So as my iPhone doesn't allow me to create polls, I was just wondering where we all think needs improving? Midfield is an obvious answer, but what part do we target first? A left winger would be nice, but if wiggins can see out the season I think we have the answer in our squad to fill that role. Step forward cedric evina. His strengths IMO are his pace, overlapping and crossing. I understand he prefers the LB role, but you hope CP will recognise his strengths lie in a role further upfield. I don't really need to address the middle of the park, it's there for all to see at the Valley every other week. So that leaves the defence and our strikers (assuming we keep Hamer). I personally think between our forwards we have goals in the team. We either haven't played to their strengths or completely lacking in creativity from midfield. Of course, if someone becomes readily available who is considerably better, then I wouldn't be adverse (a premiership quality striker, which isn't likely). At the back I think we need another centre back. Cort and morri are still the number one pairing for me, and before morro's suspension they were both having fine seasons. But last year we had cort in reserve waiting patiently for his turn before going on to cement his place in the side. Miguel angel dervite and Taylor don't fill me with similar confidence if one (or both) of our first choice centre backs get injured. So I think a centre midfielder or 2 is a priority, with a centre back closely behind. I'd be surprised if we make 2-3 signings though
new creative midfielder to partner stephens or pritchard, and a left winger to add some pace or offer an outlet to the new midfielder. think at the back we're fine. up front will come together as soon as we can create decent chances
Evina and Wiggins on the left sounds good to me. I hope Evina accepts this is his best position, a bit like Konchesky(He should have listened to Curbs). Dervite's defending has been found wanting, Taylor is more reliable. CM we all know about but let's see what happens if and when Stephens goes. Up front we're fine IF our strikers are all fit. I think this squad is good enough to keep us where we are now in the table, but if we're serious about pushing for promotion next season the squad needs serious attention in the summer.
We now have Feely (who played European Cup earlier this season) as cover at CB now Left midfield is No 1 for me and Wordsworth could be the answer plus a ball winning tiger at CM (preferably bald)
These two positions are glaring weaknesses and must be sorted with new signings, plus a replacement for Stephens if he leaves. Anything else would be an unlikely bonus.
It's been said before but it would be great to see the yoof get a go near the end of the season. Hopefully a quiet January will point to this.
We have a very tough program in Feb. so we are unlikely to see much experimentation until March at the earliest, and then only if we look well on course to avoid relegation. My own guess is we will not be totally safe from relegation until the last two or three matches, at which point CP may throw in the youngsters. Having said that, we may see Harriott earlier if we don't sign another LM, and Azeez on the bench if Haynes and Fuller keep breaking down and we don't sign another striker. Let's hope it doesn't come to that and that CP can play them when he wants to, rather than because he has no other options.
A man of many words! Talking of youth, did anyone see this yesterday? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2260119/Englands-future-15-teen-stars-YOU-excited-about.html
How will he respond to Hamer's reaction when conceding a goal? I hear he can be very touchy. Do you have a thing for bald midfielders?
Somebody needs to stand up to Hamer and tell him that the shouting thing is not good for the team. Bald midfielders.... ....... yes........ love 'em
