"Squad player"

Never worked out the point of someone you know isn't worth a first team place. It doesn't give any competition if you know they aren't good enough

 

Fair question, RT.
FWIW, in my very humble opinion .......
A squad player is a player of limited skill, but illustrates this many times. He has certain attributes, it would be a mistake to cast him aside (It's better to have a limited player, than one who is ineffective , as back up ? ) but one would not otherwise offer a starting position to, with a fully fit squad. So if said player has a few good appearances ? Either he has stepped up successfully, or just hit a purple patch. Only the Manager and his staff will know. I would use Mark Marshall as an example for this - though under 2 different Managers. Morris (Now Scunny), too.
Add to that ........ The Darby / McMahon situation ......... 2 players for one position, but both on higher wages - very costly to have a high earning 'squad player' - So one had to go.

 

Most players these days are classed as a 'squad player' bearing the elite few.

 

A Squad player is a first team player in waiting. Waiting for a chance or second chance

 

A term that in reality means bench warmer, Luke Hendrie *cough cough*.

 

Is a squad player different to a utility player?

 

I'd say yes. To me, a squad player is more back-up / cover / reserve for the first team, whilst a utility player is more a first-teamer who can be trusted in more than just one position. Fine lines, though. I'd also agree with Park's definition above.

RCB

 

a "squad player" is one who doesn't make too much impact on the wage budget.

 

A squad player for me is someone who won’t let you down when called upon, but isn’t good enough to get a regular start. Can be an impact player over 20, 30 minutes or so, but would be anonymous over 90.

 

john o shea and wes brown when they were at united were examples of good squad players for me. solid professionals who won't set the world alight but you know they will do a job when the first choice is unavailable. having someone ready to step in and do a solid job like that can make the difference over a season, as we have seen with how the defences confidence was shot to pieces after a few games of sattlemaier in goal.