SB's quote in HDM. Signing a three-year deal at the KC Stadium, the 25-year-old has arrived to be the figurehead of City's attack for the new Championship season. And Bruce believes a change in philosophy can see the Tigers become a more potent force under his leadership. "We don't have that physical threat that Nick brings," Bruce said. "He'll complement the strikers that we've got and he'll give Matty Fryatt a hand for a start. "I want to go in with two strikers, which is something we didn't do too often last year. "There will be a change there where predominantly I want to play two strikers. I always judge any team by what they've got up front. "We have to be a bit bolder maybe because if you don't score, you don't win a match." After just 99 league goals in the last two seasons, Bruce hopes the capture of Proschwitz will help solve City's long-standing goalscoring problems in the Championship. Is this why SB is a premiership manager?? Been blindingly obvious since we lost King, yet 3 managers for varying reasons never addressed this. At last. We have a proper number 9. Though i noticed he had 18 on, isnt that Barmby's old number? Sticks the knife in a bit!!!
I think it's probably that was the number available - they rarely wear their true number in Pre-season. Most of the guys who were here under Barmby would have probably avoided that number if they were given a choice, and Jakupovic probably went straight for the free number one while Amos is on the tour. Kinda putting his beach towel on it (even though he's not German.) I'll be stunned if Proschwitz doesn't get a number between 9-12 given his pricetag.
Matty would keep his number I expect. Is the number 10 shirt free? Think McLean has 9. They should retire the number 3 shirt for Dawson if we go up and he plays a significant role
Squad. Depth. We will have some. Why do you lot think buying one player means we're going to lose another? I know its been like that in the past but we now live in exciting and hopefully successful times. If by any luck we get promoted this season, we'll already have the basis of a decent squad and wont suddenly struggle if we have 1 or 2 injuries. Competition for places is good. Having different options for different teams is good. We've hopefully now moved on from the "One Plan" approach we'd had in recent years. Embrace it.
Right about the depth. Also balance. that thread about 3-5-2 proves that we're acquiring the players to play any system we want. We'll have options on the bench, we'll have players who can change games. We'll have players to play a patient passing game, players to play hoof ball, players to stretch wide, players to get in behind defenders and we'll be a threat from set pieces. I liked the patient game of before and would have been happy to watch Nicky try and turn us into Barcelona. I'm equally excited by what Bruce's doing. Can never understand the fascination with shirt numbers. Who cares?? And agree with Madhog about bringing in one player not necessarily meaning the end for another. However, I still think McLean might move on. I think if Bruce adds another winger or two to Fryatt, Proschwitz, Simpson, Stewart and Aluko (and maybe Cullen?), we might have one too many across the front.
I wish i hadnt added that bit at the bottom, nowt to do wi why i started the thread. SB straight away has identified we havent got a number 9. Something Brown, Pearson and Barmby failed to recognise.
The Sanity is that Steve Bruce wants a deeper squad with strength and for whatever reason NP + NB didn't have it. Proschwitz looks to have the No.18 as its now Free. You could look at the number as being 2 x 9 or 1+8 who cares. Its not the number that counts but who is in it. If Nick P. wants a 9 in his number then give him No.19 and Joe Dudgeon No.23 I think that Bruce will want a deep squad to cover for injuries and suspensions along the way. Great management. If any striker leaves anytime soon I expect it to be Mark Cullen who needs to go out on loan in league one. imo
Difference now is we look like we have other players who can create and score chances. I hope he stays, but it won't be a disaster if he does leave.
Obviously nothing personal against tommytiger. But retirement of numbers should have no place in football. Numbers 1-11 should mean something. In addition 13 should be second choice keeper and 22 third choice. In fact now I think of it, I'd like to see the back of squad numbers and names on the shirts. Is there actually any practical reason for it, other than some Americanized gimmick?
