Your Pitch: Depression In Sport

Published in Gair Rhydd on 5/12/2011.

What is a professional athlete? Talented? Dedicated? At the peak of physical condition? In truth, an athlete is usually all of the above. However, when asking somebody for their thoughts on some athletes, it wouldn't be long before you were informed that they are overpaid and detached from the real world.

This is the illusion that the media has created over the protagonists in one of the world's most exposed industries. The wealth of athletes at the highest level is undeniable. They have big houses, a multitude of expensive cars and lucrative sponsorship deals. All too easily, however, we forget that these people are just like us. Beneath the public profile, they are still human.

This week, we are left with the most poignant of reminders as to the fragility of any life.

The loss of Gary Speed has left a gaping hole in football. We would be better served not knowing the reasons behind Speed's passing, but the tragic loss of a football manager with some of his greatest achievements still ahead of him provides a stark reminder that success does not breed immunity. In recent times, some of sport's largest names have struggled to fight their demons behind closed doors.

Former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno is a high profile case of depression after a sporting career. In 2003, Bruno was taken from his home under the Mental Health Act, before being sectioned and diagnosed with bipolar. Later, Bruno admitted that his condition had been worsened by cocaine use.

Since his recovery, Bruno has been honest about the cause of his problems: “My trainer, George Francis, once said to me that the hardest fight would be when I retire. I didn’t understand what he meant. But when you’re used to getting up at seven o’clock, going running, to the gym, sparring, doing press conferences, after-parties, retiring is the worst thing that can ever happen to a sportsman.”

This is the key aspect that we may never understand. We have never lived life always striving to achieve our next goal in the public eye and we have never known our lifestyle change entirely overnight in the manner than a retiring athlete would. This lack of empathy was highlighted by The Sun, who ran the headline 'Bonkers Bruno Locked Up', to widespread criticism.

Speed is not the only tragic loss at the hands of depression. In 2009, German goalkeeper Robert Enke, 32, stepped in front of a train having battled depression following the death of his daughter.

The story of Kelly Holmes provides proof, however, that there is a way back. Whilst training for the 2004 Olympics, Holmes suffered from injury problems and became depressed. Due to the doping rules, she was unable to use anti-depressants, turning to self-harm as a form of catharsis. She said: “Everything in my life at the time was wrong. When you’re in it, you don’t see a way out.” Holmes has since admitted to considering suicide before winning two gold medals in Greece.

Marcus Trescothick, Andre Agassi, Robert Enke, John Kirwan, Michael Yardy. The list goes on.

Only a matter of hours before Speed's death, Stan Collymore – himself a long-term sufferer of depression – used his Twitter account to explain how he was feeling during his current bout of depression, one that he described as his worst for six years. The former Liverpool striker wrote: ''If, like me, you have been there many times then you will know this...it's bloody dark but the clouds ALWAYS lift, so do everything you can to help yourself through. Open up to help and the fog will lift. You are not alone. Stan Collymore, depressive and broadcaster.'

Mental illness pays no attention to bank balance or profile. Now, more than ever, we can see that the gulf between sport stars and the ordinary person is not as broad as we think. Fundamentally, we are all the same.

Gary Speed: 1969-2011

It is too early to be writing this. I couldn't write this yesterday and I'm still struggling to write it today. Writing about the loss of Gary Speed hasn't come days too soon, but a great many decades. It is this that is so painful.

Writing memories of those who have lived through a great career and retirement hurts, but remembering someone who hasn't fulfilled so much of what we knew he could provides emotions more poignant than most.

In sport, our overuse of sensationalism is callous. Conceding a last minute goal is not 'heartbreaking', very little that happens on a football pitch is 'tragic' and now more than ever, we know that Bill Shankly was wrong when he said that football was more than a matter of life and death. It is not and it never will be.

The loss of Gary Speed is tragic. Whether you look at what Speed has achieved, what he would have achieved or those who have been left behind, the nature of Speed's death is something that many will never get over. We don't know the true reasons behind this and I am certain that deep down, I don't want to.

