EFL League One 2022/23: Pros and cons for Duncan Ferguson in first game as Rovers boss – tactical analysis

A manager’s first job is never an easy one, which is something Everton legend Duncan Ferguson has gotten a taste of already as he suffered a cruel 2-1 defeat at the hands of in-form Shrewsbury Town. Ferguson has managed his beloved Everton in the Premier League previously on an interim basis, but Forest Green Rovers of EFL League One is the Scotsman’s first permanent role in management.

Rovers are currently rock bottom of League One with a less-than-pretty defensive record, and those gaps in defence proved to be costly again as Shrewsbury scored two goals in stoppage time in the second half to turn a 1-0 deficit into three points.

In this tactical analysis, we will look at the tactics of Rovers in attack – how they utilised a target man in various ways and how they looked to build attacks in transitions. There will also be an analysis of the defensive performance from big Dunc’s side as we try to shed some light on why they have the worst defensive record in League One.

Forest Green lineup

According to Wyscout, Forest Green have used a variety of formations so far this season, most frequently lining up in a 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 shape, while also using a range of other formations along the way. In his first game in charge, Ferguson opted for a 4-1-4-1 in an attempt to shake things up.

Brandon Cooper, on loan from Championship outfit Swansea City, lined up alongside Oliver Casey in the heart of the back four, with defensive protection from midfield being provided by Dylan McGeouch. Ahead of McGeouch was Ben Stevenson and Everton loanee Tyler Onyango, with wide support being provided by Jordan Garrick and Corey O’Keeffe. New signing Amadou Bakayoko, who played the target man role in this fixture, was the lone striker.

Attacking: Target man approach and finding space in transition

Ferguson was aware that his side was not going to win the battle for possession against a Shrewsbury side who had won three in a row before this tie, so he knew that moving the ball quickly but with purpose was the only way his side stood a chance in hurting their opponents. Being direct was one part of Forest Green’s tactics going forward, looking to hit Bakayoko in an attempt to bypass the midfield.