The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Saints boss believes more subs gives big clubs edge
PREMIERSHIP: Davidson keen to get back to normality with three changes from bench plenty
Callum Davidson saw the five substitutes rule in action down south.
Before his switch from Millwall, he experienced the changes sanctioned in the wake of the pandemic.
But the St Johnstone boss doesn’t fancy seeing them being adopted in Scotland because he suspects it will hand an advantage to the bigger clubs.
Davidson believes three is plenty with the new season looming.
“I don’t understand the idea of having five substitutes in Scotland,” he said.
“I don’t get the logic behind that. I don’t think we have to tinker with the subs rule.
“I understand why it’s there in the
Championship in England because they are cramming games in Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday for a five-week period.
“Up here it will only help the clubs with bigger squads.
“Using five subs could disrupt a team. It depends on who you have on your bench I suppose.
“But some clubs are going to struggle to fill the bench with first team players.
“I think we have to get back to normality as soon as we can.”
Davidson admits yesterday’s road trip to Aberdeen – a 2-1 victory – and another at the weekend to face St Mirren were arranged with the opener against Dundee United uppermost in his mind.
“It’s all geared towards the United game now. CALLUM DAVIDSON
“Both these games will get us used to the surroundings and what we will have to deal with at away venues,” added Davidson.
“They will be the most challenging for teams. It’s interesting to see basic things like the changing facilities at away grounds and we’ll have to get used to travelling with a couple of coaches and a minibus for the staff.
“I might even have to do two team talks depending on the size of dressing rooms.
“It’s a bit of a logistical nightmare but we’ll have all the information about what we can and we can’t do.”
Davidson is confident he’ll have his players fine-tuned for the August 1 curtain raiser at Tannadice in that enticing Tayside derby.
“We’ll have had five weeks and two days for pre-season,” he added.
“The issue is more the length of time the players had been off.
“You’ve no pre-season tour to bed in new players and they’re in and out, no hanging around after training.
“It’s been a challenge but the lads have been really good.
“Obviously the squad isn’t massive so it’s definitely a major plus that we had 14 players from last season signed up. “It’s harder for players coming in. “But it is all geared towards the United game now.”
Scott Tanser scored both goals for Saints in yesterday’s win over the Dons.
The midfielder netted from the spot in the 75th minute after on loan Millwall striker Isaac Olaofe was fouled then curled in a 25-yard free-kick five minutes later. Bruce Anderson netted Aberdeen’s consolation with nine minutes left.