With only 5 games left and safety almost garanteed, what of next season. I guess there may well be a few less ins and outs than previous seasons as we will not be planning for a season at a higher level. Personally I think next season may be much tougher than this. we came into this league an unknown quantity and with a massive amount of momentum. For the first time, next year PL is going to be planning for a second season in the same league. Will the players at the club who were so hungry to prove themselves have that same ambition next year having already proved they can do it? Kyle Naughton will need to be replaced, no easy feat. where else needs strengthening? Another Striker for me. Jacko hasn't really been the same player he was at the end of last term. The risk taken with signing and injury prone Vaughan has not really paid off. Will it next year? So many questions and that is why we love the game.
Hopefully Lambert will replace Naughton with Naughton. A new striker and a defensive midfielder would be top of my list, as well as Snodgrass.
1. Naughton (top priority, especially with Drury possibly retiring?) 2. Snodgrass 3. Jordan Rhodes Would Faurlin be worth a look at, if QPR go down? With respects to the question, most of us fans struggle to name the teamsheet, let alone the formation, or the tactics, and this is one of PL's true gems, unlike Swansealona or Stoke, you have NO clue what you will face! This has instilled vital characteristics, such as not-taking-for-granted a 1st team spot, changing styles of play, different teammates, thereby breeding a culture of ambition, in which the players must work doubly hard to ensure their spot at the top of their respective position. No ego's at this club, and this is why we have been successful as a team, because each individual wants each other to suceed not just themselves (the mercenaries at QPR). So...in short, no we have not been figured out yet, our squad has a full season of PL behind them, rather than in most cases League 1 or Championship, are better prepared for the physicality and mentality aspects compared with last august. I fully expect us to carry on where we leave off this season, providing we can keep hold of most of the "youngest squad in the premier league".
I don't see why the players would be less eager to prove themselves, as they haven't done anything yet. Paul Lambert has made it clear that he wants to win things, and if he has said this to the press, then he has made it trebly clear to the players. As for signings, I'm not sure. As I would really like him to develop the players, rather than constantly bringing people in.
In the Premier League, summer signings are essential not only to boost competition but also harness better talent. Madness not to bring in 4 or 5 players this summer window.
My lack of certainty was not a rejection of playing the transfer market, so much as a plea not to overspend.
I think to better this season we are gonna need some thing different at the back. weather thats r.bennett and aayla(sp) i dont no but i feel that through out the season we have let in too many silly and soft goals. I think our midfield is sorted. we have loadsa options there and i think that they are good enough. Would also like to see another striker come in just to take a bit of pressure of holt. I think it is gonna be a great summer as a city fan. I also think the board need to back Lambert in whatever he wants give him all the money he needs to buy who ever.
We should also consider the possibility of bids for our best players from rival teams - holt, ruddy etc I don't think they will leave, but we shouldn't be shocked if this happens. Didn't rusty get linked with Newcastle before
Or even the management team. One possibly two of the the top five teams will be appointing a new manager for next season.
I know Premier league status must come first but I would love a good cup run next season. Although the Euros look like a non-starter I think a number of the team ( Ruddy, Howson, Martin, Pilkington, Hoolahan, Morisson, R Bennett) will be pushing for international recognition next season. Sadly if Holty does not get his deserved call up this season I fear age will be a barrier for the World Cup.
