Simple Stuff

It's been a while since we've had lots of attacking options. Both Ryan Smith and David Martin have flair, pace, skill and a wicked left foot - the four ingredients that are essential for any winger.

And even better perhaps we have Kenny Jackett, a simple footballing man who likes to build from the back, pass down the wings and then cross to the strikers. He knows that with the current squad, playing four-four-two will yield the most success.

It's the classic cliché, but it's a proven one too - do the basics well and you won't go far wrong within reason. It's what Jackett preaches to the players day and night, during interviews and probably in the middle of matches.

But it works. And this simple tactic, fully mastered, will lay down the solid foundations that promotion and future progression demand.

There was a point earlier this season where it was hard to pin down the exact problem within the team. However, each Millwall player on their day can be a match winner.

Kenny Jackett has highlighted not just to us but probably to the rest of the squad that we are not a bad side. Employ the correct mind set and tactics that suit what we've got and stick with it.

But for the first time since he took over, Jackett now has a real mind boggler before each match that could tempt him to tinker with his starting line-up.

With Ryan Smith fast returning to full match fitness, new signing Dave Martin's place in the team is no longer certain, despite an impressive start to his career in South London.

And that's how it should be. Every single player should be looking over their shoulder and pushing themselves each week to ensure they'll be playing in the next game.

Having options is never a bad thing and although I'd hate a Benitez-style rotation system Jackett should never, ever, have his favourites.

Players should be picked on merit and how they train during the week and not on friendship. As I'm sure you will agree, Alan Dunne deteriorated rapidly under Willie Donachie because of this.

So as long as Kenny continues in his current vain, success doesn't look far off. It's a refreshingly simple way of management and it's one that Millwall have been crying out for.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.

Join the Vital Fantasy Football League - its Free!