Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

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Houghton Bee

Houghton Bee

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Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Hopefully this thread isn't duplicating an earlier one, if so please delete/move :)

I'm interested in what my fellow GPGers think 'works' in League One, in a tactical and formation sense.

Personally I think a direct approach is best. Get the ball in the area as much as possible by any means necessary. I've long thought that trying to play the Barcelona/Arsenal approach just will not work at this level. I can understand why it's trying to be implemented at Brentford, I just don't think it's the way we will make it out of this division. Part of the problem is you need players that are not only technically gifted but mentally gifted as well, it's very tough and costly to get them down at this level. As large as our budget is we will always be reliant on recruiting Premier League youth cast offs, and lower league/Championship journeymen whilst we remain at this level. It feels like ages since we unearthed a non-league talent!

I'm also interested in peoples opinions on how teams have played that have been promoted in the past few seasons. The truth is when I see a Brentford match I only really watch Brentford, I don't really take much notice of how the other sh*t play. I certainly don't watch League One matches on tv, even the BBC highlights I record then fast forward to watch Brentford only.

I suspect many will agree that 4-4-2 is the best formation to use. 4-5-1 and 4-3-3 require a lot of work from the midfield getting forward to support the striker in the first case and avoiding being over run in the latter.

Over to you guys........ :sorted:
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

A confident committed team who stick to the game plan week in week out which we currently don't have
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Score goals, defend well and win games.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

I want a hard fearful ba*tard in midfield whom can distribute the ball and cajole the team! Also, this same player can protect other inexperienced team mates around; what Luiz did to Reeves last season was a disgrace and he deserved a right in your face fracus (what would Hurlock have done to Luiz?!). We need leaders on the pitch whom are in tune with management; look at how the Quarterback in NFL is almost best buddies with the head coach! Until the fans see unity and cohesion from the team on the field with Rosler off it, we will have our continuing doubts about disruption in the camp. So on Monday, I hope players and management get together to work out what is required to turn this season around.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

we need to mix it up, plan A,B,C etc.. Uwe doesn't become a bad manager over night but he's got to stop playing just one way..
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Silly Chip said:
I want a hard fearful ba*tard in midfield whom can distribute the ball and cajole the team! Also, this same player can protect other inexperienced team mates around; what Luiz did to Reeves last season was a disgrace and he deserved a right in your face fracus (what would Hurlock have done to Luiz?!). We need leaders on the pitch whom are in tune with management; look at how the Quarterback in NFL is almost best buddies with the head coach! Until the fans see unity and cohesion from the team on the field with Rosler off it, we will have our continuing doubts about disruption in the camp. So on Monday, I hope players and management get together to work out what is required to turn this season around.
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The players also need to take responsibility, you can blame the manager, but at the end of the day the players are the ones on the pitch. They either want us to achieve or not. Those that do not must be shipped out.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

It's not about being 'direct' or 'tippy tappy'.

We need to be able to mix it up, which we can't do at present. Too many teams have sussed us out.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

A solid team that plays week in week out if possible. Dominant goalkeeper; tough defenders who might be skilful but release the ball quickly and don't take chances; a tall, strong, hard man in the middle to break up those pesky long ball attacks and is willing to get nasty if he has to; skilful, quick midfielders who can take the ball on from the defenders and make telling passes to the forwards or, if they have to, take the ball down to the byeline and cross; tough, quick-witted forwards who never give up and chase every ball on the ground or in the air and are willing to barge it and the opponent into the net if that's the only way and will take a long shot if they see the chance. Basically, a good third division outfit like we've occasionally had in the past.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Scoring more goals than the other team I suppose.....lol....YOU REDS...
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

brooks said:
A solid team that plays week in week out if possible. Dominant goalkeeper; tough defenders who might be skilful but release the ball quickly and don't take chances; a tall, strong, hard man in the middle to break up those pesky long ball attacks and is willing to get nasty if he has to; skilful, quick midfielders who can take the ball on from the defenders and make telling passes to the forwards or, if they have to, take the ball down to the byeline and cross; tough, quick-witted forwards who never give up and chase every ball on the ground or in the air and are willing to barge it and the opponent into the net if that's the only way and will take a long shot if they see the chance. Basically, a good third division outfit like we've occasionally had in the past.
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Good post!

