Re: NLM debate Rant part 3

By rwakeley1/2/2021 14:01Mon Feb 1 14:01:10 2021In response to Re: NLM debate Rant part 2

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Which brings me onto domestic cup competitions. I recently sat through the much touted Chorley win v Derby County in the FAC. Some slack here, Derby were Covid hit, but the trend is clear. That Derby side looked like a bunch of kids.
As a non-league supporter, I must confess I do have an inherent problem potentially going daft, celebrating a win against a higher ranked side, when that side has half a dozen U-23 players in it.
Arsenal, again in their recent FAC tie v Southampton made 7 changes. - And that in a competition they could win! They deemed 3 points in the return fixture 3 days later a bigger priority.
The FAT for me is dead. I reckon most managers at our level would privately prefer 3 league points over progress to the next round. Having canvassed many fellow 'green's it's fair to say, there ain't much enthusiasm for a Tuesday night in Aveley.
As for what the Isthmian League did with the League Cup last season, where to begin? I would imagine that was based on the Champions League. A group format just to get to the first round. Attendances for meaningless matches, which I would envisage don't cover the costs.
Then there are the fans. Managers selecting half baked teams for half baked notions. Chelsea, recently charging £75 amongst the recent return. The squad sizes in the top flight is amusing. Wolves have nearly 80 on board. Chelsea have 31 out on loan. I think things are out of proportion - and yes, 'quality' is what really is lacking as a result is, dare I say it 'quality'. I do think, that the likes of Hendon, and teams at our level are the final vestages of footballing construct. I don't like where we are all at.