Williams might yet come good although early indications aren't any too promising. But there are two factors to take into consideration. The team is still getting to grips with what he expects of them and the second thing is: in recent times we've played clubs who are vastly superior to us. Those clubs have both far better players and more experienced managers, so losing to them were expected results.
But what concerns me most was the abject capitulation that happened showing a distinct, and very worrying, lack of character, fight and attitude. Those things are down to the players. If they haven't got the mental strength and moral fibre to even get stuck in when the going gets tough then we really have problems - and Williams can't inject those qualities into them.
We got what we paid for; third rate dross and it doesn't help when the manager, in various ways, hasn't shown the ability or the experience to at least make the most of what they can offer. Cullen is played out of position and usually subbed early because our featherweight midfield seem unable to create decent chances for him. Our midfield? They're a joke!! Grimes, definitely NOT captain material, invariably kills momentum with his negative passing; Fulton has become half the player he was for whatever reason; Patino has about as much punch as an emaciated child; Allen shows only a small fraction of his previous form and looks like he's here just to top up his pension and I could go on and on.......
Overall our play is slow and predictable. It's as though we paint by pre-ordained numbers devoid of any speed of thought or movement. Players just make up the numbers, go through their expected routine, without any of them showing the will or the fight to seize the game and make an impact. Of course, some of this is down to Williams and his coaches. It's part of their job to eradicate any signs of apathy and, to coin a phrase, get their players "up for it".
Hull, and even Plymouth games were encouraging and perhaps a fairer reflection of the squad's playing ability but in almost every game there are glaring examples of things that could be greatly improved. The next few games will show if Williams can handle it. Although Ipswich will be a difficult game, maybe he can recognise the qualities it takes for a team that was in League One last season to be pushing for a Premier League place this season.
