YORK City manager Martin Foyle is considering changing formation for Sunday’s Blue Square Premier play-off final against Oxford United.
The Minstermen employed 4-4-2 tactics to win both their play-off semi-final legs against Luton Town 1-0. But, with Oxford expected to field a 4-3-3 line-up at Wembley, Foyle could opt for a switch.
The City chief has been concerned with his side’s ability to play against a narrow three-man midfield at various stages of the season.
He will now consult his assistant Andy Porter before deciding whether to reshuffle.
Foyle said: “Oxford play a certain way, and myself and Andy will be looking at that.
“I’m not afraid to change our tactics and we probably will have to.”
The City manager has also stressed that he wants to avoid the pomp and ceremony that surrounded the club’s last visit to Wembley – the 2-0 FA Trophy final defeat to Stevenage 12 months ago.
He added: “We won’t be wearing suits, but I have done a deal with Nike to get new tracksuits and the chairman’s treating us to some new trainers. We will also be going down on the day of the game and having a pre-match meal as usual.
“There’s nothing arranged for afterwards and nobody will be staying in the same hotel as us either. Last season was a party piece, this season’s more business than pleasure and the players understand and appreciate that.”
Oxford fans, meanwhile, have complained that Sheffield-based official Michael Naylor’s appointment as referee for the final is unfair due to his Yorkshire roots.
But Foyle’s only wish is for the man in the middle to carry out his duties with integrity, saying: “I wasn’t aware who the referee was but they are all of a certain standard at this level and I just hope he is honest and fair. It wouldn’t bother me if they tried to change the appointment either.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here