What will remain so heartbreakingly prominent is the feeling that this loss was so utterly preventable. Whilst the fragility of life remains at the forefront of our thinking, it is impossible to look beyond Speed's family and friends. I can't see past the feeling that this should never have happened. For those who knew Speed, this feeling must be intensified to an extend that I cannot comprehend.

The reaction of everybody in football on Sunday exhibited everything you need to know about the man himself. Initial disbelief was very quickly replaced by utter desolation. This reaction exhibited the utmost sincerity, played out in front of cameras which spread the feeling worldwide.

Gary Speed had a fantastic football career. He was the first player to make 500 Premier League appearances and was the second highest capped Welshman of all time. As manager of the national side, Speed transformed the team's fortunes in the space of ten games, changing the ideology of Welsh football in the process. Not being able to see where Speed would have taken this team is a loss and his footballing legacy must live on. Frankly, however, none of that feels very important at the moment.

With a career this impressive, it would be understandable if the recollections of those within the game focussed solely upon his career. That they have universally concentrated on the man himself is the ultimate testimony to who Gary Speed was and what he stood for. We have not just lost a talented man, but a true gentleman who was popular wherever he went.

David Prentice has recalled Speed's words when he left Everton in 1998. “You know why I’m leaving, but I can’t explain myself publicly because it would damage the good name of Everton Football Club and I’m not prepared to do that”. This is who Gary Speed was. This is what we have lost.

I do not want this to become clichéd. After all, this is a man who I never met. However, I know that feeling such sadness at his passing isn't strange. I'm far from alone.

One of my ambitions as a sports journalist was to interview Gary Speed about his plans for Welsh football. He understood the development of footballers and I know we were on the same wavelength. I've lost the opportunity to talk about something I love. In the past 48 hours, I have constantly reminded myself that others have lost the opportunity to talk to someone they loved. It is these people for whom we all feel the greatest sorrow.

For me, Gary Speed was Welsh football. I was proud to watch him play, I was proud to see him manage my team and more than anything, I was proud that he was one of us.

Thank you for the memories.

Thank you for making us dream again.

R.I.P.

Sepp Blatter: A catalogue of errors

Sepp Blatter stunned football last week by claiming that discrimination should simply be settled by a handshake after the game. For the highly controversial FIFA President, this is not the first time that his comments have attracted criticism.

The 75 year old Swiss was voted into the role in 1998 in an election that has since been overshadowed by the sort of allegation that has blighted Blatter's reign. In 2002, the President of the Somali FA publicly claimed that he had been offered $100,000 for his vote. Whilst he rejected the offer, at least 18 other members allegedly accepted.

The claims of corruption within FIFA would return later, but Blatter's often harmful penchant for ill-judged comments has become a trademark feature.

In 2002, Blatter suggested that female footballers should wear tight shorts and low cut shirts in order to increase the popularity of the sport worldwide. Unsurprisingly, the condemnation of Blatter was fierce from within the women's game. Pauline Cope, the England goalkeeper at the time, described the FIFA President's comments as “completely irresponsible”. To complement his error of judgement, Blatter later accused the IOC of conducting their finances “like a housewife”, in reaction to further allegations of FIFA corruption.

Six years later, Blatter claimed that the game's millionaire superstars were “modern slaves” as Cristiano Ronaldo attempted to manoeuvre a transfer to Real Madrid., much to the irritation of Sir Alex Ferguson. Unfortunately for Blatter, the news of his claims broke on the same day that British tabloids pictured Ronaldo sunbathing with a supermodel on a golden beach, whilst fellow 'slave' Frank Lampard rejected a new £130,000 weekly deal at Chelsea.

Blatter's history of offending society extends far beyond women. In 2008, Blatter responded to questions about homosexual participation in football by saying “there are gay footballers, but they don't declare it because it will not be accepted in these macho organisations”. Two years later, when quizzed about Qatar's ability to host the World Cup despite homosexuality being illegal in the Arab state, Blatter joked that gay fans should “refrain from any sexual activities” throughout. Former basketball star and gay rights campaigner John Amaechi condemned Blatter's words as “absurd”.

