Quote: BP1 "These days there are quite a few players who like to have their own personal number, irrespective of the squad situation. Maybe Lewis Martin, for instance, quite likes being squad number 22 for personal or superstitious reasons, who knows these days.
I think the days when 1-13 has any relevance are now long gone.
Personally, they can run around with letters or drawings on their backs if it means we once more start winning games on a regular basis!! I'm more interested in how they perform rather than what number they are wearing.'"
True, with them seemingly being issued so early (before all players have even arrived) it’s obvious that squad numbers are not too relevant in what Cartwright wants to do and no real indicator of his idea 17. I do think rewarding or even taking away squad numbers can still be a useful tool for player management/motivation or confidence building. You could look at it the other way and say that maybe it could be a big confidence boost for Barron getting the 2 jersey and maybe some sort of challenge laid down for him to nail down a starting spot. I remember it being a big deal and raised eyebrows years ago when a young Maguire and Burrow got given the 6 and 7 shirts at Leeds above some more senior players. They absolutely smashed it.
