When appointed as interim manager in October, Martin O’Neill did not know how long he had in the role, so would be inclined to make few dramatic moves. This time he has a straight run until May. That gives him scope to make a sustained change.
As a manager, Martin has seen footballers decline with age, it was a feature of his last season in charge at Celtic. Much is said about the impact Henrik Larsson leaving in 2004 had on the subsequent season, but 2004-05 was also the time the years caught up with 35-year-old Paul Lambert. 33-year-old Chris Sutton also toiled, as Celtic’s engine stalled.
Goalkeepers always perform better behind a competent and settled defence. Kasper Schmeichel has not had that luxury this season, however, his decline from the excellent form he enjoyed last term is marked.
The first name on the team sheet on Saturday, will be the first big decision Martin makes in his stint as interim manager. Lessons from 2005 should inform his thinking.