Historical clue formulations

• Second-string squad — 2025-11-10
• Nonstarters? — 2023-04-12
• Non-starters — 2022-04-07
• Subs — 2022-04-06
• Reserve squad — 2018-06-29
• Benchwarmers — 2017-04-06
• Subs ... or a feature of the answers to the 17 asterisked clues? — 2014-06-16
• Subs — 2012-02-10
• Second-string players — 2011-04-11
• Second string — 2008-07-20
• Substitute players — 2007-09-18
• Second string — 2006-12-24