Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill hints at change in formation By a_stockhausen please log in to view this image Karleigh Osborne holds the key to Bristol City adopting a flat back four according to manager Steve Cotterill. Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill has hinted at a possible change in formation ahead of Saturday’s League One clash against Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park. Despite adopting a 3-5-2 system since first taking over as manager in December, Cotterill is not averse to switching formations and reverted to a more orthodox 4-4-2 shape in each of the last two games against Carlisle United and Coventry. Cotterill admits a preference for 4-4-2, but feels playing with three central defenders and wing-backs better suits the players currently at his disposal. But that could be about to change, given that Karleigh Osborne holds the key to playing with a flat back four. Well on the road to recovering from the hamstring strain that forced him to miss this week’s two home games, the right-sided defender has a 50/50 chance of being passed fit to face Oldham. Failing that, he is expected to make his return to action in Tuesday’s fixture against promotion-chasing Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road. He revealed: “I’ve been wanting to get to a back four since I’ve come through the door but we’ve ended up playing 3-5-2 as it seemed to suit us. Maybe we have to change it. “But we don’t have what I would feel happy enough with in terms of a back four when Karleigh Osborne’s not available.” Having seen his side fall behind in each of their last eight outings, Cotterill would love to see City take the lead themselves at Oldham. He said: “It would be great for me if we could go 1-0 up and I didn’t have to take players off at half time when I’m trying to keep them all confident. “It would be nice for me to actually sit and watch a game and finish that game with the starting XI still on the pitch. “Wouldn’t it be nice if I could relax and enjoy it a bit, but there is always something that prevents that from happening. “I’ve accepted that and I know it is going to be like that. I understand the situation, I’ve been in the game a long time.” Read more: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristo...tory-20575921-detail/story.html#ixzz2sYeTi15b Here we go again.. * Is not averse to switching formations. * Has been wanting to get to a back four since he's come through the door. * Admits a preference for 4-4-2, but feels playing with three central defenders and wing-backs better suits the players currently at his disposal. * But we don’t have what he would feel happy enough with in terms of a back four when Karleigh Osborne’s not available. * Wouldn’t it be nice if he could relax and enjoy it a bit, but there is always something that prevents that from happening. * Has accepted that and he knows it is going to be like that. He understands the situation, he's been in the game a long time. I'm beginning to get a bit worried.
In the summer (if we stay up) Cotterill should be allowed to drastically change the squad, similar to what SOD did but hopefully better.
What he's basically saying is the players playing this formation to fit JET into the team is all they know. If he really wanted a 4-4-2 where would you put JET?.
'4-4-2 with Barnett and Baldock up front' And me with Jet at the front of a diamond with Pack, Marv and A N Other (not fu**ing Gillett). Similar to the first 60 minutes in the game at Tamworth and 2nd half against Carlisle.
I wasn't suggesting playing JET. Just that you can play a flat back 4 and 4 in midfield and still play JET.
Agree, I reckon we've had the best of him already and he's obviously not a lover of cold, wind, rain and heavy pitches
If Cotterill played JET at the front of a 'diamond' with Pack and Marv and A N Other you'd see our results improve. Like it or not he's our only goal threat other than maybe Burns from wide. What set up you'd like to see which would improve our results better than my suggestion.
Rickster - I couldn't disagree in a few weeks but we're talking now. Reid would be my choice at the moment or my Dad but not F Gillett.
I would play a 442, with Bryan, Elliott, Pack and Burns, or put Bryan in at LB and Burns on the left with Reid right (Reid right...read write...geddit ?) I'm sure that was one of your formations a few days ago RP. Sorry to be stealing your best ideas, but we only have so many players to go round
'sure that was one of your formations a few days ago RP' It was, because Cotterill supposedly doesn't know his best midfield. I offered other formations based on how others might set up as well. The one essential theme that ran through every set up was Marv and Pack in CM. Cotterill just can't see it. ps - I know a few on here are concerned about Wagstaff being out for 6 weeks. I'd better not say what I really think other than in my experience others benefit. For others - read Burns and BCFC.
Yes Burns may well get more game time. Sod's Law tells me that he will probably get injured himself so where are we then?
