Micky was given a contract extension by the Palioi during last season prior to the promotion. We’ll never know if it was signed with the expectation of consolidation in L2 rather than the surprise promotion. There seems to be something in the Micky to other clubs rumours over last summer, though can only speculate on whether this was a reaction to our likely L1 budget or wanting a different challenge and whether there is anything in the suggested disconnect between the Chair and manager. Micky may be interested in the Blackpool job, but given his limited history at L1 level, does not seem like an obvious appointment from their perspective.
While I don’t think Micky’s long-term judgement on players is flawed [can’t think of any that he’s willingly let go, who’ve gone on to prove that wrong], it does seem that when players fall out of favour, there is a certain stubbornness from the manager in keeping them out of the picture. Thinking of Payne, Nelson Gilmour currently here. We’ve got an average sized squad but don’t make full use of it and the reluctance to use all the subs like on Tuesday, when it was worth trying something different puzzles.
In terms of formation, if we opt for a 3 man midfield as Higgy suggests, then who do we play up front? CBT with a pair of strikers could work, unsure Morris would function in such an advanced role, using the trio of strikers has been tried and failed, but Connor Jennings could play in a 3. My concern with having McCullough and Woodyard as regulars in a 3 man midfield would be the attack would have to be mainly channeled through the third player given the defensive mindset of that pair.