Plan B or not Plan B? That is the question - Eddie Howe addresses huge concern of Newcastle United fans
Newcastle United fans have been a frustrated bunch for most of this season, having watched their beloved club stumble through the campaign.
Just looking at Newcastle's away form is enough to justify the strange feeling around Tyneside that has fans divided on the future of Eddie Howe.
Some want instant change, expecting that a new manager will bring fresh ideas and a much-needed change, while others are willing to stick with Howe to get us through this poor for,m as he has done in the past.
One thing that both sets of fans can probably agree on, however, is that there is an apparent lack of a Plan B with the team and that our substitutions seem to be planned rather than reactive.
Eddie Howe doens't want to confuse his players with new tactics
The Chronicle's Lee Ryder took one for the team this morning in asking Howe about the lack of a Plan B, and it's safe to say the question struck a nerve with the Newcastle boss. Although it also came along with a criticism of the team's display against Burnley, which is probably what got the gaffer's back up.
On the lack of a Plan B, Howe offered up the following explanation:
“But with Plan Bs, it’s always difficult. If you have too many Plan Bs it means your Plan A is flawed, and your players are thinking what’s next rather than trying to deliver Plan A to the best of their ability.
“We have lots of ways of playing, but within the structure and the principles of what we believe in. I see countless managers asked about Plan Bs, but you have to be careful. We have a very strong plan for every situation, we just need to deliver it better.”
Is It time to change Plan A?
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It has worked well so far, so why change?36%
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Something has to change64%
We aren't saying we want a Plan B, just a Plan A that works
Maybe, just maybe, the current Plan A is flawed, though. Something isn't working; it's clear for anyone to see that.
There is undoubtedly a lot more that goes into the team setup than simply picking the players and the formation, but there rarely seems to be much deviation from the 4-3-3 and the same style, and there's a feeling that it has just got a bit old.
We have said a few times this season that we feel like we've become predictable in how we play, and teams have worked out how to nullify our attack. We don't want a handbook of plans B to Z, but it may be time to refresh Plan A.
