Rotation System Questioned

Despite the encouraging win over Reading on Saturday, there were several changes from the side which faced Watford, and it seems likely that Jim Magilton will again make changes to the side which faces Southampton on Wednesday. Whilst freshening things up is always seen as a positive thing, Mike L wonders if its really more about Jims struggle to find his best XI.

As all connected with Ipswich Town take stock on a stuttering start to the 2008/09 season that promised so much, what seems to be on everyone's mind is - Does Jim Magilton know what his best starting line-up is?

First team coach Bryan Klug has asked us to be patient while the new squad are integrated into a formidable unit while conceding that the introduction of a number of new players in the summer can have an unsettling effect on the squad.

Klug does maintain we have enough quality in the squad to seriously challenge this term, but did admit that up to two new signings are likely during the emergency loan period. The final piece of the promotion jigsaw or just two more names to further cloud team selection issues?

New club captain Gareth McAuley has voiced concerns over the managers rotation policy believing that adopting a more consistent team selection would help make the defence more of a unit, comments echoed by fellow defender Richard Naylor.

While injuries and a suspension to Alex Bruce have played a small part, during the four Championship games this season, Jim has used a staggering 21 different faces in his starting line-up - statistics that would make Liverpool under Benitez look as settled as a rock.

Magilton and the backroom staff will be under no illusions that the natives in Ipswich are becoming increasingly restless and bemused by recent performances, tactics and team selections.

But, while everyone will hope Jim has seen enough during the four games to know what his best formula for success is, it remains unlikely that he will be contemplating naming a settled side just yet. One suspects that a new left sided midfield player will be added to the squad along with one more defender. And don't forget Jonathan Stead needs to be tried and tested.

Add to this the imminent return of David Norris and David Wright from injury, Owen Garven from illness and Bruce from suspension, Magilton will no doubt be tempted into tinkering even further with his selections in an attempt to reverse our fortunes in the coming weeks.

The negative effect that the rotation system is having on the players is blatantly obvious given the erratic performances in the league so far which has seen the good, the bad and the ugly in equal measures.

Let's hope that Magilton has had enough time to plot the downfall of Reading and Southampton and then keep faith with the tactics, formations and players involved.