If we are going to play (at least) 3 centre backs and play with any kind of attacking intent what we need is 2 wing backs.
They are fundamental to the system and much as I like Denton and Barrows they are defensively minded and competent full backs. Defending most of the game with an occasional forage forward is fine if you are playing a back 4 but no use whatsoever in a back 5.
Denton is probably the best defensive full back at the club but has not got the engine or the skill set to be a wing back. Barrows has more energy but his final ball is not much better than his predecessor mullet man.
Pointed this out on here as soon as Butlers preferred (only) formation became apparent in the pre season friendlies.
In the very brief glimpses of Kelly that we have seen he looks to have a bit more to offer going forward so if Butler insists on the formation I would like to see him given a go on the left. On the right I would give Scales a run at wing back. Shrimpton or Brogan could take his midfield slot. You can always bring Denton and/or Barrows on to see a game out.
I didn’t like Roberts playing 10 but credit to him he shows signs of getting to grips with the position. We have the players at the club to win this league but the ones that were brought in to the club pre Butler were recruited with some variant of 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 in mind.
Other than Nicholson Butlers signings don’t seem suited to his formation either or they would be playing.
Not calling for Butlers head here but if he does not change his formation to suit the players he has or change his players to suit his formation then things will not go well for him.
While I’m at it substitutions in professional football should only be made to replace an injured player or to change a game in some way. Giving the lads some game time is for Sunday league – unless you have a 3 goal lead.
