“I think a message is being sent”: Blades journalist makes bold claim about Wilder’s use of subs

Sending a message, but the question is, why is he sending it?

That was pretty much the tone that Chris Wilder is sending when it comes to one of the latest rule changes in the Premier League.

I wrote on Saturday about how I felt that Wilder’s use of the new rule regarding substitutions left something to be desired, and how the club should be using academy players to fill the spots, but according to Richard Sutcliffe, this might be happening on purpose.

Speaking during a Q&A for The Athletic, the Blades journalist gave his view on the matter, and he pointed out that Wilder has never been a fan of the idea, and that might be playing a part in how things are playing out:

“I do wonder if a point is being made with the subs. Wilder was very much against nine being allowed once football resumed and still is. I think a message is being sent to the Premier League. Have not checked this but I also don’t think he has used his allotted five since the resumption.”*

If he is ‘making a point’ as Sutcliffe likes to put it, then I do think that Wilder is cutting off his nose to spite his face.

I can understand if the club was going through a major injury crisis that we literally couldn’t field a full 20 player matchday squad, but to just leave spaces empty just doesn’t sit right with me. As I explained, there are a number of benefits to letting academy players take up a spot on the bench, whether it be for their benefit or for the wider team.

Plus, at this stage of the season, with the battle for European football pretty tight, is now the time to really be sending messages rather than trying to do what’s best for the team?

What about you? What have you made of Wilder’s use, or lack thereof of the new substitutes rule?

*As a note, these are just Richard Sutcliffe’s views on the matter and may not necessarily represent the same view as Chris Wilder.