Fan Frustrations: Who Gets Picked for the Sunderland Bench and Why?

Today at 01:00 AM

Why some players sit on the sidelines without playtime remains a puzzle for some Sunderland fans.

I get very frustrated when I don't understand something. I know there's probably a very good explanation for whatever, but I need to be told! My latest query is about who gets picked to sit on the subs bench (or the warm padded seats as they probably are now).

I don't like questioning any coach's selections or formations — they work with the players daily. They know their strengths, mental state, confidence levels, and how they best fit into a game plan. We fans can only speculate and act like armchair experts without any real evidence.

I also understand that a younger player might be included in the matchday squad to gain experience mixing with the first team and reduce any initial fear or apprehension about playing with the "big boys" in front of thousands of fans, possibly for the first time.

Even running down the touchline to warm up and hearing the applause would be quite something for a youngster.

However, the subs bench is also an essential tool for a manager, especially now that five substitutions can be made. While it's great for a youngster to gain experience, the bench should mostly consist of players who can change a game, cover an injury, or offer a different option.

This week, as usual, I've been soaking up everything SAFC — the articles, the fan letters, and the podcasts. Of course, The Roker Rapport is the best podcast, but others have been discussing the lack of depth we currently have. What will the team look like against Millwall?

Every time Milan Aleksić was mentioned, the consensus was along the lines of, "Well, obviously we can't throw him straight into the fire," or "He hasn't had any minutes, so we won't be able to call on Aleksić."

This is where I get frustrated. Aleksić has been in the matchday squad and on the bench 11 times this season — 11 times! Not once has he been given minutes (like in the second half against Oxford). It's not like he's had much game time with the Under-21s either, where he's appeared just once.

So why is he there? How many benches does he need to warm?

Now, don't get me wrong, this isn't a complaint against Aleksić or even Régis Le Bris. It's simply that when I don't understand something, I get frustrated.

I don't buy the language barrier argument, either. You can speak into your mobile phone, and it'll translate whatever you've said into the language of your choice. So, what's the deal with the Serbian, who played 30 senior games last season for his club?

No doubt the Millwall selection will be discussed over the coming days, as we consider who among the returning walking wounded can be slotted in where. But I'd like to see a few minutes for Aleksić.