Stourport Shrimper
Schoolboy
Steve Tilson tends to use a 4-4-2 formation and tends to stick with this formation throughout a game as well. So except for the last 20 mins (usually less?) of a game substitutions are mostly like for like and for injuries only. (one can debate the strengths and weaknesses of such an approach). He rarely changes a winning team and thus sticks with players even when they have had a poor game. He rarely makes early tactical substitutions. All of this means in my view that he works best with a small squad. Players literally have to wait to get back into the first team from injury or suspension. However, it is not much fun if you are a first team player on the bench all the time or even not making the bench.
A manager that varies the tactics and formation more regularly would be switching players around more in games, or using perhaps some sort of rotation system. Tilson does not do this. You could say he believes a lot is achieved by consistency and continuity. His approach is not right or wrong necessarily - it's just his way.
I believe that Steve's approach means he actually benefits from having a small squad, which of course also helps him build a good team spirit.
So when he says 'we are down to the bare bones' he could add - 'and that's the way I like it'.
When he does have more numbers I think he will continue to loan out those that are currently not getting games. It does not always mean they are not good enough, just that their chance of getting a start is limited at present.
A manager that varies the tactics and formation more regularly would be switching players around more in games, or using perhaps some sort of rotation system. Tilson does not do this. You could say he believes a lot is achieved by consistency and continuity. His approach is not right or wrong necessarily - it's just his way.
I believe that Steve's approach means he actually benefits from having a small squad, which of course also helps him build a good team spirit.
So when he says 'we are down to the bare bones' he could add - 'and that's the way I like it'.
When he does have more numbers I think he will continue to loan out those that are currently not getting games. It does not always mean they are not good enough, just that their chance of getting a start is limited at present.
