Like others, I wonder if Vaughan, Butterfield and Ayala will be given a chance in pre-season before any decisions are made. If CH does go for Redmond (who is under 21) on the left, Surman could be retained. Butterfield is an interesting one as he was so highly rated when he came in, by CH as well. What about Danny Rose as the LB/WB option. Really impressive on loan at Sunderland this year from Spurs and would certainly improve the attacking options. Van Ginkel is also under 21 (as would Maher) for next year, leaving more options elsewhere. I feel that Johnson and Tettey are sufficient for DM, but would like an ACM to replace Fox (great passer, but offers little else). Finally, I think we will need a fourth striker option, which might be Vaughan or someone new.
Like DH, I find it odd that we're now looking at top European players. It's also odd that we are now the PL team loaning players out to Championship teams (we've moved a long way from Roeder!). RvW has moved the goal posts in both regards. Without wanting to launch yet another debate about CH, I wonder if we've seen some indications of how City will be playing next year, in that there has been a lot more movement up front, Pilks and Snods changing sides, Holt moving freely in and out of the area and Hoolahan playing in his free role. I've never felt that CH has wanted to play defensively, but that he has either had to or the players have found difficulty adjusting their game. Either way, recent indications are very positive, IMO.
I was going to mention Butterfield was missing. I think he has a future at the club - he was on the bench on saturday if that means anything, i was hoping he would get a few minutes at the end. I think im right in saying he hasnt played a game in the premier league yet, but did play the League cup game against Tottenham? So maybe Hughton has given him a season to get back to full fitness after his injury and we will see him next season
It's not RvW who has moved the goal posts surely; it is, among others, the players we are now talking about as surplus to requirements. All RvW has to do is come in and regularly plant the ball between the goal posts, wherever they are positioned! But I think what you actually mean is that the signing of RvW has demonstrated, not just to us fans but to the football world at large, just how dramatic has been the club's upward progress on all fronts over the last five years. Can anyone think of one single "except for". I can't.
Yes, that is what I meant, Robbie. The possibilities just seem so much greater after that signing, thus our looking at other top european players now.
I have read a few replys above and here are my answers: There is no mention of Butterfield in my squad because I believe he will go out on loan again this year Although perhaps, due to Steer being under 21, Butterfield may take up the remaining slot in the 25? Id still lije to see us bring in a v.Ginkel standard attacking midfielder though, maybe with Butterfield, Wes and Howson as squad rotation players? RVW did let slip that CH is in for 2 wingers so perhaps someone like Capel AND an under 21 like Redmond could be on the cards? I cant see us signing 2 strikers because the chances are we will play one up top most of the season. so one striker who is between holt and rvw standard (someone like Hooper) should be brought in so we can change tactics when we need 2 up top or a bit more tenacity (Holt and Hooper) rather than all out technical skill. Also, as mentioned above, Pilks can always act as a striker if needed. I really think if we get rid of the players mentioned and plug the gaps with what has been discussed (LB, CB, DM, LW, U21WINGER, CAM and ST) we would have lots of strength in depth and a very competitive squad!
Jed opened he fete at the school in our village, St Faiths, a few weeks back, in fact I remember him at school. My mum was talking to him mostly about what his family are up to, she doesn't really care about football, but Jed told her he's looking for a lone move next season. I know this sounds like one of those rumors but it is genuine.
Yeah Bath, My Dad used to be his Head teacher and we stopped to have a chat with him him outside the ground this year. He said that he and Rudd were both looking for loans but had been told too late as most teams had already sorted their keepers. Anyway, Rudd finally got his move and, as you said, Steer is looking to move out on loan next season.
I understand the desire for more RvW-level players, but I think we could count ourselves incredibly lucky to bring in even one more. Steven Defour and Diego Capel are both easily Champions League-level players, and have been linked with top-6 teams in the past. Defour was supposed to go to Man U before he got injured a few years ago. Capel will move because of Sporting's financial issues, but Porto are by far the richest team in Portugal and if they want Defour even just a a squad player, we would have no chance. I'd expect a low-reputation DM to come in to be honest; everyone knows I want Anthony Annan but Juraj Kucka would be another option in my eyes.
I still think 6 new players is a big ask, and that a compromise or two might have to be made (eg. Ayala at CB or Vaughan up front) if City are going to have any option for change in January. If that doesn't happen, then one of the other options might have to be sacrificed and IMO, that would be a new DM, as we already have BJ and Tettey in that role. An ACM to replace Fox is much more urgent if City are to improve the service up front. Alternatively, the new LW could be sacrificed as City already have Pilks and Surman who can play there. The 25 man squad does certinly keep things tight!
