Sam Ricketts: It could take up to a year for Shrewsbury players to understand systems
New boss Sam Ricketts believes it could take up to a year for Shrewsbury Town to reach a ‘formation utopia’.
Ricketts’ aim is to create a climate where players are fluently able to transfer between formations during matches.
But the Welshman concedes that such an understanding, where all players are fully on board with the roles asked of them, takes time on the training pitch.
Ricketts, who leads Town out in the league at Montgomery Waters Meadow for the first time today, wants clarity in whatever system he uses as a manager.
“I think that’s when you get to utopia, when you can switch between formations during games and the players slot into it very quickly,” said Ricketts, who lined Town up in a familiar 4-4-2 diamond last week, the system used by Danny Coyne and Eric Ramsay during the interim period.
“It’s one thing changing formation, it’s another thing working on a formation.
“Recently we’ve been playing the way we have done but it can take six to 12 months for all the players to really know each system.
“You can change formation and it can work but I like to change formation and know everyone really knows their jobs as clearly as possible.
“That takes time, building blocks are in place for that and we’ll keep edging towards that way. Right now we’ll continue like we are.”
The former Wrexham chief has been impressed with the attitude of the squad he inherited at Shrewsbury.
He believes the players are a receptive group and are willing to learn.
He continued: “What I’ve seen is a squad with a real good character and a good attitude to work hard and take on information and try to carry out that information best they can.
“That’s probably one of the most pleasing things, they’re willing to work hard and do what they’re asked.
“We have to be realistic and play to the players’ strengths. We’re a really hard-working side who will never give up.
“We will play to that with the ability we’ve got up front as well.
“They’ve been excellent, they’ve got a really good character and desire to work hard and take information. They like information. Players like clarity, being told exactly what to do and to make it as clear as possible.
“That’s certainly what’s happened in recent weeks, it makes their mind easier rather than to second-guess, it’s far clearer.”
