Mike Dodds has been criticised for his team selections recently.
The Sunderland interim coach surprised fans with his starting line-up over the weekend, bringing in Bradley Dack for his first start since Boxing Day.
Mike Dodds also chose to bring Sunderland’s ‘brightest player’ Chris Rigg on the half hour mark, while Mason Burstow remained on the bench as an unused substitute despite his loan spell coming to an end in a few weeks.
The striker has been bitterly disappointing since joining from Chelsea last summer and hasn’t played a minute of football in the last seven games.
However, he has remained on the bench for six of those, taking up a substitutes position that could instead be used by one of our own players who is likely to be given a chance next season.
Many fans have already urged Dodds to give 17-year-old Tom Watson a chance in the first team, with the teenager spotted warming up at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
However, he hasn’t featured for the senior team since making his debut under Tony Mowbray over a year ago.
Another controversial decision by Mike Dodds
BBC commentator Nick Barnes believes the Black Cats are ‘missing a trick’ not giving Watson and other young players a chance towards the end of the current campaign.
Speaking on the Sunderland Echo’s YouTube channel, Barnes said: “”I was surprised that Tommy Watson wasn’t on the bench because it had been talked about and he’s doing well for the U21s.
“I think they’re missing a trick, in terms of giving a few of the younger players the opportunities that they wouldn’t have got in the normal run of events. This is ideal, they have nothing to lose by it. I think that is an opportunity missed.
“I think maybe Mike Dodds is too focused on his record. He should be saying for the betterment of this club, these young players should be getting the opportunity.”
Why is Mason Burstow still in the squad?
Mike Dodds has made it very clear he wishes to win all of his final games in charge, which is fine. But Mason Burstow‘s place on the bench has absolutely no impact on that.
It would be understandable if the youngster was banging the goals in during his cameo appearances, but Dodds isn’t even using him at all – so what is the harm in replacing him?
Bringing Watson into the senior squad makes so much more sense for the near future than Burstow, who will return to Stamford Bridge very soon.
It’s another questionable decision by the 37-year-old coach and one reason why so many fans really can’t wait for this season to be over.