Full backs - moving forward and attacking, or not?

[Albion Rover]

Hi all,

I am the QPR manager (FM 2009) and it is summer 2028. I have just finished 6th in the premier league, very pleased with that as it wasn't expected, and i am looking forward to the Europa League. Next season, the aim is to confirm my position in hte league. (I fear that this season was a fluke)

The question is: Well, traditionally, I like my full backs, DL and DR, to move forward often, dribbling often if they look capable. This can be handy as they often support the ML and MRs. however, I realise that this could expose a lot of space at the back...which can be exploited often in the premier league. But if they don't move forward, then there may be less penetration / numbers in my attack....

so, what do you do with your full backs? do you encourage them to move forward or do you like them to stay back.

much advice appreciated from everyone at Loftus Road, especially my defenders (who don't realise that their manager gets his tactical tips from a discussion forum;)

Thanks

[abhid30007]

if stamina is below 16, i would never want them on attack or even support. I usually use both my fullbacks on support duty and they perform reasonably well in both attack and defense. STAMINA is the key

[Motherlover]

I personally prefer narrow formations with attacking wingbacks.

They're key players in my teams as they can exploit the space left by the opposition retreating when your team is in the ascendency. By replacing the function of wingers, they also allow me to have more midfielders and dominate possession in the middle; or even afford me an extra forward.

Imo Fullbacks don't offer a great deal of protection (unless they're exceptionally defensively talented) and most of the protection they do offer from crosses can usually be ignored so long as you have a pair of tall and intelligent defenders.

Typical formation (4-4-2 Diamond):

////////////////GK(D)/////////////////

///////////BPD(X)//BPD©///////////

//WB(M)//////DLP(S)///////WB(M)//

//////////CM(A)////BWM(S)/////////

////////////////AM(S)////////////////

///////////P(A)//////TQ(S)//////////

[EFCToot]

I have mine on support. I use an anchorman to cover for the loss of a defender/s during an attack. The preferred move 'gets forward whenever possible' can be useful if your looking for a marauding full back

[QWERTYOP]

Depends on a multitude of things.

[MichaelBrown]

I like to have supporting full backs at least. I don't think defensive full backs do enough in the team.

[Vector]

I let them go foward, and they do things like this for me

[video=youtube;HJyOdyeLdgE]