Debate: Optimum squad size?
+6
Mazzeha
Skandalous
Raggs
BrockVH
Fezunite
Harmsy
10 posters
Page 1 of 1
Whats the optimum squad size?
Debate: Optimum squad size?
How colossal is your weekly salaries bill? I'm sure you have fantasised about all those extra BR Dollars you might save by firing or selling a few of your players on more than one occasion! Perhaps your one of those lucky souls who can afford a first XV and a second XV maybe you have had to sacrifice a 6th or even 5th trainer to afford the luxury of having that extra squad depth?
As a minimum you must have 22 players in your squad at first this may appear to be the cheapest option however things start to go horribly wrong once one (usually more.. almost certainly more...) of your players gets injured. If you only have 22 players in your squad and one of them gets an injury that rules them out of your next game BR will kindly supply you with a player to fill the 22 man requirement for the match. This player will be absolutely useless beyond your wildest dreams and will more than likely fluff everything in the most spectacular fashion imaginable, within the realms of the BR match engine scripture of course. He will do all of this for the small fee of $5000, you get yourself 2 long term injuries and potentially that can cost you $20,000 in 1 week if you are still in the cup!
On the other end of the spectrum you can have a fully functioning first XV and second XV, this will cost you a lot of money in salaries but could also earn you a lot of money through cup longevity. A first XV to play your league matches and a second XV to play your friendlies and cup games, or even your league games if your fortunate enough to have a couple of easier opponents. The extra energy your firsts have saved might just give you the opportunity to continue your glorious cup run for one more round until Bromborough ultimately knocks you out...
I’m fairly certain I've demonstrated that a 22 man squad is not really a viable option but there are plenty more options, what do you think is the ideal squad size for optimum club performance?
As a minimum you must have 22 players in your squad at first this may appear to be the cheapest option however things start to go horribly wrong once one (usually more.. almost certainly more...) of your players gets injured. If you only have 22 players in your squad and one of them gets an injury that rules them out of your next game BR will kindly supply you with a player to fill the 22 man requirement for the match. This player will be absolutely useless beyond your wildest dreams and will more than likely fluff everything in the most spectacular fashion imaginable, within the realms of the BR match engine scripture of course. He will do all of this for the small fee of $5000, you get yourself 2 long term injuries and potentially that can cost you $20,000 in 1 week if you are still in the cup!
On the other end of the spectrum you can have a fully functioning first XV and second XV, this will cost you a lot of money in salaries but could also earn you a lot of money through cup longevity. A first XV to play your league matches and a second XV to play your friendlies and cup games, or even your league games if your fortunate enough to have a couple of easier opponents. The extra energy your firsts have saved might just give you the opportunity to continue your glorious cup run for one more round until Bromborough ultimately knocks you out...
I’m fairly certain I've demonstrated that a 22 man squad is not really a viable option but there are plenty more options, what do you think is the ideal squad size for optimum club performance?
Harmsy- Posts : 319
Join date : 2011-10-12
Age : 36
Re: Debate: Optimum squad size?
I was going to say 25 but with the category being 25-27 that covers my main argument. Having that many means I can rotate most people in and out for the odd game if need be, can afford to train two people heavily.
What I find more useful having players that can play more than one position, very few of my players only play one specific position. Then as I said I can rotate people around to help manage energy, yes with 25/26 I might end up short sometimes but then I'll have to manage energy better.
At the start of the season (cup run) I might have an extra player or two up to 27/28 to help with energy management but that's it. I'd rather have one or two less players and have that extra trainer.
What I find more useful having players that can play more than one position, very few of my players only play one specific position. Then as I said I can rotate people around to help manage energy, yes with 25/26 I might end up short sometimes but then I'll have to manage energy better.
At the start of the season (cup run) I might have an extra player or two up to 27/28 to help with energy management but that's it. I'd rather have one or two less players and have that extra trainer.
Fezunite- Posts : 1
Join date : 2011-12-23
Re: Debate: Optimum squad size?
25 while in the cup 23 once out. My tactic is to bring a couple of players in during pre season to bump my squad up, then sell a couple once I'm out of the cup.
BrockVH- Posts : 185
Join date : 2011-10-13
Re: Debate: Optimum squad size?
Never really thought about temporarily brining in a couple of players for the cup games, an interesting point Brock I might have a think about that myself...
Yea Fez most of my bench players tend to be able to play more than one position quite proficiently, then I got a salary saver to stop the charges for injuries, I'll be swapping him with a useful player once one of my older guys gets to old to play first team any more.
