Rockford's Love Child
Member
- Joined
- 15 Mar 2010
- Messages
- 13,913
- Player
- Jason Koumas / John Morrissey
- Manager
- John King
Mike Williamson won plaudits at Gateshead for his expansive style of play, so I would imagine this match will be very similar to the Notts game, with MK in possession for long periods and Rovers playing on the counter attack. That should suit us more than the physical slog at Barrow last week.
I think it is important we bounce back immediately from defeat with a victory, as we did against Swindon. Obviously team selection will be greatly influenced by the Apter / Hawkes situation, but if Rob has not returned I would expect Hawkes to replace McAlear on the right of midfield, as Adkins will want to be more expansive at home against a decent footballing side.
It is interesting that in his pre-match interview Adkins again commented that he is happy with the squad, having previously said he does not want to make too many changes in January. That directly contradicts what Palios said recently.
Similarly, when he was asked about the formation change to 442 on the BBC a couple of weeks ago, Adkins commented that 'the club' had decided to use a 433 system previously, but when he became permanent manager he decided to go in a different direction. Perhaps he just did not want to mention Dawes personally, but from his wording it sounded like the previous tactical approach had come from on high, and not simply from Dawes. I know a number of people on here found it odd that Nigel persisted with that system for several weeks prior to being made permanent, despite the fact we continued to lose games.
It seems that since being given the permanent role Adkins has felt able to assert some control over the football operation, and disregard unwanted advice, which is a good thing.
I think it is important we bounce back immediately from defeat with a victory, as we did against Swindon. Obviously team selection will be greatly influenced by the Apter / Hawkes situation, but if Rob has not returned I would expect Hawkes to replace McAlear on the right of midfield, as Adkins will want to be more expansive at home against a decent footballing side.
It is interesting that in his pre-match interview Adkins again commented that he is happy with the squad, having previously said he does not want to make too many changes in January. That directly contradicts what Palios said recently.
Similarly, when he was asked about the formation change to 442 on the BBC a couple of weeks ago, Adkins commented that 'the club' had decided to use a 433 system previously, but when he became permanent manager he decided to go in a different direction. Perhaps he just did not want to mention Dawes personally, but from his wording it sounded like the previous tactical approach had come from on high, and not simply from Dawes. I know a number of people on here found it odd that Nigel persisted with that system for several weeks prior to being made permanent, despite the fact we continued to lose games.
It seems that since being given the permanent role Adkins has felt able to assert some control over the football operation, and disregard unwanted advice, which is a good thing.