It’s very clear to see Gannon’s tactics as he has pretty much stuck to them most games. I do like them as they cover us going forward and back but we just lack that killer pass from midfield at times and do not have a striker who can take the chance when we get it.
It starts off a 4-1-2-2-1 more or less. Could be viewed as a 4-5-1 or a 4-3-3 also I guess. Back four as normal, Hateley sitting in front in the defensive midfield role, midfield three with our 3 forwards usually comprising big Sutton in the middle with 2 others playing off him and nearly as wingers but given quite a free role.
When Ruddy has the ball - Hammell and Mout push right up nearly in line with midfield and the two centre back move towards the corner of the 18 yard box. The ball then gets put to either of the two or Hately who comes back through the middle to ask for it. Hardly ever is it punted long.
We then try and pass the ball short around midfield, side to side, and get it to the wings as much as possible for Hammell/Mout to drive forward and use the two wingers/forwards to get it down the line and into the box .
If we lose the ball in play Hateley tracks back to provide a back three while Hammell and Mout get back from their advanced positions.
Also, watch Hateley when the opposite team goalie punts it up the park – he drops back inline with the centre backs and usually marks their target man along with one of our centre back.
Pretty effective.