Listening to the Cheltenham commentary the other night I could have sworn that either Errington or the commentator (sorry, name escapes me) said that we don't have a reserve side. A football club the 21st century with no reserve team? Is it any wonder some of the players look unfit when they've been out of the first team? Griffiths and Lowry spring to mind - if either could have played in reserve games surely we'd either have seen more of them or would not have had to rush either in to the side (either could be true for all we know)? It can't be good for the younger players development either.

It must be a real gripe for Fletcher as it must surely take a bit more than extra training to get players suitably prepared for the battlefields of the 4th division. Whose fault/responsibility is this? Football League disorganisation or the admin scenario and lack of funds on Argyle's part? I know in recent times, even when we were a solid club, we would hear of problems with getting regular reserve team football at Argyle. It may well be geographic but I find it incredible that this would be an issue in this day and age.

_________________
PAFC - Pride Of Devon

Perhaps others who were there will correct me if I'm wrong. At Senior Greens a few meetings ago - near the start of the season I think it was - James Brent was asked about those on the verge of the first team not having a chance to play regular football. If I remember correctly, JB said that Carl Fletch did not want a reserve side - he preferred to loan players out to get match practice. Well he's managed to do that for Jed Harper-Penman and Isacc Vassell, but I guess the problem is that he needs to fill a first-team bench each week. You have to wonder how the likes of Rene Gilmartin, Jared Sims, Jordan Copp and Jamie Richards feel - all too old now for the Youth Alliance.

_________________
Steve, Greens on Screen

Interesting. Playing first team football for the likes of Tiverton is probably a shade better for some players than playing Swindon's reserve side but it's probably only the most fringe players who will agree to go there isn't it? I suppose if Argyle were a league or two higher then Torquay, Yeovil and Exeter might take players on loan from us but it's a shame we don't have more local non-league clubs playing at a higher level.

_________________
PAFC - Pride Of Devon

With the EPPP stuff coming in this season, most clubs have under 21 sides. In these games teams are allowed three over age outfield players as well as there being no restriction on the age of goalkeepers. It gives an opportunity to give ANY player a run out when needed.

I think it's a bad thing that Argyle don't have regular reserve fixtures. It seems very amateurish to me and is obviously down to cost savings. I think we suffer because our fringe players don't get any match practice but are expected to perform in full-blown league games.

I think if Argyle played regular reserve fixtures we might have a happier and fitter squad. Fletcher would also have more scope to experiment with tactics and see what players can offer. I think decent home crowds could be generated as well- especially if fixtures could be played at a ground like Plymouth Parkway's where fans are close to the action. I used to like going down there to watch argyle's reserves- although I would prefer us to play a higher standard of opposition than Parkway if possible.

Would give a chance to the fringe players to get game time and it'll obviously give Fletch a selection headache should one of those fringe players take there chance and perform well.

I don't think we have the backroom staff to sustain a reserve squad to compete in the reserve league.

_________________
Everyday above ground is a good day

Is there still a Football Combination? I'm not sure there is.

It is strange that Argyle have decided to not enter the Under 21's league. What happens to all their youth players once they turn 18 but are not in the first team squad? Where do they get game time?

LC...in short they dont and argyle have to arrange friendly matches, usually behind closed doors, so no gate money, to compensate.Cost cutting they call it.....not ideal and Argyle having such a large squad would benefit from a reserve league to give players important game time.But its not to be.

Al I agree with you, but Im struggling to think of a league team with a reserve team west of Bristol. In fact it may even stretch to Swindon, Oxford and Cardiff?

_________________
PASB Nominee (Tony Hooper)
https://twitter.com/tonyinvestigate

We don't have a reserve team at Palace anymore but thats the trend. Neither do Arsenal or Chelsea and I'd guess most of the top flight don't either.

In Argyle's case I think it's more to do with cost cutting than what's best in football terms.

London teams can easily organise practice matches against nearby league clubs... we can't.

I appreciate that but what I meant was, I don't think there are decent level reserve leagues to join even if Argyle wanted to

If I'm right Spurs dont have a reserve side as well

Tonight's St Luke's Cup tie would have been a reserve-team fixture, I guess, but not for the first time the Erme Valley Stadium is waterlogged...

http://www.ivybridgefc.com/new/home.htm

_________________
VISIT www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/sport OR www.twitter.com/WMNsport

I have always enjoyed reserve games and would willingly go to one whenever I could but there does need to be "relevant" opposition. I don't think playing teams like Plymouth Parkway is the answer. For starters they are all amateur/semi-pro and can only play Saturdays or evenings. I suspect Tuesday afternoons are preferred kick-off times.

On top of which a bunch of youngsters playing against a, ahem, older side all of the time won't help much. It is only a matter of time time before some meathead decides to boot the bejaysus out of a flash youngster. It is much better to play other professional reserve sides.

Wouldn't it be great if the old Combination League came back!

_________________
You've gotta have a dream
If you don't have dream
How you gonna have a dream come true?