Kenny Rogers sang it well - you've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold, em... and half time in football is when the manager plays some of his big chips!

It is such a tricky period for a head coach - do you make tactical changes, substitutions even. A period of calm reflection or get stuck into them with an almighty rant. These are the choices

As the manager walks down the tunnel the thoughts that have been forming in their mind in the previous half begin to crystallise and the decision of what to do next are pressing

Do you need to change the mindset of the players? Change the game plan or change the players? Is the formation right? What will our opponent do?

All of these are options and of course there are others also adding their opinion into the mix. Coaches who may see other elements of the game, medics advising on player injuries, performance staff looking at the capacity of some players to last the pace!

Maintain the status quo MAY work but you have to also be prepared that the other coach may also make changes to how they face the second half.

In essence its often the strategies set out in the 5mins before the players leave that will effect the game - that is if the players actually follow the instructions!