Aden Baldwin.

Both managers have now asked him to play as the middle CB. In possession, he’s being asked to primarily play to the RCB, LCB or DM. Or, if he has opportunity, progress the ball himself and then bring one of the midfield four into play by passing forward depending on the shape of the opposition.

Out of possession, he’s being asked to sweep up the length and breadth of the back line. When he picks the ball up, he’s either trying to move forward or has his outlet ball of going home to the GK, very rarely does he play the ball out for a throw in or dump it into a channel.

Tonight’s first goal is indicative of the title issue. His positioning is good. Looks for his options in front of him (two but there’s a Stockport player splitting them so either pass has an element of risk). He’s obviously going to play it back (right decision). Slips. Goal.

Plenty of other examples but they’re mainly variations on the above. Ultimately, where does the blame lie?

Personally, I think it’s six of one and half a dozen of the other (maybe slightly weighted toward tactical instruction).

Baldwin is making mistakes because he’s being asked to do very specific things in the singularly most important position in our tactical method. If he was doing his role expertly, he wouldn’t be playing in League Two.

I really think there’s a player in there, but he needs to be given a better tactical framework.