Maidstone have mainly used a back four during pre-season, with their strongest recent football reportedly coming in a 4-3-3. But Fagan has also tested three centre-backs, with wide players stepping up as wing-backs to provide width and depth.
“We tested a back three, and it gives us attacking strength because our wide players can also play as wing-backs,” Fagan said, according to the report.
That flexibility could allow Maidstone to pair two forwards with a number 10 behind them. Fagan reportedly stressed that this would be an attacking choice, rather than a way to sit deep and protect a lead.
Fagan also appears wary of adopting a formation simply because it is in fashion-or rejecting it because another team has used it poorly. The right approach, he said, depends on the opponent, which players are available and who is in form.
“We want to be positive in our approach,” Fagan said in the reported comments. “At the moment, we’ve played our best football in the 4-3-3.”
That leaves Maidstone with a clear base and a possible alternative. A back three could offer a route to more attacking presence, but the 4-3-3 remains the shape that has brought the team its best recent performances.
The final pre-season friendly against Chatham Town is the next opportunity to see which option Fagan chooses. More broadly, the test will be whether Maidstone can keep their forward intent while adapting their shape to the players and opposition in front of them.