If we start to play Chester as a full-back, then we definitely need all three. (Then again, after the debacle on saturday I can't see JC ever playing there again... ). If we get Dudgeon at LB, and then have 3 central defenders - 2 from the list and Chester - I also don't see the need to sign the third CB.
Ash wishes he'd never handed in a transfer request and deeply regrets the fact that he's no longer a City player.
Love how when you signed him you didnt believe us that his standards have dropped dramatically since last season. Hate to say it, but we told you so
I can't really elaborate too much, he's just very disappointed at the way things turned out, he never really wanted to leave and deeply regrets that his time with us ended as it did. He also says the circumstances that led to his departure are as much his fault as anyone else's.
He hasn't been bad for us, when he has played he has been good, does lack a bit of pace but still looked good. We have have been lucky in having four good centre backs this season though in Gerrard, Chester, Ayala and Hobbs
Is Leicester City's player of the season decided by pulling names out of a hat then? Nobody's saying he's a poor player, merely that there are better options out there, but we'll probably give you the ã500k he's worth.
Like you said OLM there are far better options out there. I for one was really excited too see Hobbs in a tigers shirt, yet he has been slightly disappointing for me. If we are going to sign one or two centre backs i think Hobbs shouldn't be one of those as i'd rather have Ayala and Chester at the back, two very good defenders and also very good football players. Hobbs, like Gerrard, is too clumsy and prone to an error or two and more often or not wastes possession by smacking it up to nobody.
Harsh to drop Chester to the bench. He's incapable of playing right back in my view but has been brilliant in the centre for us.
I like Hobbs and my first pairing would be him and Ayala.That would give us a no nonsense physical centre half alongside a more cultured ball playing centre half.You can forget Gerrard. We have a team full of midgets and some height at the back is needed, hence why I'd have the two I've stated.
Here's my ten cents.. Our best form & defense came with CHESTER playing CB. He isn't too hot in any other position & should be our first choice CB - he is an excellent central defender.. Next pair him with AYALA if we can get him. Third choice would be GERRARD (unlikely) or HOBBS (more likely). If we end up with 3 out of these 4 then we'll be OK providing Chester is played where he is best.
Mannone? Rosenior Chester Ayala? Dudgeon Stewart Evans Danns? ???? Fryatt ???? (Simpson?) I think I'll have to stop thinking about all the possibilities. Driving me nuts
I would be delighted with a centre back pairing of any of the four of Chester/Hobbs/Gerrard/Ayala for next season. I dont get the criticism of Gerrard hoofing it up all the time - Turner used to do it. Gerrard scores goals and has the nack of getting important blocks and last ditch tackles in. Chester reads the game as well as Turner did but obviously isn't as dominant in the air, Hobbs is a solid all round defender and seemed to be getting more confident on the ball in the QPR away game, and Ayala, despite being a little shaky in his last few games for us, probably has the most upside of all four with him being decent on the ball aswell as reading the game well and being strong in the air. The best thing about all four of them is that they are all young - in terms of centre halves anyway. I think they all will play Premiership football one day. Being a centre half myself (even though only at a very low level) I do tend to watch their positioning a lot more than most : )
I see Gerrard very much as a poor man's Turner, he does things in a similar way, but he's slower and doesn't read the game as well, hence the need for a Chester type alongside him. I don't think many of us will be disappointed if we do get Gerrard back next season, but I think Hobbs and Ayala are both more likely.
Cheaters been brilliant this season, his speed and passing ability compensated for Gerrards lack of mobility and ability to pass a ball. For me Chester and Ayala would be preferred cb pairing with Hobbs as back up. Not bothered if we don't get Gerrard to be honest unless it's a straight swap for Oilyvagina Also swap Macca for that Barnsley Cb as final backup? Perhaps we could swap Bullard for three or four Ipswich players?
