Sorry, I think this is worth a separate thread as it doesn't just refer to Hamer. Twice in the last 6 weeks CP has publically said that we have a rush of games and he will use his squad. He has failed to do so on both occasions. His only changes in recent weeks have been enforced by the injuries to/illness of Green and Solly. By common consent we are playing very poorly. Our keeper has lost the confidence of his defence and our midfield is simply not functioning. Jacko and Hollands look fit to drop. We simply must make some changes. Yet according to reports from the Bromley Addicks meeting, CP says that there will be no changes. This team needs the opportunity to find its way again/make up for its recent lapses. Is that strong management or stubborn blindness? Discuss.
I find it quite disappointing that not only is it always the same team it's the same bench, injuries and suspensions notwithstanding. When we are losing there is no-one to come on and change the game, Clarke's presence on the bench is a real mystery- if he wouldn't play him against County what is the point? I'm also disappointed that Pritchard has disappeared, I loved his appetite for the ball and don't see what he has done wrong. With all the focus on Hamer's mistakes, that has taken the spotlight away from the midfield where I believe we have a problem of balance. Not to mention being second to too many balls we should be winning. CP actually said that he would "DEFINITELY" be using the squad over the last 10 games so, let's see if he does, whether or not Scunny turn us over.
Personally I think he's being quite naïve, he doesn't seem to acknowledge that: a) our team hasn't been playing well for the whole of this calendar year. b) in recent games we've been found out. I'm not sure if anybody read it, but the Notts County manager said they knew they'd score plenty of goals, because of a scout report compiled at the Colchester game which stated that our defence doesn't handle balls on the floor very well. Add that to the fact that Hamer has lost confidence, and the defence has lost confidence in him: opposition teams and their managers are not stupid, they will try to exploit this!
A bit naive, but he could turn out to be right should we win our remaining games. It's his first job in management, mistakes will be made. It's if he realises them before it's too late.
The Colchester game was the obvious time to rest a couple of players, if only to keep them fresh for Notts County, who were the harder game. It sends the right message to the rest of the squad too, that everyone will play a role in the run in.
