Nottingham Forest 0

Leed 1
Stach 88

HERE WE GO AGAIN

We've been trying to work out what people mean when they talk about Glasner's system. It's taken a while, but we think we've uncovered his secret plan.

First, pick the wrong starting eleven. Despite all evidence to the contrary, rely on McAtee and Ndoye to pretend they are more effective than flies hitting a windscreen. Instruct the players to spend most of the first half drifting in and out of a coma, passing sloppily, hoofing pointlessly, losing duels, trying to get sent off, failing to carry any weight up front, failing to press properly, failing to appreciate the predictable dynamics of moving objects, and generally looking uncomfortable in their own skin. The plan to start improving towards the end of the first half comes with the condition that all efforts to cross or shoot should be appalling or at best hit the woodwork.

The half time bollocking should be delivered in an infrequently used German dialect so that the players have no idea what they are doing but at least put in a lot more effort doing it. Accordingly the second half is approached with greater determination and the more consistent application of basic skills, even if this leads to a dangerously open game at times. Increased pressure on the opposition should not, however, result in better finishing.

The third part of the cunning plan involves the belated introduction of Schlager and Netz, and these additions, with Williams moving to the right, produce a more balanced and effective unit, so effective that the Forest rearguard will go to sleep and concede a ridiculously simple goal.

Such was the plan, and it worked perfectly. The plan was simple, but the reasons for it were more complicated. Some have suggested that the less than satisfactory display was Glasner's way of appealing for some much needed signings, especially up front. Some have suggested that Glasner is simply unimaginative and slow to learn. Some have suggested that his face is made of plasticene, but that's just silly.

Whatever, there seemed little discernible difference between Glasner's Forest and the Forest of last season. But these are early days. We feel sure that Glasner's system will become clearer and more productive as the season wears on.



And on.