I know some will disapprove of my argument but regarding the one up front formations, we must still look back to the Kyle Wootton era.
That lad is now scoring at roughly a goal every other game for NL side Notts Co and we let him leave. He is easily good enough for L2 and probably League One.
Big, strong, quick and with an eye for goal. He was ruined at this club. He was either pushed wide or played isolated from other attackers. I could always see that, with careful development, he really had that ‘something’. I never criticised him but often felt the need to complain about those who almost wrecked him and made little attempt to develop the lad properly.
Well. We now have Loft. Yes, some of his skills have been utter crap on occasions but he has guts and a phenomenal work rate. He has shown us pace and skill too. He has a nose for goal on those few occasions he is allowed to go near the opposition’s box.
Nine goals and six assists in a team culture which does not believe in playing the ball forward really is not too bad.
He is playing the hardest role in football – and getting precious little supply and help.
Yes. This guy needs to improve. Yes. He needs to learn some of the skills that a forward has to possess and, happily, we have seen enough in his attitude to know that he is no shrinking violet. He wants to ‘be the best he can be’ but my problem is not with him but rather, with systems that are not helping him develop as he surely is able to do.
Our next forward signing should be someone experienced who can bring the best out of the lad. I see no reason why he cannot become a 15+ goals a season striker who also brings others into play.
When you are isolated and outlets are precious few he is so eager to make things work that he gets desperate and that’s when the worst errors creep in.
It’s in there. Let’s not have another Kyle Wootton or, even worse, a Lyle Taylor disaster. Spend the time teaching him a little bit of coolness and the requisite skills. It will pay dividends.
