Poleon is a pacey striker. He's looking more confident with every game and we saw he's more than capable at Championship level against Watford.
Centre back to win those headers in the 6 yard area from where we conceded just about a goal every game last season!
Somebody (probably with no more than made up information) posted on a few Leeds forums, that we were interested in bringing back Sol Bamba back to England. I'm a fan of the big man, so would be chuffed to bits if we got him.
Think that's as much to do with the keeper as much as it is the defence. Better communication needed, perhaps? Or a new keeper...
Kiwi, from what I remember, hard to fault the keeper on too many of those. I just remember throughout the season thinking "centre backs again not protecting that part of the defensive area!"
Of course, each individual incident is unique, but on the whole I'd imagine the defence are reluctant to venture into the 6 yard box if they feel the keeper has it covered (when in actuality he clearly doesn't). Just wondering if this is down to a lack of communication - after all, the best keepers in the world often come for crosses, own the 6 yard box and are very vocal.
Old style keepers - seems to be a lost art. I am talking edge of the 6 yard area, not close to the goal line. Whatever the reason(s), it seems that we conceded way more than any other team from that area in the championship last season.
I definitely think a goalkeeper who organises and shouts at his defenders during the game, who commands his area, who's tall and comes out for crosses is the answer. Paddy Kenny does none of the above.
I miss the days of Nigel Martyn, he was a quality keeper. Edge of the 6 yard box is always a dangerous area - and part of that is the uncertainty between keeper and defenders. I don't think chopping and changing the defence helped, nor the fact we don't have a natural leader at the back (possibly Warnock, but he plays full back and only arrived end of January). Plus neither Lees, Peltier or Kenny are all that tall, which I don't think helped either. A new powerful centre half would definitely help, but I do feel there are other factors at play as well
Ducks' Disease amongst the central defenders was a major problem last season. Not to mention the lack of strength. I, for one, just hope that BeeMacDee has an ace up the sleeve for this issue.
The central defenders weren't effective last season, we had a right back playing there and Jason Pearce who became a shell of the player that started last season, but that maybe down to confidence. Would like to see a commanding CB to play along side Tom Lees. Agree about Kenny - made some basic errors (Wolves for e.g.), didn't command his area or organise his defence. Seems to really lack concentration. If we don't sell him, then I would sell Ashdown to free up wages and put Cairns on the bench (could always get an emergency loan should our No 1 get injured). Thought Ashdown deserved more game time last season - some good performances in the cup!!
Pity Ashdown's injured at the moment. If he does eventually get a good pre-season, I think he'll push Kenny hard for the starting berth. He's also the right sort of size for a commanding goalkeeper
Warnocks short sightedness when it came to his favourites always reminded me of our high school PE teacher who coached our schools team. Always picked the same players and gave little thought to form! Not to mention his ways of signing players like Varney, because he had been after them for a couple of years now. I honestly don't think they were rescouted at all, he just went and dusted off his black book of players who's names he wrote down while they were in their primes. Not the case with Kenny obviously, he's just in love with him. Best keeper in the Premiership or Chanpionship? Not at all.
