James Armson names the two Brackley Town players benefitting from ‘resolute’ tactical tweak
Brackley Town are benefitting from a change in formation as they seek to return to form and shift up the National League North standings.
The Saints’ first league clash under new manager Gareth Dean - and his assistants James Armson and Alastair Worby - ended in a 1-1 draw with Scarborough Athletic.
Albeit not the result Brackley wanted, the display from the players was much improved compared to the final league games under previous boss Andy Whing.
The last two results for Whing were heavy defeats: 5-0 away at Buxton and 3-0 at Morecambe.
Conceding just the one against Scarborough was a pleasant relief in itself, but it was also better from Brackley in an attacking sense.
Switching to a back three might have a lot to do with the boost in performance as it has taken some pressure off the midfielders and freed up the wing-backs.
Speaking to this newspaper after the Scarborough draw, assistant boss Armson said: “I think some of the players prefer that shape, they prefer to have a bit more security around them.
“George Harmon in particular has benefited from that change. He looks dangerous going forward and we look a lot more resolute, don’t we?”
Another player who gained from the tactical tweak is Charlie Cooper. Although he’s still being deployed in a similar, deep midfield role, having an extra centre-back behind him gives him a bit more freedom.
The 29-year-old, who has been donning the captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Kyle Morrison, scored directly from a corner at the weekend but it was his defensive and screening work which stood out.
“Coops has been brilliant. Can I just say, he’s put in for us two proper captain’s performances,” Armson added.
“He’s led the group really well. It’s not his first position but you wouldn’t be able to tell.”