I've done some analysis on our CD's this season.
1. Our best record has been when playing a Back 3, whether by choice or necessity.
Played 5, Won 4, Drawn 1, Lost 0, Points 13, GF 8 GA 2. Automatic promotion form.
McNair and Clarke played all of those matches.
VdB played in the 4 wins and missed the draw.
Fry and Lenihan have never been fit when that system has been played.
2. McNair has easily the best record this season in CD.
Played 17, Won 11, Drawn 2, Lost 4, Points 35, GF32, GA18. Automatic promo form when he has played
Other than thriving in a back 3:
His record with Fry is excellent P9, W6, D1, L2, Points 19, GF18, GA11
His record with VdB is not so good P3, W1, D0, L2, Points 3, GF6, GA5, includes tight match Leeds away.
3. Howson has done very well in an emergency back 2 with Clarke in 3 matches gleaning 7 points.
4. Van den Berg has done well in a back 3, played well with Fry in a 2 P7, W4, D1, L2, Pts 13
But has not done well in a 2 with either Clarke P6, W1, D2, L4 Pts 5, or McNair P3, W1, D0, L2, Pts 3.
5. Fry played well with both McNair and VdB in a 2. P16, W10, D2,L4, Pts 32. Auto form.
The start with Lenihan was awful P8, W1, D2, L5, Pts 5 GF 7, GA15. Relegation form, but not all their fault.
The 4 matches with Clarke in a 2 were also shockers P4, W0, D1, L3, GF 2, GA7
6. Clarke has done well in a back 3, but has not done well in a 2 at all, with either Fry as above, or VdB.
With VdB has P6, W1, D2, L3, Pts 5, GF11, GA12.
He strolled through with Howson or in back 3, but struggled with VdB and Fry.
He has not played with McNair or Lenihan this season.
7. Lenihan has by far the poorest record, with 5 points and just 1 win from his 8 starts at the beginning of the season.
OBVIOUSLY there are many other factors that contribute to the results we have had, but the above might surprise you.
My personal opinion is that we should try very hard to retain Paddy McNair.
He is ideal for a back 3 and I think plays well with Fry. I think he could play well with VdB in a back 2.
I'd obviously keep Fry as he can play well with either McNair or VdB and I'm sure could play well in a back 3.
Van den Berg has masses of potential and is the only defender we currently have who has big resale value. I'd therefore be starting him whenever fit.
Clarke needs a back 3 for him to play, where he offers natural balance and is not exposed. He looks the weakest in a back 2. Baldino is there as cover for me.
Lenihan seems very expensive cover for me. He is not rubbish, but is the weakest link to me. I would far rather retain McNair and Fry over him.
