WE have picked up four points from the two games since we altered our formation and it could well have been six.

We felt that we just needed to freshen things up and the players have responded very well.

It has given everyone something different to think about - we had been playing 4-4-2 and it had, perhaps, become a little bit stale.

The new system, whether you call it 4-5-1 or 4-3-3, is not defensive, it is attacking as well and the changes have coincided with some good performances and results.

We have several very athletic, mobile players in the centre of the park with Kenny Lunt as a sort of figure-head in the way that he sits in front of the back four.

Then we have James McQuilkin and Nicky Featherstone who, with Rob Purdie, Joe Colbeck and Steve Leslie, are all very good athletes.

It suits them to have a bit of freedom to go on and press the ball with Kenny giving them that bit of security behind.

The formation allows the wide players to get up well to support Stuart Fleetwood and it has also allowed Ryan Green and Joe Heath to get more involved.

It seems to have worked well defensively as well as attacking- wise, too.

After the Crewe game, their manager Dario Gradi said he thought managers in the lower leagues were now much more aware of formations, it was not just a set-in-stone 4-4-2.

People now have a much greater appreciation of formations and how to use them.

That shows up in the teams at our level who all play with slightly different formations.

We have used a flat four across the middle and also used a diamond formation which worked very well at Cheltenham.

Our staff don't just sit around the office all day, we do actually think about what we are doing, especially away from home where we have gained some very good results.

Now, at home, we have slightly tweaked things and it got us the result we wanted although people will always argue over whether it is the formation or simply the way we played.

And, ultimately, it's not formations which get you wins, it is players who do.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have brought in three loan players and they have all added something to the squad.

Stefan Stam is a very calming influence on the back four and Michael Townsend, who has been excellent in the last couple of games, has certainly benefited from him being there.

Steven Leslie also brings something different; he has great athleticism and ability on the ball as well as a wonderful left foot.

He has really helped to balance the team.

Jason Price brings a bit of everything - he is a great lad who brings a lot of spirit into the dressing room and he gives us another option that we have not had in that he can get the ball and hold things up.

I'm sure the top managers in the Premier League would not be pleased if they had to ask their players to play three big matches in six days as we have to this week.

It has been a tough winter and the games are still coming thick and fast so we have to watch closely and ensure that anyone who needs a rest is given one.

It has taken some time but, on Sunday, we had the best substitutes' bench that we have had since I took over and that is important in that, whoever you put on, it does not weaken the team.