Wes on his day is brilliant but we do need a player in the same sort of mould for competition. I do think we will see more of butterfield this coming season and is like a new signing for us. He looked assured on the ball strong with a few tricks and good passes and worked hard once he lost the ball.
wes hoolahan will perform better when surrounded by better, more intelligent footballers with better movement. i guarantee it that doesn't mean we shouldn't look for someone better - we should do that in all positions - but he's still going to be an important player whether he plays 38 games or 19.
I agree, I was not doubting Wes, he was disappointing when he came on but I thought SJ were actually a very well drilled side who actually closed us down in every department so quickly it was unreal at times the lack of space our players had for a friendly.
The received opinion about Wes is that he is at his best when deployed well forward, ideally at the apex of a diamond midfield. But IMO that plays to his chief weakness as well as to his strength; it invites over-elaboration, which is Wes at his most frustrating. In his last two international appearances, Trappatoni used him as playmaker lying a little deeper, and he put in two excellent perfomances. We are all talking about bringing in a creative AM but we have one ready made in Wes. Put Howson "in the hole" behind RvW and play Wes just behind him: 4:1:1:3:1 for those who think in numbers.
If the players around you are not allowed to interchange positions or take chances it doesn't matter how clever you are.
norwich are never, ever going to be good enough for you so why bother supporting us? and yes, i'm being deadly serious.
I've never been a big fan of Wes unfortunately he's just far too inconsistent. Think he can be decent from the bench when defences tire but wouldn't have him near the starting 11. I think a lot of fans do see him and to a certain extent R.Martin(at RB) through yellow specs because to my eyes neither should be starting.
I can see why people would prefer a different option to Wes (Howson for example), but Russell Martin (in his pants) has been one of the most consistent performers for us over the past 3-4 seasons. I'd still pick him over Whittaker for now.
Sounds good to me, except now we have to fit new players into the mix. Definitely would have been worth doing this last season, I think.
Deadly serious? You've got some real seriousness going on there. I'm going to call you Marty Mcfly from now on Pyjamas, because your footballing philosophy needs to be sent back to 1985.
Hughton recognises that Fer brings new possibilities to midfield: “He is a physical presence but he also has a pass on him. I think in the short period of time that he was on he showed some of his passing range and he gives us real good option in that central midfield position. We’ll use pre-season to really determine where we see him. Yes, he can play that defensive role and he did under Steve McClaren fairly often (at FC Twente) but he is also one who likes to break from midfield. I’ll be using pre-season to determine that." IMO, his signing is up there with RvW's. Played alongside Johnson against the top teams, especially away, there will be good protection for the defence without sacrificing his passing skills and ability to break forward with menace. Played alongside Howson or Tettey, the midfield becomes more attacking, with even better passing options. This will also make a big difference for Wes's play, though it may be that Fer can play in the hole as well.
I can see Wes's season being as impact sub. I really like the guy but he is, always has been, and always will be inconsistent. When on-form he has won matches for us but when he is not 100% on his game he disappears and can just as easily cost us a goal with a stray pass or trying to beat one too many players and losing the ball. If Wes was always the good Wes then he would walk into Ireland's first team and probably be wearing a different colour shirt. Players with his gifts who are consistently brilliant are like hen's teeth and get bought and sold for fortunes. That said I would defiitely keep him as I thought that last season was a big improvement on 2011/12 for him.
Can I introduce a new name to the fray as a potential forward signing? English, so could be overpriced, but some reports are suggesting that Ricky Lambert would be free to leave Southampton if they land some forward (Oscar?) who they're after. He'd fit the bill for me as a Holt replacement, if that's an option we want, so I hope CH et al are watching developments. Hooper would be my preference, and I still think he'll sign eventually, but I thought I'd mention it!
what about nicola jelavic? hamburg are interested in him had a quiet season last season but would be a good addition.
Lambert or Jelavich would both get the thumbs up from me. Not sure what sort of fee Lambert would need but I think around £6-7m seems the going for Jelavic.
i'd prefer Lambert - he's a physical presence, scores goals and contributes to the all round team effort as shown in his performance in the rain at CR last season. Always been an admirer of him and he'd fit the gap vacated by Holty very well. That said I'd not say no to Jelavic either ....
Lambert would be my choice out of the two as well. I can't see it happening though. I'm reasonably confident McNally et al will secure another striker (possibly even two). As long as there is decent competition for RvW I'll be happy.
Either would do nicely even if they on face value are something of a come down from the Quag speculation. Then rather them than some of the others too Bah!
