I can't help but think of Di Canio and Andy Hughes.
Every profile of player there are ones that worked, and ones that didn't.
We aren't going to sign 10 hungry, up and coming, players who's value will sky rocket.
Dack could be our Barry Bannon. He could be the next Ben Watson. We might not sign him. He might go to Wigan (no need to move) and be brilliant. He might go to Orient (near home but not us) and be injured or a shell of his former self. Who knows.
TBH if we were fishing in that market with the added, he would rather not but if you’re paying x premium, I would have a tingle.
Di Canio and Hughes weren’t from London and were known to be good pros who kept themselves fit.
Gunter no longer had the hunger and arguably the legs, playing for Wales was more of a priority. Watson got his move home and didn’t have enough of either.
You’ve raised your second and third points before and I agree. Dack has had a serious injury and had a couple of seasons starting fewer than 20 league games. He’d also be returning home. If another older player has played more games and hasn’t had a fairly recent major injury then I wouldn’t be as concerned.
Fortunately we know Holden wants a fitter squad and the right characters (clearly neither were high enough priorities in our recruitment under TS) so if Dack passes those tests and we sign him I’d back Holden’s judgement.
For me Dack represents to much of a risk. We could get an absolute mustard player for this level, or we could get someone who just can’t get fit, and the moment his back up player needs a rest/is suspended/picks up an injury we’re into playing a 3rd choice player or kid in potentially important games.
Feels like we’ve had to many of those type players over the recent years. I understand there’s always an element of risk, and the less risk there is, the more money it will cost.
But I assume there will still be a significant outlay on Dack, and I’d rather that was used for someone who does not have a recent history of injuries.*
*Though no previous injury history has not stopped us breaking players in the past.
I've always seen Dack as an attacking midfielder, closer to a 10 than anything else. That means either Holden would be bringing him in to compete with Fraser for the more attacking spot in the 3, in which case great, serious competition for that spot and the ability to rotate and manage injuries, or he's going 352 in which case he's bringing Dack in to play behind the strikers, a role he had given to Payne this season. If that's the case then we'll have a talented 10 in his natural position with Payne as his backup. That troubles me a little if Dack still has injury issues as I see Payne as an impact player rather than a starter but overall it sounds pleasing
I've always seen Dack as an attacking midfielder, closer to a 10 than anything else. That means either Holden would be bringing him in to compete with Fraser for the more attacking spot in the 3, in which case great, serious competition for that spot and the ability to rotate and manage injuries, or he's going 352 in which case he's bringing Dack in to play behind the strikers, a role he had given to Payne this season. If that's the case then we'll have a talented 10 in his natural position with Payne as his backup. That troubles me a little if Dack still has injury issues as I see Payne as an impact player rather than a starter but overall it sounds pleasing
I think Fraser could play deeper, next to Dobson and we move to more of a 4-2-3-1 if we got Dack. He did it under Garner when we were playing 4-4-2 and played well. Dobson needs a good passer next to him and Fraser is an option for that, though I hope we also upgrade there as well
I've always seen Dack as an attacking midfielder, closer to a 10 than anything else. That means either Holden would be bringing him in to compete with Fraser for the more attacking spot in the 3, in which case great, serious competition for that spot and the ability to rotate and manage injuries, or he's going 352 in which case he's bringing Dack in to play behind the strikers, a role he had given to Payne this season. If that's the case then we'll have a talented 10 in his natural position with Payne as his backup. That troubles me a little if Dack still has injury issues as I see Payne as an impact player rather than a starter but overall it sounds pleasing
I think Fraser could play deeper, next to Dobson and we move to more of a 4-2-3-1 if we got Dack. He did it under Garner when we were playing 4-4-2 and played well. Dobson needs a good passer next to him and Fraser is an option for that, though I hope we also upgrade there as well
There's an interview with Fraser where he says that he and Holden agreed he's better playing further forward so I doubt that's in Holden's plans. He did alright for Garner but he didn't influence games enough to offset the loss of goals we had by not playing him further forward. I think Holden might play him deeper in a 352 but not a 4231 with Dobson. Dobson's a soldier, not a policeman; he responds to the threat rather than keeping the peace so you need control and a bit of snap alongside him and Fraser doesn't provide that. Even in a 352 I don't think we really have the right makeup of midfielders with Dobson and Fraser, I think something might have to change there