I wonder how Bees fans are getting on with Fifa 14 and our current squad of Brentford players? Perhaps they need to contact Uwe to let them know how their teams are being more successful tactic wise.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

TBH , we've got all the parts , some good quality ones too . Uwe needs to assemble them correctly .We've added missing components from last season team . McCormack to add the bit of steel we were missing in defence ,but he's been played wide the last couple of games . All the bits are in the box Uwe , find the correct instructions .
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Bigbee said:
TBH , we've got all the parts , some good quality ones too . Uwe needs to assemble them correctly .We've added missing components from last season team . McCormack to add the bit of steel we were missing in defence ,but he's been played wide the last couple of games . All the bits are in the box Uwe , find the correct instructions .
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Spot on - don't need to buy anyone just maximise the potential of the players we already have
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Settled squad, adding a few loanees as and when. Honestly think our squad is too big at the moment and does not help team spirit
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

442, two good centre backs, two good centre mids, two good centre forwards. Get the spine right and the rest takes care of itself.

Work out what your best XI is and play them every week, barring injuries and suspensions.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

We should play this team and set up for the rest of October and see where we are......

--------------------------------Lee/Button--------------------------

Logan------------------Dean------------Taylor----------Bidwell

------------------McCormack-----------Douglas-----------------

Fillo----------------------------Forshaw-----------------------Tex

------------------------------------Don-------------------------------

Subs: Lee/Button, Craig, Saville, Toumani, Saunders, Trotta/Grigg, Farid.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

A solid keeper, nine hard as nails six footers and a little sh*t in midfield. As for tactics, the old British game (pace and power) with passing quality.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Keep it simple , pass and move !!.. and lots of movement off the ball......Brazil have been doing it for years
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

fencer/bee said:
Keep it simple , pass and move !!.. and lots of movement off the ball......Brazil have been doing it for years
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............did they get out of League 1 playing that way?????............
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Bodies in the box, balls in the box with some carriers mopping up and joining in as and when. Gayle and Smillie on the wings with 2 goalscorers in Bliss and Holdworth, Ratcliffe to hold the shape and two CBs that command the box and one that scores a few goals too. A team that can play when needed and mix it when needed unlike Doncaster who couldn't play but pipped us in a crap league in a crap season.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Wide players that get to the byline and cross the ball into waiting forwards.
Midfield players that link up with the forwards and go past them into the box and force the keeper to make a save.

Very simple
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Can I suggest that you all bottle these products and sell them. As you are certain of success you will all make a fortune. Unfortunately, if everyone buys your guaranteed success products then some will start losing and the product will become discredited.;):D
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Pace! We have very little pace in the team (I have been saying this for I don't know how long now) and this means it is easy for teams to defend against us as they can squeeze higher up the pitch and therefore congest the midfield. This stops us playing. Need to move the ball forward quicker (& I don't mean route 1) and play with wingers. Need people in the wide positions to stretch the play. However, this isn't going to happen with Uwe in charge as he isn't going to change the way we play now.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Sunbury Bee said:
Pace! We have very little pace in the team (I have been saying this for I don't know how long now) and this means it is easy for teams to defend against us as they can squeeze higher up the pitch and therefore congest the midfield. This stops us playing. Need to move the ball forward quicker (& I don't mean route 1) and play with wingers. Need people in the wide positions to stretch the play. However, this isn't going to happen with Uwe in charge as he isn't going to change the way we play now.
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Damn right. Our two most dangerous attackers are often Logan and Donaldson and imo it's no coincidence that they're the quickest. It's the one thing that limited and organised teams don't usually have.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Silly Chip said:
Good post!

