Boss ponders system suited to his speed aces

JONATHAN FORTE will get the chance, with fellow striker Dominic Poleon, to upset defences with his acceleration.

THREE at the back could be the way forward as Athletic opt for a high-octane approach for next season.

Manager Darren Kelly says a 3-4-1-2 set-up could work well in combating an increasingly-sophisticated level of play in the league.

Much depends on the men he can bring in — a right-back, commanding centre-back and centre-forward are among the priorities. Kelly also places emphasis on getting his players comfortable with the expectations that will be placed on them.

“There are a few formations, but personnel plays a part in that,” Kelly said. “A formation I like and which can work is a 3-4-1-2. The way I look at it is, if you attack with six, they have to defend with seven. It is about being smart in doing that.

“If we go 4-3-3 we can use our pace on the counter attack. We have great pace with the likes of Jonathan Forte and Dominic Poleon and it is important we utilise that as best we can.

“Breaking the whole thing down, we use the players and their particular strengths to take it forward.”

Kelly also said he is keen his side possesses a high level of fitness to press the opposition high up the pitch, to force mistakes.

“We have to have the players believing that when they go out they can achieve something,” he said.

“When the players come back for pre-season training (June 29), they will all have the chance to get things off their chest so we can move forward.

“But everything will be based on hard work. The team has to defend from the front. The football in League One is getting better and we have to latch on to that. Get in their faces. Defend with a purpose.”

twitter: @Matt_Chambers_