They are saying that Omar Gonzalez of LA will probably be moving to Europe as his contract ends this season. He is real good for the MLS not sure how he would fair in England.
I'm not sure whether Bruce is going to recruit with a formation in mind, or going to find players in the areas we need and then sort out the formation. I think the two players you absolutely need to work in to your XI are Aluko and Brady, they have something that other teams cannot buy (cheaply anyway), I'm not saying that they will take the league by storm, just that they have the potential to. Looking at our squad, what about something like this - (£) means a decent amount, whereas otherwise it is a free/loan/cheapy. GK - New (£), New RB - Rosenior, New CB - Chester, Hobbs, New (£), Bruce/Faye/Mac LB - Dudgeon, Brady (as cover) DM - Meyler (DMish), Evans, New (£) AM - Aluko, Koren, Boyd, Quinn, Brady ST - New (£), New, Fryatt, Prosch/Simmo/Mc That does leave out wide attacking positions (e.g. Elmo), which we might want to use. I could certainly see Elmo on the wing, with Brady/New on the other side. Even an AVB-style formation, but that would only allow 3 in the middle of the park, good luck choosing 3 out of 6 candidates (and that is without a new DM/AM).
Fair few decent frees available, expecting us to go for Figueroa and Bramble because of ex Bruce connections could possibly add Boyce in there too. Few more free agents who we might take a look at: Brunt Camp Neville Franco Di Santo Fabianksi Schwarzer Dunne Pennant Simpson Gera Benayoun
Me to.....I hope we add a couple of strikers, experience in mid field and a goalkeeper .....would like us to give those who got us up a chance in the premier league. Hope the Allams Bank a 3rd, spend a third and save a 3rd. No way do I want us to blow the lot Then again the Allams and Steve Bruce know what they are doing and I am sure we will stay up and move foward a step at a time. Ps, I would make a crap manager so will leave it to Steve Bruce as to who we should sign.
Other than Neville I'd be disappointed at any single one of those. Many are all that is wrong with top flight football and would be after one last payday. Neville has something more to offer and with the younger players we have we are going to need someone who knows how the system works
Brunt would be good but I'm sure he's WBA captain so doubt he will be leaving, surprised he's on the list
That does leave out wide attacking positions (e.g. Elmo), which we might want to use. I could certainly see Elmo on the wing, with Brady/New on the other side. Even an AVB-style formation, but that would only allow 3 in the middle of the park, good luck choosing 3 out of 6 candidates (and that is without a new DM/AM).[/QUOTE] I expect to see 4-2-3-1 next season as pretty much everybody plays some variation of that and I think it would suit us ----------New Keeper------- Rosie--Chester--Hobbs/new CB--Dudgeon/experienced LB ------Meyler----- New CDM---- New RW/Elmo--Aluko----Brady--- ---New CF (Le Fondre/Kone etc.)---
Very good shout, he's a great player. Even if only on loan. Matthew Briggs from Fulham too. Both were brilliant for Watford this Season.
Now I seen Papa Allem say something about we've got to the Prem so now let's look at Europe" does this mean they are prepared to lash into their pockets and splash some serious cash, because if they want City in Europe it will take some serious cash to be spent. Strikers in the Bunders ligue, or midfielders being looked at by Bruce? Who in Germany would be a decent acquisition....Robben?
You've got no chance of buying him. I suppose he'll go on loan to a Prem side where he'd get game time.
Stoke have done it the right way IMO. Establish themselves and then add one or two good players each Season along with basic squad strengthening as opposed to spending lavishly right from the off.
That does look decent. I agree that we need a new defensive midfielder, but I think that Evans can certainly do a job - he may even be more suited to the Premier League (as Cairney seemed to be).
From the Bundesliga there are many good youngsters, Rode or Kruse as well as the Aussie Robbie Kroos would all be excellent additions.
What? Stoke have spent absolute tons on mostly rubbish. Over the last 5 seasons Stoke have a net spend of roughly £80million, that is only beaten by Chelsea and Man City!
new gk/new gk (please not stockdale) new rb/rosie/elmo chester/new cb/hobbs/mcshane/bruce/faye new lb/dudgeon/brady meyler/new cm/new cm/cairney/quinn/evans aluko/brady/koren/boyd/elmo/new winger new st/new st/simpson/prossie/fattyfryup
The Stoke model is interesting one..they sign plenty of the old guard with little or no resale value, but they've stayed in the PL for how many seasons now? Would we take a punt on say Crouch? He still scores goals...I thought the Allams had a philosophy of buy young players with a good resale value?
