I personally wouldn't do 8, feel if injury then what, plus gameshape etc.but 9. I have a backup for every player but the trainee, and if the trainee gets hurt, well then, puts you in a spot anyways doesn't it.
I hear you, I also run 7 usually...but is this really good for the game?It would suck for me, but I7d like to see a game where we havea reason to play to win like a real team, not always tweaky to fit the odd rules of training system (being greedy if you think about it)....What it might boil down to is teams needing to choose 2 trainees for 48 a week, not 3 and be less rigid in minute management goals of 1 position 48 training. Do you really think fans want to see you play a 18 y/o rookie till he is dog tired while a vet 30yearold sits on teh bench...cuz the rookie needs 'training' today not tomorrow. (all 48 in one game so its easy for you to manage etc...)....and if the penalties of a goofy line-up are harsh enough, penalty of losing etc. then farms may become unviable...but I also realize makign teh game harder tocompete and train simultaneously means more motivation for cheaters to cheat, but oh well...I think tis a price worth paying.