Regardless of why it happens - and it DOES happen, despite some people still pretending he isn’t purposefully being subbed on in every game for the appearance fees - I think it makes digs about lack of funds / investment coming from the dugout a bit trickier when we’re essentially dishing out an extra wage in appearance fees. You can sub Jamie Mackie on for two minutes a game or you can tell him to sit down and shut up if he wants to have a tantrum over it, because he’s a player and he can do what he’s told, and possibly afford an extra loan player in January as a result. He signed the deal - he knew the risks. If he doesn’t get on every game then tough luck. It isn’t about him.
Don’t buy this “ooooh it shows the world we look after our players!” claptrap either. It shows that preferential treatment is available to the right characters. What about the other players who might be losing out on appearance fees themselves, or young and developing players losing out on potentially vital experience? Is this looking after them? We’ve already had to watch as Dan Agyei gets handcuffed to the stands for six months, before overtaking Mackie’s goals tally inside a handful of sub appearances. His cameos are now getting so short that they’re almost comical, and nobody can claim they serve a purpose in terms of contributions anymore. It’s a seriously odd thing to watch. We’re only a couple of games away from it getting to the point where he runs on for a goal kick, the whistle blows as the ball sails into the air, and he then turns around and trots down the tunnel without breaking stride.
Whatever. He might still get on for no reason but at least he’s finally gone from starting every other game to being the token third sub, while Taylor bangs in goals for fun and Agyei is making an impact. The team certainly seems to be benefitting. And we all support the club, not certain individuals, right?
