Given our obviously weakened defence I can't see how we can continue relentlessly with the same formation as last season and still expect to be in contact with the rest of the teams come January. Relegation could be looming. Relying very much on a containing game hitting teams on the break is something that you cannot do if this entails inviting pressure on a much weakened defence. It stands to reason, it won't work. I would therefore put it to Derek, in whom I still have faith as a good man-manager, to make the transition while there's still hope; to adopt a completely new approach, play two up front and ensure we compete at the opposition end of the field. Even if as a temporary resort until we can shore up the defence and more adequately replace Bradley, Threlkeld and Vyner in the January window. I have no idea why it happened, lack of scouting or research, or lack of money made available, irrelevant now, it is already patently clear the 'rearguard' replacements are proving under par at this level and won't provide the basis for his usual playing style to remain effective. Solution? Well, it has to be a case of trying to score more goals than the opposition until the January window arrives; by playing his best attacking options. It's this shift of emphasis that needs to be implemented to give us a fighting chance. I believe it means playing Carey with Lameiras back in starting games with Fox in midfield until another Tombs or Masaki can be drafted in and play Taylor with Ladapo up front. We therefore have to start playing a much higher line and go for goals. It wouldn't just make for a more exciting spectacle, we also need to do this to have a chance on maxing out on points. If we just defend deep trying to soak up pressure with this squad it is just slow death because we will concede and we will concede regularly. He has to find a way of lessening the pressure on those guys back there. In short, the current situation demands a drastic change in tactical thinking with immediate effect.
