Reading v Rotherham United: Matt Hamshaw aims to get funky to continue Millers' encouraging run
Reading v Rotherham United TALK of funky field settings is likely to fill the air in the coming days and weeks during England's Ashes cricket campaign in Australia.
Thinking 'outside of the box' and being creative in order to get results in another pressurised sporting situation is something occupying the thoughts of Matt Hamshaw this weekend.
With his options stretched at the minute, more especially in the forward department where his side could be down to the bare bones with their absentee count including talismanic striker Sam Nombe, Millers chief Hamshaw is likely to have to come up with something different to test Reading's backline and provide a genuine offensive threat.
In fairness, he has shown his tactical acumen on the road of late, more especially in terms of his tactics in the second half of the win at Northampton Town last month.
Hamshaw, whose side are unbeaten in their past three away matches, taking a commendable seven points from the last nine, said: "It's not easy and I'll not know until Saturday at five o'clock if I've got it right or wrong. But we have a plan, we have a way of working.
"Every game is different. We have certain things that underpin us that will always be there, but there will be certain times in different games where we have to adapt to stop the opposition.
"I think that's one thing the group are really getting better at. It can take some 'buying in' from the group.
"I think the beauty of the group I've got is that they all understand each other's roles. You've seen Joe Powell play left wing-back and Jordan Hugill play centre-half and a number of players play out of position.
"With the work we've done pre-season, the work we've done at the training ground, they understand what it is we need in an out of possession."
The absence of Nombe, who has been laid low by his second injury of the campaign is something Hamshaw could have well done without.
He added: "Sam and I have got a really good relationship - I've got a good relationship with the majority of players here - and I know how disappointed Sam is. I've had to pick him up these last few days.
"That's important. I understand it because he's desperate to do well for the club, he's desperate to score goals."