RUFC - Why Abs was subbed

Rotherham United Manager, Ronnie Moore said that it was the first time in his managerial career that he had subbed a sub when he brought off young Abudlai Bell-Baggie on Saturday.

The eighteen year old had been put on towards the end of the first half after Josh Walker came off injured and he, along with the three hundred plus Millers at Underhills, looked puzzled when Moore replaced him with Micky Cummins on seventy-three minutes.

To the fans, and probably to Bell-Baggie, we couldn't work out what he'd done wrong.

But, speaking to Les Payne of The Star Moore said, 'It was just a tactical thing. I told Abs that he had done nothing wrong.

'At that stage Barnet were starting to push men forward. He's not really a midfield player and they had switched and we needed to have three in midfield and, as he's only eighteen I decided that the game called for some experience and that it was a tailor made situation for Micky Cummins.

'I do understand why Abs might have been feeling a bit miffed. He'd got family and friends there and he wanted to impress but I had a word with him and he understands.

'He's done well for us and has a part to play for the rest of the season. I think he's a young player with a definite future.'

I think Bell-Baggie is going to go far - and, though I know Ronnie Moore did what he considered to be best for the team at that time, I, personally, think, had he been left on, we might have got more goals. But, then again, that's probably why I'm only sat watching in the stands!

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