Tried that aswell, no luck either.
None of my strikers have any PPMs that should affect it. It is defintely that he is coming deep to get the ball, rather than making early runs like you said (In which case playing more through balls with a quicker would of helped?).
I literally want him to do exactly what the poachers description is, I don't want him to get involved in any build up play, I just want him to be there to get to the rebounds, offer an option in the box, etc.
I can't really see or think of anything wrong with my support/build up play. In case anyone can immediatly spot something, this is what I do:
I use a quick, attacking 4-2-3-1 tactic. I play with an attacking IF on the left, and a supporting winger on the right. My LB overlaps, and my RB provides support. My AM is my Advanced-Playmaker, and one CM is a DLP - Defend, the other is a BBM.
During the match, my players have plenty of options, both around them and further up the pitch. Yet still my striker will come short, offering yet another option. This means I very rarely have anyone getting to the loose balls, or a quick direct option straight into the box...