Although I see a very good defence being formed by Pearson is anyone else worried that there is a lack of old heads in what the majority is predicting will be our starting line up? With an average age of 22.2 there isn’t a great deal of experience and no real leader to help keep them in control. You imagine with a defence this young they need someone to help guide them through a match wether it is keeping your head after making mistake or loosing an early goal. This is why I really hope that Gulácsi is not our first choice keeper for next season I would like someone with more experience to be in goal such as Basso to help assist these very young lads through matches. Maybe at only 20 Dudgeon might be a squad player with Dawson being our old head in defence after all he was our captain last season? Péter Gulácsi- 21 Joe Dudgeon- 20 Jack Hobbs- 22 James Chester- 22 Liam Rosenior- 26 Ave- 22.2
Think you've worked that out wrong, it's an average of 21.25! Also you forgot Liam Rosenior - 27 so that's: Péter Gulácsi- 21 Joe Dudgeon- 20 Jack Hobbs- 22 James Chester- 22 Liam Rosenior - 27 Ave - 22.4
It looks like Péter Gulácsi will be our first choice keeper next season and we had a young keeper in Mannone last season who's age didn't affect his ability. Also, you missed Rosenior from our defence. Liam Rosenior - 26 Joe Dudgeon- 20 Jack Hobbs- 22 James Chester- 22 It's ability that matters and we've got that, I don't think the age is a major issue.
Gulacsi has had rave reviews from his loan at Tranmere and I don't think age always shows how mature a player is on the pitch. Chester is a very mature player even though he is young and Rosenior is always solid. Maybe Hobbs needs a bit of time, but he will get the best help from NP.
Haha I remembered Rosenior just forgot to write him down that why I came out at 22.2 as i worked it out as Rosenior at 26
See above i worked it out with the figures you have listed just forgot to write out Liam R. so 22.2. The keeper at 21 also
Actually I got it wrong too!! Somehow had a birthday of Dec 15th 1984 as being 27! DOH! As far as the point of the thread is concerned, Yes, it is inexperienced, which is one of the reasons I REALLY wanted Anthony Gerrard to come back permanently. He is at his prime, VERY experienced in this League and is capable of making the step up to the Premier League IMHO.
To be honest with you i am really happy with our partnership at CB of Chester and Hobbs. Although i do agree we need a little more depth in case of injury; Cooper would be next in who isnt that strong. Last year with all three of them you were never that worried when Gerrard got injured against Cardiff for example Hobbs was on to replace him. Thats a quality replacement.
Unless Joe Dudgeon plays like Ashley Cole then i expect Andy Dawson to start at left back and with Liam on the right that will be the experience that Hobbs and Chester may need. With Paul McKenna in front of them thats should be enough. The pre-season and early fixtures should give us a great insight by the end of August. You also forget Ayala in that mix. Gulacsi is a shouter in the Peter Schmeichel mould so whoever is in defence will know whats behind them. Have seen this kid play and he is quality. No wonder Liverpool want him playing first team football in the championship. He is tall so thats give him a massive advantage when going for crosses.
I think it will be younger than mentioned anyway, as I predict that our starting line-up against Blackool will be: Liam Rosenior - 26 Joe Dudgeon- 20 Jack Hobbs- 22 Dani Ayala - 20
LIAM COOPER is a quality back up who got mixed up with the Bullard drinking boys. NP sorted him out last season and with NP help Cooper should at least have a seat on the bench each week. I remember the game he played against Arsenal when he came on as sub (PB last game) and with Moyo kept the gooners out until Myhills mistake. Then Dowie dropped him and the rest is history. COOPER with confidence is a very good centre half.
If they're good enough they're old enough, or at least we'd better hope so. But no, I don't think signing somebody just because they're old and we need "balance" would be the right way to go about doing things, whilst I'm slightly apprehensive about starting with players that have barely played a league game, I'd rather we did that then start with a 38 year old or something.
after all your recent posts i thought you were a bellend. This however is said with great sense if in fact you have seen the young keeper play. I have said to many on this board i think Dawson will start but i got shot down. With LR and AD either side of those two i agree that is a very water tight defence.
You think we are still in the hunt for Ayala? Chester was a NP signing who performed very well last season i think he would struggle to drop him. I do see Hobbs as NPs golden boy who will start most games.
Dawson was the obvious weak link in our defense last season, if he starts again next season, we will have exactly the same problem and we will be anything but water tight. Which is exactly why I think he won't start.
even in the second half of last season you think he was a weak link? I agree he was our weaker link in a very good defence. I think for a 20 yr old to displace him he will have to be a special talent. Fingers crossed though as i hope he is dont get me wrong.
BELLEND ? LOL. thats harsh of you. but the fans who have a go at Dawsons pace or lack of forget one thing ? He was woefully exposed at times. But a lack of pace can be compensated for by experience. Overall Daws had a good season. The battle for left back is only going to benefit Hull City.
