A soul-sapping defeat to Blackpool started the rot with injuries and lack of confidence undoing much of the early season progress that had given hope to the long suffering fanbase. Then came QPR with Saints' calamatous defending finally getting punished and a fortuitous draw with Ipswich and dismal 0-0 with Barnsley.
The side were then outplayed by League Two Rotherham leading the manager to question his tactics and the motivation of his young squad. Dyer in particular seems to be the scapegoat for that performance with the manager soon shipping him out on loan after questioning the less than distressed reaction of certain players to the defeat.
With Holmes out injured and no standout candidate at attacking right midfield, the manager deserves credit for realising that for now the players may be better suited to 4-4-2. He has been helped by the emergence of Joseph Mills at left back, freeing up Andrew Surman to move into midfield where his wonderful left foot can have more impact.
Things are by no means secure at the back with Saints continuing to look vulnerable to both the counter and set pieces. After adopting the classic 4-4-2 maybe Poortvliet will continue his education in the English game, having already signed in a big man up front in Robertson, and bring in a no-nonsense centre half to dish out some punishment to the opposition, a major priority with Svensson struggling and Wayne Thomas out injured.
In truth the defence need better cover from midfield as despite the sometime fluity of their attacking play, they are an accident waiting to happen defending with players out of position and often caught too far up field.
It is worth remembering that Saints are three unbeaten, but are a long way from top form and Norwich will provide a far sterner test at home than luckless Doncaster away.
If Saints can somehow earn a win, then slowly, but surely the confidence can return and we can start enjoying the development of the youngsters again. Maybe then we can see a return to Plan A - Total Football - but for now traditional Plan B - 4-4-2 - looks a far safer bet.