The Shape of the Squad

[Wizard]

With McAtee seemingly joining soon it seems like we have an abundance of attacking players and given that we play with a back 3 it can be hard to see how they'll all fit in the side. Understandably there's a clamour to cram all the exciting attacking lads in but based on everything we've seen from Hecky so far and who he seems to trust and rely on I can't see that happening (and I'm not sure it would work if we did it anyway).

I've tried to think about what our preferred starting lineup might be and then what that might look like towards the end of a game if all 5 subs were made. This is just my best guess at where Hecky sees the new lads fitting in and obviously there's room for rotation and flexibility in the shape based on form/opposition but this is what makes the most sense to me.



So that's Sharp for Brewster, McAtee for Ndiaye, Fleck for Doyle, Osborn for RND, and Khadra for Norwood with Berge moving deeper. Looks like a good level of depth to me and with 5 subs and the relentless nature of the Championship it should allow us to keep players fresh and maintain a good level of intensity. This would still leave Jebbo/McBurnie/Osula as reserve strikers, Arblaster/Coulibaly for midfield cover and Basham/Lowe for defensive cover. I know there's been talk about Gordon going out on loan but with Robinson's injury I wouldn't be surprised if he sticks around until January. Can see Basham & Osborn being used to cover Baldock while Bogle is out.

Realised that I've left Stevens out. Not sure about his injury but think he's first choice left wingback with RND able to cover him and Clark. Didn't consider Davies, Robinson or Bogle since they're all longer-term injuries.

 

[BigBed]

I miss Bash already

 

[Nicesheffielder]

Heckie seems to trust 1 game in 3 decent I don't want to be here walking football berg

Little grinning jimmy No legs, legs goneand a liability every tackle 1 in 5 good games

Mr pointy Arms, you pick up what I failed to do, wonder ping another 1 in 4 good games king of the miss pass.

Terrible trio

Get City lads in plus bash
We have plenty of pace up front now apart from Billy but thats never been his game, Billy scores goals, Our front line needs service and those 3 can't seem to provide it

 

[Scarebus]

Heckie seems to trust 1 game in 3 decent I don't want to be here walking football berg

Little grinning jimmy No legs, legs goneand a liability every tackle 1 in 5 good games

Mr pointy Arms, you pick up what I failed to do, wonder ping another 1 in 4 good games king of the miss pass.

Terrible trio

Get City lads in plus bash
We have plenty of pace up front now apart from Billy but thats never been his game, Billy scores goals, Our front line needs service and those 3 can't seem to provide it

I think 'nice' might be a bit of a stretch.

 

[Bell4]

Heckie seems to trust 1 game in 3 decent I don't want to be here walking football berg

Little grinning jimmy No legs, legs goneand a liability every tackle 1 in 5 good games

Mr pointy Arms, you pick up what I failed to do, wonder ping another 1 in 4 good games king of the miss pass.

Terrible trio

Get City lads in plus bash
We have plenty of pace up front now apart from Billy but thats never been his game, Billy scores goals, Our front line needs service and those 3 can't seem to provide it

Disrespectful comments about two of our best players over recent years who have contributed towards and created some of the best memories some of our supporters may ever have

Sure , their best days may be over but please don’t disrespect them like that - our best days being over comes to all of us at some time or other

 

[CPB]

Competition for places up top now.

Cant help but wonder about Berge though, McAtee in might mean Hecky/club is happier to see Berge leave? I dunno.

I do wonder if its all about competition for places or a formation change could be in the offing. At least sometimes?

Might we start playing with one less defender and 2 AMs and 2 strikers?

Time will tell, but it certainly sounds like McAtee is a prospect and the rest will unfold somehow.

 

[El Volví]

With McAtee seemingly joining soon it seems like we have an abundance of attacking players and given that we play with a back 3 it can be hard to see how they'll all fit in the side. Understandably there's a clamour to cram all the exciting attacking lads in but based on everything we've seen from Hecky so far and who he seems to trust and rely on I can't see that happening (and I'm not sure it would work if we did it anyway).

I've tried to think about what our preferred starting lineup might be and then what that might look like towards the end of a game if all 5 subs were made. This is just my best guess at where Hecky sees the new lads fitting in and obviously there's room for rotation and flexibility in the shape based on form/opposition but this is what makes the most sense to me.

View attachment 140975View attachment 140976

So that's Sharp for Brewster, McAtee for Ndiaye, Fleck for Doyle, Osborn for RND, and Khadra for Norwood with Berge moving deeper. Looks like a good level of depth to me and with 5 subs and the relentless nature of the Championship it should allow us to keep players fresh and maintain a good level of intensity. This would still leave Jebbo/McBurnie/Osula as reserve strikers, Arblaster/Coulibaly for midfield cover and Basham/Lowe for defensive cover. I know there's been talk about Gordon going out on loan but with Robinson's injury I wouldn't be surprised if he sticks around until January. Can see Basham & Osborn being used to cover Baldock while Bogle is out.

