I agree with what you say JD but I don't think we are going to see any major changes both in starting personel or tactics this season. Maybe Rickie might tinker with the front guys...get Sanchez in there but realistically who else in this squad would change things up?. Fenton and Boyd have looked lively when they come on but they both are just kids...in their development stage. Both have been guilty of wasting scoring opportunities. I would rather chances on goals went to Steiny or Brockie....OK they both have also blazed shots wide but percentage wise they are our best bets.
The trouble with getting Sanchez in is it will take him a while to get up to match speed. Don't expect big things from him straight up. I do like the prospect of him and Steiny linking up though.
I can't believe that some of the press are calling for Steiny to be dropped because he has been ineffective....what bollocks. He was our best player against WS. He is technically the best forward we have had(IMO) You could build your attack around him if you had the right players and tactics. Its not his fault the midfield couldn't pass wind! He spent much of the Sydney game with his arm in the air begging for the ball....
Realisticaly Rickie is more likely to be MORE conservative going to Adelaide. He is NOT going to sign Clapham, he is not going to change his approach. We have been watching him coach for six years now. Does anyone really expect that anything will change that much?
There are comfort zones and then there are comfort traps. Like Arsenal with Wenger, I think the Phoenix are in a rut because of the limited ability of their "safe" coach. He's too stubborn for me because Ricki tends to replace like with like. As you say, he'll tinker but not change anything. After six years of basically mediocracy, it's time for a shakeup. You loyal Phoenix supporters deserve better.