Hilts - you got in first and beat me to it. If Whitts were out, I wouldn't try to replace him with a like for like - we haven't got anyone. Maybe better to change the set up to a more aggressive midfield to disrupt the opposition rather than trying to outpass them. I know that seems pretty negative and tends to suggest that only Whitts can make us play the way we are, but trying to replace his role from within our present ranks may be a mistake. God forbid that he does get crocked and hopefully he can be an ever-present this term. IF Whitts does have to sit some games out for any reason, I'd play Gunnar and Mutch in the central midifeld slots to battle it out. Both of them tend not to take any prisoners. Kiss would be another option as a no nonsense game disrupter. If anyone were to be picked to try and continue the present style, Ralls would be worth a shot. I doubt McPhail is going to figure for first team duty as he hasn't made the bench yet (as far as I can remember) - I don't think he's up to it.
I agree if Whitts misses a game we shouldn't try to replace him directly. Better to slightly change the shape. McPhail is more likely to feature in the F.A. cup team along with Velinkonja and several youngsters.
It crossed my mind. Gunnar, Kiss AND Mutch in the middle and batter them to death! Gunnar and Mutch tend to get forward naturally so Rudy up front with those two picking up the scraps!
