STUART McCall has told the Football League that City “would never” disrespect the Checkatrade Trophy.
The club were contacted after the decision to sub goalkeeper Colin Doyle just three minutes into Tuesday’s win over Bury.
McCall said: “I spoke to them yesterday and sent a letter today, explaining there was no doubt we played the most experienced team that’s been put out in that competition – and we’ve played two and won two.
“If we were disrespecting it, we’d have brought the two kids on after two minutes because it’s supposed to be for development.
“We had three central defenders who have had two competitive games this season and all needed to play. Haris Vuckic and Filipe Morais again needed some football as well as Vincent Rabiega.
“To go in line with the rules of the competition, we had to play five other regular lads.
“So for me having to tell Rouven (Sattelmaier) who was outstanding in the first game against Stoke that he couldn’t play is poor.
“We have 100 per cent not disrespected the tournament. We have never, as a club, said anything negative about this format whatever regardless of what we think.”
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