Wycombe Wanderers’ assistant manager Richard Thomas has explained why the club chose to play with three at the back rather than the traditional four in the 1-0 away friendly win against Wealdstone.
The Chairboys started with Jack Grimmer (RCB), Richard Keogh (CB) and Luke Leahy (LCB), with Jasper Pattenden and Kane Vincent-Young deployed as wing backs.
The latter was on the left whilst Pattenden was on the right.
Wycombe's starting line-up. A first look at Dale Taylor in the light and dark blue 👇
— James Richings (@James_BFP) July 25, 2023
1⃣ Stryjek
2⃣ Grimmer
8⃣ Breckin
1⃣0⃣ Leahy
7⃣ McCleary
1⃣5⃣Young
1⃣0⃣ Keogh
1⃣8⃣ Hanlan
2⃣0⃣ Taylor
3⃣1⃣Pattenden
4⃣4⃣ Vincent-Young#Chairboys
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During the second period in Ruislip, Chris Forino, Harry Boyes and Joe Jacobson also featured and Thomas believes that the club’s ability to adapt will benefit them throughout the upcoming league season.
The Wycombe squad are out on the pitch.
— The Wycombe Way (@theWycombeWay) July 25, 2023
Five minutes until kick off. pic.twitter.com/cZr2OfCjtd
When asked about the club’s formation in the friendly, he said: “We did it [start with three at the back] partly through personnel and through the way we would like to play.
“We need variety to our game as it’s not just about playing to a specific system, so we have tried to recruit personnel who can do more than one thing.
15 - Not a lot happening but the back five of Pattenden (RWB), Grimmer (RCB) Keogh (CB), Leahy (LCB) and Vincent-Young (LWB) look solid.
— James Richings (@James_BFP) July 25, 2023
Keogh commanding in the air, screaming for every ball.
Leading by example.
🟦 0-0 🦢#Chairboys
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“This is vital as if we become too predictable, it could go against us.
“So, whilst we would like to execute three at the back, it doesn’t mean that will be us solely.
“We need to be adaptable so it’s important we’ve got flexibility in the group.
“We believe we’ve got a good balance with the new faces and for those who have been here for some time.
“It should be a good blend and the new players will supplement the quality we already have.”
On the win over Wealdstone, he added: “I thought we were very good.
🔀 Our second-half XI is: Stryjek, Grimmer, Jacobson, Forino, Boyes, Young, Hanlan, De Barr, Vincent-Young, Horgan, Trialist-CM.#Chairboys pic.twitter.com/33SOusOYkq
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) July 25, 2023
“We’ve been working on a lot of things that came to fruition this evening [July 25], along with the lads’ application to persist with things we’re trying to implement during pre-season.
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“So it’s been a positive night.
“Wealdstone are a good side that a coached well and they play a good style of football.
“This was a good test and it was very competitive from the very start and it was played in a good manner.”
The final friendly of the summer will be against Cardiff City on Saturday.
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