Lower League 4-5-1 tactic

I've read most of the guides availeble and also the pairing guide but those are mostly written for higher reputation teams with talented players.

I'm managing a team in the English lower leagues (Skrill South) and my reputation isn't strong enough to get quality players.

With the introduction of the new player roles I lost track of the ideal pairings (even after reading the guide). Especially for the DM triangle.

my current downloaded tactic shows many flaws for Lower League Management (LLM)

---------------GK--------------
-DR-----DC---------DC-------DL-
---------------DM--------------
------- MC---------MC----------
-AMR-----------------------AML-
---------------ST--------------

I'm struggling to find a balanced pairing between DM - MC - MC and AML-AMR-ST.
In LLM it is the key to keep it as simple as possible

Can anyone help me so I can learn to understand those pairings better?

Hi Gert,

I too am managing in the lower leagues. I have completed one season with Stockport in the Skrill North and sitting mid table in the Skrill Premier in January. I have found that the 4-5-1 is a tough formation to perfect especially against your equals, which in those leagues is everyone.

In terms of your DM-MC-MC triangle I have found that using the right MC as an Advanced Playmaker (AP) and the left MC as a Box - Box Mid (BBM) and the DM as a DM Defend is best, but your full backs need to be full back support to offer the width that you AML and AMR don't provide when trying to keep the ball. The DM will drop back to help the two CB's. Somewhat similar to how Roberto Martinez has Everton playing.

In the attacking triangle, your best bet it to use the AML and AMR as wingers (W) attacking. And the striker as a Target Man (TM) Support. The TM will drop deeper to retrieve the ball from the midfield, spread it wide then get into the box for the cross, if it is cleared the AP will be sitting on the edge of the area waiting to pick up the loose ball and try again.

I hope this helps a little towards what you need

Shuggie

Thanks, I'll try this.

Do you use any specific team or player shouts?

What you need to be aware of though is your players ability and their quality at the player roles. For example, Guy Moussi and Forest is a DM and has a 3 star rating as a DM and Anchor Man but only 2 star as a DLP. Choosing the right roles for your players in FM is key. In your first season you should focus on generating a tactic around the players at your disposal, once the second season comes, you can dispose of the players and buy those that suit what you want to play.