Hearts B team's 14-0 defeat to Ross County in the KDM Evolution Trophy has been described as the biggest possible advert for the return of a Reserve League. Former Hearts player Ryan Stevenson said the result does nothing to help the young players involved.
Stevenson admitted he initially did not realise it was a Hearts side involved, only noticing after Ross County celebrated it as one of the biggest scorelines in Scottish history. He said: "I thought to myself: I better have a look at this because who on earth gets skelped 14-0? How does that happen?"
Protecting young players
Stevenson, who was at Hearts during his career, said manager Angus Beith and others involved have to protect the players better. He suggested that once the score reaches 6-0 or 7-0, the team should change shape to prevent further damage.
He said: "It's about protecting young lads from that because, no matter the circumstances, that's on your CV for the rest of your life. I just hope those kids involved can just brush it off, but as you get older, it's always in the back of your head that you were part of that team that was leathered 14-0."
Reserve football's value
Stevenson argued that playing in a reserve team helps young players understand how to manage a game when it gets out of hand. He pointed to Celtic captain Callum McGregor, who made signals to shut the game down against Rangers when his side went 3-0 down.
He also recalled his own experience at Stranraer, where the team sat in defensively after going 1-0 down at Ibrox. He said: "There's all different ways of playing football. Even if it's not in your playbook, or you want to be expansive as a manager or coach, there comes a time to rip it up."
Learning from senior pros
Stevenson said that as a youngster, he learned quickly when a game went to four or five goals. He told a story about his professional debut for St Johnstone against Hamilton, when he ignored a teammate's instruction to hold the ball and was struck by Jim Weir at half-time.
He believes that training and playing alongside senior professionals in reserve games is the best way for young players to develop. He said: "Going up to Dingwall as a group of young kids and getting flogged 14-0 does nothing for them."
Stevenson also questioned what Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken would think of the result, saying questions would be asked. He added: "Regardless of what level you're at, there's a responsibility in that you are representing Hearts."
