How on earth he can come up with such a decision after watching 15 minutes of football is quite frankly staggering.
Personally, i thought the first half performance on Saturday, using 442, was the most solid we have looked at home all season. We also created a whole host of chances that we either wasted or were denied by excellent goalkeeping. The fact that we went in at the break 1-0 down was not due to the formation. The blame in this instance lies with the turnip employed between the sticks.
There is no doubting Merson's quality. He displayed this when he came on for the second half and we went back to the diamond formation (we'll overlook the numerous stray passes as he at least attempts to move the play forward - unlike Osborn).
Unfortunately, the introduction of the gaffer resulted in the game opening up. History will show that we went on to snatch a draw but it could have been very different. Bradford, largely frozen out of the first half, exploited the midfield gaps created by the change. If they had taken the three opportunities that came their way we could have been well and truly buried.
The only way forward in my opinion is a standard 442. Decide on a formation and stick to it. It is the managers job then to get the necessary players to fill the available slots.
Twice we managed promotion from this league using a rigid 442 under Graydon. We were also promoted from division 3 with a counter attacking 442 under Nicholl.
During a game, if things aren't going according to plan, then the gaffer always has the option of bringing himself on. However, i can't see Merson being able to play in all of our home matches next year so now is the time to develop the team ready for next seasons promotion push.
I really cannot see the point in Merson playing out the rest of the season employing a system that is designed for his inclusion only.
We are Walsall, not Real Madrid.