If the rumours we hear about Billy Sharp are true and Murph is on his way, then Done can possibly play that wide left roll?
Until we know what way Adkins will play there are numerous players who don't fit into a pattern at all - Che Adams being another.
Would like to see Che and Done in the same team as they make things happen, but up top seems a bit of a gamble - will it work, won't it work?. We have to hit the ground running come August and if we have to wait for Adkins to "decide" what his best players are and what his best formation is, then by October we will be stuffed again and give the detractors plenty of ammunition to have a go.
Square pegs in square holes and if it means some favourite players have to miss out and possibly move out because of that, then so be it. We have absolutely no place for experimentation or sympathy to some of Cloughs players.
As for Done, definitely a dilemma - Good luck Mr Adkins - one of many problems to solve.
UTB
The timing of the change of manager could have been better but it could have been a lot worse.
Any new manager has to be given time to assess the squad. Adkins will have a healthy budget to spend for this league but that's not to say he can afford to waste any money.
Can he rely on Morgan to give an objective opinion? Yes. Will that view, indeed concept of the way to play the game match his own and that of his management team? Highly unlikely, he has to judge for himself. Videos of games playing under the Clough regime were a particular way of playing - not much use now. Morgan seemed to identify with Clough and Garner and their way of playing. Or was he the man who blew the whistle in the end?
No, I'm afraid Adkins has to bide his time, work with all the squad and gradually make up his mind about which players can contribute. In truth we have numerous players in the named squad of 20 on the club website who can do a job at this level, indeed probably 18 or so, depending on your personal opinions of players. They are not so bad that they can't form a solid squad.
We do not need 4 or 5 new signings and actually only 2 would be essential - central defender and prime striker. Adkins will look at fitness records and injury prognoses and will be in no doubt which 2 signings are most needed. He will also look at the qualities and strengths of existing players and know what type of striker and central defender he needs.
We have game changers already but Clough didn't give them licence to express themselves. We do need the leader up front though and the big leader at the back.
Higdon may be the big surprise as the season unfolds but he can't be relied upon to "hit the ground running" in August. Done can do various jobs, as can Murphy and Adams. McNulty will be a different man under the different manager but again can't be relied upon to lift off straight away.
Basham can complement any new central defender, as can Collins. Kennedy will be around to contribute at the back hopefully.
Ball winning midfielder, organiser, experienced leader there? Coutts can do two of those roles. Will Adkins fancy him? Who knows, I'd guess yes. So Basham could complement him in central midfield if he has the brain and the creativity; a big "if". Basham in central midfield? You will say yes, I say no; interesting. I hope so because we are short there unless Scougall prospers. Maybe a third signing is essential but Basham does have a lot of fans in that area.
Anyway, I'm off to the lounge to watch the World Cup final. Adkins has a 3 year contract and will not rush into spending silly money. October detractors will not worry him into gambling budget away.
