The Gambler

 

You've got know when to hold 'em

Know when to fold 'em

Know when to walk away and

Know when to run.

Bill Shankly was probably the first manager to be acknowledged as knowing when to change his team around before it became obvious to others that they had gone stale. He famously did it first following defeat by Watford in the F.A. Cup in the 1960's, but that was not the only time it happened.

Alex Ferguson also knew when the time was right to despatch Paul Ince for the good of the team and later David Beckham for the benefit of the club.

The new regime at Liverpool last season quickly made the decision to dismiss the unpopular Roy Hodgson and replace him with the fans' choice in Kenny Dalglish. They also decided to cash in on the non-performing Torres and replace him with two young English internationals with lots of potential.

Once the feel good factor returns to a club, the fans will quickly get behind the team and a momentum can quickly build, but you have to take something of a gamble to make this happen.

Harry Redknapp did it when he came to Tottenham, as he quickly reversed their fortunes with a little tampering of the squad.

Only this week, Alex Ferguson kept Carrick, Hernandez and Berbatov on the bench while he played Wellbeck, Cleverley and Anderson in possibly the youngest United team to have played in the Premiership. From being loanees last season, Wellbeck and Cleverley suddenly looked £20 million worth of talent.

Currently Arsenal and Everton are in a similar situation where they need to decide whether to make decisive moves.

Arsenal, to spend money they have received from transfers to bolster positions in the squad where they are obviously lacking;

Everton, to accept lucrative offers for players and clear some of the debt, whilst bringing through impressive young players, promoting other members of the squad, and signing a forward.

Sometimes you have to make crucial decisions which could become a watershed for the club.