Saints trial new formation in win over Yeovil

Last updated : 31 July 2005 By Chris C

The match was particularly notable for an experimental 3-5-2 formation which proved such a winning formula for Harry in his Championship winning year with Pompey. After the defensive calamities of last season, Harry is looking to build a solid base with three central defenders, supported when necessary by wing backs.

The success of this formation is largely dependent on the personnel that Harry can bring into the club. Certainly it plays to our strengths in central midfield and allows Harry to play Matthew Oakley alongside Wise and Quashie, with back-up from Prutton and Folly.

Harry is hoping to bring in two more centre backs to the club with Darren Purse in the stands at Huish Park and Polish international Hajto again impressing on trial. Add new signing Darren Powell, the welcome return of Michael Svensson to training and England U19 central defensive partnership Mills and Cranie and central defence looks another strong area for Saints. Who knows we may even see a return to form from Claus in a sweeper role?

The real concern is in the wide areas, with midfielder Rory Delap and central defender Danny Higginbotham employed as wing backs last night. While there is back-up available from Nilsson and McCann, Saints lack natural wing backs and Harry needs to add a pacey left-sided wing back if this formation is really going to work.

Up front it looks like Saints are going to add yet another ex-Pompey player to our ranks with a nominal fee agreed today for Ricardo Fuller. Fuller was on a pay-to-play deal at Pompey because of a long standing knee problem, but still managed over 30 games last season, albeit scoring a solitary goal. His record in the Championship is much better averaging a goal every other game during his time at Preston North End and Saints fans will hope he brings that form and fitness along the M27.