Realised that I've left Stevens out. Not sure about his injury but think he's first choice left wingback with RND able to cover him and Clark. Didn't consider Davies, Robinson or Bogle since they're all longer-term injuries.

This would still leave Jebbo and Osula as reserve strikers,

Just correct that for you

 

[Tony_Kaufman]

If we ensure up with Doyle, Khadra and McAtee all available for selection but Hecky still starts two from Fleck, Norwood and Berge then I'll lose my ****! We should be strengthening the team not the bench. Two of the loans should start when available, not the same unreliable players we've had for nearly three seasons, or what was the point bringing them in. This would be the fourth summer of signing players who don't go on to play for us. A worrying trend started in our first season back in the top flight.

 

[cahill]

Didn’t réalise Robinson was a long term injury ? Injury situation just gets better doesn’t it !

 

[Rudders]

I think 'nice' might be a bit of a stretch.

Distinct whiff of pork coming from some 'nice' posters on this thread do you not think?
UTB

 

[Camden Blade]

I'm pretty sure part of the loan agreement with City is that Doyle and McAtee get plenty game time otherwise what's the point? And I wonder how much say Hecky has over these signings. Seems to me the board made the moves and Hecky's been told to play them. Which suits me. Anything to break up the Fleck/Norwood midfield duo.

I don't think with the attacking players at our disposal we need to keep sticking with the three CB's system. Surely for some games we could go 433. We have the players for that now. My dream team:

Wes

Bogle/Baldock Anel Egan N-D or maybe Clark LB

Berge Doyle McAtee.

Khadra
Ndiaye. Brewster

 

[Bearlie]

Disrespectful comments about two of our best players over recent years who have contributed towards and created some of the best memories some of our supporters may ever have

Sure , their best days may be over but please don’t disrespect them like that - our best days being over comes to all of us at some time or other

No time for sentiment, they will be held in high esteem by us blades .However I don't want to see them on the pitch past there sell by date .........time stands still for no man ask TC ,Edwards, Morris etc

 

[Carlton Blade]

Dodecahedron

 

[Nicesheffielder]

Disrespectful comments about two of our best players over recent years who have contributed towards and created some of the best memories some of our supporters may ever have

Sure , their best days may be over but please don’t disrespect them like that - our best days being over comes to all of us at some time or other

Don't play um then

 

[Nicesheffielder]

I think 'nice' might be a bit of a stretch.

Carry on clapping

 

[CaptainMorgans]

3-3-3-1

........................Wes
.............Anel...Egan...Clark
Baldock.............................Lowe
.......................Berge
........Khadra...Ndiaye...McAtee.
.......................Sharp

4-2-3-1
.........................Wes
Baldock.....Anel...Egan....Lowe
..................Berge....Doyle
........Khadra...Ndiaye...McAtee.
.......................Sharp

3-4-3

.........................Wes.
..............Anel...Egan....Clark
Baldock....Berge....Doyle......Lowe
........Khadra...Ndiaye...McAtee


3-4-2-1

........................Wes.
..............Anel...Egan....Clark
Baldock....Berge....Doyle......Lowe
........Khadra.................Ndiaye.
.......................Sharp

 

[Addison]

The formation and mindset pre game away from Home is our biggest problem. It was obvious post match against Watford we were worried about their front 3. Until we build a team and style capable of being fit for purpose in any game and concentrate on what we are good at, not the oppo then we will continue to struggle.

On the few occasions last season where we took the game to the oppo away from Home we were much better but our lack of conditioning meant we were unable to sustain it. Lack of preparedness and conditioning were again part of the problem against Watford. Add in the consistent failure to improve set pieces and our vulnerability to swift counter attacks from said failed set pieces and ground hog day continues.

Whether we like it or not we still have a core of players that can only play in systems with a back 3. To make life easier for them they prefer the languid Wilderball flat midfield three 3-5-2 formation where they keep the ball but do little with it as Monday showed once again.

PH inherited CW's players but now has the opportunity to bring in his appointments. That alone won't improve matters until there is a realisation that the flat 3 should be the exception not the rule if we want to play on the front foot. We seem to have brought in 2 possibly 3 players who can play as a 10 in addition to Ndiaye and Berge who we have tried to convert to a 10. That implies 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2, 3-4-3. There was no evidence of this against Watford. This formation also requires at least one but preferably two deep lying midfielders capable of going box to box, good passers, physically strong and fit enough to win second balls, aerially competent and capable of lasting 90 minutes. I'm afraid this is not Fleck, Norwood or Osborn. Without at least one of this type of player the system fails and we are subjected to donkey derby defending as players are left in fast forwards slip streams.