However, one of Blatter's greatest challenges was the allegation of corruption within the 2018 and 2022 World Cup votes by Lord Triesman. It was widely alleged in the British media that votes had been secured by large payments to FIFA members, with the organisation branded “rotten to the core”.

Blatter's reign continues to be highly controversial. Although his 'football for all' concept has been worthy of credit, with the 2010 South Africa World Cup successful in the short-term at least (doubts remain about the cost and true legacy of the tournament), pressure continues to build on FIFA's top man.

One thing is certain – it won't be long until Sepp Blatter's name makes the news once again.

Why Racism Allegation Rejection Would Be A Victory For Every Football Fan

Published in Gair Rhydd on 7th November 2011.

British football has made huge progress in the past twenty years in the manner in which racism is dealt with. In the 1980s, BBC pundit Leroy Rosenior has said that he was victimised en masse by crowds making monkey noises within English football stadiums.

From these dark days, we have developed a footballing community that doesn't tolerate racial abuse in any form. After Blackpool striker Jason Euell was racially abused at Stoke in 2009, a man was identified by fellow fans and detained by stewards, before later being banned for life. We have improved hugely, but the on-field allegations of the past month have caused some to question whether we've progressed as much as we like to think.

That, however, is the key point. At the moment, we can only question what has been alleged. Until the FA conclude their investigations, we can not say that racism is prevalent in our game.

Sadly, we live in a time where football rivalries are so prominent that some appear to be hoping for allegations to be proven, simply to score points over others. If allegations of racism by John Terry and Luis Suarez were disproved, the salvation of pride within football would be far more satisfying than any stick provided to beat two of football's most controversial characters.

It is crucial that the FA reach swift, but accurate conclusions. Whilst these cases linger, the reputation of the game in England as a whole will suffer. Campaigns such as Kick It Out and Show Racism The Red Card have had a hugely positive effect, but the impact of racial allegations in such a multicultural league and society is damaging. The Premier League is a worldwide brand and can not be seen to be weak in the manner it deals with serious accusations. However, it must also make sure that the conclusions reached are correct. If confusion has brought about allegation, the FA must be clear in their explanations, offering transparency whilst making a clear statement that this isn't a toleration of racial abuse.

This decade is vitally important in the eradication of racism from football worldwide. Russia, the host nation for the 2018 World Cup, was shamed in June when a banana was thrown at Anzhi Makhachkala's Roberto Carlos. With African nations acting as a vital component in the World Cup, the Russian FA have seven years to address their greatest issue. If they fail, they will be shamed on the biggest stage possible.

In Britain, we are winning the battle against racism in football. However, while there are still accusations, our governing bodies must remain vigilant. We have made great strides in recent times and the FA must be careful not undermine this progress with secretive or inconclusive investigations. If these are cases of racism, the strongest punishments must be enforced. If the players accused are innocent, fans of all clubs should breath a sigh of relief in the knowledge that football remains united against racism.

Rugby World Cup 2011 Review

Written and published in Gair Rhydd, October 2011.

As Richie McCaw lifted the Webb Ellis Cup into the Auckland sky, the 2011 Rugby World Cup ended and the host's fairytale was complete. However, 24 years after New Zealand's only other victory, this was a World Cup featuring sub-plots far too complex for any bedtime story.

After years of disappointment on the biggest stage, this was the tournament in which New Zealand delivered. A nation expected victory on home soil and despite setbacks, there is little doubt that Graham Henry's side lifted the trophy on merit.

The group stage was ruthlessly negotiated by a squad boasting quality in depth, but the knock-out phase began with the greatest of blows. Dan Carter's tournament ending inury was not only a loss to New Zealand, but the World Cup as a whole. This tournament showcases the world's finest players at the top of their game. As Carter limped from the training field, the tournament lost its brightest star.

