Local Sport

Tisdale fails to find formula for success

A 2-0 defeat at Aldershot last night left ECFC languishing in 12th position and manager Paul Tisdale scratching his head. City's fourth match without a win looks like it is starting to take its toll on the manager as he struggles to find a winning formula.

Tisdale started the season employing an attacking 3-4-3 wing-back formation, which often reverted to a 4-3-3 depending on the status of the match. Last night, ECFC started the match in a 4-5-1 formation looking to sit back and counter attack, although this was switched to a 4-4-2 in the second half – with little success. As City's form continues to nose dive and Tisdale shuffles his pack with all the success of a pissed Paul Daniels, he might do well to consider the following tactics:

5-3-2 The sweeper system hinges on an intelligent player to play behind the back four, where he can read the play, snuff out danger and distribute the ball. Not generally used in the Conference as the centre-back's role is more of a 'stopper', a 6ft+ brute to put the wind up the opposition.

4-3-2-1 The infamous 'Christmas tree' formation was used by Terry Venables in the European Championships of 1996 to great success. The England side strolled through the group stages – including a 4-1 demolition of Holland – and were finally eliminated by Germany on penalties in the semis. Proof that even the most unique strategies can't change some things...

3-5-2 The wing-back system was a ridiculous formation prevalent throughout the mid '90s. The formation employs the use of two wide players to cover the flanks, and this responsibility falls on the shoulders of players who can generally be sorted into two categories: Plodding full backs who only cross the half-way line once or twice a season, usually when 4-0 up to amuse the crowd ala Lee Dixon/Nigel Winterburn; Creative (lazy) wingers who couldn't tackle a fish ala Steve McManaman/Darren Anderton.

2-3-5 This system was used by every team up until the late 50's, consisting of wing-halfs, inside rights and outside lefts. However, the tactic is now only employed by desperate sides when trailing with just a few minutes left in a cup-tie. One or both of the centre-backs are sent to trundle up front and try to get on the end of long balls launched from the back like rugby up-and-unders. Rarely successful nowadays.

8-1-1 Pretty much the opposite of above, often used by teams playing away from home against superior opposition, or European sides defending a first leg lead. Championed by analysts like Hansen or Lawrenson as "Two banks of four" and "Difficult to break down" - successful, but boring (much like Hansen and Lawrenson).