Getting a bit worried that there's no hint of us looking for a couple of fullbacks. Everyone is getting exorcised by the likes of Keane, Nolan et al - me included and it would seem Jol. Does this mean the boss is setting smoke screens attempting nip in under cover and surprise us all? Or is he being totally offensive, which is his wont, and believes he can make do with the current group - perhaps even re-jigging playing positions ?
We've been linked with Timothee Atouba (who played for Jol at Spurs, Hamburg & Ajax). But I suspect that's just because he's played for Jol so many times before...
Cottager58 i share your worries on this subject, we need to get some experience in both right and left full back. The problem for me is where are we going to find someone? Have a look around the prem teams and there are not many names that spring to mind. Clichy is being tracked by Liverpool, but we have no chance. Bosingwa would be amazing but again I cannot see him wanting to play for us. I would like to see Briggs getting a good run out at left back. Yes he made some errors last season when he started but he is young and needs football at this level to fully develop. At right back Marquez Sanchez looked brilliant in the youth team but that would be a massive step up. That said full backs are the one position where i think young players can be used. Generally they can be covered by other players if mistakes are made.........................unless you happen to be Carlos Salcido and no one knows where you are going to be on the pitch.
I think we've got to hope Big Mart uses his contacts on this one. As far as the PL's concerned, the only viable options are has-beens, the only one of which I wouldn't oppose would be Nicky Shorey.
We need 3 players who can play on either side. On the left we have Salcido and Briggs with Kelly as back up. Right we have Baird with Kelly as back up. I say one right back would be enough.
Having seen Briggs many times I am afraid he is very slow,and at 21 speed is something one must have, I feel he must work on both speed and positioning,the best way is to go on loan to a championship side for a season. hoping at 22/23,he has improved on both counts. Marquez Sanches, positions himself well, speedy,good distribution, but at 18 to early for the Prem,another lad who should be out on loan.
You know Nicky Shorey more than crossed my mind Bidley. Good positional sense, good distribution. Never understood why Woy didn't put up the £1 point something mil for him. Hasn't he just signed a new deal though?
Worryingly, I have read this morning that Chris Baird is on the list of people Jol is willing to let go. Not only would this be disappointing because I think we've all enjoyed watching his progression and appreciate his contribution to the team but it will exacerbate the full back problem. Obviously this is probably just a rumour but he seems an unlikely candidate to be mentioned through just lazy journalism.
This is not good news. Of Jol is offloading Bairdinho surely he will have a full-back in the pipeline, or we are going to be really short...
Just soken to a Scots mate. Says Kilmarnock have a superb fullback, "sweet left foot and scores blistering goals with his right". Name of Ben Gordon. Anyone got Big Maart's number ? He cannot be serious about Baidhino !!!!
I'll believe the Baird thing when I see it. I never knew why either. Perhaps he had other plans... Anyway, I had no idea Shorey moved to West Brom last year - I don't think he's an option any more.
NO WAY do we lose Chris Baird at the current time. Even if we buy a couple of full backs, he should stay.
Time and results will tell. In the new year will Jol be getting a pat on the back or a slap round the head.
Having had a quick look at some websites this morning there is still no news of us being linked with a full back. On a more positive note, no one has mentioned the possibility of Bairdinho leaving again so hopefully that was just a malicious rumour. By way of summary we are now being linked with: Keane, Cole, El Hamdaoui, Krancjar, Bentley, Nolan, Campbell and Jenas ie. no one remotely defensive at all
Says a lot Penguin. I've just looked a bit more into Ben Gordon - I mentioned him earlier in this thread - and find that he was on loan to Killie, wait for it, from 'The Excitables'. Indeed the Stammy Blue Knobs sent him out for 6 months but are now calling him back because, in his own words, "I'd really have liked to stay here, but Chelsea apparently want me closer to home". Get in there Maarty - QUICK.
If we're talking potential full backs who wouldn't break the bank, it's a while since I put in my semi-regular shout for Rhoys Wiggins of Bournemouth. A skillful left back who adds a lot going forward while looking solid at the back. He's a league one player, but from what I've seen would be comfortable at a higher level. He's also put in a transfer request because he wants to move up to something bigger than AFCB. I think he's worth a punt, particularly if we put in a combined bid for him and Danny Ings.
We are all getting concerned about our full back position,but for all we know the management team may have a transfer plan already in operation,we have learnt how they play their cards close to their chest,with the speedy appointment of Martin Jol. I feel that in the next 2 weeks we may be in for a surprise.Lets hope its not a Keane type one.
