What should Ron do now?

Well, we know that Cork can do a good job in midfield and if he plays alongside Reed, its not a bad pairing.

Without Wanyama, we are not as strong defensively but providing everyone works hard to stop the balls being played to the strikers, we should be OK.

Incidently, when Cork was on loan to us back in the old Championship days I'm pretty sure he played at centre back a few times. Not ideal obviously but maybe in an emergency.

 

With Cork/Reed/Davis/JWP/Hesketh as central options we will be fine for a few weeks.

I'm actually feeling confident those guys can manage it for the next few games, then those injured players who have already played a lot this season can come back fresh as daisies and we'll be ready to go for the rest of the season.

 

Quicker than it takes Tadic to get his **** together

 

I think he played CB too. Someone here claimed he only played RB back then however my memory says he slotted in at CB. I can actually remember bemoaning the fact we played him at the back as I thought he looked pretty good in midfield. I was right royally pissed when Brenda took him to Watford on the back of their relationship from the Chelsea youth days.

 

True story here. You know when a ref gets injured and they haven't got a replacement so a call goes out to the crowd for any qualified refs? Doesn't really happen any more but it did up to a few years ago in the Football League/Conference and below before there were fourth officials everywhere. Back when I was in the ref world (such a weird place) there were credible rumours that certain refs would go to games with all their kit in their boot, waiting for the magical moment when one of the officials got injured and he could run in and save the day. Fantasy land.

 

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/tv-pundit-jimmy-hill-runs-the-line

Football pundit Jimmy Hill had to run the line once at Highbury in 1972.

 

Go on a booze cruise.

 

Stephens loan at Swindon runs out next week. Do we extend or call him back.

 

I doubt Stephens will be renewed, he can cover RB/CB and DM. Good player too.

 

How's Hooiveld doing?

 

Why do you doubt he will be renewed?

He's playing consistently for a team at the top of their league and we cannot offer him first-team football just yet. I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest to see his long extended until the end of the season.

 

http://www.flicwiltshire.com/STFC/T...Cooper-had-first-hoped-for.aspx?#.VLf6Jcz0c8Q

 

If he's ready there's argument for bringing him back here for a few weeks. He'd be third choice until Alderweireld and Yoshida are available again and then he can go back out on loan.

 

good spot - bring him back.

 

Koeman's tactical flexibility helps there, as well. Because he isn't afraid to switch things up, a CB (particularly one who can cover RB) isn't merely competition at that position, he can potentially replace most of the current XI with a shift in formation. Someone proves useful, Ron doesn't seem to lack the creativity to find them minutes.

 

That is so good to read...so many players go on loan to lower sides and not only play poorly but hardly play. This is doing Turnbull and Stephens the world of good.

 

Think we're fine at CM as many have said, Vic and Morgan are obviously on another level but trust in all the other options to do well. CB-wise I'm 100% happy if Ron is fine with McCarthy as back-up but somewhat doubt that as he is yet to really give him a chance when there have been several glaring opportunities, though I guess you could say the same about Reed pre-Everton. If not and Ron sees him as just a make the numbers up kind of guy then I'd absolutely definitely want someone loaned or bought on the cheap. I know we like to stick to our plans and not panic but would be crazy to risk our whole season on it.

 

Crikey 1972..? I remember that like it was 1972..!