Burnley insist Wolves were within rights to field 'weakened' team
8:49am Thursday 17th December 2009 in
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- By Matt Donlan » Sports reporter
BURNLEY FC insists Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is entitled to do whatever he wants in preparation for Sunday’s Premier League clash – and say their own plans will not be affected.
McCarthy has been asked by the Premier League to explain why he rested 10 of his regular first-team players for Tuesday’s 3-0 loss at Manchester United.
The former Republic of Ireland manager admitted afterwards that his plans were influenced by the Sunday showdown with the Clarets – but Burnley chief executive Paul Fletcher is not in the slightest bit concerned.
“Mick did what he thought was the best for Wolves,” Fletcher told the Lancashire Telegraph.
“I fully understand his decision to select that team for Manchester United.
“He probably went into the game with the mindset that they probably wouldn’t get much from Old Trafford in any case and Sunday is a big game.
“But we are not overly concerned by what Wolves do.
"Owen Coyle’s plans won’t change and I am sure we will prepare for the match in our usual manner.
“What Wolves did on Tuesday night will not affect us.”
Wolves fans have not been as understanding about the situation as the Clarets.
Around 3,000 made the trip from the Black Country to Old Trafford and fan chief Arthur Williams blasted the team selection as “grossly disrespectful”.
Now the Premier League has written to Wolves to “request their observations” and a statement added: “The board will decide whether any further action is warranted.”
Premier League rule 20, section E, says teams must field a full-strength side in all top-flight matches.
Comments(4)
masher49
says...
10:03am Thu 17 Dec 09
paolowhite
says...
9:46am Fri 18 Dec 09
no ney never
says...
5:27pm Fri 18 Dec 09
It was the original argument by clubs who used to only have squads of 18ish players, that because of league and cups commitments, they need squads of 25+ players in order to compete effectively on all fronts.
Its entirely up to the manager who he wants to play, not the rest of the football world.
If the prem league assoc. wants to determine who plays and select the teams on behalf of clubs, then they need to stop registering these players as professionals and change the rules.
.
BURNLEY FC....silence of the wolves.
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weasals says...
9:41am Thu 17 Dec 09
The Mighty Clarets rule very nicely: Thank you very much.