THE dramatic changes in style, formation and personnel at Southend should not have a lasting impact on Bury when they return home this weekend.

David Flitcroft went back to basics at Roots Hall as he bid to right the wrongs of the hammering at Shrewsbury.

Gone was the directive to play out from the back, with the ball shifted forward quickly.

It was an obvious ploy, given the dangers associated with Flickers’ admirable footballing philosophy.

But there is no reason why he should abandon his principles on home turf, where the Shakers have been in imperious form.

There is also no doubt in my mind the players will click back into the silky style that saw them wipe the floor with Portsmouth in their last game at the JD Stadium.

Players are creatures of habit, which explains why results and performances can fluctuate between home and away.

They will all have their little routines on match day, from the breakfast they eat to the journey they take to the ground and the peg they use in the dressing room.

As soon as the players pull up at their home ground, they will be reminded of recent displays and the seven successive victories they have had on home turf - any problems they have had on their travels will be forgotten.

I see nothing wrong with Flickers’ decision to change the side’s set-up at Southend - sometimes you have to do what it takes to pick up the points.

The very best managers would do the same. Anytime Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United teams went through a tricky spell, you could always trace their revival to a hard-fought 1-0 win or a scrappy draw.

The Bury boss also acted very quickly to bring in players he felt could change their fortunes.

A pattern is emerging in his signings. Flicker goes back to what he knows when making long-term recruits and is only willing to take a risk on young loan players.

I have seen quite a bit of Courtney Duffus. He certainly has pace, power and an eye for goal, but is raw. Only time will tell how he makes the step up to league football.

Tom Kennedy has worked with the Shakers manager before, so he knows exactly what he can do for the team and what type of character he is in the dressing room.

It was interesting to hear Tom’s comments on the changes that have taken place during his career, from his start at Gigg Lane to now.

There was an inference he did not always look after himself the way he should have done, but as times have changed, so has he.

Maybe now, at this late stage in his career, the penny has dropped for Tom and he can help Bury take their first steps back towards the Championship.