We must remember that most of the players in this squad are plying their trade at the NLN level for a reason (and it isn’t cash). They are decent players for this level but are probably struggling with the formation and tactics. They raise their game to meet Butler’s expectations, and it all works for a while, then as is the way for anyone who is under pressure, they resort to type when the pressure mounts and start making mistakes.
It is clear to all that the current formation has not been working consistently for a couple of months. Sure, we’ve had the odd success, Farsley Celtic for example, but for the most part, this has been hugely unsuccessful. A good manager would look at the players within his squad and build a formation around their strengths, and not keep trying to make the squad play in a formation that they are clearly struggling with.
I feel that the squad have lost faith in the formation, and when the slightest thing goes wrong, they fall into a state of frustration, poor decision making, and increasing desperation. Butler needs to do some self-reflection. Ultimately, he cannot keep hiding behind the ‘individual player errors’, and ‘we could have scored a couple more’ statements. He and his team are the ones who are coaching them all week, and we’re seeing no indication that things are improving.
I like Butler and really want him to succeed. However, whilst I do not want Butler to go today, it is abundantly clear that unless something changes for the better within the next 4 matches, I and just about the whole fanbase, will be calling for his head before we hit Christmas.
