Learning all round

[Jersey Rover]

Surely after the last 2 matches McCann has to see the second half team and formation in the last 2 games is far more suited to our play. Much better against Accrington and today against Oxford into the teeth of a gale. Play it from the start please

[Alickismyhero]

JR, You make a very good point particularly the Accrington game.

[glosterred]

Not forgetting we were a lot better in the second half against Sunderland as well. We seem to be a one half team at the moment


COYR

[Chris Black come back]

Why was Downing hooked at half time? Was it form, injury or the booking?

[PDX_Rover]

It was the booking and he was apparently on his last warning.

[Alan Southstand]

JR, it has been the discussion since the Sunderland away game, in our little group. I knew as soon as he had Whiteman back, the manager would revert to his favoured 4-3-3. He would argue that we've played that way for the majority of the season and we are where we are because of it. BUT, if the manager would have tried this formation sooner, we just may have got nearer to the top 5 than we currently are.

Also, he was really forced into the change of system, due to Kane and Whiteman being injured and we all thought those 2 missing would have a detrimental impact on our end of season form. It obviously didn't turn out that way, as we all know, and the team looked to have a much better balance to it and certain individual player's performances improved (Copps especially).

But then, having had a 4 match winning sequence and the team looking composed and comfortable, he goes and changes it! A totally baffling decision in my opinion and one that he may have to give some thought to over the summer. The phrase 'horses for courses' comes to mind and perhaps he may now start to consider that, for some games, he may need to switch systems; if for no other reason than it makes us less predictable. Certainly, with our present playing staff, I believe the 4-2-3-1 set-up gets the maximum efficiency out of the squad.

[drfc1951]

If we had taken a few more of the chances we have created by playing 433 , we would be nearer to the top 5.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Maybe we should play the second half first judging by recent performances!