Football's super subs play important role
Pre-season is coming to an end for those involved in the SPL and the return of competitive fixtures is only days away.
There will be a tangible increase in the intensity of training sessions this week as players target a place in their starting 11 for the opening match of the season.
Those players who are omitted will, of course, have to accept a substitute's role and hope they are given the opportunity to come on and influence the outcome of the game.
While all players would prefer to be a first pick for their manager, it could be suggested that some players are best suited to being introduced from the bench.
While these types of players can undoubtedly be a source of frustration, the existence of a "super sub" within a squad is a great asset to have for a manager.
They can lift team-mates and supporters when they are brought on.
I think most would agree that those who prove to be effective substitutes tend to be more attacking players such as strikers and wingers; players who are capable of grabbing a goal or running at tired players.
However, they are often individuals who prove to be inconsistent in producing similar performances when involved in a starting 11.
In my experience, being listed as a substitute is a difficult role to adjust to.
To begin with, I believe I have only made one SPL appearance from the bench and perhaps only experienced a handful of matches where I was an unused replacement.
This lack of experience enhances the difficulty as your initial disappointment at not being selected is compounded by an adjustment in what you eat and drink before and during the match, and also when and how to warm up.
It is almost a catch 22 situation in that perhaps to become a really influential substitute you need to spend significant time in that role.
And yet, for me, it's never a position I have wanted my name to be next to on the team-sheet.
Therefore, if a manager knows he has built a squad which is strong enough to have match winners in the dugout, the next dilemma comes in the shape of when to use them.
It's fair to say that first half changes are rare, unless in the event of injury or essential tactical change, and indeed even half-time alterations are not all that common. Why is this case?
I would say that it's probably because managers will pick a starting 11 based on their belief that they will win a match, and therefore will continue to trust that this judgement will be correct for at least 45 minutes.
Similarly, players will feel that even if they have a disappointing first half then they are capable of producing a strong performance in the second period of the game.
This faith in selection and in the ability of players and the fact that games usually become more stretched in the latter stages - thus offering more opportunities for lively substitutes - will ensure that the majority of changes will continue to take place as the clock moves past the hour mark in this weekend's matches.
From my point of view, I want to be in the starting line-up which takes to the field against Aberdeen on Saturday.
Pre-season at the Accies has been tough but fair.
While in the opening friendlies I still felt a little off the pace, I belief that games against Malaga and Sunderland have helped me back to pre-injury performance levels and enabled me to be in the ideal mental and physical condition for the start of the season.
This is my sixth opening day fixture in the SPL and they never lose any of their appeal; the anticipation of Saturdays match has started. After all, there's no substitute for competitive action!
I was released as a teenager from the Scottish Premier League, had the hardening experiences of junior and part-time football and came back to the top flight with four years at university thrown in! I'm Jack Ross, a defender with Dunfermline and I aim to give you an insight into the life and mind of a professional footballer.
Comment number 1.
At 10th Aug 2010, JoC wrote:Nice blog Jack..very interesting to hear from a player's perspective worries about being benched - especially for the first game of the season.
After weeks of pre-season, if fully fit I'd imagine there's nothing more frustrating for a footballer to be listed as a substitute on the opening day.
Substitute roles are very difficult for any player - you have to be fully prepared both mentally and physically to enter the heat of battle at any moment so have to maintain 100% focus whilst fully aware there's a good chance you might be kicking your heels the entire match. It's even worse if you've got a 'super-sub' and you're not him as chances are 90% he'll be called ahead of you.
A players like Theo Walcott is exactly the type of 'super-sub' you describe - inconsistent starter, but his pace and crowd appeal make him a welcome ace up the manager's sleeve - capable of grabbing a goal or running at tired players late on. The problem for him and others of the same ilk is that they find it very difficult to shake off that tag after a while and become stagnated in the role.
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Comment number 2.
At 11th Aug 2010, Iain Jack wrote:Jack,
Another interesting blog, and apologies for getting your name wrong on my last contribution. Too many contributions to Spence I’m afraid.
What I get from this one is a vivid sense of pressure and nerves. All the more reason why players need the support of what I suggested in #13 of your previous blog.
It is a management myth that some people respond under pressure. People react under pressure and it is the same for footballers. I’ve often thought that Scottish football’s attitude to man management is something that would not be tolerated in other industries, and it is the case for managers and players alike.
The reaction of people under pressure is the fight or flight instinct. They may react but they don’t necessarily react well.
I’ve always thought that forwards get all the glamour as their role allows a greater opportunity for self expression to showcase their talents but defenders have to concentrate intensely at times and when people are under pressure the first thing that goes is concentration.
I cannot begin to estimate how often Scottish clubs have come to grief in Europe over lapses in defences that can only be attributed to loss of concentration in the latter stages of matches.
Do you think some players are under too much pressure to the extent that it is impairing their performance?
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