Alan Hutton has revealed that he agrees with Aston Villa manager Dean Smith’s opposition to the change of rules regarding substitutes in the Premier League.
The former Villa and Scotland full-back, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, admits he understands why clubs are now able to use five substitutes but thinks things should have remained the same.
As quoted by the Yorkshire Post, Smith insisted that the rules should not have changed from the start of the season and that the switch only really helps clubs with bigger squads.
The change of ruling has seen the substitutes’ bench expanded to nine players, with managers able to make an extra two changes during the game.
Hutton believes Smith hit the nail on the head with his views and suggests that teams with more depth in quality will benefit the most.
Asked if he agreed with his old manager’s comments, Hutton told Football Insider: “I think it does (help bigger squads). I think if you’re looking at the bigger teams, with the bigger squads, they obviously have the better players.
“Being able to rotate them and use ones that might not have been starting but can still give people minutes or that extra flair player that they could bring on in the last 10-15 minutes to change the game. It’s going to be easier for them than some of the lesser teams.
“We started the season with the rules. I agree with him here – it started off one way and then for the rest it’s going to be a different rule. I understand why they’ve done it, to help with injuries and fitness and to get players up to speed but part of me thinks it should have stayed the same as before.”
Villa restarted their Premier League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Sheffield United on Wednesday evening.
Neither manager made the full five substitutions allowed, with Smith making four changes and Chris Wilder making three.
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By: Football Insider speaking to Alan Hutton
Title: Aston Villa news: Hutton reacts to Dean Smith substitute claim
Sourced From: www.footballinsider247.com/villa-exclusive-hutton-blasts-big-development-after-dean-smith-complaint/
Published Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 06:00:42 +0000
