TB: Changing shapes

In the modern world of kicking pig bladders around a field, a far greater focus is placed on individual trickery and skill than the footballing philosophers who place them in such positions in the first place. These positions aren’t steadfast and are known to come and go like the seasons. For example, this season alone, the Bulls have used a 4-5-1, a 3-5-2 and a 4-3-3 as well as the current 4-4-2. The team of managers, head coaches, footballing directors and a performance analyst, irrespective of their precise roles always face the same conundrum of attempting to put the best 11 players in the positions which best maximise their ability.

Even our terminology for such peculiar positions is ever evolving. Before the centre back was the centre half and the half back. The half back was once commonly found sat in front of a no-nonsense sweeper who could look either side to find full backs. Even the full back has been phased out to be replaced by wing-backs, defenders who are expected to not only defend but also attack. This was, I believe at least, the reason fan favourite and captain Joel Edwards was released at the end of our ‘debut’ season to be replaced by the far more forward-minded James Bowen. This choice of wing backs has continued with the introductions of Cameron Pring and now Danny Greenslade. Irrespective of your opinions on each player’s footballing ability, they were all players looking to work the ball forward through their dribbles and crosses, with varying levels of success.

Furthermore, the centre of midfield has been undergoing quite a transition in recent years. Such was Rob Purdie’s versatility, you couldn’t always tell what his primary role in the team was, but Billy Murphy and Tom Owen-Evans are far better examples. Since the arrival of ‘Rico’ and his merry men, Murphy has been a predominantly bit part player, brought on to sit in front of the ‘half-backs’ and shore up the midfield when we are looking to defend a meagre lead or prevent a currently more likely defeat. TOE however has been an ever present since arriving from the Scottish second tier, his attacking play working well with the wings and proving himself a more clinical attacking midfielder than the erratic Jamie Bird. Bird, a player with a keen eye for goal, appeared as a super sub on many occasions but lacked motivation when handed a starting appearance. I remember remarking in a match report against Stratford last season, that what Jamie Bird offers going forward, he doesn’t going back. Yet TOE has proven himself as an industrious midfield talent with magic in his boots. Whilst it is very early days, Mike Symons’ awareness and first touch can only help him set up our midfield and the hard-working forward lines of Roberts and young George Lloyd.

Based on our recent results it appears as though our team is pulling itself together and today’s match against Kidderminster will further serve as an indicator on our form. One reason for changing our manager is to bring in a new contact book of potential players cut out for this level. Whilst I have seen that, the management are still strained by the potential formations on the pitch. Maybe in the weeks that follow, the pig’s bladder can be negotiated between the wooden posts somewhat easier than in previous weeks, yet in football there are no guarantees. In fact, I think it was in Merv Grist’s Life at the Tip, where it was said that the ‘one certainty in football is that the final whistle will blow after 90 minutes – unless there is extra time’.