Despite ongoing fitness issues wih McCaw and centre Ma'a Nonu, Argentina were dispatched, before a scintillating semi-final performance sent rivals Australia home, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Wales were another team dreaming big. Following the frustration of a narrow defeat to South Africa, Warren Gatland's team flourished under the leadership of the immense Sam Warburton. The familiar bogey sides from the Pacific Islands were defeated, before an outstanding performance stunned an Irish side with great aspirations. Ironically, Ireland's 'golden generation' may have been better suited playing South Africa, a draw they avoided by beating Australia in the pool stage.

It was at this point that Wales began to believe. Heading into the semi-final with France, Wales were the tournament's form team and having equalled the finest performance from a Welsh side in a World Cup, were confident of going one step further.

However, for every dream, there can be a nightmare. As Alain Rolland harshly dismissed Warburton, the Welsh dream began to unravel. It is of great credit, but also great frustration to the Welsh side, that a superior kicking performance would have seen the 14 men record an unlikely victory.

For the Welsh squad and 60,000 fans inside the Millennium Stadium, this result was devastating. However, with talent including Warbuton, Jamie Roberts, George North, Dan Lydiate, Leigh Halfpenny and Toby Faletau here for the considerable future, there is great optimism. If the WRU can keep the management team intact, this side's finest day is yet to come.

For others, the World Cup was a less enjoyable experience. England's indiscipline both on and off the field resulted in an underwhelming campaign, whilst Scotland failed to emerge from their group after defeat to Argentina. For both, the next four years are a vital period of development. In the cold light of day, the overly cautious Martin Johnson is not the man to oversee this evolution.

New Zealand were heavy favourites ahead of the final against a France side whom they had comprehensively beaten in the group stage, with their shock defeat to Tonga intensifying rumours of discontent within. However, having ridden their luck in the extreme to reach the tournament's show-piece, Les Bleus provided a stern test in a tense final. Inspired by Thierry Dusautoir and Imanol Harinordoquy, France came closer to glory than anybody predicted.

If the tournament had shown that the All Blacks could exhilarate, this final proved they could also win ugly. With fourth choice fly-half Stephen Donald thrust into action after injuries to Carter, Colin Slade and Aaron Cruden, the favourites lacked fluency. Despite the setbacks, however, the phenomenal McCaw's side held firm to start one of the biggest parties Auckland will ever see.

As time moves on, the finer details of the World Cup will be forgotten. The record book cares little for how a World Cup was won. Three words are all that will matter to those of a Kiwi persuasion – 'Winners: New Zealand'.

MPs Do Football Proud As We Move Closer To Justice

I wasn’t born in 1989 and for that, I will always be grateful. I didn’t know anybody at Hillsborough, I didn’t watch the news to see the images of fellow football fans being crushed in the Leppings Lane End and I didn’t have to fight to protect the reputation of friends and family who never came home as the press and authorities sought to tarnish their name. For many, all of the above applied.

The 15^th of April 1989 will always be the defining day in the lifetimes of so many. For those who lost loved ones, the Hillsborough Justice Campaign has dominated the 22 years since, but no event in the fight for the truth will ever surpass the significance of the disaster itself.

In my lifetime, as a football fan who didn’t experience the tragedy, Monday 17^thOctober 2011 could well be the defining day. This was the day where the response to Hillsborough as I knew it changed. It should never have taken 140,000 signatures to make the government take notice of the Hillsborough families’ pleas, but together, we have set the wheels in motion. Many of the people who signed the e-petition won’t have been directly affected by the tragedy, but have made their voices heard on behalf of the 96 and their families.

From a deeply emotional day in London, both the city of Liverpool and football as a whole can emerge with a great sense of pride. The Hillsborough Justice Campaign has always maintained the utmost dignity in the face of adversity. As doors have continually been slammed in the faces of the families, they have continued the fight in the right manner. As the Home Secretary agreed to the release of all Hillsborough documents, their persistent efforts were rewarded.

Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham have been exceptional in their commitment to the cause. Accompanied by Alison McGovern’s emotional and touching speech, the performance of those representing the city of Liverpool and the wider football community should be a source of pride. With people like this in our corner, it is only a matter of time before justice prevails.

