Buckle welcomes seven subs rule

THE INCREASE of subs' bench rosters in the Football League, from five to seven players next season, has been given a big thumbs-up by Torquay United boss Paul Buckle.

It brings the League into line with the Premier League, although only three actual substitutions will still be allowed.

Some managers have criticised the decision, but Buckle says: "I think it's a really good move.

"First, it gives a manager an option to be more attacking, and I think it will encourage more forward players on benches.

"Second, it gives you the opportunity to keep 18 players involved.

"Every player trains all week, just to be involved on a Saturday.

"The best way is to be in the starting eleven.

"The next best is to be on the bench.

"For the players left sitting in the stand, it's awful.

"With seven subs, more players stay motivated better each week."

Buckle returned at the weekend from a week-long UEFA Pro Licence coaching course in Northern Ireland.

He will continue to work on various tasks during next season before, hopefully, receiving his licence — it's the top coaching qualification in the game — next summer.

There was a pleasant surprise when former Fulham, Real Sociedad and current Coventry City manager Chris Coleman gave a guest lecture at the end of the course.

Buckle's Conference United side ran Coleman's Championship Coventry close before losing an FA Cup Fourth Round tie 1-0 at Plainmoor last season.

"Chris was talking about how you can never take things for granted," reported Buckle.

"He said at half-time in our cup-tie he expected his players to push on, dominate the rest of the game and wrap up the tie.

"He said 'We came out for the second half and got absolutely battered — Torquay were all over us, they did everything but score and we were lucky to get a winner near the end'.

"Chris was very kind, and it was nice to hear."