No more 4-5-1. But what would YOU do ?

[Hempstead Gaz]

It is that sort of intransigence and lack of imagination that is our own downfall. Of course we don't just have the players who are "best suited" to 4-4-2. They are mainly fully paid up professionals, and as such should have sufficient flexibilty to adapt their game to the needs of the manager and the dictats of ther game.

They play to the managers plan, which is to have 2 banks of defensive battlers, whose intention is to grind out results, regardless of entertainment.

And although that plan has partly been successful (ie avoidance of relegation),it has been at huge cost (disillusionment from certain players, lack of excitement and a 21% drop in attendances).

My arguement is that now we are safe, we can freely play a more expansive game, we no longer have to play out dour 0-0 draws.

Oddly enough, with the quality of midfielders at the club, Drury, Slatter, McKimm, Saunders, Bowry, Johnson, Protheroe and Jackson we really ought to find room for 5 of them to not only provide the engine of the team, but also the creativity that has sadly been lacking.

[gaspode]

I would have to go with 4-4-2, purely because I don't like the other systems.

I think that systems are just a way to find space for your best players and the wing back system (be it 3-5-2 or 5-3-2) doesn't cut it for me.

Using 3-5-2 against a conventional 4-4-2 means that we will only have two wide men against their four whilst we will have 6 central defenders/midfielders against their 4. The spare players on our side are 2 in the middle - most likely a defender and a defensive midfielder, whilst their spare players are wide men. Our 6 in the middle are a good way of stifling the play, not adding width and expansive football, their 4 on the flanks give width and attacking options (if used correctly).

Look at the best sides of recent times - Brazil were 4-4-2 (albeit with amazingly versatile midfielders and fullbacks), France (ditto) and in the league - ManU and Arsenal both 4-4-2 (again versatile players within the system and floating forwards 'in the hole')

The only side that has won without doing this is Chelsea using the formation being railed against on this thread; 4-5-1

But that's just my opinion, feel free to disagree, I like a good debate

[Hempstead Gaz]

I don't dislike 4-4-2 persay, it's just that it isn't cutting it for us at present. It is for that reason I would advocate some changes, if for no other reason than the paying public and the media can see that Liam is at least attempting to change things around.

Frankly I would rather win and lose alternate games 3-2 than grind out a series of dull 0-0's.

It ain't fun to watch, which is why 400-500 fans have made their protest by staying away.

[gaspode]

Can't argue with that Gary, we certainly could do with some excitement at the moment.

I think that the thing that needs to change is the attitude. We appear to be scared of losing and I am sure it has been said elsewhere ad nauseum, but given our comfortable but uninspiring league position, now must be the time for a little caution to be thrown to the wind.

Players like Slatter and Drury need to be given their head, lets attack and create even if it means exposing the defence a little.

Younger, promising players (if we have them) need to be given some exposure.

We have the basis of a good team and I feel that exciting times could be just around the corner if only we have the nerve to go for it

[BustaGut]

Agree with most of your sentiments here comes the but, We dare not lose to Margate i suggest with how peoples feelings are running at the moment or all hell will break loose i reckon <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/boxing.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/boxing.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/boxing.gif" alt="" />

[nellyi]

Gravesend cant keep the ball well enough for 3-5-2 to work,they would be vulnerable on transition time and time again. There are teams playing exciting and entertaining football up and down the country playing 4-4-2 when the system is used wisely.Gravesend's way is crude and not pleasing to the eye,dont blame the system.

[BustaGut]

Quote:

nellyi said:
Gravesend cant keep the ball well enough for 3-5-2 to work,they would be vulnerable on transition time and time again. There are teams playing exciting and entertaining football up and down the country playing 4-4-2 when the system is used wisely.Gravesend's way is crude and not pleasing to the eye,dont blame the system.

Maybe not pleasing on the eye, but far more exciting than your profile <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />