6. Conclusion
It’s only one game, but we already saw a massive change in approach. And one after a 40 minute training session. Northampton weren’t great but I think in moments under Dodds, we would have looked vulnerable and unable to create. This was much better and I’m more optimistic

5. Philosophy
Duff alluded in his 1st interview that it wasn’t about the first game but the continuation after. We got a sense that the players knew there was down on them to deliver on expectations but there was no rigid approach. We weren’t one dimensional and we looked to challenge through means

4. Game Management
Duff was methodical. When he took off Mullins for an injury, Abbott took his place with the same role. He also made substitutions at the right time. Under Dodds it was very much a panic/reactionary change. Yes it’s only one game, but it was already an improvement

3.Style of Football
A massive difference was the substance created off the back of the latter points. For all the possession under Dodds, it never transitioned into creating chances. We saw a stark change. More fluid, quicker and direct. We could also see desire to work harder in/out of possession

2. Formation
A favoured style from Duff was a 3-5-2 which isn’t too dissimilar vs Dodds but the system focused on more direct and quick transitions which allowed for moments of creativity and shots on goal. Agility of players helped to build up and progress but we also seemed more assured and solid

1. Team Selection
Clearly had coaches influence to share the previous approach but what we evident was making the midfield more formidable to support the quick attacks. Seeing Ewen Henderson alongside Luke Leahy and Jamie Mullins allowed for a balance between tenacity and creativity

Was very evident what a difference Duff has instilled, and that’s after a couple of days. More assured and whilst Northampton weren’t brilliant, the first 10-15 minutes waas more than we have seen all season. Far more positive on the ball with purpose. Loved it

I’m not his biggest fan in midfield but he hasn’t been as bad as people make out in games this season. I’m more critical of his set pieces ability when we have the likes of Allen, Henderson and Lowry all around.As you say though, the role just doesn’t suit him

Thanks Simon. It really has been complicated over time and directly contributed to our form. I just hope Dodds goes back to basics and throws this philosophy to the side now.

Nice one, will share now and see if they can track it in due course

Yeah, Jayden believes the only caveat is that we need to be shown to have been active for at least 6 months? Given our recent start, suspect that puts a spanner in the works for now unless you know of a way around that?

Let me share this with Jayden and come back to you

Him, Henderson and Boyd-Munce really did dictate the tempo of the game in the middle. I think that was one of Magnus’s best games so far and he just kept the ball ticking over whilst Henderson could join the attacks. It does feel more dynamic in the middle

Let’s see, this is probably a bigger test and also against more tactically astute sides, he may come undone. But in theory this practice will allow us to be better in time. You could see the transfer business aligning with the approach in the footballing sense so now it’s on the players to perform

Thanks Rich, appreciate it💪