Chris Taylor (pictured) is a lad who cuts inside because he's right footed and it is his natural instinct to do so. For me he's just wasted on the left-hand side. You cannot judge the lads ability when he is stuck on the left-hand side. Okay he has played in that position for a long time now, however he aint got a left foot to use so will come inside. This fact coupled with the fact that now opposition defences are aware that letting him have time with the ball he will cut them to ribbons, so generally he has two players on him at all times. To properly assess Taylor's ability and development he should be be stuck on the right instead of Liddell. I dont have a problem with Liddell at all, though I know others do. However for me he does not pose a threat anymore, he cannot get past people and so the crosses are always over the top onto the centre back's heads usually.
For me, move Taylor over to the right side and let him work with Eardley. Both of these young lads have pace and can work well together. With Eardley not then being afraid to overlap, as he knows Taylor can cover him, he has the pace to get back if it breaks down, whereas with Liddell I always feel Eardley doesnt feel he can bomb on to much as Liddell hasn't got the legs to cover him. This would obviously leave a hole on the left side of midfield then.
Right now I would put Bertrand on the left midfield as the lad has pace but for me is too lightweight in defence. Then pop Hazell into the left-back slot to add some solidity as left-back. I did think this is what would happen when we signed Hazell, or at least he was the left back. I couldn't get to the game on Saturday but was surprised to see he was in the team instead of Trotman.
Another problem for me is Sheridan says one thing about giving the youngsters a chance but he actually doesn't. Trotman came in and did a job and then he gets dropped for the Southend game. How will that lad feel? He has done all that is asked of him and then gets dropped straight away through no fault of his own.
Wolfenden is not given any chance at all. It was menat to be a big season for him, make or break but the lad can't even get a game to show what he can or cannot do despite how poorly Ricketts has played. Shez would also prefer to put Hughes fresh out of a 3 year stretch in the clink into the team instead of a player who's done it at the youth and reserves. He's trained all pre-season and will give you 100% effort. For me that is poor man management and not a great message to give to the younger players.
That said, I believe Sheridan is the man for the team and should be given a chance to get them going again. He just needs to stop putting players in because they are his big names. He should make them work in the reserves to earn a chance to play in the first team and reward those who show they are committed and will do the job asked of them.