I wonder how Bees fans are getting on with Fifa 14 and our current squad of Brentford players? Perhaps they need to contact Uwe to let them know how their teams are being more successful tactic wise.
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How's our team rated in Fifa14 incidentally?
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Based on his hundred or so games in charge, I don't believe the manager knows what tactics work or which tactics he wants to employ.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

BS7Bee said:
How's our team rated in Fifa14 incidentally?
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2 and a half stars. we also own tex and saville. barron is rated higher then bidwell. Dave is rated higher then douglas. the gameplay is pretty poop as well :wave:
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

I think you need some beasts at centre back and in centre midfield to boss play and counter inevitable physicality of lower league football. Then some nippy wingers to let fly... And a tall centre forward to hold up the long balls.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Eieieio said:
I think you need some beasts at centre back and in centre midfield to boss play and counter inevitable physicality of lower league football. Then some nippy wingers to let fly... And a tall centre forward to hold up the long balls.
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Don't we have these already ?
Harlee and Taylor
McCormack and Dougie
Clayton
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

As far as I can see we been undone this season by teams who employ the long ball game. So long ball for me please.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

No thanks.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

There are many elements to a successful team but would say a strong spine from GK, CH, CM, CF, and a team that does not give anything away are a given. We dont have either, at the moment.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Close down the oppostion quickly when they are in possession. (Rovram were much better at this than we were)
Win more than half the 50/50 balls (certainly didn't do that on Saturday)
Man mark rather than zonal (a free header for the winning goal on Saturday)
Move the ball quickly from defence to attack (play Adam further forward?)
Use the width of the pitch (please hurry back Jake)
Wingers/ attacking backs who can deliver good crosses into the box.
Forwards who are robust and hungry and not easily bullied off the ball.
Better teamwork. (We have talent and better resources than ever at the club but we're clearly not using them effectively)
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Put Donaldson on the bench.
Make sure we have two wingers that attack behind the fullbacks.
Farid and Trotta up up front for the whipped in crosses, with Donaldson coming on for the last twenty.

Unfortunately, it'd probably take a few games for the team to adapt to this Maverick system.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

4 - 2 - 4 (attacking 442)

Play direct, but that doesn't mean just hoofing it up the field. Use the wingers and get them to fire crosses in straight away, so that the strikers will be expecting it.

Attack and score goals. Leave the back four to defend. With our team we should be able to outscore the majority of teams in this division.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

spirebee said:
Put Donaldson on the bench.
Make sure we have two wingers that attack behind the fullbacks.
Farid and Trotta up up front for the whipped in crosses, with Donaldson coming on for the last twenty.

Unfortunately, it'd probably take a few games for the team to adapt to this Maverick system.
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"Maverick" is indeed the word.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Play football instead of lumping it up field, when we played football on Saturady it created a few half chances
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Stick with a winning team
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

I don't think we need attacking full backs and wingers in midfield. If Logan and Bidwell are wide attacking options when in possession, we have the width necessary. This allows us to play four solid midfielders, such as Douglas, McCormack, Diagouraga and Forshaw, probably in a diamond. none of them need to play 'wide' left or right where the touchline is in effect another defender.

This leaves two strikers, who should be capable of forging a partnership and playing together - I don't know the best pair but I suspect Grigg and Donaldson.

The centre backs must include a beast, so if Taylor goes back it would be a major blow at this stage (on the basis that nugent, the french boy, are not of the required stature).

We have two good keepers, both of whom could do the job. There is enough depth in the squad to back up this formation (apart from centre half) and I think this would get us promoted. We would boss the midfield every week and play the game much further up the pitch. This would automatically create chances.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

I find this so hard to decide what would be best strategy for us to get promoted.

My heart says we must play more expansive football with two up and two proper wingers.

Now my mind says, and please don't all scream at me but here goes,

4-1-4-1, defensive. Make it hard for opposition to score. I say this as the statistics collected across leagues and years show conceding ten fewer goals gains more points that scoring ten more goals. So lots of nil- nils, and a lot of one nils. Not champagne football but effective. Once we stabilise by picking up points we can switch to a more offensive style.

Wish my heart is right otherwise it is going to be a boring slog to the finishing line.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Quite often succesful teams have a good regular strike partnership at their heart.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

havantbee said:
I don't think we need attacking full backs and wingers in midfield. If Logan and Bidwell are wide attacking options when in possession, we have the width necessary. This allows us to play four solid midfielders, such as Douglas, McCormack, Diagouraga and Forshaw, probably in a diamond. none of them need to play 'wide' left or right where the touchline is in effect another defender.