There will always be a short-sighted, malicious minority who take joy in the suffering of others. They will continue to make ill-informed accusations, but those that matter are now beginning to listen. When the truth is told, the lies of this minority will fade into insignificance.

However, there are others who had a platform through which to promote their lies. Those who celebrated in the grief of the Hillsborough families and attempted to manipulate public belief by accusing the true heroes of the day will never be forgiven. For one man in particular, the next steps in the road to justice will be very uncomfortable indeed. For Liverpool fans, they could be very satisfying indeed.

It doesn’t seem right to write at length on Hillsborough today. There is little that we can say that wasn’t said, quite brilliantly, in the Houses of Parliament by our representatives and hasn’t been said for 22 years by the Hillsborough families.

However, on Monday, things changed.

For years, there has been a belief that outside of Liverpool, nobody was interested. Following the brilliance of Liverpool’s MPs and the support from football fans across the country, this government have no choice but to listen to what the people of Liverpool have said since 1989. It has taken far too long and far too many people have been subjected to unnecessary additional pain, but now, more than ever, justice is a real possibility.

Why 4-3-3 is the right formation for Oxford United

In the past couple of weeks, it seems as if many Oxford United fans have risen from their Football Manager 2011 desk with an anguished look upon their face. The real Oxford United had – prior to a 1-0 victory in Dagenham - lost a little momentum. Chris Wilder was getting everything wrong and by the modern means of the keyboard warrior, was he going to know about it.

Aside from his signings being useless, half of the team being ushered towards the bench by fans demanding widespread changes and his enigmatic winger being deserving of a chance to show the fans why he was being sent out on loan, the main issue in the mind of the average Oxford United fan was Wilder's formation.

With three points safely collected after an encouraging away performance, the evidence is in place to support Wilder's persistence with the 4-3-3 formation. By looking at the strengths and weaknesses of 4-3-3, 4-4-2 and another modern shape, the 4-2-3-1, we can see what Wilder's thinking is, before coming to the conclusion that he was probably correct all along.

Let's start with what we have come to recognise as Oxford United's formation in recent seasons...

4-3-3

This is the team that started the fixture at Dagenham in the familiar 4-3-3 formation, with Paul McLaren shielding the back four. Why does Wilder like this formation? Why is it difficult to play against?

Strengths

One of the key strengths in the 4-3-3 formation is the central midfield three. An initial strength, is that this formation is never short of numbers in the midfield. If the opponent plays a 4-4-2 formation, United have a midfield three to cope with the opposition's two central midfielders. If the opponent plays with a 4-5-1 or a 3-5-2, Oxford's midfield can match up on a man to man basis. If the players in the system organise themselves efficiently, the midfield should not be overrun. Additionally, away from home, a midfield three is far more efficient at limiting space than a two. When trying to make the midfield compact, this formation is highly effective.

With Paul McLaren sitting in front of the back four, Wilder also has an effective shield to protect his defence. McLaren's defensive role is to prevent balls into the feet of opposition strikers, whilst also providing cover for the back four on when the opposition counter-attack, as is common when United attack. If McLaren's presence can cause the ball to go wide, where United's full-backs can slow the play, he has done his job.

When on the ball, McLaren is a steadying influence, offering a backward option to his teammates. On countless occasions, the ball will come backwards from Heslop, to be played by McLaren to Leven on the other side of the midfield. McLaren is the midfield pivot and is not needed to do huge amounts of running, something that will help the experienced midfielder over the course of a long season.

As well as being effective defensively, this shape also has potential to add to attacking threat. With McLaren sitting, the midfield three gives Peter Leven and Simon Heslop the freedom to join in with attacks. As both players possess the ability to hit the target from distance, this is of great benefit. Oxford's midfielders can still improve their runs into the box, but as shown by Leven's strike against Burton Albion, the late run can be very effective when timed correctly.

