Can't we do better than this - or is the money running out?.......... http://www1.skysports.com/football/...-Cardiff-chase-former-Stoke-keeper-Carlo-Nash
I'd rather spend on wingers and strikers than number 3 keepers. Seems ideal as someone who'll probably never play a game but shouldn't let you down if he has to play half a season. I know there's been questions on here about our player of the season keeper but I've got absolutely no doubt at all that Malky has his number 1 sorted for next season.
I think so too - that's what worries me. Let me explain. There weren't any better keepers than Marshy in the Championship last season - all that crap about Schmiecal was rubbish. Marsh was instrumental in us gaining promotion - some of his keeping was amazing. By the same token, Hudson had an imperious season, and it could be argued that his contribution as a pivotal CB along with his captaincy contributed equally to getting us where we are now. Both players had good seasons by any standards. However, if we are to soley rely on both repeating those heroics this year, we could be in trouble. Top quality CB and at least a keeper as good (or better) than Marshy are required.
If we have to replace 2 of our outstanding players we're in big trouble. We need quality additions for sure, but I'm happy that Marshall is good enough to be our PL number 1 for at least a season. Hudson was immense and 1 season ago we were pretty sure turner was going to the PL without us. I've seen the QPR comparison on these boards and argued against it. If we replace Marshall that would mirror Hughes replacing Green with Cesar. Yes he got a better keeper. Yes Cesar was outstanding. Qprs moral was torn to ****e and a squad of over paid individuals tumbled into the championship. Certain players really deserve their chance, Marshall and Hudson are top of that list IMO. If they're not good enough where does that leave Taylor, Connelly, kev, witts, Conway, cowie, noone, rudy, mason, etc.... Because they were All less impressive than huds and Marshall. I'm sure Gunnar and Kim are ready for the PL everyone else I'd have doubts but if we're going to be a pl side after this season we'll need a lot more to step up to the plate. Our stars from last season must have as good a chance as anyone.
As a number 3 okay but worrying if he got hiked up the scale due to injury to Marshall. Might even be seen as a number 2 with Lewis untried at this level. However, a top keeper is unlikely to come to us if Marshall is regarded as undisputed numero uno. The only other option would be an up and coming youngster which is in itself a risk.
Stevo - of course our "stars" of last season should be given a chance, I'm not for one minute suggesting they shouldn't, but citing QPR is a bad example. As my old boss told me as an apprentice, there's a diference between scratching your arse and tearing flesh. Nobody at the club should regard themselves as an untouchable. Without comparable (or even better) ability players available for all positions, we could leave the door open for disaster through injury or suspension, let alone a patch of poor personal form. I know we were in a different place and circumstances at the time, but scrambling around for cover replacements like Bywater and Lloyd Samuel must be consigned to the past - and that was in the Championship not at the level we're plaing this season. Personally, I want Marshy and Hudson to play 38 Prem games next season, but if they get injured, suspended or just go out of form, I don't want to have to rely on Lewis and young Ben as our only options.
I don't for a second suggest we are 'there' with regards to defensive cover. We need cover, Nash is cover. There is a certain amount of gambling involved in squad building. The budget is limited to a certain figure, how that is distributed is open to almost endless possibilities. If Marshall gets injured we obviously should have signed a quality keeper. If he plays 38 games similar to last seson Butland or a.n.other would be a massive waste of resources. I'm almost certain we wont sign a top quality keeper to replace Marshall and I'm happy with that, trying to get a PL keeper who isn't too expensive and happy to sit on the bench but is significantly better than Lewis........ Any ideas?!? I like healthy competition in the squad but I'm a fan of having an established number 1 who can drop one or 2 and keep his place. I've seen too many keepers over the years unsettled by too much competition from the bench. It's a fairly popular opinion on here but surely we need a c/b for cover and to put pressure on Huds, Turner but our defence can be improved so significantly by adding pace and power to our FB positions.
We are definitely sorely lacking at wingback/fullback. We did OK last season with the Connolly/Tayls combo, but this season is a different ball game. McNuggs, Lappin and young Declan are there as backup, but we need quality here probabaly more than any other position. With regard to the Butland remark, as far as I know he's signed for Stoke to sit on the bench behind Bergovic (spelling?) and Sorenson. It is possible to get someone in looking to progress, but I agree, not at the £4M level - that would be a ridiculous waste of resources.
City need a top quality keeper - whether that be Marshall or someone else by IMO Lewis is not going to be up to it. Chelsea are looking to get an English keeper in so we could always go for Turnbull - or not! But a 39 year old (Nash). No.
Possibly, but I imagine he's their idea of a backup to Begovic or even first choice if he leaves. And selling to their possible relegation rivals? I don't think they would be too keen on that.
We've just signed one defender on a free..... McNuggets has signed a 1 year extenssion. I see him as cover not 1st choice and don't see Connelly as 1st choice either. We need a 1st choice RB and at least cover at LB if not a 1st choice.
