http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/watfordfcnews/11125981._/ Beppe raises a question, looking at Burnley's successful season, and mentions the size of a squad needed to be successful in this league. There are pro's and con's to it. With a small squad it brings togetherness and team spirit, but you are always vulnerable to injuries. Burnley have been very lucky to have been able to play the same 9 or 10 players every week. That's extraordinary to have gone through a complete season like that, although right now they have 5 key injuries to their squad, so at the final hurdle they might just struggle in the final few games of the season, but they've already attained more points that we got all season last year. Personally I think Zola had it just about right when he said he wanted no more than 26 players, including development players. I believe you need 2 "first team" players for each position and 3 keepers. That gives you a tight 23 plus a cluster of development players. Since the departure of Zola we have drifted up in numbers. Right now we have 35 players on the club books, although 10 are out on loan though and Jenkins does not have a squad number, so that leaves 24 players. We seem to be over-stocked in midfield and central defence, so I think there will be trimming in these areas over the summer.
I think there is no denying that Burnley have been rather lucky with injuries in the early-mid season. Had they accrued their current injury list by November I don't think they would be anywhere near where they are right now, considering the games missed followed by regaining fitness when they come back from injury. As it stands I think they've done enough to be able to limp over the line.
