Following an exciting week in which we witnessed some astute purchases in the transfer market, the culmination of the Reda Johnson contract saga and the much anticipated away kit reveal, we were subjected to 90 minutes of stereo-typical exhibition style football at the less than aesthetically pleasing Liberty Way.
Something of a pre-season tradition was prematurely ended last July due to an intense wind and rain storm, unfortunately we weren’t afforded that luxury this year. There were brief moments of action - more so in the first than second half - but more fascinating was the emergence of Tony Mowbray’s true tactical philosophy.
There are many ways to progress out of League One. This was evident last season as Bristol City, MK Dons and Preston were promoted having played three contrasting styles of football. We narrowly avoided going in the opposite direction, deploying a no-nonsense 4-4-2 in the last part of the season.
It transpired today that Mowbray has returned to a style previously used at Middlesbrough, the modern system of 4-2-3-1. City fans will recall Mark Robins implementing a similar style during his short stint as manager, but it was a slightly rigid 4-2-2-1-1 as it was described at the time.
The defensive midfield pairing of any 4-2-3-1 based side are vital to the potential success of the system. Mowbray hinted after the game that new signing Romain Vincelot would accompany John Fleck in the role, undoubtedly our strongest midfield pairing.
The duo will be expected to offer protection to the back four, whilst at the same time maintaining possession and beginning attacks. Vincelot’s engine and defensive qualities should complement Fleck’s range of passing, resulting in an effective barrier between attack and defence.
James Maddison was vocal in his appreciation of Mowbray’s attacking philosophy after the game: “The manager is trying to drill his philosophy into us and how he wants to play. I like the way he sees the game, it's an attacking way and it's how I enjoy playing.” (Courtesy of ccfc.co.uk).
After admitting that he favoured the number ten role, Maddison - the most naturally gifted player in the squad - must play there this season to generate the central creativity that the system requires.
With the defensive unit almost sorted - some deliberation may be had on the goalkeeping situation after Reice Charles-Cook’s confident clean-sheet - Mowbray will now turn his attention to fine tuning the offensive side of the squad. Having another look at Ruben Lameiras should be the first port of call, whilst sending Roussel Ngankam back to Botosani is a no-brainer.
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