With three halves and four forwards all within easy reach of one another and concentrating on attack, it is easy to realize the potential strength of every thrust, especially if all the seven men could shoot with either foot from any angle. Above all, it would bring goals, the delight of the spectator and an ever-present help in time of fear of going down through a poor goal average or of losing promotion through the same Recently, however, Mr. C. E. Sutdiffe, president of the Football League, declared that it was impossible to go back to the old rule.
"It is doubtful whether any change brought about by alteration of rule would be lasting" he said. "I do not think it would be possible to go back to the old off-side mule. Those who take this view in proclaiming the need for the restoration of triangular wing movements and other features which marked the more precise era of 20 years ago have short memories.
"They forgot the protests of the public against the frequent stoppage caused by deliberately planned offside manœuvres and the game has moved so fast in the meantime that the voice on the terraces would to-cause.
In defence the new scheme, according to its sponsor, would work equally effectively. At a word from the captain strategic defensive positions could be taken up. The three backs and the three halves could ce-operate, and the four forwards would fall back, resulting in a close formation with perfect connecting links and the ability to change at once into an attacking side if the opportunity came.
Many variations on this theme could be introduced, but this description gives an outline of the main points of the plan. The interesting speculation is who will be the first league team to try it?—Reuter Sports Service. day be raised even more strongly in condemnation of them."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.