I keep reading about our model being to buy players to fit into a set style of play based upon 352 and this being in place since the Patrick Cryne days. Is this really the case? If we know this as fans, doesn't it makes us easier to play against as opponents know what to expect and unless we have the best players in the league, we will more often than not, get found out? In our last successful season 2018/2019. Didn't we play 442? Admittedly we had some of the best player in that league that season, but it shows that being flexible with formations is a requirement. If only we had the spirit shared between that squad of players and the fans now. But they played exciting, attacking football. They had a few off days, but we overcame those. What a season that was under Stendel. 442 with Potts or Brown on the wing, neither were the quickest, but worked their socks off and were rewarded. If only we had half that spirit nowadays.
We had a great "spine" that season. Davies - Pinnock - Mowatt - Moore We were found out at the back a few times but had the ability to score through our attacking outlook.
Playing 352 hasn't been here since the cryne days. Stenel played 442. Hecky played 442 and 451 after Connor was sold. So that parts just not true.
This all started with Ismael who adopted a 3-4-3 then all managers since have been appointed as they played a similar formation previously.
I don’t necessarily mind 3-5-2 but I’ll be honest, I’m bored of watching us play it now. 4-3-3 has always been my preferred formation as it allows us width up top. At the minute, our width is reliant on our wing backs and it’s a lot for them to get up and down the pitch all game. I miss players that pick up the ball and want to run at the opposition. Jalo could be that but it’s obviously early days for him. I’m not sure what formation Northampton will play on Saturday, maybe I should’ve looked, but I’d hazard a guess it won’t be one that will require us to play 3 centre halves. The formation, at least it used to be, is fine for away matches where teams attack us a bit more but at home against teams that sit deep, having 3 centre defenders just isn’t needed in my opinion.
Don't know why folk get hung up on formations. Games are not rigid they heb and flow Remember Andy Ritchie saying.. you only play 3 center backs when the two you have arent good enough. And it wastes a more attacking option as well We and other club change formations through out the game every game.. That's the head coaches main job on match days seeing whats working and changing it if it's not.. and out smarting his counterpart. Like when Mr C was out smarted by Gary Monk.. Cambridge didn't have one player that would have got in our side but still won 2-0.. we ran out of ideas and couldn't break them down .
Our most successful season of late was in a back 3 under Val. I don't think the formation is the main issue. It's how we are setting up and the personnel we have at our disposal. As others have said. We lack pace, especially at the back. Lots of top sides play with a back 3 and loads in the EFL do too. We are just playing it badly. We can't change to 442 or 443 with the current crop either as that would be even worse than now.
