Cortese has hinted that we will make a big signing in January and it's pretty obvious that we need another striker to supplement what we already have, so I thought I'd try to drum up some speculation. What sort of striker do you think we need? A big one? A fast one? A clever one? One in the right place at the right time? Who do you think best fits what we actually need? Dosn't have to be entirely realistic, but suggesting someone completey outside the realms of imagination like Messi or Ronaldo will just make you look like a ****. All IMO Lambert needs a strike partner to link up with if we're to see the best of him. Both forwards also need to link up with the midfield to get the best team dynamic, that rules out a Johnny on the spot like Charlie Austin. Connolly is great at the link-up stuff, so I'd go for a younger version of him, whoever fits that bill. What do you think?
Billy Sharp - won't leave. Having turned us down and with what's happened personally he will want to stay where he is and stay settled for now. I think he'll stay at Donny after all the support he has received from them Good man! Jay Rodriguez - was apparently laughed out the building after wanting the same wages as Lallana and Lambert Won't go back in for him given his poor form this season! Nicky Maynard - quick, young, out-of-contract in summer so maybe a cheeky bid for him. I'm sure Bristol City will take what they can for him! Impressive form recently too! Maynard would be my bet
Maynard has pace, which we are badly, badly in need of. But I'm not convinced that he's a clinical finisher; I don't think he's the sort of striker who if you give just one chance to per game, will score you a goal. And for partly this reason, I do not see him as a Premiership striker - and I can't see us spending money on players who wont be able to go to the next level with us, should we get there.
I'm not impressed by Maynard or Rodriguez this season - and Sharp I know won't leave Donny right now so that rules him out Charlie Austin or Matty Fryatt would be good though
I notice that no-one ever seems to mention Matt Fryatt, even though (apparently) he's scored more Championship goals than anyone in 2011. I'm not saying he's the answer, just that I thought his name would have been mentioned a bit more - even more so now that he's lost Pearson (I think Pearson would have fought tooth and nail to keep hold of him had he still been in charge).
I do know that I haven't actually given an answer. I'd say it's because I really really really want Sharp, but I accept that he doesn't bring great pace with him - and that ultimately is something which we badly need. If we were to sign two big names, with the second being a pacey winger who can really pen the opposition full-back back, then I would absoloutely suggest Sharp as the striker. No question. But I do not see us making two big signings - in which case, I'm slightly reserved about giving Sharp as my answer.
You can have Dave Kitson if you want. I'll pay you to have him and will even carry him to the doorstep of SM myself.
i said that back in the summer and got slated saying he wasnt good enough but he is doing well for Burnley to could be a shrewd signing IMO - I would take him, even if as a backup
I have seen Fulham linked with Berbatov, so Johnson might not have long left at Fulham. But yeah, I don't see him turning up at St Marys any time soon. Anelka was transfer-listed yesterday by the way...
You can keep your hands off Matty fryatt, he is playing his best football in a long time now since Nigel Pearson left us, plus when he is off form he misses a lot of chances.
In all seriousness, I wouldn't put it past Big Sam to try and get him on loan. He tried to get Tevez on loan before, and he's had Anelka before at Bolton. Not to mention the fact that Anelka wouldn't need to move house or anything. (It wont happen though).
