Assuming the entire squad were fit and available for selection, who would be your automatic first five? You know, the ones you'd have pre-printed on the teamsheet before you filled in the other slots on the day. Maybe pretty obvious, but it's straight down the middle for me. Marshy, Huds, Whitts, Gunnar, Bellamy. You could probably lump in the rest of the present defence as pretty well nailed on, but I'd have more of a job pencilling in the wide midfield and front spots. We really do have a lot of options here if Smithy is now back in the frame as well.
4 are easy Marshall Hudson Bellamy Whittingham. The other one is difficult. 1 thing we lack is pace - so Noone. It would be between him and Turner.
I think I'd agree with that Sparkey, though the rest of the back 4 would be straight in through lack of options rather than anything else. That's not saying we haven't got good players there, just no depth. Marshy in because he's as good as anyone in the division, Huds in because he's a solid defender and a top leader. Whitts is in because of his playmaking and even if we had cover, it wouldn't be better as we couldn't afford it. Bellamy would be in just because he's too good to leave out, though his position may change (I still like him playing down the left for his creativity which isn't as evident when he is up front just because of the angles he plays). I may play Mutch in front of Gunnar if he was on top of his game but he has shown inconsistancy. In midfield you wouldn't name the wide men because we do have quality options to chop and change depending on what MM has seen from the analysts of the opposition. Up front we have solid players, but no stand out strikers (see above comments on Bellars).
Gunnar is the man in form and deserves his place. I think Mutch if on form is better. Ralls may have more ability than everyone. Gunner , Mutch , Ralls and even Cowie can slot in alongside Whitts and I dont think we would be weaker. Thats why Gunner wouldnt be an auto choice. Connelly for Turner is a good replacement as well. Lose Noone and we lose the ability to run at the full back.
I agree, 4 are easy. Marshall, Huds, Bellars and Whits are certain to make the team sheet if not injured, but the 5th one is difficult. Noone for pace, or Mason for instinct, or even HH, not the most nimble with his feet but he does put the ball in the net.
What Sparkey said. And what he said on that jack thread. I won't add another comment to it because it will go back to the top.
Want me to lock it up? That would stop it returning to the top.... I would say Gunnar, but he only seems to play decent after been dropped...
1. Thank you Bob. 2. Let's hope it dies a death. Back to this thread again. What about John, Ralls and Conway down the left side to add to those 5? Stick big Ben alongside Huds with Connolly and Noone down the right? Hang on a minute......what about Taylor, Mason, Helguson, Kimbo, Mutch, Cowie, Smith, Rudy? What an abundance of choice Malky has!
Sheep! Might seem a bit extreme at this stage m8. See if common sense let's it die. It's not exactly curent now anyway. Very pleased Tommy is back in contention.
Agreed about Smithy - he was a revelation before he got injured. Must admit I doubted his signing at the time, but have been delighted to be proved wrong. On the other matter, also agreed. Don't lock anything up Sheepy - you're one of us, don't behave like them.
