Quote: Errlee Berd "I think what Smallears meant was, instead of signing Galea, Crookes, Arundel & Johnson, who ended up no more than squad players covering injury, we should've had faith in Shaul, Green, Hadley, Kent & Bowden to cover injuries, and use the money saved to invest in the first choice team.
That said, I think Arundel & Crookes were signed as starters at the time, with the club not expecting Crooks & Lineham to nail down their places as they did.'"
I'd certainly agree that Galea was a wasted signing. Arguably Johnson as well - not a bad player but too small to be anything but squad cover.
Crookes and Arundel, as you say, were signed as first choice in their positions.
I think there was a - probably justified - concern at the possibility of playing too many youngsters all at the same time. And maybe some of those named just aren't that good?