Training Fruit Trees - Beginner

[prbaxter]

hello,

we've just received some fruit trees (apple, plum, etc..) and we intend to plant them around our patio wall and train them using cordons, espaliers or fans.

However, our new trees don't have the shoots in the right places on the main stem. Is there any way to cut the existing ones and force new shoots out where desired?

Also, we're in two minds whether to plant them in the clay soil or put them in pots. The problem with pots is that they may blow over in strong winds.

Any advice welcome.

[FB.]

The variety, the rootstock, the age, and their size/shape will determine how best to manage them.
A few pictures would also be very helpful.