British coaches tend to be dedicated followers of fashion rather than innovators. The current system of choice is a version of 4-5-1 that utilises two holding midfielders.

To be precise, the formation is 4-2-3-1 but is it a system that Chris Powell might think about introducing at The Valley? Well, he has the players available if he does.

Chris Solly and Lawrie Wilson are accomplished right-backs, Leon Cort, Matt Taylor, Michael Morrison and Dorian Dervite are useful centre-backs and Rhoys Wiggins and Cedric Evina are the specialist left-backs.

Dale Sephens and Danny Hollands would be the two deep lying midfielders but Andy Hughes will soon be fit and is another who can play the role. Stephens would also be suited to playing in the middle of the advanced midfield trio.

The right sided berth of the more forward group of midfielders would ideally suit Danny Green. Wilson could also play there, as could Scott Wagstaff. The system works best if all three of the forward midfielders are comfortable to support the lone striker so Bradley Wright-Phillips would be another option as playing as a lone striker os not his forte.

Salim Kerkar and Johnnie Jackson would be ideal for the left sided slot with Jackson able to play in the centre as well. Young Abdul Razak would be the perfect player to play the central role.

Ricardo Fuller and Rob Hulse are players that are at home playing as a lone striker. Pritchard, Haynes and Jordan Cook would all probably be best suited to playing on the right of the forward three midfielders.

The system is widely used by Premier League teams and as he tinkers with various systems, it may cross Chris Powell’s mind to give it a try.