Furthermore, this is the formation that brings the best out of Wilder's full-backs. On countless occasions since Wilder arrived at the club, opposition players and managers have commented on the impact of Oxford's full-backs being so high up the field. This can pen opposition wingers deep in their own half, limiting their thread to the Oxford goal. With a reasonably narrow midfield three and the wide attackers free to roam, there is plenty of space for United's full-backs to advance into. With no winger on the full-back's toes, he can time his runs into opposition territory when the space becomes available. You will often see United recycle the ball from wide on one wing, playing the ball through McLaren into the space the opposite full-back has available. Without a flat midfield four to limit space, it is very easy for Oxford's full-backs to get involved in the opposition half.

If the wingers are not part of a midfield four, how do they operate as part of an attacking trio? The two key features of Wilder's wide attackers is that they play high up the field and have the freedom to roam across the front-line. By offering an attacking threat at all times, opposition full-backs are aware of their presence and can often be scared to venture forward as a result. Moreover, Alfie Potter and Robert Hall are very difficult for opposition defences to pick up. Although their starting position is often on their flank, they have the freedom to drift around in the attacking third. Potter is especially good at drifting along the opposition back line and this makes defensive organisation extremely difficult. If United were to play Potter and Hall in a flat midfield four, it would be far easier for opposition defences to match their full-backs to Oxford's wide men. In this formation, Wilder's wingers change position too often to simply match up to and can find pockets of space. With the opposition full-backs often asked to step out to Liam Davis or Damian Batt, Potter and Hall have the opportunity to momentarily isolate themselves one on one with central defenders, if the ball is fed inside. For any opposition defence, this is an organisational nightmare.

A front three of Potter, Hall and James Constable have a terrific work rate and this makes life extremely uncomfortable for opposition defences. With Constable harrying centre-backs and the wide men closing down full-backs, it is possible for United to win back possession high up the pitch and prevent opposition attacks from building.

As well as being flexible in terms of position, this formation also allows Oxford to play in variety of ways. Whilst the 4-3-3 allows you to play the ball through the midfield three, you also have the option of playing a longer ball into the channels, or a the diagonal used by Michael Duberry, for the wide men to feed off Constable's knock downs. In a league where a varied style of play is needed, the 4-3-3 allows both consistency in terms of shape, but variety in attack. Furthermore, the defensive shape 'breaks the lines' on the field. Rather than having two banks of four to play through, opposition teams must find a way to play through three separate banks of Oxford players to get to the back four. This poses a problem that many sides aren't used to and can make Oxford a difficult side to attack, if the defence do their jobs correctly.

Weaknesses

This is a very effective formation, both in attack and defence. However, the key issue defensively is addressing opposition players in wide areas in the central third of the field when on the counter-attack. These areas are shown below.

The last thing Wilder wants is for his full-backs to engage opposition players in these areas, leaving the defensive line without shape and allowing runners to occupy the vacant full-back region. The only solution is for the midfield three to deal with the threat, ideally with Heslop covering the right, Leven the left and McLaren maintaining his position in the centre of the field. However, if Heslop and Leven are caught up the field, with one of the full-backs also out of position, United sometimes have problems. It is on these occasions that Duberry, Wright and McLaren need to organise on the spot, slowing the attack whilst team mates return to their positions. Thus far, United have dealt with these situations well, but it is one of the key issues with the formation.

In attack, problems can arise if the front three become too static. If the front men are rigid, each could become isolated and attacks will break down. To be effective, the front three need to be fluid in their movement and willing to work along the front-line. Thankfully, each of United's attackers are mobile and willing to work hard to receive the ball.

Summary

The key strength of the 4-3-3 is that is working for Oxford United. Whilst fans have been frustrated at dropped points, it has not been linked to the formation. Plenty of chances have been created in attack. No change of formation will suddenly help a misfiring front line to find their shooting boots. At the back, the system also works. When United have conceded goals, it has been off the back of defensive errors. If the defence can cut out individual errors, no is no reason to suggest a formation change is necessary. Greater communication is needed between Davis and Wright to prevent the centre half being pulled out to the left flank and concentration at the back must be maintained during long periods of Oxford pressure at the other end, but the system itself works. In no game this season have United been cut open freely by opponents. This would be a cause for concern and a reason to change the system. However, whilst the system is creating chances at one end and looking solid at the other, there is no reason for mass overhaul.