Do we have anyone on the books that meet these requirements, well Coulibaly and Arblaster don't have the experience but they possess most of the required attributes. Too early for them at the moment so a short term solution may be an option. Step forward Anel who has played as a DM before. That allows a place for Bash at RCB improves the physicality of the team and aerial competence. As for who fills the 10 positions perm any 2 from 4 based on form. Up top in the absence of a goal scoring forward coming in a fit Sharp has to be a starter because of his record to date.

Ultimately it is the mentality of the manager and his team that will determine performance on the pitch. More of Middlesbrough at Home and Florist away in the second leg have to be the norm not the exception.

 

[3Cheers4Ramirez]

With the amount of attacking talent piling up Berge needs to be moved back into CM, I see no other decent solution

He should be able to perform there. He has before, no two ways about it. Its where he made his name. Put better and more mobile footballers around him and he has no excuse, and should be afforded an extended opportunity there

Best team for me when all fit;

Wes
Bash Egan Anel
Bogle Berge Doyle Baldock
Khadra McAtee
Brewster

Lack of left footers there but our left footed players are shite, injured or spent so its a preferable alternative

 

[Wizard]

If we ensure up with Doyle, Khadra and McAtee all available for selection but Hecky still starts two from Fleck, Norwood and Berge then I'll lose my ****! We should be strengthening the team not the bench. Two of the loans should start when available, not the same unreliable players we've had for nearly three seasons, or what was the point bringing them in. This would be the fourth summer of signing players who don't go on to play for us. A worrying trend started in our first season back in the top flight.

With 5 subs there won't be many games where they aren't involved and with 2 games a week there'll also be plenty of games where they start. In my eyes it's basically 3 from 6 of Sharp, Brewster, Ndiaye, McAtee, Khadra, Berge for the front 3 in each game and then 2 from the 4 of Doyle, Norwood, Fleck, Berge for midfield. Berge showed towards the end of last year how good he can be in a more advanced role so in most games I'd look to start him there and then move him back or take him off later on and bring on fresh legs.

The formation and mindset pre game away from Home is our biggest problem. It was obvious post match against Watford we were worried about their front 3. Until we build a team and style capable of being fit for purpose in any game and concentrate on what we are good at, not the oppo then we will continue to struggle.

On the few occasions last season where we took the game to the oppo away from Home we were much better but our lack of conditioning meant we were unable to sustain it. Lack of preparedness and conditioning were again part of the problem against Watford. Add in the consistent failure to improve set pieces and our vulnerability to swift counter attacks from said failed set pieces and ground hog day continues.

Whether we like it or not we still have a core of players that can only play in systems with a back 3. To make life easier for them they prefer the languid Wilderball flat midfield three 3-5-2 formation where they keep the ball but do little with it as Monday showed once again.

PH inherited CW's players but now has the opportunity to bring in his appointments. That alone won't improve matters until there is a realisation that the flat 3 should be the exception not the rule if we want to play on the front foot. We seem to have brought in 2 possibly 3 players who can play as a 10 in addition to Ndiaye and Berge who we have tried to convert to a 10. That implies 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2, 3-4-3. There was no evidence of this against Watford. This formation also requires at least one but preferably two deep lying midfielders capable of going box to box, good passers, physically strong and fit enough to win second balls, aerially competent and capable of lasting 90 minutes. I'm afraid this is not Fleck, Norwood or Osborn. Without at least one of this type of player the system fails and we are subjected to donkey derby defending as players are left in fast forwards slip streams.

Do we have anyone on the books that meet these requirements, well Coulibaly and Arblaster don't have the experience but they possess most of the required attributes. Too early for them at the moment so a short term solution may be an option. Step forward Anel who has played as a DM before. That allows a place for Bash at RCB improves the physicality of the team and aerial competence. As for who fills the 10 positions perm any 2 from 4 based on form. Up top in the absence of a goal scoring forward coming in a fit Sharp has to be a starter because of his record to date.

Ultimately it is the mentality of the manager and his team that will determine performance on the pitch. More of Middlesbrough at Home and Florist away in the second leg have to be the norm not the exception.

Since Hecky has come in Berge has basically been played in a hybrid role that mixes the right-sided centre mid of the 3-5-2 and the right-sided forward of the 3-4-2-1. It was only at the very end of last year where he was played more directly as a 10 in a 3-4-1-2 on a couple of occasions. Ultimately it's very fluid and changes on the opposition, against Swansea for instance we played was of a 5-1-3-1 with Fleck and Berge often pressing really high and wide and going beyond MGW who would drop in alongside Norwood. The basic structure is always similar though in that we have the back 5, 2 centre-mids, and 3 attackers.

