Just go to a back 4

[Smirth]

Seems that some of the logic is that we were bad with a back 4 last season, so we will always be bad in a back 4.

Even under Wilder we would often switch to a back 4 during the game, particularly when searching for a goal, so the players can play it. This is my main concern about Heckingbottom as a manager - he seems to lack tactical flexibility within games and does not deviate from his favoured system, even when faced with an injury crisis as we are at the moment, or when the preferred formation isn't working.

We created very little on Saturday, I would have expected us to change our system when this became apparent, but we didn't. Maybe had we not scored when we did the plan was to shift to a back 4 - we'll never know. But I'd like to see more flexibility from the dugout, rather than sticking with the same formation even when it clearly isn't working.

 

[ChemEngBlade]

I got a bollocking for suggesting this on Twitter. It makes sense to me at this point to swap to a 4, whilst we have so many defenders out

For crying out loud, we haven’t got the players fit for a back 5, let’s stop with the square pegs in round holes until we have. Playing a back 4 is the system you’re brought up with as a defender, if you can’t play that then you should pack it in.

Until Anel or another left back is fit, let’s just go to a back 4.
Baldock/Bogle - Basham - Egan - RND.

Khadra is NOT a wing back, Bogle can’t play it because he’s very right footed. Let’s stop trying to force it and let’s go back to basics.

Even when we’re chasing a game like yesterday we didn’t once abandon the 5 at the back. It’s like a noose around our neck at times. We need a bit of flexibility, we’ve got too many good forward players not to have.

 

[LewishamBlade]

Seems that some of the logic is that we were bad with a back 4 last season, so we will always be bad in a back 4.

Even under Wilder we would often switch to a back 4 during the game, particularly when searching for a goal, so the players can play it. This is my main concern about Heckingbottom as a manager - he seems to lack tactical flexibility within games and does not deviate from his favoured system, even when faced with an injury crisis as we are at the moment, or when the preferred formation isn't working.

We created very little on Saturday, I would have expected us to change our system when this became apparent, but we didn't. Maybe had we not scored when we did the plan was to shift to a back 4 - we'll never know. But I'd like to see more flexibility from the dugout, rather than sticking with the same formation even when it clearly isn't working.

Exactly. We were bad with it last season, with quite a different lineup. A different way of playing. A different manager. Doyle and Berge are more than capable in a midfield 3 with Norwood and now we have the wingers to play it.

Also, we have 2 players who are more suited to being traditional full backs than wing backs in my opinion. That’s important.

 

[robbiez666]

If Gordon is so far off that we'd rather play a left winger with no defensive ability as a LWB, then it's pointless him being on the bench.

Makes sense to play Baldock on the left and Bogle on the right if that is the case. If not, why move several players when you could have just swapped Anel for Gordon?

 

[bakeblade]

If Gordon is so far off that we'd rather play a left winger with no defensive ability as a LWB, then it's pointless him being on the bench.

Makes sense to play Baldock on the left and Bogle on the right if that is the case. If not, why move several players when you could have just swapped Anel for Gordon?

I reckon Gordon will come in tomorrow and Bash moved to LCB.
Anel will probably be out until after Stoke, so we need to keep the same back line for that game

 

[Sharrowblade]

Don't understand this thread at all.

If we have 4 fully fit defenders only, ......why would you want to go to a back 4. Its not logical.

It doesn't work, as others have pointed out, Egan isn't comfortable playing in a back 4 and he's the defensive linchpin.

 

[3Cheers4Ramirez]

Seems that some of the logic is that we were bad with a back 4 last season, so we will always be bad in a back 4.

Even under Wilder we would often switch to a back 4 during the game, particularly when searching for a goal, so the players can play it. This is my main concern about Heckingbottom as a manager - he seems to lack tactical flexibility within games and does not deviate from his favoured system, even when faced with an injury crisis as we are at the moment, or when the preferred formation isn't working.

We created very little on Saturday, I would have expected us to change our system when this became apparent, but we didn't. Maybe had we not scored when we did the plan was to shift to a back 4 - we'll never know. But I'd like to see more flexibility from the dugout, rather than sticking with the same formation even when it clearly isn't working.

Wilder's willingness to change formation, especially mid game, is arguably what got us over the line in 2019, and PH's lack of flexibility with this is what might cost us this time

 

[LewishamBlade]

Don't understand this thread at all.

If we have 4 fully fit defenders only, ......why would you want to go to a back 4. Its not logical.

It doesn't work, as others have pointed out, Egan isn't comfortable playing in a back 4 and he's the defensive linchpin.

4 into 5 doesn't go, what do you suggest?

 

[BushBlade]

Seems that some of the logic is that we were bad with a back 4 last season, so we will always be bad in a back 4.

Even under Wilder we would often switch to a back 4 during the game, particularly when searching for a goal, so the players can play it. This is my main concern about Heckingbottom as a manager - he seems to lack tactical flexibility within games and does not deviate from his favoured system, even when faced with an injury crisis as we are at the moment, or when the preferred formation isn't working.

We created very little on Saturday, I would have expected us to change our system when this became apparent, but we didn't. Maybe had we not scored when we did the plan was to shift to a back 4 - we'll never know. But I'd like to see more flexibility from the dugout, rather than sticking with the same formation even when it clearly isn't working.

We tended to have JOC available when we switched to a back four under Wilder. I don’t think many people would have a problem if we played JOC and Egan in a back four, I think, with Baldock and RND as full backs, it would be fairly solid.
But that’s not what’s being suggested, it’s Basham and Egan and I don’t think Bash plays well at this level in a four.

