player substitution

Chilling Revelation Behind Late Sheffield Wednesday Call – Shocking Truth Emerges Over Mysterious Substitution

April 19, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Michael Ihiekwe was initially named in Sheffield Wednesday’s starting line-up for their match against Stoke City, but a last-minute change saw him withdrawn just ahead of kick-off. Manager Danny Röhl revealed that the decision was made due to a severe injury — Ihiekwe had sustained a deep cut during training the previous day, which made wearing boots too painful. Despite traveling to the match, he was replaced by Dominic Iorfa, who was later substituted himself before the hour mark. Röhl confirmed that Iorfa’s substitution was a tactical decision, not injury-related, and provided valuable minutes for rookie Gabriel Otegbayo.

Mark Robins’ Bold Half-Time Move Sparks Speculation as Stoke City Enter Season’s Crucial Final Stretch

April 14, 2025 RAYMOND 0

In a tense encounter at Cardiff, Mark Robins made a decisive half-time substitution, swapping Ali Al-Hamadi for Sam Gallagher to ensure Stoke City maintained a full squad on the pitch. Al-Hamadi, who had returned to the starting line-up after a two-week recovery from a hip injury, was involved in creating an early chance for Lewis Baker. However, his yellow card for a foul in first-half stoppage time, following an earlier warning, led Robins to act swiftly.

Robins explained after the match that the decision was a tactical one, aimed at keeping Stoke’s momentum intact without risking another booking. “Ali had run about, but I just felt he was a little bit hot-headed,” Robins said. “I couldn’t risk them throwing themselves to the ground and the referee… it was all on edge.” The move proved crucial, as Gallagher came on and helped Stoke secure a vital 1-0 victory, stretching their lead over Cardiff to five points with just four games remaining in the Championship season.