[madsteve]

I think that CC was correct to rotate but that he wrong to highlight the inequities in rest time - that usually backfires.

I think Boro (away) is our toughest match of the season and they have scored 7 times from the 90th minute onwards as they take advantage of tiring sides. CC gave us the best possible chance by including several fresh players with a view to bringing on players that might grab us a goal in the second half. Apart from conceding in the first minute, that plan worked.

I was against rotation until about ten years ago but the distance covered by the average pro has increased by 15% in the last decade (35% in 30 years) and the number of sprints by 80% in the last ten years. Also medical advancements can predict the likelihood of picking up an injury so a manager knows when best to rest players. This is why so many managers refer to "the red line" as a reason for resting players.

CC was heavily into medical monitoring well before coaches in this country so is a better judge than most managers and certainly Carlton Palmer, who has a history of wanting football to revert to the way it was when he played.