Should City keep something in reserve?

Two of Coventry City’s Championship rivals have made contrasting decisions about their reserve teams in recent days.

Opening day opponents Portsmouth, limited because of their administration to a squad size of 20, have opted to do without a second string for the forthcoming campaign.

Manager Steve Cotterill told BBC Radio Solent: ‘It’ll help the young players tenfold. It’s such a big learning curve for them.

‘If they get reserve team syndrome when they step into the first team they’ve never quite got that edge about them.’

He added: ‘It’s disappointing that we have to do it but it is only for their education.’

Nottingham Forest however have opted to enter a team into the Totesport.com reserve league this season, with boss Billy Davies citing the strong level of competition from the likes of Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Derby.

With the Sky Blues currently opting to play just friendlies with their reserve side, it will be interesting to see whether Aidy Boothroyd opts for a more formal structure for the players who are not making his first team.