I think Lo Tutala is a decent back up to Pandur, and one of Cartwright (if he is staying) and Wilson can be back up to him. Pandur seems to have very good fitness in what seems to be a relatively fragile squad, so I’m not sure spending on another keeper is needed. They wouldn’t have sanctioned Racciopi’s exit if they didn’t think TLT could step up.
Very true, although I think Odubajo was good defensively and not so great going forward, whilst Coyle's attacking contribution is underrated.
Hughes has been relatively injury free and it’s only this season he’s been injured over a longish period, he said as much in an interview a Cpl of days ago, so a bit unfair to call him injury prone… and he’s a very young lad so plenty of time for improvement
One hamstring injury and one appendicitis. The latter isn't going to happen again so essentially he's had one injury.
As far as a left-back and left centre-back is concerned, we might be able to get two in one. Lots of teams are using this hybrid left-back/left centre-back role these days and there are quite a few players at varying levels that are competent at it. Gvardiol is probably the most high-profile one but Colwill at Chelsea can do it and I know Dortmund play a back four on paper that becomes a back three in possession with the left-back joining the centre-halves. Callum Doyle, who is on loan at Norwich from Man City, is also very good at that role. Rosenior used Greaves in an identical role in the 2022/23 season. I’m a fan of García MacNulty in the Dutch league. @Steven Toast has mentioned Derry Murkin at Schalke who is more offensive but can also do that role. McLoughlin has done alright at left-back in the last few games but his lack of pace and mobility is a huge downside when he’s up against anyone with pace.
Anders Børset at Wolfsburg is supposed to be the brightest prospect in terms of wide centre backs, currently plays in the reserves but he is tipped for a big future. Anselmo MacNulty is also very good, Ireland should get him tied down before he tries to play for Spain.
Thought I’d put it in here as he’ll be like a new signing….. not. My question is… which minute 1st, 3rd or last… I’m going for last and then back on the treatment table, where he will probably lay until his contract ends….
He will come on as an injury time substitute against Portsmouth and score the equaliser that guarantees our survival. He will go down in history as a saviour.
We’ve been linked with a Dutch-Turkish keeper called Bilal Bayazıt who currently plays for Kayserispor. If true, I imagine Racioppi is leaving in the summer and we need someone to challenge Pandur.