I've always seen Dack as an attacking midfielder, closer to a 10 than anything else. That means either Holden would be bringing him in to compete with Fraser for the more attacking spot in the 3, in which case great, serious competition for that spot and the ability to rotate and manage injuries, or he's going 352 in which case he's bringing Dack in to play behind the strikers, a role he had given to Payne this season. If that's the case then we'll have a talented 10 in his natural position with Payne as his backup. That troubles me a little if Dack still has injury issues as I see Payne as an impact player rather than a starter but overall it sounds pleasing
I think Fraser could play deeper, next to Dobson and we move to more of a 4-2-3-1 if we got Dack. He did it under Garner when we were playing 4-4-2 and played well. Dobson needs a good passer next to him and Fraser is an option for that, though I hope we also upgrade there as well
There's an interview with Fraser where he says that he and Holden agreed he's better playing further forward so I doubt that's in Holden's plans. He did alright for Garner but he didn't influence games enough to offset the loss of goals we had by not playing him further forward. I think Holden might play him deeper in a 352 but not a 4231 with Dobson. Dobson's a soldier, not a policeman; he responds to the threat rather than keeping the peace so you need control and a bit of snap alongside him and Fraser doesn't provide that. Even in a 352 I don't think we really have the right makeup of midfielders with Dobson and Fraser, I think something might have to change there
I really don't like Dobson in a double pivot. He seems to get confused. He is much better when he knows its his job to win the ball back with no doubt or hesitation. I think he ends of in a similar situation when the defenders get in "his area" as well.
Dack is the kind of player we've been missing for years. A high quality player who can drag the team into games. Can't see it happening but would be great if it does.
I've always seen Dack as an attacking midfielder, closer to a 10 than anything else. That means either Holden would be bringing him in to compete with Fraser for the more attacking spot in the 3, in which case great, serious competition for that spot and the ability to rotate and manage injuries, or he's going 352 in which case he's bringing Dack in to play behind the strikers, a role he had given to Payne this season. If that's the case then we'll have a talented 10 in his natural position with Payne as his backup. That troubles me a little if Dack still has injury issues as I see Payne as an impact player rather than a starter but overall it sounds pleasing
I think Fraser could play deeper, next to Dobson and we move to more of a 4-2-3-1 if we got Dack. He did it under Garner when we were playing 4-4-2 and played well. Dobson needs a good passer next to him and Fraser is an option for that, though I hope we also upgrade there as well
There's an interview with Fraser where he says that he and Holden agreed he's better playing further forward so I doubt that's in Holden's plans. He did alright for Garner but he didn't influence games enough to offset the loss of goals we had by not playing him further forward. I think Holden might play him deeper in a 352 but not a 4231 with Dobson. Dobson's a soldier, not a policeman; he responds to the threat rather than keeping the peace so you need control and a bit of snap alongside him and Fraser doesn't provide that. Even in a 352 I don't think we really have the right makeup of midfielders with Dobson and Fraser, I think something might have to change there
I really don't like Dobson in a double pivot. He seems to get confused. He is much better when he knows its his job to win the ball back with no doubt or hesitation. I think he ends of in a similar situation when the defenders get in "his area" as well.
It's harsh on him because he's done what he does very well but I do increasingly think that what he does isn't what a promotion-chasing team needs. Stick him behind the midfield two and tell him to kill and he's fine. He'd fit into a Bowyer diamond as well just about, but what I'd like is two nasty bastards who can pass the ball around and dictate tempo. Someone who takes care of the ball but also really doesn't like it when opposition players have it. A passer who is also an arsehole. A passhole. I think Dobson is destined to be a legend at mid-table/struggling teams. He probably would have been well regarded at Rotherham this season smashing into people but wouldn't have got anywhere near Ipswich's team despite there being a league between them. In another world Dobson might evolve to be a decent centre back in a back 3 as he's a better passer than he's given credit for sometimes, though he'd have to again work on his positioning, but he'll always work better as someone who cleans up messes rather than creates art.
