Old Avenue v City football programme

I've often thought that the old formation could be adapted pretty effectively to the modern game. You'd have a back three of a big and mobile centre half and two full backs. Then two defensive midfielders (halfbacks) whose remit would be to support when attacking, but not get too involved, and get back to win the ball back or support the centre half to make a back five when defending. One on each side of the field. Two attacking midfielders would do the same but in reverse and would ideally be creative ball players (inside forwards) with an eye for goal and with a remit to get forward whenever possible to support the centre forward. Up front a big and mobile centre forward and two speedy wingers. Effectively 3-2-2-3. That was how the old formation worked and I'd love to see someone try it again.
Harking back again to the infamous 6-0 home defeat to Bristol City all those years ago, that was a wonderful example how an unorthodox formation can work. They had a giant centre half and two fullbacks, five in midfield and two up front. So ostensibly 3-5-2, but to complicate it further the two fullbacks played like wingbacks and it became 1-7-2 at times. In fact, I think the two fullbacks scored three of the goals. The five in midfield were very fluid and we had no idea who to mark or where any of them were playing. They absolutely ripped us to pieces.

 

Jim and his family ?.

 

There's a tv program being shown on Netflix soon. Here's what the BBC had to say about it. If you think these formations were mad, read what they were like when the game first started. Harry Enfield and Chums springs to mind

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-51574065?fbclid=IwAR3Q6ezxdg9GvuPDK8PR6fBxd17rT9yGZGqlJdfyw43AraZ9Yzuu6QIyaYI

After reading that, I went on the usual wikipedia trawl, and started reading up about Old Etonians and Corinthians. Some of their notable players also sound like they come straight out of an Enfield sketch. I particularly love Tinsley Lindley's name, and umm...style.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corinthian_F.C.#Notable_players

 

This is my oldest city programme. I think we won oops sorry Park Avenue won.
Amusing programme notes.

 

Remember those programmes well, head shaking to realise that was
58 years ago!