When a team is winning its easy to throw plenty of young players in at once.

In Fridays squad we have
Lineham, Crooks, Green, Bowden, Arundel

All with limited SL experience, all still learning the game and likely to make the odd mistake, we need as much experience around the park as possible to stand a chance against most SL opposition never mind the Derby

The only other youngsters who may have been able to step in are Shaul (no SL experience) & Nicholas but PG has already said they are both injured.

I'd like to see Shaul given a chance but not untul Holdsworth, McD, Ellis & Yeamo are back, he may get a run in the CC if we get lower league opposition

But isn’t that the reason we have had many years of failure?

Neglecting building a strong foundation, and then left panic buying over paid crocks to fill the gaps, all for the cause of short term success.

Gentle should stick to his principles, he has the back of AP for the long haul so he shouldn't be swayed by fans. If it was a CC semi or playoff match then maybe that's different. It's only a derby.

gentle has shown he's willing to give young players a chance so I think it's more that no one is available (fit) or that he deems tehy aren't ready yet

Its certainly a difficult one. The sensible person in me says build for the future and wait for the results. But the club is a business. AP has invested heavily and imho after another pre season of hype and excitment (I don't buy into it before anyone says more fool you) those investing in the club can not afford another poor season. For everyone that passes by and while we are in the grip of a strong recession it can only mean dwindling income. I do not think AP is rich enough to stomach that for too long.
We have not achieved the pass sales that were wanted this year. If we fail again this season we are not going to get better sales next year. That I fear can only mean one thing and thats cuts and the marquee signings will not materialise.

Chciken and egg I fear.