The first instalment of a new series by writer Tom Bevington
After a season that featured a number of formations for BWFC, including the marmite
formation in which Neil Lennon played 3 at the back, let`s have a look at possible options for next season. The squad is soon headed back to pre season training, currently looking very light in numbers, so I`ve had to finalise a couple of
potential signings myself.
We start with the 3-4-1-2, which is basically the 3-5-2 that was used last season, and did actually have some success, notably against Liverpool in the FA Cup. The formation held up against a host world class strikers like Balotelli, Borini, and Rickie Lambert? so it is certainly worth considering this season.
Upcoming article for at @VitalBolton: 3-5-2 wasn’t popular last season, can we make it work now in a 3-4-1-2? #bwfc pic.twitter.com/YAeFjy4t7F
? Tom Bevington (@tombevington24) June 24, 2015
Ben Amos, whose deal is said to be completed despite being unannounced, will start in goal, as he is our only goalkeeper? Defensively, Ream and Baptiste can play as the outside CBs as they are both centre backs, with lots of experience as full
backs, making them perfect for the roles, with David Wheater being the glue that keeps them together.
In the 5 man midfield I`d back youngster Andy Kellett to start on the left, because of his pace, and attacking intent, a more conservative option would be Dean Moxey. In the centre of midfield, Josh Vela could play as the playmaking Cesc Fabregas-type link between attack and defence. Vela would play no matter what formation for me, as he should be backed to play in his correct position from now on. The man to sure up the midfield defensively will hopefully be Wilson Palacios, with his signing looking like a possibility. He`d be somewhat of a coup, when you look at his international experience and reputation, compared with the unfortunate lowly situation we
temporarily find ourselves in. In central midfield positions Neil Danns, the rejuvenated Darren Pratley, or Jay Spearing, should he remain with us at Bolton, could all easily jump into the side.
On the right side, the likely man will be Liam Feeney, who could have a long, tiring season ahead of him if we fail to find someone to share the workload. There is a ray of hope with rumours fresh into the papers and twittersphere yesterday, we could have DeAndre Yedlin on our books for the season. The ex-MLS and USA international
star is currently at Tottenham, he is well known for his lightning pace, and is exactly what we need out wide, he`d be perfect for this formation.
Slotting into the No. 10 role is our beloved Mark Davies, after a few run outs at the end of the season, and a summer to sharpen up, he`s the man to lead our creative efforts in what will be a fruitful, injury free season. If he`s unavailable, Eidur could drop into the role, or possibly Zach Clough, although in this formation I have him playing as a deep lying forward, freeing him up to drop deeper, pick up the ball, and glide freely through opposition defences as he`s shown he can do. The true No. 9 striker in the side is Chris Maguire, who has stalled on the new deal he has
been offered at Sheffield Wednesday, and has been strongly linked with a move to the Macron in the last 48 hours. Maguire can also fulfil our need for a winger, as can play wide or through the middle.
This formation could work if our defenders can adequately adapt to playing as a back 3 not a back 4, especially if the aforementioned signings do come off, the 3-4-1-2 doesn’t look too bad a proposition.