Yea Fez most of my bench players tend to be able to play more than one position quite proficiently, then I got a salary saver to stop the charges for injuries, I'll be swapping him with a useful player once one of my older guys gets to old to play first team any more.
Harmsy- Posts : 319
Join date : 2011-10-12
Age : 36
Re: Debate: Optimum squad size?
24, I can take upto the 2 average injuries without panicking, if the 3rd hits, that's what my YA is for.
It allows me to swap out the top half of my squad for mondays/easy wins/losses.
I'd love to run a larger a squad, but I'm currently trying to save money all over the place, so if I can do almost as good with a smaller squad I'm happy.
It allows me to swap out the top half of my squad for mondays/easy wins/losses.
I'd love to run a larger a squad, but I'm currently trying to save money all over the place, so if I can do almost as good with a smaller squad I'm happy.
Re: Debate: Optimum squad size?
I think 24 or 25. I have 27 at the moment but will be offloading 3 once out of the cup!!!
Skandalous- Posts : 309
Join date : 2011-10-12
Re: Debate: Optimum squad size?
Very interesting topic, i like the idea of having a bigger squad in the cup, might try it my self next season!
Mazzeha- Posts : 196
Join date : 2012-01-03
Re: Debate: Optimum squad size?
Same, although it's a simple idea I've never though of it, although it won't do be too much good with the calibre of my squad anyway.
I run a 24 squad, purely for injuries, I rotate and keep most of my squad on good levels once out of the cup.
I run a 24 squad, purely for injuries, I rotate and keep most of my squad on good levels once out of the cup.
Jonny- Posts : 298
Join date : 2011-10-13
Re: Debate: Optimum squad size?
My squad is 30, often 31 for half of each week as I sell a player.
My idea is to have two XIs and to play the best based on skills including form and energy for every match. So I can do well in all types of Competition and play LTNT in every match if it seems right.
I'm not sure if it really works that well, ask me again in a few seasons time.
My idea is to have two XIs and to play the best based on skills including form and energy for every match. So I can do well in all types of Competition and play LTNT in every match if it seems right.
I'm not sure if it really works that well, ask me again in a few seasons time.
mmm- Posts : 291
Join date : 2011-12-20
Location : LA (no not that one)
Re: Debate: Optimum squad size?
As always, I'm going to sit on the fence. I think an extreme is optimum. Either 22 good players with a top XV and cover for everywhere (possibly a couple of salary savers), either that or 30-32.
With the small squad, you can just go all out, and get very good, but struggle with energy (and/or keep a high player rotation and play the TM with all that extra cash you're saving).
With the big squad, you play the energy game. This is my plan for the future, and to be honest I only voted for it because I wanted to see the poll results. What I really want out of my 32 is a Solid senior team with buckets of experience and all the bases covered, and a junior side who are more dynamic and specialised, and also the ability to find a good compromise.
The real answer is, of course, there is no optimum. You go with what your club requires to succeed. I know I'm a rubbish salesman/purchaser, so I'm going with the internal/YA approach and from now on avoiding the TM (for purchases anyway). Some clubs completely Axe training and all the assosciated costs, and just have 22 Excellent players, and keep the buy/sell cycle going. The worst bit is it actually works for them (Either Jag or Der Steppenwolf in Argentina if memory serves...)
With the small squad, you can just go all out, and get very good, but struggle with energy (and/or keep a high player rotation and play the TM with all that extra cash you're saving).
With the big squad, you play the energy game. This is my plan for the future, and to be honest I only voted for it because I wanted to see the poll results. What I really want out of my 32 is a Solid senior team with buckets of experience and all the bases covered, and a junior side who are more dynamic and specialised, and also the ability to find a good compromise.
The real answer is, of course, there is no optimum. You go with what your club requires to succeed. I know I'm a rubbish salesman/purchaser, so I'm going with the internal/YA approach and from now on avoiding the TM (for purchases anyway). Some clubs completely Axe training and all the assosciated costs, and just have 22 Excellent players, and keep the buy/sell cycle going. The worst bit is it actually works for them (Either Jag or Der Steppenwolf in Argentina if memory serves...)
The Zec- Posts : 344
Join date : 2011-10-12
Re: Debate: Optimum squad size?
aye but zec us trainers get the joys of the national team representations
Wingnut- Posts : 3189
Join date : 2011-10-14
Re: Debate: Optimum squad size?
Well, i've gone from my minimum 22/23 squad size to 30. So a i'll let you know how i get on. Basically gonna play my first team saturdays and big matches wednesdays if needed. I will TNT every week with my 2nd team monday wednesdays. So im sort of mixing the two ways of training up. x
Mazzeha- Posts : 196
Join date : 2012-01-03
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