I assume they were going for maximum points. Sports management is all about picking the right strategy and they got it it wrong.

You make a good point about covid bubbles which may have played a part.

As for points from other posters about not being ready to play - the last two youngsters we have given an opportunity to have been very impressive. I wouldn't expect all the players to be that impressive, but its a chance to find out if they are good enough or if we need to spend millions in the transfer market. If the young player doesn't quite cut it, then at least you've put them in the shop window and you might get a couple of million from a championship team for them.

Anyway. That's the past. It's great to have a manager that is thinking about the youth and has a CV that would inspire any young player.

Surely the integrity of the competition has to be considered?

I’m not saying these situations actually occurred but it wouldn’t be looked on kindly if we decided to play potentially weakened sides just for the sakes of blooding a few youth players…and the knock on effect was that a club got relegated because of it.

I think it’s only fair to apply the same philosophy from the start of the season to the end.

Clubs have every opportunity to test their youth in training against the 1st team. Wan.B got his chance in the 1st team due to his handling of Zaha in training. Says it all really. If you’re not clearly already better than palace 1st team players in training I’d argue you’re no way near ready for the Prem.

The point you make in the last paragraph has been alluded to by others but is also the point missed by so many.

There’s a team of experienced coaches watch them play every day and will judge how they perform in training against established premier league players who aren’t keen to be knocked off their perch. If they aren’t at the level they’re not going to get a sniff of a Premier League appearance.

Big Toe Punt is right - we’ve not seen many good ones get away.