We now have a Plan B (and C, D, E...)

The season before McClaren started with the Clough 442 formation and had success with that until Christmas, then we went through a bumbp patch and he switched to 433. We then proceeded to destroy the opposition until that afternoon in Wembley.

Last season he played 433 all season even when we were leaking goals. Was it the knowledge of the Newcastle job made him complacent?

Clement has addressed one of the weaknesses in McClaren's formation. The holding midfielder was too vulnerable, especially to giving away free kicks close to the area. Eustace had more booking/sending off points than any other player despite playing less than half the season. We also had a player inexperienced with the Championship who had to fill in. In the end we had no one for that position and the goals against tally ballooned.

Playing two midfielders in front of the back four is a way of combating this but of course means we are less attacking. Hopefully George keeps fit and will play his sublime passes without being pressed by eager forwards now Baird is close by.

I think we can see that Clemente is far from a one trick pony, unlike the last manager and I expect us to adapt tactics and formations to suit the opponents (sorry Spart). This will probably mean a different approach at home and away and I wouldn't be surprised at 2 'defensive' midfielders being used at Bolton.
Only problem being that we lose our best right back in Baird, leaving Cyrus, Isak & Shotton to fight it out.

Anyone, who like me, is profoundly interested in this debate, so skillfully broached in Larry's thread, & yet so poorly subscribed, should be reminded of the return of Sportscene Talk in on RD, commencing in a few moments.

Thanks for the comments boost Anglian. You've singlehandedly contributed half of them!

I'm listening to Sportscene now...

It deserved a 'second wind' Larry.
I'm listening too, but still no clearer as to which plan we go with.

But then I suppose that's the point ?