A few weeks ago, before the transfer frenzy, we discussed the likely squad of 25 (excluding the kids) and put forward our ideas for signings. Thought it time to re-visit the squad and see wher our strengths and weaknesses are. Is it good enough to cope with the number of injuries we had last year? Gordon (inj), Mignolet and Westwood Brown, Elmo, O'Shea, Bramble, Turner, Ferdinand, Bardsley and Richardson Larsson, Cattermole, Meyler (inj), Gardner, Colback, Malbranque, Sessagnon and Vaughan Gyan, Dong-won, Whickam and Campbell (inj) That's 23 ..... two spaces left for signings or loans. Plus we have Cook, Noble, Laing, Lynch et al that could go out on loan or break into the squad during the season. We are pretty well covered in all areas except up front. An injury to Gyan will leave us with very inexperienced alternatives and remember he will be going to the African cup of nations in Jan/Feb. I think we need one very good internationally experienced centre forward who can score 15 goals minimum, either on his own or playing alongside Gyan. I would also be tempted to have Welbeck on loan too! We have 3 longer term injuries in there that reduces the current squad to 20 and that is the minimum we should contemplate starting the season with. Its looking good folks!!
surely wickham wont have to be named in it, he is only 18 so is one of the free places. colback might as he is 21 now.
Everyone seems to be saying we just need a left winger and a striker now.. Why is everyone overlooking right and left back? I still think we could use one of each.. Although if we do get a quality left footed left winger in I'd be more than happy with Bardsley at LB again next season. Still RB seems a little weak? Whatever happened with that French wonderkid we were linked with a while back?
Well Brown can play CB and RB, O`Shea can play RB, LB, CB, DM, I do think we need a proper left back, but i think RB is sorted.
i would very much like to see 1 more player, either a uality left back ora quality left winger. Or if you wan't brucey, both Also we need to get rid off some deadwood such as ferdinand, mccartney, killgallon, and probably steed for wages.
Isnt it players 21 and under dont need to be names, so Meyley Wickham and Dongle (Maybe Colback not sure) can get in. Reckon Ferdinand, Gordon and Steed could be shown the door too.
safc website says only Meyler and Campbell not at training due to injury (other than those given extra time after internationals)
Youy are right about Whickham, but Meyler is 22 and I thought Dong-won was 21, unless anyone can correct me on that one Anyway still looks a more balanced squad.
But he hasnt had 3 years in England (pretty sure it was just 2 at reading) so he will be a one of the 25. if it was 3 at reading then he wont be. actually it was just 1 year at Reading.