I've always seen Dack as an attacking midfielder, closer to a 10 than anything else. That means either Holden would be bringing him in to compete with Fraser for the more attacking spot in the 3, in which case great, serious competition for that spot and the ability to rotate and manage injuries, or he's going 352 in which case he's bringing Dack in to play behind the strikers, a role he had given to Payne this season. If that's the case then we'll have a talented 10 in his natural position with Payne as his backup. That troubles me a little if Dack still has injury issues as I see Payne as an impact player rather than a starter but overall it sounds pleasing
I think Fraser could play deeper, next to Dobson and we move to more of a 4-2-3-1 if we got Dack. He did it under Garner when we were playing 4-4-2 and played well. Dobson needs a good passer next to him and Fraser is an option for that, though I hope we also upgrade there as well
There's an interview with Fraser where he says that he and Holden agreed he's better playing further forward so I doubt that's in Holden's plans. He did alright for Garner but he didn't influence games enough to offset the loss of goals we had by not playing him further forward. I think Holden might play him deeper in a 352 but not a 4231 with Dobson. Dobson's a soldier, not a policeman; he responds to the threat rather than keeping the peace so you need control and a bit of snap alongside him and Fraser doesn't provide that. Even in a 352 I don't think we really have the right makeup of midfielders with Dobson and Fraser, I think something might have to change there
I really don't like Dobson in a double pivot. He seems to get confused. He is much better when he knows its his job to win the ball back with no doubt or hesitation. I think he ends of in a similar situation when the defenders get in "his area" as well.
It's harsh on him because he's done what he does very well but I do increasingly think that what he does isn't what a promotion-chasing team needs. Stick him behind the midfield two and tell him to kill and he's fine. He'd fit into a Bowyer diamond as well just about, but what I'd like is two nasty bastards who can pass the ball around and dictate tempo. Someone who takes care of the ball but also really doesn't like it when opposition players have it. A passer who is also an arsehole. A passhole. I think Dobson is destined to be a legend at mid-table/struggling teams. He probably would have been well regarded at Rotherham this season smashing into people but wouldn't have got anywhere near Ipswich's team despite there being a league between them. In another world Dobson might evolve to be a decent centre back in a back 3 as he's a better passer than he's given credit for sometimes, though he'd have to again work on his positioning, but he'll always work better as someone who cleans up messes rather than creates art.
He isn’t what a promotion chasing team needs.
I love Dobbo, in terms of endeavour, passion and desire he has been the best since our one year championship stint. But the reality is he’s found his level with us, league one mid table. I don’t rate him for passing or technical ability at all, it sounds harsh on the surface but I don’t see him as our first choice DM during a promotion campaign, watching the play offs so far I can tell he wouldn’t get anywhere near any of the four teams midfield.
I know there's a few people on here that watch quite a lot of U21s stuff , any left backs that anyone thinks highly of bar going back to Blackburn for Tayo Edun?
If our best player isn't good enough for a promotion chasing team then what hope have we got.
We had no chance as the last two seasons illustrated. Hopefully we are stronger going forward, plus I don’t personally see him as our best player, appreciate many do.
I've always seen Dack as an attacking midfielder, closer to a 10 than anything else. That means either Holden would be bringing him in to compete with Fraser for the more attacking spot in the 3, in which case great, serious competition for that spot and the ability to rotate and manage injuries, or he's going 352 in which case he's bringing Dack in to play behind the strikers, a role he had given to Payne this season. If that's the case then we'll have a talented 10 in his natural position with Payne as his backup. That troubles me a little if Dack still has injury issues as I see Payne as an impact player rather than a starter but overall it sounds pleasing
I think Fraser could play deeper, next to Dobson and we move to more of a 4-2-3-1 if we got Dack. He did it under Garner when we were playing 4-4-2 and played well. Dobson needs a good passer next to him and Fraser is an option for that, though I hope we also upgrade there as well
There's an interview with Fraser where he says that he and Holden agreed he's better playing further forward so I doubt that's in Holden's plans. He did alright for Garner but he didn't influence games enough to offset the loss of goals we had by not playing him further forward. I think Holden might play him deeper in a 352 but not a 4231 with Dobson. Dobson's a soldier, not a policeman; he responds to the threat rather than keeping the peace so you need control and a bit of snap alongside him and Fraser doesn't provide that. Even in a 352 I don't think we really have the right makeup of midfielders with Dobson and Fraser, I think something might have to change there
I really don't like Dobson in a double pivot. He seems to get confused. He is much better when he knows its his job to win the ball back with no doubt or hesitation. I think he ends of in a similar situation when the defenders get in "his area" as well.