4-4-2

The most popular option presented by those calling for change has been the return to the traditional, but decreasingly popular 4-4-2.

Strengths

The main justification for using the 4-4-2, according to the fans, is the extra body in the box when attacking. The use of a striker partnership can be extremely effective if the personnel involved are on the same wavelength. Constable and Smalley have similar qualities and would certainly be a physical challenge for opposition defences. However, the variety of attack seen with the 4-3-3 is likely to be lost. Potter and Hall both have the ability to beat a man in wide areas, but would be asked to maintain width in the midfield, thus removing Potter's greatest quality, elusive movement. Despite this, you are usually guaranteed three men in the box (both strikers and the opposite winger to the side the ball is crossed from attacking the back post) with a 4-4-2, the key reason for fans wanting to change shape.

In terms of organisation, a 4-4-2 is reasonably simply to manage. The defence works in two banks of four, matching up with the opposition on a man to man basis. Additionally, the entire team can work in organised partnerships, as shown below. This allows a series of efficient pairs to win battles in different areas of the pitch, both defensively and in terms of working together to build attacks.

However, with many managers choosing to work with five men in midfielder, serious issues arise when trying to play a central three with only two men in your own midfield. More often than not, this results in one of the strikers having to drop deep to help the midfield, removing the attacking threat they were included to provide.

Weaknesses

The 4-4-2 formation has been replaced by many managers due to the numerous issues that can arise against other systems.

With many sides deploying three players in central midfielders, the issues for a midfield two have already been outlined. Furthermore, to provide an attacking threat, a 4-4-2 requires one midfielder to push forward to attack the penalty area when the ball is in the final third. With McLaren likely to be deployed as the deeper midfielder, he would be asked to get through a great deal of work defensively. Whereas a midfield three can work together to make the field compact and maintain McLaren's base position in front of the back four, he would be unable to provide the same service in a flat midfield four. A midfield four requires two mobile central midfielders, who can cover the entire field. In McLaren and Leven, Wilder's two most effective midfielders do not fit the 4-4-2 system and putting square pegs in round holes would be foolish. Oxford's midfield would lack the balance of the 4-3-3 if they were to change the system.

On the flanks, there would be a far greater defensive role for Potter and Hall. Whereas a midfield three can deal with issues in wide areas, a midfield four would require Oxford's wingers to match up with their opposite full-back. If Oxford come up against an attacking full-back partnership, it would be easy for Potter and Hall to be pinned back in the same way opposition wingers are when facing Batt and Davis.

If the wingers are asked to occupy wide areas at all times, it is also likely that Oxford would lose some of the attacking intent provided by the full-backs. For full-backs to attack the final third, they require space to run into. This can either be provided on a simple overlap, or by a winger drawing his full-back inside, leaving empty space for a full-back to run into. If the wingers do move inside, this creates a very compact central third of the field.

With two wingers and two full-backs who can beat a defender in a one on one situation, it can be argued that the 4-3-3 suits the side better. In a 4-4-2, both the wingers and full-backs want to attack the same areas. It is possible to work this, as has been seen with full-backs such as Gary Neville providing quality service from wide areas in the 4-4-2 system. However, with full-backs such as Davis and Batt who like to cut inside, as well as providing crosses from wide, it is beneficial to leave the open spaces created in a 4-3-3.

