New Signings, New System, New Beginning?

Richard Shaw

Could this be the beginning of a great new period in the history of Coventry City Football Club? Seven, I repeat seven new signings have arrived which has been unheard of in previous seasons. New additions to the backroom staff in the form of City legend Richard Shaw and Lee Carsley being promoted from under 18 coach to the first team. There may also of been a place for former player Noel Whelan, however bad mouthing the club on Twitter is not the best way to go about getting a job now is it Noel. Last season there was much debate about Andy Thorn's use of the 4-1-2-1-2 formation and his subsequent switch to 4-4-2 and then return to the aforementioned formation. Now it seems that Thorny has decided to play the modern 4-2-3-1 formation, one I personally favour. With the new players and system could the club finally be moving in the right direction?

The Edge

Kevin Malaga

It all started with Stephen Elliott, then John Fleck, then Kevin Kilbane, then Kevin Malaga, then William Edjenguele, then Callum Ball and as it stands Reece Brown. During the months between the end of the season and the opening of the transfer window on July 1st, the majority of city supporters were more concerned with who was going out than who was coming in. Of course it isn't like the fear held by the fans wasn't justified, with the stand out players of last season Richard Keogh and Martin Cranie and academy graduate Gael Bigirimana all leaving the club. Despite this Andy Thorn is putting together a squad well able to challenge for automatic promotion, gradually filling the gaps that were so apparent in the squad from last season. Firstly much needed creativity in midfield in the form of Scotsman John Fleck and trialist Ricky Pinheiro (this trialist could however be Daniel Halfar of 1860 Munich). Secondly any strikers that are not Clive Platt or Freddy Eastwood, step forward Stephen Elliott, Callum Ball and another trialist Bruno Cazarine. We have also replaced Keogh and Cranie with Malaga and The Edge who both looked decent on their debuts against Hinckley United. Add to this utility men Kevin Kilbane and Reece Brown who add a certain depth to the squad and for a 35 year old Kilbane looked particularly mobile on debut against Hinckley, it is good to know we haven't signed another Michael Hughes or Arjen De Zeeuw who basically couldn't move. With Bruno, Ricky (or Daniel) and Steven Jennings still on trial we have a potential 10 new signings and if rumours are to be believed more still to come. As harsh as it may seem, I for one hope Portsmouth do go into liquidation and that we sign up Izale McLeod (currently on trial at Pompey) as I believe at this level he could really do some damage. 

Kevin Kilbane

Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid just some of the teams that currently adopt the 4-2-3-1 formation and it is fair to say that these teams play some of the most attractive football in the world at this moment, not only this but they also tend to win things as well (except Arsenal). This is because this formation is the formation of the present and future. Now it is clear to see that we don't have players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Silva or even Maroane Chamakh, yet the beauty of this formation is that it allows a manager or coach to get the most out of underachieving players. Whether it is 4-2-3-1 or a converted 4-5-1 or 4-3-3 these formations allow for flowing football and see the likes of Leon Britton, Mark Gower and Shaun Derry look like world beaters which with all due respect they are not. Since England's exit from Euro 2012 many have complained that we do not produce enough technically gifted players, when compared to Spain or Germany this may be true but I am of the opinion that the real problem is the 4-4-2 system we have played since the beginning of time. Fact of the matter is this system allows a team to be compact in defence and lethal on the attack. When you break it down it is simply a 6-4 formation in other words six defenders and four attackers, the defensive players contain the other team whilst being able to keep the ball through two holding midfielders. The four attackers can all interchange and play between the lines causing all sorts of problems for the opposing defence. The diamond worked well in parts last season, the problem being however that huge spaces open up on the flanks, resulting in the full backs coming under intense pressure. As regards 4-4-2 this is a formation on the way out, unless you have two pacy wingers for example the Manchester United duo of Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young (unfortunately David Bell and Carl Baker do not fall into this category) it is simply ineffective in modern football.

Gael is in the Bigi time now

Keogh, gone but not forgotten

This is Coventry City and with Coventry City nothing is ever perfect, with all the recent signings the fact that SISU are still in charge of the club has been seemingly forgotten by some. I'm sick of going on and on about their running of the club but I would like to point out a few things for consideration. Firstly despite numerous signings no money has actually changed hands for any of these players; there is of course money available from the sale of both Gael and Keogh. Secondly the fact that the club have funded the Category Two status in the new Elite Player Performance Plan can be seen in one of two ways, it can be seen as great news because Gregor Rioch and the academy have produced good young players in recent years and it’s good that they can continue to do so. Or that SISU have realised from the Bigi sale that they can produce young players at little cost to then sell on for big transfer fees. Thirdly any talk of a takeover has been non-existence in recent weeks, has Gary Hoffman lost interest or is he on a rather long holiday.

Not wanting to finish on a bad note, I leave you with the news that our league one rivals Preston have taken former Aston Villa keeper Peter Encklemen on trial.