I think there was some encouraging stuff last month and it really was fine lines between winning and losing for a few of our games. The game against Fulham, we could have drawn or even lost, but the two games against Villa and away at Chelsea, we could have got at least a draw if not better.
The Potter Effect: Tactical Flexibility
The most positive thing I’ve noticed since Potter arrived is that he’s willing to change things during the game if it’s not working. As a manager, you’ll always have a plan before a game but if you see something in the game where it’s not working, then you should have that ability to change it and be comfortable with what you’re doing. He’s still finding his feet at West Ham and the players are getting to know how he wants to play, but I think performances have got better. It’ll be interesting to see what will happen when the injured players come back and are fit and raring to go. That’s what all managers want. They want to have all their best players to choose from and then it’s down to them how they use their players accordingly.
Bowen’s Return and the Training Ground Advantage
Bowen’s return to not only the squad but the starting line-up against Chelsea was a pleasant surprise, and a much-needed boost, especially scoring straight away. After going out in the third round against Villa, we had the weekend off during the fourth round weekend, which would’ve given Potter the chance to get stuff done on the training ground. Now, we’ll only know if it was an advantage to not have had a match when we face up against Brentford. Ultimately if we get beat then people will say, it wasn’t really a benefit.
Man Management in a Hectic Schedule
Going back to the start and it was tough for Potter with three games within a week or so. He may have had knowledge of certain players in the squad when he arrived and thoughts about that first game but he didn’t have much time with the players in that first week as the games came thick and fast. I suspect it would’ve been more about man management than anything else.
Striker Solutions: The Evan Ferguson Factor
With the January transfer window, I think everyone knew that we were desperate for a striker so it was good that we brought in someone, even if it was just on loan, But I do think Evan Ferguson could be good for us. I think if he’s fit and raring to go, that’s going to be a good addition. I’ve seen him when he’s played for Brighton and as we know, with youngsters, they can come in and be a breath of fresh air but for him now, it’s finding that consistency. He’s had a couple of injuries that have knocked him back a little bit and it’s all about finding that confidence again. Hopefully he can find that quite quickly.
A Welcome Return for Ward-Prowse
I also think it was a good move for all parties to bring James Ward Prowse back from his loan at Forest. We needed bodies and he can come in and try his hardest again, knowing that he’s got a new manager in there that may give him a chance if he performs on the training pitch.
Building Momentum for the Run-In
Now that the window is shut, we’ve got to get on with who we have until the end of the season and hopefully in the summer, recruit again. The key thing for Potter now is to start building momentum, and getting the fans behind the team before the next international break which will be here before we know it.
A Familiar Face at Goodison
Finally, David Moyes was unveiled as Everton’s new manager last month. It felt like the right place, right time for him and Everton. He’s gone in and appears to have done the business for them, and good luck to him.
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