The League Two season is still at an embryonic stage.

But John McGreal has already demonstrated in Colchester United’s opening three games his willingness to be tactically flexible and innovative as a coach.

The U’s head coach has effectively adopted three different systems so far.

Some supporters might argue that has been a refreshing change from the somewhat rigid 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation that had become a very familiar component at Colchester, over recent years.

McGreal’s decision to field Kurtis Guthrie, a player who has played the bulk of his football as a forward over the years, in a role behind the attack against Cambridge United at the exclusion of the likes of experienced central midfielders Craig Slater and Doug Loft was as inventive as it was courageous.

After all, Slater had produced a competent performance on his U’s debut at Hartlepool.

But it ultimately paid dividends; Guthrie played his part in Colchester’s win and his inclusion in that position gave the likes of Brennan Dickenson and Drey Wright the opportunity to shine further up the field.

At times, it was difficult to pin down exactly what Guthrie’s role was – and that seemed just the way McGreal wanted it.

It gave Colchester a fluidity and freedom and gave Cambridge an extra problem to deal with, on an afternoon they will probably rather forget.

Tom Lapslie was instrumental too, in ensuring Guthrie’s inclusion in that position worked so well, in what was effectively a 4-1-4-1 formation.

Having opted for a 3-5-2 with three centre-backs system at Brighton and Hove Albion in the League Cup, a tactic that worked very effectively until the Championship side finally made the breakthrough with the tie more than an hour old – and a 4-2-3-1 formation on the opening day at Hartlepool United, it is clear McGreal is not afraid to choose an approach that he feels will give Colchester the best possible chance of winning a football match.

In pre-season, he stressed it was important the U’s had a Plan B and a Plan C this season, if they are to challenge for promotion.

It will be intriguing to see what kind of system he adopts for Colchester's home game against newly-promoted Grimsby Town tonight.

But on the evidence of their opening three matches, McGreal’s tactical flexibility and confidence could a key component this season.