So, now we have had to admit that play-offs are well and truly beyond us, what do we think the squad needs to look like next season? For me, Lonergan, Lees (if he keeps improving at the same rate), Robinson (if he stays), Brown, Clayton, Snoddy, Becchio, White and McCormack can all keep their places in the match day squad of 16, while Pugh, Thompson, O'Dea, Rogers, Bromby, Webber (if he stays), Somma (put him in the usual squad if he returns to his old self) and the youngsters (who I'm not counting in the squad numbers) can stay as back-up. This would leave 8 spaces open for new signings in a squad of 24. A couple of centre backs are a must, and the rumours about Pearce and Hreidarsson are promising and both those players will probably be looking to move if Coventry and Pompey are relegated. A right back is also a must as well, and probably a left back. We need two CMs to cover for and compete with Brown and Clayton, preferably one DM (Derry?) and a box to box midfielder. A proper Gradel replacement for the wing would also be useful, and would provide competition for White and Snodgrass. We would also need a striker to replace the hopefully departed Paynter and Forssell, someone with pace would be useful as it's something we're currently lacking. All of this of course would be dependent on our key players staying, if not we would need even more of an overhaul. So, what do you all think of my suggestions and what would you do? Who should we keep and who should we bring in? It's going to be an interesting summer.
Interesting as in an explosion of activity? My son, who is just 16, thinks that there is one type of player we must get hold of, and most of the players we get must be that type. Big, both in height and in thigh muscle. And black. He says they are the fastest, the strongest, and with the best stamina. This of course is a truism that he is unaware of and it comes from African genetic traits. So I'd return to Africa and try to bring here the next Lucas, the next Philemon (well, you know what I mean!), the next Tony. The club can pay me £30,000 for the next few months and I will spend all that time scouring that continent for the right players. All must have the following 10 attributes: 1. Ability to pass, with both feet, accurately both short and long 2. Speed - explosive and maintainable - and stamina 3. Control - Good Control under pressure and when has time - first touch both to self and passing to a player first time, good dribbling skills and goood running with the ball 4. Awareness - Good peripheral vision - aware of opposition and teammates positions and able to see runners and get the ball to them 5. Awareness - able to exploit space and create space 6. Crossing - aware of the need to cross the ball to the right place, understanding where the defenders and teammates and goalkeeper are 7. Shooting - strong accurate shot, volley, half volley, on the run, one on one 8. Heading ability - for goal, in challenges with opposition, in defence 9. Strength - in the challenge 10. Defensive strength - prevent opponents turning with the ball, prevent them playing the ball forward, prevent them explotiong space, anticipate And finally - all must be leaders on the pitch who expect and demand the best. And if they do not provide it, they practise and practise until they do get it.
First step then, seems to me to change the strip to all black. Revie pinched the All-white thing from the Filth in Spain, but they've long since lost the plot. An overall grimy look will sum up your team filhoserfee.
You'll need a fair bit of money thats for sure. Apparently it's £36 for us to come on the last day of the season
There are good experienced ones aged between 28 and 32, it isn't just that we can't defend, we have no pace, Robinson and Hreidarsson please tell me it isn't going to happen....
Starting at the back: I imagine this will depend on if Kisnorbo & AOB move on, but hopefully they will both want a fresh start. Defenders: Luke Chambers - Nottingham Forrest - Free Agent Jason Pearce - Portsmouth - 800K (Portsmouth will be looking to move on players) Matt Kilgallon - Sunderland - 1M (Looking more unlikely as Martin O'Neil keeps starting him) Jonathon Woodgate - Stoke - Free Agent? (Outside chance if Stoke don't take up their option on him) Zat Knight - Bolton - Free Agent (Unlikely to take step back to Championship) Sylvain Distin - Everton - Free Agent (Unlikely to take step back to Championship) Clint Hill - QPR - Free Agent (Experienced/Old, Cheap and Cheerful) Fitz Hall - QPR - Free Agent (Experienced/Old, Cheap and Cheerful) Anthony Gerrard - Cardiff - Free Agent
I hope we do get Pearce, already Pompey captain at 24 and still room to improve, would definitely be one we could keep in the PL. I'd imagine at least one of Hill/Hall will come in.
He would be a great signing, but I doubt we will be making many cash purchases. Unless Mr Flamingo land lends us some money.
Out of contract keepers... Goalkeepers: Tomasz Kuszczak - Manchester United - Age 30 David Marshall - Cardiff City - Age 27 Joe Lewis - Peterborough United - Age 24 Alex Smithies - Huddersfield Town - Age 22
Both Marshall and Smithies seem quality I put down a list of heaps of players that I thought would be moving clubs for either free or relatively cheaply. I'll need to find it
