Tate lacks the par to play LB in the championship so definitely be lacking in the prem. He may prove himself to be worthy back up for CB and LB of desperate. But IMO LB is the most important position we need to strengthen at after we get a GK. Maybe David loan space for betrand from Chelsea
Just to throw in a comment. It seems some people are thinking our midfield will be over run on the basis that the Premier League is physical. If anything the Championship is a more physical league, and in my opinion seeing our midfield cope very well in those situations is encouraging. The Prem is obviously a faster and fitter league, which may mean less time on the ball but I think we've got good players in the setup who will deal well with the demands! I honestly believe the standards of the Prem will suit our style more... But we'll see!
I'm not sure about whether we need an extra midfielder but there are plenty of players still out there and as time ticks on the less time they have to hold their nerve for mega pay packets. Hitzlsperger anyone? http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14399073.stm
Big Apple's matchday thread was highly informative re this thread - looks like the Defensive Midfield role could be our achilles heel as suggested by many 'informed opinions' on this site and in the media We must look to sign an Alonso-type player - mark my words.....
BigFat Prop Quote from Bodde thread: "He is getting paid a basic wage. He gets bonuses for playing etc.. Let me help the people on here to take their rose tinted specs off. I was talking to someone today and he told me that he would be surprised if Bodde played another competetive game for the Swans Unfortunately football isn't charity and as a result of his knee, we now need another central Midfielder IMO. Let's retire him off and try and get someone in who's going to play and help keep our premiership status. I won't apologise for the realism in my post but I'd rather we stay up with the help of another (fit) midfielder than go down through the lack of depth in the midfield because were carrying a player who's not going to play." - THEREFORE = BIG RISK = WE NEED A REPLACEMENT ASAP - WHO THOUGH??
Sorry Doey but you are making the mistake of equating physically strong players with players who's only weapon is physicality. In the championship there are a higher percentage of just physical players so the tactic is relied upon more however in the Premiership there are a lot of players who are both physically stronger and capable of other things. Personally I am happy with our midfield, between Britton, Gower, Allen and Augustien (and for depth Orlandi and Harley) we have a solid bunch of DM/CM players. Having a bigger option to put in there when needed would be nice but it is still second on the priority list for me behind getting a good strong and tall centre back. Frankly nobody out there on a free impresses me at all (Hitzelsperger has done nothing bare a few long ranged goals, Reo-Coker has failed to impress anywhere). Parker is fairytale thinking and Barton for all his energy is also quite small and he's a knob and he'll want £60k a week.
Doesn't matter whose mate says Ferrie won't be fit, until he is actually declared unfit for the season or even worse retired, there is no need to replace him. Leon is a very good defensive midfielder and Kemy might develop into a good one (positional awareness is not great at the moment), if he gets games. Also, if Kemy plays and plays well, his value will go up which is very important for a small club like us I'm sure Buck will give Ferrie as much time as he needs, as he is a top class midfielder, the likes of which we will not be able to sign without big wages or big transfer fees or both. And if he doesn't come back, January isn't that far away, so I think it's gotta be worth waiting.