This leaves two strikers, who should be capable of forging a partnership and playing together - I don't know the best pair but I suspect Grigg and Donaldson.

The centre backs must include a beast, so if Taylor goes back it would be a major blow at this stage (on the basis that nugent, the french boy, are not of the required stature).

We have two good keepers, both of whom could do the job. There is enough depth in the squad to back up this formation (apart from centre half) and I think this would get us promoted. We would boss the midfield every week and play the game much further up the pitch. This would automatically create chances.
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This is Uwe does at the moment and it is exactly why we don't create enough chances. The best way to create chances at this level is to play with width and get crosses into the box. Last year when we were flying Donaldson and Forrester were playing wide right and wide left. This allowed to attack teams quickly by getting in behind their full backs with their pace and skill. This year since Macleny got injured Uwe hasn't played with two wingers and we've been dog sh*t as a result. He has filled the club with CMs and we have been sussed out very quickly.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

CTBee said:
This is Uwe does at the moment and it is exactly why we don't create enough chances. The best way to create chances at this level is to play with width and get crosses into the box. Last year when we were flying Donaldson and Forrester were playing wide right and wide left. This allowed to attack teams quickly by getting in behind their full backs with their pace and skill. This year since Macleny got injured Uwe hasn't played with two wingers and we've been dog sh*t as a result. He has filled the club with CMs and we have been sussed out very quickly.
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I can't say I agree. For example on Saturday we played Saunders on one wing and McCormack on the other (much wider than I would expect him to play). We regularly play with one up front, even at home!

We have often got good crosses into the box ... but there's no one thereto get on the end because the crosses come from a front man who's been pushed into a channel. We have also seen time and time again that where we have wingers and attacking full backs combining out wide to eventually contrive a cross there is either no one in the box (because we only have only one striker to accommodate all of these wide players) or the ball is headed clear by a giant centre half or caught by the goalkeeper.

Firing hopeful crosses into the box for a front two of Grigg or Donaldson is never going to be the answer. The answer was evident in parts on Saturday - a playmaker in space behind the front two looking for intelligent runs. We have the players to do this, and we were quite unlucky not to score on the two or three occasions they did this on Saturday.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

havantbee said:
I can't say I agree. For example on Saturday we played Saunders on one wing and McCormack on the other (much wider than I would expect him to play). We regularly play with one up front, even at home!

We have often got good crosses into the box ... but there's no one thereto get on the end because the crosses come from a front man who's been pushed into a channel. We have also seen time and time again that where we have wingers and attacking full backs combining out wide to eventually contrive a cross there is either no one in the box (because we only have only one striker to accommodate all of these wide players) or the ball is headed clear by a giant centre half or caught by the goalkeeper.

Firing hopeful crosses into the box for a front two of Grigg or Donaldson is never going to be the answer. The answer was evident in parts on Saturday - a playmaker in space behind the front two looking for intelligent runs. We have the players to do this, and we were quite unlucky not to score on the two or three occasions they did this on Saturday.
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Well you've answered yourself in a way, Saunders and McCormack aren't wide men. Neither of them will beat their full back and whip in a cross (Unless it's a free kick for the latter). Rosler expects the full backs to add width yet is the first to criticise Logan for any defensive blooper after the bloke has run himself into the ground getting up and down the line like a ruddy yo-yo, Craig on the other hand as solid a defender as he is gets a nose bleed when he gets past the half way line. Playing the midfield you suggest with or without the diamond makes it so easy to defend against as both Orient and Rotherham proved. Two banks of four and we can't force our way through the middle. How often does Forshaw get on the ball, look for a quick give and go and find himself either crowded out or no one on the same wavelength. Apart from one cross from Donaldson I can't recall the crosses raining in at the weekend and let's be honest if we are going to play with width we need a header of the calibre of Farid to capitalise.

Pace out wide and an effective central striking partnership are the keys to success in this division. By spreading the play it would give a quality midfielder such as Forshaw so much more room to do damage in the middle of the park. At the current time our approach play at home is laboured and predictable.
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

a rock solid defence.....
 

Which tactics work for getting out of League One?

Is it filling the side with non scoring midfielders with no pace?Just wondered?
 
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