Summary

The key to selecting a formation is picking one that suits the players. Rather than picking a formation and trying to fit players into it, good managers will find the formation that brings the best out of their players. Put simply, Wilder should look to put round pegs in round holes. Much has been made on the decisions to play the likes of Tom Craddock, Jack Midson and Steve MacLean in wide areas last season, but with these players Wilder has the right players in the right places. In a 4-4-2, this is not true. McLaren and Leven are vital players for Oxford, but would not suit a two man central midfield partnership. Furthermore, this system limits Potter, Hall, Davis and Batt, preventing them from doing what they do best in attack. Whilst fans like to see two strikers down the middle, their supply lines can't be sacrificed in doing so. On occasions, this would be the case. Whilst flexible tactics are important over the course of a season and 4-4-2 can be useful in certain circumstances (Wilder has been willing to change shape during games, when appropriate), it would not get more from the current players than a 4-3-3.

4-2-3-1

Finally, it is worth looking at an increasingly popular formation in world football. Originating in South America, the 4-2-3-1 has been used successfully in recent years.

Strengths

One of the key reasons for the popularity of the 4-2-3-1 formation has been the central midfield 2, shielding the back four. As with McLaren in the 4-3-3, this partnership should protect the centre of the field, preventing the ball from reaching the opposition strikers. The two holding players will also have varied roles. Whilst one is very much there for defensive purposes, the other usually possesses great passing ability and looks to dictate the play from deep. In Leven, Wilder has a player who would be able to fulfil that role, but his presence may be lost further up the pitch. Ideally, this player should be encouraged to continue forward movement after starting attacks, before making late runs into the box or sweeping up opposition clearances. If this player is mobile enough, the two man holding midfield can be utilised going forward, as well as providing a strong defensive shape.

Another key strength of this system is the four man attack. Although the three men behind Constable can drop back into the midfielder to add to the six man defensive unit, they are primarily there to work in and around the lone striker. Like in the 4-3-3, Potter would have the freedom to roam, but Hall and new arrival Andy Haworth would be expected to provide a natural width. Playing behind the central striker, Potter could drop deep to collect the ball, before driving into space as he does so well. The number of attackers in the final third should provide bodies in the box, with the possible variations of attack seen with 4-3-3 still possible. The ball can be played through Leven, to link with the four men at the top of the pitch, or into the channels for willing runners to work for.

The 4-2-3-1 offers balance, strength in numbers in attack and utilises the strengths of the players Wilder has at his disposal.

Weaknesses

Like all formations, there are issues that need to be addressed. As with the 4-3-3 system, there can be defensive issues in the wide areas near the halfway line. Without a three man midfield to defend these areas, Wilder would be forced to ask the wide men in his attacking three to track any runs from opposition full-backs. In theory, this should be easily managed but United could be succeptible to the overlap if the wide men don't work hard enough down the flanks. If Potter and Hall were forced to track back, they should not allow themselves to become pinned back for long periods of time, thus removing any attacking threat.

The central attacking midfielder carries a great deal of expectation in this role. Potter would need to be constantly on the move to make sure he doesn't become peripheral. If Potter can drop deep to collect the ball and be involved consistently, this is a role that could suit him down to the ground.

However, the greatest concern in regard to the 4-2-3-1 system is whether it could be effective in League Two. This is a division in which the pattern of play can often be end to end and it is possible that this formation could be overrun. If the ball is given away cheaply, this system does not have three central midfielders to recover the team's shape. If one of the holding midfielders and one full-back are caught out of position, teams can expose a vulnerable defence very quickly.

Summary

4-2-3-1 has been successful in teams that can maintain possession for long periods of time, but may not be perfectly suited to the lack of time available in League Two. Whilst this interesting system may be useful at home on the wide Kassam Stadium pitch, the midfield is not compact enough to stifle opposition in away games.

Conclusion

We are all entitled to our opinions on Oxford United. However, we all see the game in different ways and each of us has a different vision for how they want the team to play. Chris Wilder is the man that matters. He wants the team to get the ball down, make good decisions, get the full-backs forward and pass through the opposition. For these purposes and the players in the squad, 4-3-3 I the most efficient. Every formation has strengths and weaknesses, but 4-3-3 carries the least weaknesses and has shown that it works.

The system is solid defensively and creates chances going forward. The real issue for Oxford United has been individual error. If the side begin to finish chances and remove defensive errors, any debate over formation will be quickly forgotten.