Grimsby Town boss David Artell has admitted he has a luxury with the squad available at his disposal recently.
Town have been on a winning run and on Saturday, Artell left out Jamie Walker and Justin Amaluzor.
Walker stayed at home but Amaluzor travelled and was unlucky not to get in.
Town currently sit in 10th place in League Two, with Artell’s side winning eleven, drawing seven and losing eight this season.
The recent signings of Andy Cook and Tyrell Sellars-Fleming have added to competition at Blundell Park.
Just last season, Artell was having to name scholars on the bench, now he has plenty at his disposal, so a few may have to work their way into the team.
Speaking to Grimsby Live, Artell admitted: “This time last year, we had two or three scholars on the bench, which had us worried if we were ever in a situation where the game was getting away from us, and we needed to change things.
“We haven’t always had the right options, but now, we’re having to make calls as to whether we have a goalkeeper on the bench or not to be able to fit one more outfield player on there that could be important for us.
“When we’re leaving someone with Justin’s quality out of the squad entirely, that shows the kind of squad we have now, and I explained to him why we went with two defenders on the bench with Sam and Jayden coming back from the start.
“There’s a rationale behind it all, and it is only fair for me to explain that to the players who are left out, so there isn’t a void for them to fill mentally, which may make them think we’ve left them out for other reasons.
“I’ve said we’re going to need everyone throughout the season, and that remains true, so it’s important for me to talk to the players and explain my decisions to them so they don’t feel I’m being dishonest with them.”
Next up for the Mariners is Colchester United away tomorrow evening, as Artell looks to continue their good form.
