Doesn't it make sense to start with a defensive formation and then have the subs to bring on and change the formation, either if we are behind, or if w are seeking to snatch a winner late on? The starting eleven is hardly ever the finishing eleven. I think the 4-3-3 makes sense, but I would like to see McGeehan getting some game-time, if only to regain full match fitness and sharpness.
No offence intended. It's just that you state these things with such certainty that I begin to doubt myself.
Do you think we will keep a clean sheet today? Do you prefer Jackson to macdonald? I know you're not a manger or owt but treat yourself to an opinion.
A few things - First off 4-5-1 worked against Villa, we were the better side first half, an individual error by Davies & an individual error by Jackson. The 4-5-1 worked fine, we were the better side for the most half & were superb down the right hand side with Hammill, McCarthy & then Williams & Potts chipping in. It all went wrong in the second half when we went 4-4-2, we didn't create anything of any note & Villa we're in cruise control. We don't have the players to play 4-4-2. For anyone who thinks we do I'd love to hear an explanation why as it's certainly not been evident on the pitch. McGeehan's not fit enough to start, Bird's a kid & Hecky obviously doesn't see Mallan as ready as he's behind Bird & McGeehan in the pecking order. That means the midfield 3 picks itself. Bradshaw's not ideal as a lone striker but he's improved, he's linking up play a lot by dropping short & cheating the ball & showing a good first touch a lot more than he did in the second half of last season. He's the best option at the moment. I would've gone with the same back 4 that played Spurs but maybe Angus is struggling? Did a lot of running after several weeks out & I'm guessing Fryers is injured again after limping at the end of Tuesday. So for me there's only 2 spots in the team worthy of debate, MacDonald or Jackson & Barnes or Hedges. Don't see how Hecky can be slated
He isn't solely responsible for picking players and isn't responsible at all for actually signing them.
My opinion of Jackson last season was that he had at least one serious error in him every game. I haven't been to a game yet this season, but the feedback from others suggested he had improved. I watched the Villa game on TV and I saw last season's Jackson.
Then whats he doing at the club then, isn't he meant to be the manager after all ?. Ok I suppose he has to be called a Coach these days which is different, but who is responsible then for what you mentioned.
We haven't been good at keeping clean sheets regardless of whether Jackson or MacDonald has played have we? Look, you are obviously entitled to your opinion, as we all are, but the habit of dismissing professionals in such an off-handed way just grates a bit. I just hope that Hecky is right and we get a favourable result..
He is Head Coach. Ie in charge of coaching. He has a say in recruitment but likely only from a pool of pre-selected players. The ones the statistics pick out. He's a replaceable cog in a wheel.
Good this is exactly how it should be. Stop the 1-2 year dictatorships of a manager who runs the club his way, signs his players, gets sacked and replaced by the next man who replaces the players, and on it goes.
Why do people automatically see having three midfielders central midfielders and one central striker as an overtly defensive formation? We've often played with two central strikers who've lacked service due to the midfield being completely overrun. On the other hand, we've also played with only one central striker and ran riot due to one midfielder covering the defence and allowing both wingers and at least one other central midfielder to bomb on. 4-4-2 isn't all it's cracked up to be, In truth I can't think of many top sides or top managers that utilise that formation anymore.