With the amount of attacking talent piling up Berge needs to be moved back into CM, I see no other decent solution

He should be able to perform there. He has before, no two ways about it. Its where he made his name. Put better and more mobile footballers around him and he has no excuse, and should be afforded an extended opportunity there

Best team for me when all fit;

Wes
Bash Egan Anel
Bogle Berge Doyle Baldock
Khadra McAtee
Brewster

Lack of left footers there but our left footed players are shite, injured or spent so its a preferable alternative

I agree there's potential for Berge to go back to being mainly a centre-mid depending on how well Khadra/McAtee do. It would give us more physicality there but it's funny after seeing how much more impactful Berge was in a more advanced role that everyone now seems to want him moved back again without realising that necessitates him being less adventurous. I could also see Ndiaye more regularly starting as the striker to squeeze Khadra/McAtee in the other attacking mid role. I thought Bash was poor last year when he came back from injury and think Clark's left-footedness gives him the nod for now but yeah there's a good chance Anel moves over and Bash comes in. No chance Baldock is our best left wingback, Osborn ousted him at right wingback for a time last year!

 

[cahill]

With the amount of attacking talent piling up Berge needs to be moved back into CM, I see no other decent solution

He should be able to perform there. He has before, no two ways about it. Its where he made his name. Put better and more mobile footballers around him and he has no excuse, and should be afforded an extended opportunity there

Best team for me when all fit;

Wes
Bash Egan Anel
Bogle Berge Doyle Baldock
Khadra McAtee
Brewster

Lack of left footers there but our left footed players are shite, injured or spent so its a preferable alternative

Good line up that. Personally not sold on Lowe or Clarke ( based on limited evidence acknowledged), but it’s just a blue sky vision

 

[Boxer Blade]

When Anel was first mentioned we read he can play on the left or right of a back three, if that's the case a fit Basham would possibly be the best shout on the right and Anel on the left.

 

[Ron_Justice]

3-3-3-1

........................Wes
.............Anel...Egan...Clark
Baldock.............................Lowe
.......................Berge
........Khadra...Ndiaye...McAtee.
.......................Sharp

4-2-3-1
.........................Wes
Baldock.....Anel...Egan....Lowe
..................Berge....Doyle
........Khadra...Ndiaye...McAtee.
.......................Sharp

3-4-3

.........................Wes.
..............Anel...Egan....Clark
Baldock....Berge....Doyle......Lowe
........Khadra...Ndiaye...McAtee


3-4-2-1

........................Wes.
..............Anel...Egan....Clark
Baldock....Berge....Doyle......Lowe
........Khadra.................Ndiaye.
.......................Sharp

Love this Highlights the options we have for sure and that's without even mentioning Brewster, Jebbo or Bogle.

 

[bongleblade]

With the amount of attacking talent piling up Berge needs to be moved back into CM, I see no other decent solution

He should be able to perform there. He has before, no two ways about it. Its where he made his name. Put better and more mobile footballers around him and he has no excuse, and should be afforded an extended opportunity there

Best team for me when all fit;

Wes
Bash Egan Anel
Bogle Berge Doyle Baldock
Khadra McAtee
Brewster

Lack of left footers there but our left footed players are shite, injured or spent so its a preferable alternative

i don't think it's the worst idea moving Berge back to central midfield, given time in the role he could do well, at minimum he won't give the ball away and will be able to make sideways passes which is an improvement on Fleck atm

 

[Tarqs]

Sums it up perfectly for me:

 

[mancunianblade]

Dodecahedron

haberdasher

 

[Ndiayewillalwaysloveyou]

Berge can't play in a midfield 2 for us......

 

[Bell4]

No time for sentiment, they will be held in high esteem by us blades .However I don't want to see them on the pitch past there sell by date .........time stands still for no man ask TC ,Edwards, Morris etc

Not being sentimental

Just asking for them not to be disrespected in the way they were within the post .

We all know they both need to be replaced and that time marches on ,but do it with respect as these guys were once lauded and rightly so

 

[CaptainMorgans]

Berge can't play in a midfield 2 for us......

I'd be intrigued to see it again with more fluidity in front of him. If it worked, it would give us more mobility and ball carrying in midfield.
Hopefully Doyle would be able to replace some of Norwood's passing range.

I think we need to be planning for a team without Norwood and Fleck.

 

[CPB]

I know it's logical to think that Berge will either be sold or be shifted into one of the CM positions but we don't yet know.

I'd be surprised if this is the case but Khadra and McAtee might just fight for a place with the other forwards?

 

[Youngand70]

Competition for places up top now.

Cant help but wonder about Berge though, McAtee in might mean Hecky/club is happier to see Berge leave? I dunno.

I do wonder if its all about competition for places or a formation change could be in the offing. At least sometimes?

Might we start playing with one less defender and 2 AMs and 2 strikers?

Time will tell, but it certainly sounds like McAtee is a prospect and the rest will unfold somehow.