Since the arrival of Dave "Long Ball" Bassett to United, we have only won two out of seven games. Whether there is a link or whether this is just coincidence, I will let you decide for yourselves. I know many supporters have theories on the subject. I would point out that we used exactly the same tactics against Yeovil Town last month, as four strikers were thrown on for the finale, at the expense of the midfield, on that particular occasion it worked, United got the late winner and everybody went home from Elland Road happy.
In this division that type of game will often be successful, such is the poor quality of League One teams generally, but it is a very one dimensional tactic, and without any width does not allow a Plan B. The manager took the decision to bring Radostin Kishishev back to Elland Road, a natural footballer and a creative midfielder, a commodity which is as rare as rocking horse shit in this division. So why are his talents not being utilised ? Johnny Howson must also consider himself unfortunate to have been omitted from the squad today, after last Saturday's win over Swindon saw United's midfield at it's best so far this season.
The manager has been successful this season, that success has been down to his motivational ability rather than any tactical qualities. He has assembled and moulded a unit that has been more effective than any other side in League One this season, and deserves full credit for that. It has been said many times that he has adopted a "horses for courses" mentality, and that the majority of this squad will be inadequate for the Championship next season if promotion is attained. I would suggest the same could also be said about the manager, for in The Championship, which is far superior to League One, United will need someone at the helm with far greater tactical and technical skills than the present incumbent. Either that OR Mr Wise will need his team to adopt a different style, something that I feel will not be achieved whilst ever the Basset influence is still very evident down Elland Road Way.