It's important to not underestimate the significance of Kane Wilson's signing if Bristol City are to progress higher up the table next season.
Manager Nigel Pearson has finally found a solution to a position that continued to hamper the Robins' campaign with six players tried and tested throughout the campaign at wing-back.
Zak Vyner couldn't make the position his own, Andi Weimann was influential but it meant sacrificing his attacking quality, Alex Scott performed admirably in an unfavoured and unfamiliar role while young forward Sam Bell was handed a handful of tough afternoons - most notably at home to Birmingham City while George Tanner's progress was hampered by injuries.
By his own admission, Wilson's favoured and best position is at wing-back with the freedom to get forward and create chances. Former boss Rob Edwards gave him that licence and he duly responded with 13 assists as Forest Green finished top of the table.
That in itself is a welcome relief for City who have signed a player that undoubtedly improves their squad and starting XI, giving Scott the opportunity to push further forward into midfield.
In his first club interview, Wilson also pointed out his versatility, suggesting he can be utilised both as a right-winger, and a right-back while also being able to switch to the opposite flank.
At the beginning of the season, Pearson showed reluctance to play with a three at the back although it became a necessity in an attempt to try and plug the gap in City's leaky defence. Although it did get the best out of the prolific strike trio of Andi Weimann, Chris Martin and Antoine Semenyo and for that reason alone it seems inconceivable that the manager would want to deviate away from that at the beginning of the season.
It would have become a bugbear that Pearson perhaps didn't have the players at his disposal to be as flexible as he would have liked at times last season. However, he has addressed that issue head-on with the three new arrivals through the door.
Mark Sykes is adaptable across the midfield while Kal Naismith can also play on the left away from his favoured position on the left side of centre-back. Wilson's arrival gives Pearson the flexibility to switch to a back four if and when it's needed and we take a look at the formations City can line up with the wing-back among their ranks.
3-4-1-2
It's the staple formation that saw City out during the second half of the season and was so influential in allowing WSM to flourish with Weimann occupying that role behind the front two.
Considering the players now at City's disposal (and yes a lot could still happen in the transfer window) the players would certainly be suited to their positions if the manager wanted to keep the formation going forward at the beginning of the season.
Wilson would occupy the right wing-back position with Jay Dasilva, one of the club's in form players towards the end last season out on the left. Pearson has a dilemma on his hands with his central defenders with options aplenty.
Naismith, Timm Klose, Rob Atkinson, Tomas Kalas and Robbie Cundy (assuming he stays beyond the summer) are likely to be the names vying for starting roles while Scott can move back into the middle and compete for the position alongside Joe Williams and Matty James. That's also assuming Han-Noah Massengo departs during the transfer window.
4-4-1-1
If Pearson wants to switch to a four, then he has the option to move Wilson into a more advanced role. This could prove beneficial if playing against an opponent with a threat down the left allowing George Tanner to come in to provide extra stability on the flanks.
Again, it leaves a debate as to who would play in the centre of defence equally in the middle of the park with Pearson a fan of the Williams and James combo. That could all change if a defensive midfielder comes into the side with Andy Rinomhota linked.
Scott could also easily come into the side but it also provides the opportunity for fellow new signing Sykes to get his name on the team-sheet. Although naturally a right-winger, he has also featured out on the left at Oxford and his role is likely to change frequently throughout the season.
With two banks of four, it will mean one of the forwards would have to be sacrificed.
3-5-2
This was seen in games last season particularly away from home when the manager opted to play with a flat midfield three, often seeing Weimann drop into that central midfield role.
It's a similar shape to the 3-4-1-2 but has a greater need for defensive structure particularly used when the opponents had the ball, causing frustration by preventing them from playing through the middle.
With Wilson in that wing-back role, Scott can move back into the centre of the field leaving Weimann to play further up field alongside Semenyo, perhaps giving Martin a rest if needed.
4-2-3-1
Switching back to a flat four in defence and City can put out a dangerously attacking set up that includes Semenyo, Sykes, Weimann and Martin with Wilson and Dasilva supplying extra ammunition on the flanks.
It gives the opportunity for Sykes to play in his favoured position out on the right although pushes Semenyo out towards the left touchline, creating space for both Martin and Weimann to do damage.
The midfield pairing of Scott and Williams may be considered lightweight but it's no secret Pearson wants a natural defensive midfielder to help sit in front of the defence.
4-3-3
It's another variation of the four at the back and another opportunity for Pearson to be flexible in his approach to game management.
A midfield three would provide more defensive cover and allow the likes of Tanner and Dasilva to push forward. Wilson's attacking attributes mean he can play in a more advanced position if needed although it's not a role that Pearson is expected to play with familiarity.
But it also gives the option to be creative with the attacking trio with Martin and Sykes also at the disposal of the manager.
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