It's harsh on him because he's done what he does very well but I do increasingly think that what he does isn't what a promotion-chasing team needs. Stick him behind the midfield two and tell him to kill and he's fine. He'd fit into a Bowyer diamond as well just about, but what I'd like is two nasty bastards who can pass the ball around and dictate tempo. Someone who takes care of the ball but also really doesn't like it when opposition players have it. A passer who is also an arsehole. A passhole. I think Dobson is destined to be a legend at mid-table/struggling teams. He probably would have been well regarded at Rotherham this season smashing into people but wouldn't have got anywhere near Ipswich's team despite there being a league between them. In another world Dobson might evolve to be a decent centre back in a back 3 as he's a better passer than he's given credit for sometimes, though he'd have to again work on his positioning, but he'll always work better as someone who cleans up messes rather than creates art.
I don't think it is being harsh on him. He is very good at what he does.
When ever we set up with someone next to him, by either design or someone wondering, is nowhere near as good. He is still one of our better players though.
I know there's a few people on here that watch quite a lot of U21s stuff , any left backs that anyone thinks highly of bar going back to Blackburn for Tayo Edun?
I don't watch particularly but the two I know of are Roddy whom general feel seems to be he is lucky to have been offered an extension and Bower whom general feel has a end of a left foot and a very good prospect but young and quite small so suspect more likely to be loaned out first. Both under contract. There may be others but I think we need a new LB X2
I've always seen Dack as an attacking midfielder, closer to a 10 than anything else. That means either Holden would be bringing him in to compete with Fraser for the more attacking spot in the 3, in which case great, serious competition for that spot and the ability to rotate and manage injuries, or he's going 352 in which case he's bringing Dack in to play behind the strikers, a role he had given to Payne this season. If that's the case then we'll have a talented 10 in his natural position with Payne as his backup. That troubles me a little if Dack still has injury issues as I see Payne as an impact player rather than a starter but overall it sounds pleasing
I think Fraser could play deeper, next to Dobson and we move to more of a 4-2-3-1 if we got Dack. He did it under Garner when we were playing 4-4-2 and played well. Dobson needs a good passer next to him and Fraser is an option for that, though I hope we also upgrade there as well
There's an interview with Fraser where he says that he and Holden agreed he's better playing further forward so I doubt that's in Holden's plans. He did alright for Garner but he didn't influence games enough to offset the loss of goals we had by not playing him further forward. I think Holden might play him deeper in a 352 but not a 4231 with Dobson. Dobson's a soldier, not a policeman; he responds to the threat rather than keeping the peace so you need control and a bit of snap alongside him and Fraser doesn't provide that. Even in a 352 I don't think we really have the right makeup of midfielders with Dobson and Fraser, I think something might have to change there
I really don't like Dobson in a double pivot. He seems to get confused. He is much better when he knows its his job to win the ball back with no doubt or hesitation. I think he ends of in a similar situation when the defenders get in "his area" as well.
It's harsh on him because he's done what he does very well but I do increasingly think that what he does isn't what a promotion-chasing team needs. Stick him behind the midfield two and tell him to kill and he's fine. He'd fit into a Bowyer diamond as well just about, but what I'd like is two nasty bastards who can pass the ball around and dictate tempo. Someone who takes care of the ball but also really doesn't like it when opposition players have it. A passer who is also an arsehole. A passhole. I think Dobson is destined to be a legend at mid-table/struggling teams. He probably would have been well regarded at Rotherham this season smashing into people but wouldn't have got anywhere near Ipswich's team despite there being a league between them. In another world Dobson might evolve to be a decent centre back in a back 3 as he's a better passer than he's given credit for sometimes, though he'd have to again work on his positioning, but he'll always work better as someone who cleans up messes rather than creates art.
Interestingly I’m not sure he’d fit in Bowyers diamond at the base of it. JFC, Bielik and Cullen were used there and they are all much better on the ball than Dobson. Think Dobson would only get into that Bowyer team in the Pratley role for the tougher games rather than playing at the base.
