I agree on Gaskell. But I don't think the problem you highlight with playing players out of positions will be solved by playing more players out of position.
To improve Saints need to:
1 - Be better prepared mentally. We were beaten from the kick off by Wigan. They were more aggressive and had more desire to win than we did. Motivation is a massive part of top level sport and it's something we're lacking in. There is no spirit in the team now Graham has left. I find the choice of Wellens as captain hard to take given how he behaves and I'm surprised the likes of Cunningham and Rush continually fail to properly motivate them for a derby game.
2 - Be better coached. This won't happen until Brown arrives. Wigan showed what we need to become if we're to be successful again. Fast line speed in defense, numbers in the tackle, aggression and fight as the tackle is completed. The first thing I'd have them doing this week is attacking the standing leg on the held call. Wigan have done this since Maguire came over and it gives them an extra 5-6 seconds per play the ball. Our line speed is slow and uneven, with our middle often waiting for them to come at us, which makes the short balls and steps deadly. In attack we need to copy their set moves and the number of bodies they have in motion. Our attack is lazy, unplanned and there are very few runners, which makes us very predictable.
3 - Pick the halves Brown wants at play them now. He doesn't seem to rate Hohaia and has questioned his selection in the halves on Sky this year, so move him to a more appropriate position now. Like 9 from the bench. If Gaskell is leaving and another 6 being brought in, as is rumoured, then why not play Swift or another junior to give them experience? Even Wheeler as he's proven now that he can't play centre.
4 - Pick the fullback Brown wants and play them now. Some of you are still in denial about this, but Wellens is finished. He no longer contributes anything in attack or defense and is a very poor choice as captain. Brown cannot seriously see him as the fullback for next season, as he seems to acknowledge the role and importance of the fullback in the modern game. His comments about Eden's attributes would lead me to think he wouldn't stick with Wellens. But there is no evidence the club sees it that way and there are rumours he's been offered a 1 or 2 year deal to stay. We've all mentioned Makinson or Lomax as possibilities for the role, but neither are given any time there so it's questionable whether the club can see beyond Wellens.