Pre-season many fans expected it would be a struggle to avoid the relegation places and a mid table position would be a bonus. Although we are only five matches in Heckingbottom and his staff have galvanised the team and supporters and brought back an atmosphere to Oakwell. Questions were raised as to whether it would be practical to play 4-4-2 in the Championship and be successful but Hecky has the team playing an attractive high tempo game to which the players have responded both in attitude and fitness. Another plus is in addition to being top goal scorers eight players are on the score sheet, both centre backs (pre-the transfer), both centre midfielders, both wide men and two strikers. The football in the second half display against Rotherham showed how far the team have come under the coaching staff, the only downside on the day being the form of Winnall who although returning from injury showed little in the first half by way of application. The introduction of Bradshaw upped the work rate with the forwards being the first line of defence and along with Watkins ran the centre backs ragged. Winnall may have scored 20+ goals in League One but needs to up his work rate in the Championship.
Although a long way to go, I never thought we'd be 1 of the 3 worst teams. And I love that we play 4-4-2. Sod these fancy formations with defensive midfielders, no10s and false 9s. Load of ********. Won't win every game, won't lose them all too.
I'm still willing to give Sam time and patience to prove he can play at this level, I think he deserves it but as things stand Watkins and Bradshaw are my front two and unless they are broken up through injury, suspension or loss of form then I'd be sticking with them.
The 442 template suits the players we have. Kent has been a real astute piece of business on the evidence of the first few games. The work-rate and defensive responsibility runs right through the team. As many fans have mentioned, we need to be active in our recruitment over the next two days to ensure our squad has enough depth and quality.
4-4-2 is by far the best formation. It gives each individual player more passing options. Add pace to that and you have a winning team. Voila Barnsley FC. It doesn't seem too long ago that Hecky said in an interview that one of the criteria for signing players was pace.