That’s where the 4-3-3 doesn’t really suit Dobson as he’s that midfielder at the base who is picking it up from the back 4. I think a switch to more of a 4-2-3-1 is the only way we can work with Dobson, and that would need someone next to him to do that passing but as you say is also does the dirty work pretty well. We will never get anyone near as good as Cullen but he is the perfect example of what we need. Just need to find a league 1 version
I've always seen Dack as an attacking midfielder, closer to a 10 than anything else. That means either Holden would be bringing him in to compete with Fraser for the more attacking spot in the 3, in which case great, serious competition for that spot and the ability to rotate and manage injuries, or he's going 352 in which case he's bringing Dack in to play behind the strikers, a role he had given to Payne this season. If that's the case then we'll have a talented 10 in his natural position with Payne as his backup. That troubles me a little if Dack still has injury issues as I see Payne as an impact player rather than a starter but overall it sounds pleasing
I think Fraser could play deeper, next to Dobson and we move to more of a 4-2-3-1 if we got Dack. He did it under Garner when we were playing 4-4-2 and played well. Dobson needs a good passer next to him and Fraser is an option for that, though I hope we also upgrade there as well
There's an interview with Fraser where he says that he and Holden agreed he's better playing further forward so I doubt that's in Holden's plans. He did alright for Garner but he didn't influence games enough to offset the loss of goals we had by not playing him further forward. I think Holden might play him deeper in a 352 but not a 4231 with Dobson. Dobson's a soldier, not a policeman; he responds to the threat rather than keeping the peace so you need control and a bit of snap alongside him and Fraser doesn't provide that. Even in a 352 I don't think we really have the right makeup of midfielders with Dobson and Fraser, I think something might have to change there
I really don't like Dobson in a double pivot. He seems to get confused. He is much better when he knows its his job to win the ball back with no doubt or hesitation. I think he ends of in a similar situation when the defenders get in "his area" as well.
It's harsh on him because he's done what he does very well but I do increasingly think that what he does isn't what a promotion-chasing team needs. Stick him behind the midfield two and tell him to kill and he's fine. He'd fit into a Bowyer diamond as well just about, but what I'd like is two nasty bastards who can pass the ball around and dictate tempo. Someone who takes care of the ball but also really doesn't like it when opposition players have it. A passer who is also an arsehole. A passhole. I think Dobson is destined to be a legend at mid-table/struggling teams. He probably would have been well regarded at Rotherham this season smashing into people but wouldn't have got anywhere near Ipswich's team despite there being a league between them. In another world Dobson might evolve to be a decent centre back in a back 3 as he's a better passer than he's given credit for sometimes, though he'd have to again work on his positioning, but he'll always work better as someone who cleans up messes rather than creates art.
Interestingly I’m not sure he’d fit in Bowyers diamond at the base of it. JFC, Bielik and Cullen were used there and they are all much better on the ball than Dobson. Think Dobson would only get into that Bowyer team in the Pratley role for the tougher games rather than playing at the base.
That’s where the 4-3-3 doesn’t really suit Dobson as he’s that midfielder at the base who is picking it up from the back 4. I think a switch to more of a 4-2-3-1 is the only way we can work with Dobson, and that would need someone next to him to do that passing but as you say is also does the dirty work pretty well. We will never get anyone near as good as Cullen but he is the perfect example of what we need. Just need to find a league 1 version
But we did get Cullen and while in L1 so getting a player like Cullen is not an impossibility.
I've always seen Dack as an attacking midfielder, closer to a 10 than anything else. That means either Holden would be bringing him in to compete with Fraser for the more attacking spot in the 3, in which case great, serious competition for that spot and the ability to rotate and manage injuries, or he's going 352 in which case he's bringing Dack in to play behind the strikers, a role he had given to Payne this season. If that's the case then we'll have a talented 10 in his natural position with Payne as his backup. That troubles me a little if Dack still has injury issues as I see Payne as an impact player rather than a starter but overall it sounds pleasing
I think Fraser could play deeper, next to Dobson and we move to more of a 4-2-3-1 if we got Dack. He did it under Garner when we were playing 4-4-2 and played well. Dobson needs a good passer next to him and Fraser is an option for that, though I hope we also upgrade there as well
There's an interview with Fraser where he says that he and Holden agreed he's better playing further forward so I doubt that's in Holden's plans. He did alright for Garner but he didn't influence games enough to offset the loss of goals we had by not playing him further forward. I think Holden might play him deeper in a 352 but not a 4231 with Dobson. Dobson's a soldier, not a policeman; he responds to the threat rather than keeping the peace so you need control and a bit of snap alongside him and Fraser doesn't provide that. Even in a 352 I don't think we really have the right makeup of midfielders with Dobson and Fraser, I think something might have to change there
I really don't like Dobson in a double pivot. He seems to get confused. He is much better when he knows its his job to win the ball back with no doubt or hesitation. I think he ends of in a similar situation when the defenders get in "his area" as well.
