Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I don't think Ben had any intention of drastic changes. I believe he saw a team looking very solid defensively, but were scoring few goals, due to very few chances created.
I think the first game that we tried a back four was the Stevenage game, which proved disappointing. You might argue that was a good game to try something different, whether you view it as an unimportant game, more like a friendly or just weaker opposition that we should have beaten. For me, it was an opportunity missed, but the players did not perform that night. We reverted to a back 3 / 5 after that but lost to Doncaster and subseequenrly he did try a back four on many occasions there on in.
For the record, since our win away to Ipswich we have played about half our games with a back four and half with 3 centre backs. We had a back 3 / 5 at Southend as well, so can we please dispel this myth that last night's result was due to returning to GC's tactics and formation - nonsense!
I do believe that a 4-3-3 or a variation with a back four, is Ben Garner's ultimate goal, and that was always going to be problematic - with our most conssitent performers being our 3 centre backs. It was always going to be difficult choosng who to drop, hence the Kilgour / Menayese Right Back roles. And that was before Tom Davies' return, who I believe would have been a starter in a back four, making the decsion even more difficult, and would explain the potential move for Menayese.
We have been trying the front two supporting JCH on several occasions, and up until a few games ago, we were seeing signs of promise in the attcaking third with both Ginnelly and Mitchell-Lawson showing promise. Josh Barrett's cameo roles , also showed, I believe, the intention of having a creative midfielder in the centre three behind the lone striker.
However, formations are fluid, and they seem to be highlighted more when we lose - so alot then! The difference with last night, and a few glimses before, lies with the midfield. Teams have been pushing up two, three, even four men onto our defence, maintaining their own defensive line, and largely leaving that hole in midfield knowing that when they were in possession, they could play through that space, but also, being confident that when we were in possession we would just hoof it over the top to our front men. That was evidently not working, and to be fair to Garner, I do not think that is what he wanted our players doing!
Last night there was more energy, more endeavour. Our passing improved, and players were making themselves available, so we could play through our midfield rather than just hoof it forward. Jaydn was excellent last night, in attack and in defence, but Cameron's energy was key, both in pressuring their back line but also in being available in attack. Yes I do believe that a back three suits us best, if only to accommodate Tony Craig (I use the word 'accommodate' with no disrespect to Tony, as he has been a superb signing), as he is undoubtedly at his best in a three.
I have backed Garner beacuse I have seen glimpses of what he is trying to achieve, and I believe with the low number of chances created, let alone scored, per game, it was always going to become a problem - our outstanding defence and keeper (some world class saves) kept us in games that might have been drawn/lost. But I have also backed Garner because if you are to agree that any manager should be given time to change the club for the better, and I do believe that, then I believe he should have the Summer and the first 12 / 15 games of the new season. Yes that is a big ask for many of you here. And I know, one reslult does not change anything, except I believe it provides the security of League One football next season.
If Garner was to leave now, it would mean he has failed, but another manager would come with the same risks in trying to develop the squad to their thinking. By sticking with Garner, yes it could be proved a disaster, but there remains a chance that he can be a success - a great success. I believe as long as we're safe from relegation, let's see that through and the rewards could be far greater. Fortune favours the brave.
I know that requires a lot of patience and faith. But I am, perhaps alone, in being prepared to give Garner that time.
UTG!