Same old same old

Many of the old players you mention also had bad games....strings of them, with the same complaints from over optimistic fans, Your right of course. We do over hype our sides, but I think it's a mistake to put this down to limited talent. The problem we have is that the parts are better than the whole. The team is too often mediocre when judged by the far higher standards of the players in it. Sides who are no better give us problems because they are superior in the "team" element. Our lot too often look as though they are having their first ever game together.

There will be calls for changes ( there always was) and it is fine to introduce new players from time to time, but they should come into a known system, a style of play they are familiar with, given the occasional tactical adjustment against certain opponents.

I expected the worst when the new man carried on where his old boss left off. If we are ever to try changes as drastic as those he made they should be kept for lesser opponents, certainly not introduced in a game against a good side with a fine home record where we probably started as outsiders. The effect those changes would have on our defence was predictable and almost inevitable.

He has been sitting alongside Sven for years. He should know what system is best for the side by now. He should have opinions on what he wants and the best way to get it. If 5 midfield is the way, why didn't he play it 3 games back?

Well, we know it was a panic measure after a poor showing the game before wasn't it? Typical Erickson. I expected better from Mac, particularly as he has Venables at his side. I hope he sees sense quickly. The last thing this lot need is change and experiments. Familiarity is far more important. It's still a team game. Just look at the result of the last European Championships.

LC