Wing-Backs...?

[Fonda]

Is it time for a return to the Hodges-favoured 3 at the back, which served us so well in 98? We seem to have reasonable strength in the middle of the pitch, but little in the wide areas. Always thought it sensible to play to the strengths of the players you have, rather than trying to fit the players you have into the formation you favour.

------------------Olejnik
---------Robbo----Saah----Ellis
Leadbitter -- Manse ---- Oastler -- Nicho
-------------------O’Kane
----------------Kee-----Howe

Obvious concerns would be the slightly negative look – there are no less than 7 ‘defensive minded’ players in that line-up (not including the keeper). And Nicho’s ability to cover that much ground every week would be a potential issue (though LRT could step in when needed).

On to the positives, it is a very solid looking side. I couldn’t see that team taking too many hidings, and if safety is what we’re aiming for, it ticks the boxes. It would also get the very best out of Eunan – with him being the creator (in the middle of the pitch) without having to worry too much about defensive work. It would also negate the need to select any of our wide players – none of whom are consistent enough to warrant regular selection.

Thoughts?

[RussianGull]

I like that but Nico just doesn't have the legs for it. Been impressed with LRT when he's taken the ball on a run, would like to see him play as a wing back. Would look to fit Nico in somewhere else

[brucie]

Fonda- having seen last nights Tiverton game, you seem to have struck a note of genius. If you look at my team on the Tiverton thread, i have included all the players (with the exception of Leadbitter who isn't first team material at the moment).
Our strength is in defence no doubt about it - I would go with your team definately.

[JamieE]

That team does have a very solid look to it and it could be an option in away games. I think it's far too negative to play at home. It also lacks a huge amount of pace.

I'll reserve judgement on the quality of our wingers until we sign a lefty. If he is good enough, surely one of Stevens, Macklin or Halpin can step up to the plate. Can't they??

[Wubble U]

Looks a great option on paper, and really utilises the strengths in the squad

3 good centre backs in Robbo Ellis and Saah, whereas it's be a shame that one would be warming the bench in a 4-4-2 (or played out of position like Roboo ant RB)
Leadbitter's pace up and down the right is perfect. And Manse could quite comfortably play this role, haveing switched between Midfield and RB most his career.
Like others have said, can't see Nico getting up and down the left all game without a large dose of class A drugs. But LRT looks suited to this role.
The freedom it would create for O'Kane would really make the best out of his creativity, with 2 solid CMs holding behind him.

I think you've struck gold there Fonda! I'd love to see it tried out at least in a PSF.
Although I seem to remember an interview where Ling summarised his preferred formations and he didn't seem to favour the 3-5-2. (think it was straight 4-4-2 or an interchanging 4-5-1 to 4-3-3)

[leetufc]

Have actually been thinking something similar myself over the last few days. We lack great strength on the wings, and because we possess good fullbacks who can go forward, having them combine the two aspects would make a lot of sense to me. It would also negate the issue of which two of our three centre backs start each week. I reckon that team would do a good job at league two level and maybe something Ling may try out in one of the friendlies, though he apparently favours the traditional 4-4-2 formation.

My only issues in choosing it would be Nicho's legs week in week out, though LRT can come in, and the negative aspect of the formation. Personally I don't mind about those issues and would like to see this at least given some thought and a run out in one of our coming games.

[Regiment]

good shout fonda. but your credibility is in free fall now, as the brucie has agreed with you !!

in fairness, i think we're all in agreement that it is worth a try. play to your strengths and all that. only downside is as everyone has said, Nico wouldn't be ideal in that role. i think he has the stamina, but not the pace, although his delivery is so good, he wouldn't have to go the full "getting to the byline" route. he could get away with a more advanced full back position i'd imagine. LRT could definitely do the job, but Nico gives us extra options in terms of long throws, corners, free kicks etc, it would be a brave decision to leave him out. although relying on one player to do all that isn't ideal, so maybe some of the others could spread that work between them (Robbo has a decent throw, and i'm sure the likes of Eunan, Billy,, Oastler & McPhee could work the rest out between them).

i think they should at least look at the formation in training, and give it a go in a PSF if the players are comfortable with it.

this is all assuming we don't sign a decent left sided winger in the meantime of course.

[ferrarilover]

Well, ok, given the Nico's natural lack of fitness issue, perhaps a traditional 4-4-2 with Nico at left-back, Eunan and Oastler in the middle, with Manse and LRT as widemen.

I know this means Leadbitter missing out, and a weak starting right winger AND turning LRT from a left back into a left winger, but I'm not sure this is too much of an issue.

----------------------------------------------- Bobby
Robbo ---------------------------Saah ---------------------------Ellis-------------------------Nico


Manse--------------------------- Eunan--------------------------JOastler--------------------LRT



-------------------------------------Billy ----------------------- Howe








Matt.

[TCP]

Ling teams are either a flat 4-4-2 or 4-3-3.

Wing-backs is something he doesn't seem remotely keen on.

[Fonda]

Well, ok, given the Nico's natural lack of fitness issue, perhaps a traditional 4-4-2 with Nico at left-back, Eunan and Oastler in the middle, with Manse and LRT as widemen.

I know this means Leadbitter missing out, and a weak starting right winger AND turning LRT from a left back into a left winger, but I'm not sure this is too much of an issue.

Bobby
Robbo Saah Ellis Nico


Manse Eunan JOastler LRT



Billy Howe








Matt.

Nicho would prefer that I’m sure, but it falls into the category of ‘squeezing the players you have into the formation you prefer’ for me. I think there are 3 players in that formation that aren’t in their ‘preferred’ position. It would be solid for sure, but with two wide-men that aren’t necessarily attack orientated, and with Eunan asked to do more ‘donkey work’ in the middle of the pitch, I think we’d find creating chances very difficult with that set up.

[ferrarilover]

Very true Shane, it's not a line up I would be pleased to see, but it was the closest version of the team in the OP that I could find which solved all the initial problems (mainly, Nico).

Like you, I don't see that XI scoring many goals, due to a frightening lack of pace (LRT is quick, but not a real winger, so he would be a bit like Macklin, a very fast donkey).

Back to the drawing board.

Matt.

[tufcbrett]

If we havent got any decent wingers then we should play 4-3-3

Bobby

Leadbitter Saah Robbo Nicho

Mansell Oastler
O'Kane

Howe Kee Atieno

The backline do what ever, im happy with who ever as we are strong there.
But i think the 4-3-3 could work as Oastler and Mansell could hold the team in the centre, with one sitting ect to give extra cover to the back 4.
With O'kane given more of a free role to go where ever to do what he does best.
Then up top with i would say 2 quick hard working players in Howe and Atieno who both will come back for the ball and will happily beat players.
Leaving Billy to sit on the last man as such and finish off a move if the ball come shis way.

[Fonda]

The only problem i see with that set up, much like at the end of Buckles tenure, there is nothing to come off the bench with things aren't going so well. How would you change that if we found ourselves chasing the game?

[samgull]

I think a major factor has been overlooked with this 3-5-2 formation and that is if it was employed then we would not have sufficient back-up in the CB dept, but that is not to say I don't like it also the is you remember when Hodges played that formation we had paul gibbs and andy gurney as our 1st choice wing backs and gurney was a similar player to nicholson in the respect that he did not have the pace but had the delivery so when using 3-5-2 our wing-backs wil have the 3 CB's behind them and the added extra of the 2 DM's........ but hey only my thoughts.

[Trojan 67]

The dark years of David Webb followed by the first great escape of 1987.

Then along comes a former Tottenham leftback with 5-3-2.

Nice one Cyril.