I’d give Butler until the 10 game mark and if nothing has improved he needs binning off.
Butler has had a full pre season and has absolutely no idea what his best starting 11 is and what system suits them. All mostly been together throughout pre season and have no defensive structure or any real visible patterns of play in an attacking sense. Butler prides himself on getting them super fit, but lack pressing in all areas of the pitch, especially in midfield.
The whole team looks sluggish. Incredibly poor signings. Good individuals, but seemingly don’t make a coherant squad. 4 left wingers and 5 players who can play RB. GK situation hasn’t been sorted. Short in midfield and upfront. Only 2 natural CB’S.
The first two matches we’ve witnessed the same weird starting line ups. Howe on the wing vs Yeovil, while playing a high line with two CB’s with little pace. Southend he left Rowley out for Richards and then today benches Richards and leaves him there and opts for Rowley.
Still refuses to go with two strikers and plays with Howe up top on his own, eventhough it’s glaringly obvious he needs a fellow striker to work off.
Wasted most of the budget on a collection of players rather than a squad. This is the worst squad of players in terms of balance we’ve ever had. Butler’s had a budget and not only not addressed the problems from last season, he’s caused a lot more.
I personally don’t hold out much hope. Give him another 7 games and if it carries on like this and we can afford him, use the Smith wage “if he goes back up north” to pay for Maynard and have him in charge with Butterfield as his no 2. #
I thought we’d understandbly struggle with the loss of Roberts and to a lesser extent Westbrooke and Ewing, but never expected this mess.
