Southend have struggled to get their season started, with only one point in eight games so far this season.

Blues previous manager Kevin Bond tried relentlessly to get his team firing by switching up his sides formations on a number of occasions with very little success. 

Now with caretaker manager Gary Waddock in charge, the Blues are still in search for their first three points.

With that mind, we have a look at which systems have and haven’t worked in this Six Point Opinion…

Firstly, what formation were Southend playing in when they picked up their only point?

“They played in a 4-4-2, it was Waddock’s first game as caretaker manager and all the fans were mostly happy with his selection.

“They had all been so used to Bond playing experimental formations and players in all sorts of positions that just didn’t work at all.

“Going back to basics after six defeats on the bounce was what they needed and what the fans desperately wanted to happen, they only just managed to get the point though but they looked miles better.”

Why do you think Bond wanted to change the system so much?

“They haven't kept a clean sheet for eight months and Bond was weirdly fixed on the idea of getting the clean sheet before we got the win.

“It kind of made sense but it meant that they just started sitting back on the ball, they would be starting games with five or six defenders on the pitch.

“That’s when they started to let in four or three goals a game with nothing in reply.

“It was frustrating because obviously you need to be attacking to pick up points but it was almost like they were playing for a nil-nil draw.”

So what has been the worst formation Bond put them in?

“They played Blackpool at home in our second game of the season where they lost 3-1.

“They set up in 3-5-2 but with wingbacks so it was more like a 5-3-2 with five defenders and a defensive midfielder in the middle.

“So, in reality, it was a 5-1-2-2 and they just really struggled to get any kind of movement going forward, I think they only really got the goal through an own goal after they had a player sent off.”

Southend nearly won at Wycombe, was that just a fluke?

“They actually played quite well against them, Bond had set us up in a 3-5-2 with wingbacks but they were able to get forward much more.

“The back three that game were Shaughnessy, Lennon and White, which if pushed to choose is probably the best three you could go for.

So what went wrong, couldn’t that have been the turning point?

“Bond didn’t really make sense with his tactical decisions.

“They were probably playing the best we had so far in the season but then with twenty minutes to go he changes the formation which basically invited Wycombe onto us which resulted in them scoring the two goals right at the death.

“I think if they had won that game they probably would have stuck with that formation and perhaps started to have gotten something from the next games.

“But because Bond we changing the formation so much they couldn’t gel as a team, it was a different starting 11 every game.

“I don’t think their back line have played more than two games together because they were always getting mixed up.”

How do you see Southend improving from here?

“They need to stick to the basics, the 4-4-2 against Fleetwood made them look the best we have all season.

“Waddock changed it slightly for the Shrewsbury game but I can see them going back to the 4-4-2 when they next play.

“Once they settle on a formation for a couple of games and start to play the same backline together I do see them getting out of trouble.

“I don’t see them being relegated this season, it will be a tough season but I think their attacking threat will eventually get them out of trouble.

“How many times have you seen a team score six goals in two games but only get one point? It’s crazy but once they settle on a system things will hopefully start to improve.”