete against Celtic if we're serious about this season. I suggested Menzies as that might also be of some benefit to a guy his age as opposed to no benefit resting worrincy/langley/cook.

But like I said, McNamara wont do it anyway as he'll follow the (perfectly logical and understandable) sentiments expressed on here by others about maintaining a winning team and improving cohesion. He's wrong mind IMHO

Its an interesting talking point though.

: Fri May 15, 2009 8:34 pm  

If we are to have any decent chance for/in the playoffs, we need to chalk up as many league points now as we possibly can. We simply cannot afford to drop ANY points in games which we have a realistic chance of winning, especially our home games. Can we?

I bet those who want to see the youngsters getting a chance would be amongst the first to play merry hell if/when we lose?

Right now, I think the Head Coach has to put out the strongest, and most SETTLED team he can in EVERY game. We don't have the luxury right now of drip-feeding the new guys through IMO, much as I would love to see it.

: Fri May 15, 2009 8:52 pm  

Adeybull wrote:

If we are to have any decent chance for/in the playoffs, we need to chalk up as many league points now as we possibly can. We simply cannot afford to drop ANY points in games which we have a realistic chance of winning, especially our home games. Can we?

I bet those who want to see the youngsters getting a chance would be amongst the first to play merry hell if/when we lose?

Right now, I think the Head Coach has to put out the strongest, and most SETTLED team he can in EVERY game. We don't have the luxury right now of drip-feeding the new guys through IMO, much as I would love to see it.

If we are to have any chance in the playoffs can we really be that worried about putting one youngster on the bench for a home game against the bottom side after two wins?? And the very reason I brought it up was that normally you are absolutlely correct that we dont have the luxury of bringing on loads of kids when every game is now almost a must win game to get in the playoffs. But in this instance, in this set of circumstance I believe we have a perfect opportunity to blood a promising youngster at a time of our choosing. If its Menzies being dropped that people have a problem with then drop Cook, but as I said earlier I would rest Menzies.

And for the record, would you put me in the playing merry hell band if we lose after putting one 18yr old on the bench?

Its irrelevant anyway as McNamara wont remove Menzies from the 17 adn we all know it.

: Fri May 15, 2009 9:10 pm  

I really dont see that the selection policy is either/or for a young player in this match.
We can field our best team and still put a young player on the bench who can be "blooded" as and if the game allows.