It's harsh on him because he's done what he does very well but I do increasingly think that what he does isn't what a promotion-chasing team needs. Stick him behind the midfield two and tell him to kill and he's fine. He'd fit into a Bowyer diamond as well just about, but what I'd like is two nasty bastards who can pass the ball around and dictate tempo. Someone who takes care of the ball but also really doesn't like it when opposition players have it. A passer who is also an arsehole. A passhole. I think Dobson is destined to be a legend at mid-table/struggling teams. He probably would have been well regarded at Rotherham this season smashing into people but wouldn't have got anywhere near Ipswich's team despite there being a league between them. In another world Dobson might evolve to be a decent centre back in a back 3 as he's a better passer than he's given credit for sometimes, though he'd have to again work on his positioning, but he'll always work better as someone who cleans up messes rather than creates art.
Interestingly I’m not sure he’d fit in Bowyers diamond at the base of it. JFC, Bielik and Cullen were used there and they are all much better on the ball than Dobson. Think Dobson would only get into that Bowyer team in the Pratley role for the tougher games rather than playing at the base.
That’s where the 4-3-3 doesn’t really suit Dobson as he’s that midfielder at the base who is picking it up from the back 4. I think a switch to more of a 4-2-3-1 is the only way we can work with Dobson, and that would need someone next to him to do that passing but as you say is also does the dirty work pretty well. We will never get anyone near as good as Cullen but he is the perfect example of what we need. Just need to find a league 1 version
But we did get Cullen and while in L1 so getting a player like Cullen is not an impossibility.
And we also got someone as talented as JRS in league one as well.
There will be players out there who are far too good for this level, but for some reason it has not been fully realised yet (either young, or not developed their potential yet) - it's about finding them - which is not an exact science whether we like to think it is or not.
Happy to see us linked with the likes of Dack & May, would be pleased if either of those happen as nothing against signing younger players that have a resale value but you need a mix, so some shorter term expensive in fee or wages signings to give us a bit more experience & character would be a positive sign for me about the new owners intentions.
Happy to see us linked with the likes of Dack & May, would be pleased if either of those happen as nothing against signing younger players that have a resale value but you need a mix, so some shorter term expensive in fee or wages signings to give us a bit more experience & character would be a positive sign for me about the new owners intentions.
Think May will end up at Wrexham….. money always talks in the end
Comments
Gunter no longer had the hunger and arguably the legs, playing for Wales was more of a priority. Watson got his move home and didn’t have enough of either.
You’ve raised your second and third points before and I agree. Dack has had a serious injury and had a couple of seasons starting fewer than 20 league games. He’d also be returning home. If another older player has played more games and hasn’t had a fairly recent major injury then I wouldn’t be as concerned.
Fortunately we know Holden wants a fitter squad and the right characters (clearly neither were high enough priorities in our recruitment under TS) so if Dack passes those tests and we sign him I’d back Holden’s judgement.
Feels like we’ve had to many of those type players over the recent years. I understand there’s always an element of risk, and the less risk there is, the more money it will cost.
But I assume there will still be a significant outlay on Dack, and I’d rather that was used for someone who does not have a recent history of injuries.*
Might not be the worst approach. Especially if we can take advantage from them wanting to move back down this way
Going to start a rumour saying I've seen Jack Tucker on a Thameslink train
Any club signing him has to be very confident he's over his injuries.
When ever we set up with someone next to him, by either design or someone wondering, is nowhere near as good. He is still one of our better players though.
I don't watch particularly but the two I know of are Roddy whom general feel seems to be he is lucky to have been offered an extension and Bower whom general feel has a end of a left foot and a very good prospect but young and quite small so suspect more likely to be loaned out first. Both under contract.
There may be others but I think we need a new LB X2
That’s where the 4-3-3 doesn’t really suit Dobson as he’s that midfielder at the base who is picking it up from the back 4. I think a switch to more of a 4-2-3-1 is the only way we can work with Dobson, and that would need someone next to him to do that passing but as you say is also does the dirty work pretty well. We will never get anyone near as good as Cullen but he is the perfect example of what we need. Just need to find a league 1 version
There will be players out there who are far too good for this level, but for some reason it has not been fully realised yet (either young, or not developed their potential yet) - it's about finding them - which is not an exact science whether we like to think it is or not.