Musical Chairs

And so it goes on. 2008 is reached, without an away victory. However, accompanying this woeful record has been a tactical rendition of a popular party game- "Musical Chairs".

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote regarding Jims prediliction for alternating formations on an almost match-by-match basis, and the lack of understanding this was breeding amongst the players. However, the lack of understanding goes beyond formations.

Asking players to play in less-familiar positions and formations is one thing, but asking them to play in completely alien positions is quite another altogether.

We have struggled to find a successful solution to our left midfield problem all season, but just because Jon Walters has been our outstanding player this season does not mean he will cope with the position any more succesfully than those who have preceded him. Moving him from one side of the other also logically requires another replacement in his right midfield slot.

Equally, we took to the field against Coventry with a right-back at left-back, a full-back at centreback and a rookie centre-back at right-back.

We finished the same match with a forward line consisting of the most inexperienced professional in the squad alongside a centreback.

All fans seem to agree that Jim should not make widespread changes in the transfer market, for fear of "rocking the boat"; upsetting what already exists. Yet, we seem to be doing this already on a match by match basis, whilst barely changing the personnel.

Jason DeVos has found Dan Harding next to him at left-back. But it might be Sito. Or it could be David Wright, if hes not on the other side of the pitch. At least he can be familiar with Alex Bruce on his right side. Except when hes got Fabian next to him instead, which is only assuming that Fabian isnt at right-back. Which he could be, unless Chris Casement is playing.

Owen Garvan has Gary Roberts on his left-side, Or Jon Walters. It could also be Gavin Williams, unless Williams is playing in the middle, in which case it could be Billy Clarke. Assuming Walters is now on the other side of the pitch?

Confusing? You only have to read about it.

Teams are built on familiarity and understanding, in all areas of the pitch. Changing personnel to suit injury/suspension/loss of form is understandable, but it shouldnt need to involve moving the whole team around each time. Players and fans call for consistency of performance, but that can only happen whilst their is some modicum of consistency amongst the management aswell. Otherwise, it results in confusion.