06 May 2026 17:24:52
Has been a lot of great posts last few days some good points, opinions and comments one constant has been recruitment which we all agree is desperately needed.
Based on that what would everyones preferred formation be?
I float between 3 depending on recruitment.
4-4-2 like 2 up top think it would help us be a bit more clinical
4-1-3-2 if we get that 6 that can slow down and dictate games then 3 attacking mids and 2 STs might create a lot more chances, goals whilst the back 4 don't need to be relied upon for pushing up as much helping us stay stronger defensively
3-5-2 if we get 2 hard working reliable wingers who can just run upp and down each wing helping atk and def then had 3 CBs to stay strong at bk and again 2 STs up top to increase goals
How would you folks like to see us line up next season assuming we get the right lads in and get enough of a squad.
06 May 2026 17:47:01
I'm not sure formation has anything to do with our failure, or indeed if we ever succeed. Just need better players.
06 May 2026 17:55:47
TJBB56, fair enough. ? I was thinking along the lines of a formation so we have a confirmed identity & style of play which we can all agree has been missing. ?
06 May 2026 18:01:52
Hi Mass, not really bothered then on formation as long as we can entertain a bit, score a few, and get 3 points, a cross between Walter and Postecoglue would be good.
06 May 2026 18:16:22
Would need to see where the squad is at before we do that, Mass. I believe Danny will know exactly what way he wants to set up and style of play he wants, but can we now get our no1 targets if we finish 3rd; it'll be very tough to do so.
06 May 2026 18:36:09
I can't wait to see the back of a few of this team tbh.
06 May 2026 18:41:42
I may be alone on this one, but the football pitch has always been split in thirds - Defence, Midfield and Attack.
This used to be represented in formations based on the third of the pitch each player would typically spend most of their time.
So, for me, I hope we never see us playing a formation made up for computer games or infographics.
So no more 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2. These make no sense to me, as once you start splitting the pitch up into quarters or fifths, the actual time the team spends in that shape becomes almost negligible.
Sorry, rant over.
06 May 2026 19:01:29
Well said EHL. The game is overly complicated now. We have assists, yards covered. Who cares how many yards a player covers? Every move is dissected on Match of the Day. Secondly, if you were McInnes and Rangers came calling, would you take your boyhood dream job or would you rather have a go at CL next season?
06 May 2026 19:31:58
EHL, agreed, "a simple game" made far too complicated!
06 May 2026 19:34:10
Thanks for all the replies.
06 May 2026 19:34:15
I think we have better players than Hearts etc. It's their attitude that stinks, their body language reeks, they lack fight, passion and desire, and most of them don't look like they give a toss when it really counts.
06 May 2026 19:47:28
Gazza, you're spot on. They don't care. I've seen folk at 5 a sides be more angry and upset when they get beat than you've got Djiga having a laugh with a Hearts player he's playing against to win a league title.
On another point, what happens if we get the players signed for Rohl's "system" and then he gets sacked in November? And the new manager plays a different system.
06 May 2026 19:52:16
Gazza, I agree. Hence my comments about some of the Billy big balls we have had. Have any of the current players dragged their team to wins apart from Tav in the distant past? The wins that cumulatively lead to a title? The way McGregor has for them. The way Shankland has for Hearts? The same Shankland, the people EHL rightly calls out for shouting to the rooftops about nearly every non domestic signing, turned their nose up at? Buy local.
Buy balls. Buy heart. Buy will to win. Then buy technique. Technique and tactical awareness can be taught. The others can't.
06 May 2026 20:17:18
I agree Ehl, especially about the 4222, which was famously the favoured choice of John Barnes and the infamous Supercaley debacle.
06 May 2026 20:56:18
So Ehl, what formation would you call it when we play a 10 behind the striker and 2 cms behind him, with 2 wide wingers?
I'm afraid, even though I agree, the pitch should just be defence, midfield, attack.
The game has moved on and is now dictated by what people see on Sky Sports, etc., not to mention most sports sites refer to exactly those formations you mention.
06 May 2026 21:09:41
Bbj, it's typically a 4-3-3.
The wingers and the striker are 3 attackers and the ten is typically an advanced midfielder, or a CAM as they are designated by EA Sports.
As I said, these formations are made up for info graphics as teams will have multiple shapes that they'll play in during the game.
06 May 2026 21:31:03
Obviously, the win is the most important aspect of any game, but please just entertain the crowd with fast, free flowing football. Not too bothered what system they set up in, but just entertain.
Sometimes I love how PSG move the ball from back to front, two or three passes and they're having a shot at goal, they attack in 4's and 5's but also quick to regain their shape to defend.
06 May 2026 22:19:24
Ehl, couple great posts re formation, you sound older than me, my final meltdown is 4222.