As I said in my post above- Morison was in the top twenty strikers [EDIT: found out he was joint 22nd]. He was a goal short of double figures I think. I also have a feeling he will improve too, so he's a good possibility. If Vaughan can stay fit the whole season I have no doubt he could achieve double figures. The only thing I can add, though, is that the obsession with strikers who get into double figures is a very Championship view of things. Most clubs in the prem have only one striker that gets 10+. The top clubs six might have two, or even three, but that is very rare. Some clubs do well without a single striker getting double figures (Everton and Fulham if you class Clint Dempsey as an attacking midfielder). So why do we need two strikers that will? Obviously it would be nice, but it's not the sort of target that is actually helpful when trying to construct a squad to keep us in the league- it is too statistic-driven (and the statistics prove it isn't necessary anyway!) Also, lest we forget, Spain just won the Euros often playing without a striker- it's just not the way football works now. [EDIT: the teams that had two players scoring 10+ goals were... Man City (3 players), Newcastle, Tottenham, Chelsea and Man U (just)- seeing a pattern here?!] So there is no need to be obsessed with getting this goal-scoring striker. As I said above, if one comes in at the right price, of course go for it! However, it is simply not worth burning the majority of our transfer budget on, when the money could be put to better use elsewhere. More importantly though, it is not worth fans fretting about our strike force. I look at what we've got and think we're in a seriously strong position compared to the likes of Sunderland, Stoke, Wigan and West Ham. And if Jelavic, Lambert or Bent got injured, I'd add their three clubs to that list. We are incredibly fortunate in the strike force that we have. If we go looking for a striker, it will be someone young and up-and-coming. I think we should look to strengthen at full-back and defensive-mid, alongside looking for cover on the wings and at centre-back before we should even entertain getting a key striker.
Agreed Rob. I think that Morison, Holt, Jackson and Vaughan will contribute their share. Morison missed a lot of games an would have scored more had he played, I have no doubt. I also think that Howson and Butterfield will contribute their share, as will Pilks and I think the majority of the squad have a few goals in them. A couple of defenders would be my priority. I think Bennett needs someone who talks and reads the game well to play next to him, at the moment I think Martin is the stand out candidate but I'd prefer someone more experienced.
I agree that "Morison, Holt, Jackson and Vaughan will contribute their share", but that would mean going into this season weaker up front with Wilbraham gone. Hopefully Vaughan will avoid major injuries this year, but can we gamble on that and the chance of a serious injury to any of the other strikers? I don't think so. I think a striker and LB are essential requirements, with DMF and/or a CB are desirable options at the cost of others leaving.
I liked Wilbraham, but I honestly don't think we are weaker with him gone. Especially as we have Martin coming back. If Martin is sold, then I agree that we need another striker- but not one at the top of his game who might do well, but will lose us money over the long term- I'd like us to sign a young striker who can improve and increase in value. Other than striker, I agree with your requirements. I'd also throw in that it would be nice to have a winger to compete with E Bennett and Pilks
I think we all know that all areas of the squad could be improved and would be if we had Man City's budget. However there are some prioities such as at LB/CB and DM. If we can get a quality DM then I say go for it. It may mean we have to offload another squad member but that is football. I think that CH's preferred formation will determine whether we go for another forward - if he is looking to play 4-5-1 or 5-4-1 then what would be the point? If he islloking for 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 then another body may be needed to cover injuries/loss of form. I personally can't see us splashing out on a top striker now that Holty is staying - what is the point of giving him a payrise and three year contract if we are not going to play him. If Jacko leaves or Vaughan heads to Brum on loan then I can only imagine that CH will already have a replacement in mind as I do think we would then need another striker. I would be disappointed to see Jackson leave as despite being a source of frustration in front of goal he has excellent pace and movement and I still think he could develop into a decent player plus he does give us an option the others don't.
