Warne IN

As somebody who led the Warne Out charge, pretty much from the first long ball and running about ness of our League One jolly, I have to say I've been surprised by the first 2 games of this season.

I was hoping for a fast start, before teams suss us out and learn to let us have the ball, wait for a mistake and then defend the box in numbers. Then maybe a war of attrition to creep over the line a la Notts Forest on the basis of other teams being 5hiter, as opposed to actually creating a team that has something to offer.

I'm sure we could still potentially revert to that, however the signings, and from the good bits against Blackburn and last night against Chez hint at a Warne in transition. Which if it lasts I think will be the first time I've seen a footballing fundamentalist change his spots or at least dye them.

The running is still there but in the centre of the park Kenzo and Ben Osbourne are two very unWarne like players. I guess Ozzy runs about but as a veteran wouldn't be the ideal Road Runner that gets Warne dribbling into his bobble hat.

There appears to be an emphasis on passing, looking for the free man as opposed to the hoof. We look a little short on ideas in the final third, n I'd have to say out of Jackson, Brown and Collins, I think Collo looks the most likely. Obviously there's work to be done defensively. Shame Adams isn't fit and not sure about Cashin's concentration atm. That said if we can work on our full backs (Have to say Fozzy and Nyambie inspires more confidence) I think the ingredients for a passing team are there. Which I never thought I'd see Warne put together. Was expecting maybe two fast wingers that run lots in the transfer market.

I've gone from a position of scepticism to one of intrigue. Still lots of questions, not sure if Kenzo is a number 8 n would be better off sat deep. Not sure of Ozoh's composure and Thommo seemed to struggle in that midfield 3 as a double pivot, however when he saw the game out as a defensive number 10 positionally he was excellent.

I thought Blackburn were very well drilled especially creating overloads on the wings, I guess results over the next month will tell us if we made them look good or they are going to be competitive.

Watching the last two games though there was an air of Nigel Clough to Derby. Bargain basement shopping, players under 6ft, lots of passing and the odd defensive relapse and maybe lack of cutting egde, when we have the ball. If we can shore up the defensive collapses we might have a team similar to his, one that has strong foundations that can be built upon as we go.

Which makes me feel a lot happier than playing a back 5, hoofing it into the box where nobody is and hoping there are 3 teams worse than us in the league. Like I said too early to speculate, but I hope this works, a genuine hold up striker or even a number 10 and sorting the full backs out we might be onto something. I think the CM balance isn't quite there yet, but it's early doors. Having seen Thommo play the defensive number 10 though here's my Clough/Schteeeve hybrid team

......................Vickers......................
Nyambie..Nelson...Bradley....Fozzy
.................Ozoh.......Kenzo.............
.....Wang........Thommo......Ozzy.....
...................Collins............................

A fit Adams will be interesting too, could push Kenzo forward but I have a feeling he's better holding, Kenzo, Thommo and Ozzy could be quite fluid. Wang for pace and then Collo for the finish. We could argue about the SK but do feel Collins has more to offer then Brown or Jackson on current form. You could try Ozzy as number 10 but I really liked Thommo's positional blocking towards the end of the game last night. I feel, Kenzo, Ozoh and Ozzy are a bit porous, n Thommo as a non creative number 10 would make us harder to play through.

Jackson for Thommo if chasing.

Mostly I wanted to say thank you to Mr Warne for bravery here, not seen many managers change tack like this, I hope it works, I like the look of this horizon a lot more.

COYR