John Fleck has been a key part of the Sheffield United team over the last few years but this season he has perhaps not had the same kind of impact he would have wanted - and new assistant boss Stuart McCall has told Yorkshire Live he feels the player just needs a boost.
The 30-year-old has still been a mainstay in the side this year but has only managed one goal so far this campaign with no assists and, at times, has looked a shadow of his former self.
The same could be said about the Blades in general, with the second tier side falling into the Premier League and so far failing to mount much of a challenge to the top six places in the division.
It has ultimately led to Paul Heckingbottom with Stuart McCall alongside him to try and change the fortunes of the Bramall Lane outfit - and the duo will be desperate to try and get the side back up towards the promotion places as soon as they can.
One player that could benefit from a change in management is Fleck. The Scotland man has been solid in the centre of the field for the Blades and has been one of the best at the entire club over the last few seasons.
The midfielder though has perhaps not hit the same heights - and McCall has now revealed to Yorkshire Live that he feels the player could be low on confidence and that he will be eager to give him a boost when he returns to action.
He said: "I watched his interview before the Blackpool game before we played United.
"He was saying he can do better and when I was watching that interview I was thinking 'that's someone who is lacking a bit of confidence'. Once I got this chance I thought right I'll get in and give him a little cuddle."
Fleck then could be a player transformed in the second half of the campaign.
The Verdict
John Fleck remains an absolutely solid player for club and country and is certainly just short of a bit of confidence. The rest of his team is on the same page and just need a bit of a boost in order to challenge at the top again.
A new manager and a change of style could certainly get them back into gear. So far they have looked okay and they are now closing in on the top half of the table too which is good news.
They should also soon have a January window under their belt where they can continue to sort out the squad.
If that goes according to plan, then they could certainly challenge in the second half of the campaign. Alternatively, there's every chance it could backfire and affect them negatively too.