Scotland Trip

So, our Scottish trip has ended after our 3 friendly matches. There are obviously differing thoughts on how successful the trip was and why. In my opinion, it really depends on what the aim of the trip was. I think that early friendlies like these are generally about getting players match sharp. In that sense the tour was a success as we generally have no injury worries and every player got a good lot of minutes user their belt. The next friendlies against Crewe and Morecambe will be stepped up in regards to getting the squad to gel and to learn about each others playing styles.

As for results, of course it would be nice to have won a game. Whatever game a player plays in, they will lose confidence when they lose a match. It's natural and so I think a bit more emphasis should've been out onto winning these matches and I am disappointed at our apparent poor performances during the tour.

In regards to formation, we seem to have played a 451 in most parts of the matches, maybe changing to a slight 442 Ish formation with Eagles playing 'between the lines'. We certainly would've played better if we had both of our lead strikers, N'Gog and Sordell playing together. I would be absolutely astonished if Coyle didn't loan a striker for the rest of the season now. These friendlies have proved that we are lacking in numbers in that area.

So anyway, let's not get too downhearted by friendly results. I am absolutely positive that we have had rubbish pre seasons before but performed really well in the league that season. Like I say, I would imagine that from now our pre season friendlies will concentrate on tactics and team togetherness now that our fitness and sharpness is improving.