If Hecky has a weakness, I’d agree he’s not a brilliant tactician at times but his options are very limited at the moment due to the number of injuries. If Bash was out instead of Anel, he might have tried Anel and Egan in a four but I suspect he’s not confident with Bash and Egan as a two. If so, why would he switch to a back four when he thinks it won’t work? Do things like that, it’s easy to start losing the confidence of your players and if that happens, he’s fucked.

As Wilder has just found out, as Slav found out, if you pick a system that doesn’t get the best out of your players, you lose games, then you get sacked. It’s very fine margins in this league.

 

[LewishamBlade]

Risking a players who’s been fit for… 30 minutes in his first start in 8 months. On the wrong side of the defence.

Anything for the system

 

[Nightsweats]

Risking a players who’s been fit for… 30 minutes in his first start in 8 months. On the wrong side of the defence.

Anything for the system

Bash and Egan twin CBs. Just give them the 3 points.

 

[jt64]

Risking a players who’s been fit for… 30 minutes in his first start in 8 months. On the wrong side of the defence

He could have moved Furious to LWB 4Head

 

[Fatlad666]

Rather play bogle tonight then a back 4 it doesn't work. Bogle must be fit otherwise why use him

 

[Carlton Blade]

Bash and Egan twin CBs. Just give them the 3 points.

 

[Nightsweats]

Have you never noticed how slow and inept they are in a 4? The overwhelming majority of comments on this issue are totally horrified at the thought of a back 4. The manager appears equally uninterested. Pray what do you think that makes everyone else wrong, including thank God the manager.

 

[Carlton Blade]

Have you never noticed how slow and inept they are in a 4? The overwhelming majority of comments on this issue are totally horrified at the thought of a back 4. The manager appears equally uninterested. Pray what do you think that makes everyone else wrong, including thank God the manager.

5atb Stockholm Syndrome

You already have a very deep lying CM to help out if required. Back your myriad, talented and most importantly fit attacking players to win you the game

It's all about opinions. I'm pretty sure my view means fuck all to the manager or anyone else. But what's the point of a discussion board if the only response is "manager is right. Always"?

 

[Nightsweats]

5atb Stockholm Syndrome

You already have a very deep lying CM to help out if required. Back your myriad, talented and most importantly fit attacking players to win you the game

It's all about opinions. I'm pretty sure my view means fuck all to the manager or anyone else. But what's the point of a discussion board if the only response is "manager is right. Always"?

Not about not having opinions as obviously they are your right. Going 4 at the back dosent just make us an accident waiting to happen it removes the foundation for 80% of our points of starting attacks. On this one It's on a par with saying don't play a keeper but an extra striker.

 

[Carlton Blade]

Not about not having opinions as obviously they are your right. Going 4 at the back dosent just make us an accident waiting to happen it removes the foundation for 80% of our points of starting attacks. On this one It's on a par with saying don't play a keeper but an extra striker.

That's literally an insane opinion. Cheered me up no end

 

[bonobo]

It's a perfectly effective system which has taken us to the top of the league. So we should change it because one player has to play out of position..........

 

[LewishamBlade]

He could have moved Furious to LWB 4Head

So he’ll be playing on the wrong side then instead? Excellent

 

[LewishamBlade]

It's a perfectly effective system which has taken us to the top of the league. So we should change it because one player has to play out of position..........

Yes. Because your fit personnel should dictate the system you play. Not the other way around.

 

[LewishamBlade]

Not about not having opinions as obviously they are your right. Going 4 at the back dosent just make us an accident waiting to happen it removes the foundation for 80% of our points of starting attacks. On this one It's on a par with saying don't play a keeper but an extra striker.

What?!

Have you been sniffing glue?

 

[LewishamBlade]

Have you never noticed how slow and inept they are in a 4? The overwhelming majority of comments on this issue are totally horrified at the thought of a back 4. The manager appears equally uninterested. Pray what do you think that makes everyone else wrong, including thank God the manager.

If a centre half can’t play in a 2 they need to have a word with themselves

 

[Nightsweats]

That's literally an insane opinion. Cheered me up no end

Wow. You propose an insane idea but I'm the insane one.
Your last post makes no sense in itself but given your premise is let's adopt a suicidal system it couldn't.
You crack on with your ideas. Thank god you don't make the decisions. You can have the last word. Not wasting anymore on your complete ramblings.

 

[Nightsweats]

If a centre half can’t play in a 2 they need to have a word with themselves

Bash and Egan can't which is why they aren't allowed to' There's no "Are you taking drugs" You clearly are. Either that or you and Carlton are one and the same. Which is depressing.

 

[LewishamBlade]

Bash and Egan can't which is why they aren't allowed to' There's no "Are you taking drugs" You clearly are. Either that or you and Carlton are one and the same. Which is depressing.

We signed Egan having spent his entire career in a 4

 

[Nightsweats]

We signed Egan having spent his entire career in a 4

And he last played in one............

 

[LewishamBlade]

And he last played in one............

Probably against Forest last season, fuck knows

 

[LewishamBlade]

An attacking midfielder and a forward playing wing back there. Fucking lol.

 

[Nah den]

You can't play Basham as one of two central defenders, he's just not a good enough 'footballer' with the ball at his feet. Marauding runs through gaps in midfield when a head of steam is built up is one thing, the technical abilities required in tight spaces when under pressure from forwards is quite another.