Just to tempt Mr fate and the play-offs. What do you all think we need ideally for next season? I'd like B.S. in charge next term, he deserves to be given a full season after he managed to steady the ship, he must be more used to the league and surroundings by now and with a full preseason, who knows what he could achieve. Rumours - Deeney, Cassetti and Ekstrand maybe to go? So no idea there, a DECENT striker and SOLID defenders needed from the Pozzo network. Hopefully Fabbrini, Iriney and Acuña get permanents away from the Vic. Far, far away. Good luck to them, any ideas of how long their loans are? Riera and Tözsér would be very useful additions on permanent contracts. Maybe some of the youngsters can step up next season too. Undoubtedly, there are going to be some changes over the summer, even though there were some comments a while ago that there wouldn't be a massive overhaul of the squad. Regardless of the above, I've probably forgotten a few things too.... Looking forward to the new stand being opened, can't wait to return one day and see it all for myself.
Agree with alot of your points Mex, feel we have carried to many "squad" players this season who are not up to first team football week in week out. Some weeding out required there and may be a slightly smaller but stronger squad in all departments is required with some of the salary savings going on trying to sign the likes of Tozser and Riera etc. Would not be suprised to see Manu hang up his gloves and JB step up to first team keeper. In Tommie Hoban we have a quality centre back, so fitness allowing I hope to see much more of him. We definately need a strong leader on the pitch so I'd hope and expect that to be addressed for sure and as the defence needs better organising come 75 mins into a game, hopefully there. If we take it that Deeney is likely to have departed come 1st September we need to look at the front line and a quick striker has been missing this season. 9,500 season tickets sold up to last weekend so we fans are showing faith and with the new stand 2/3 decent signings at least I hope we will have a more engaging season from start to finnish coy!!!
From what I have seen , our best team (see below) would beat anybody in the division most days almunia Angella Ekstrand hoban Anya Mcgugan Abdi toszer Pudil/Reira deeney forestieri subs from Bond Doyley Murray Battochio Reira - then it starts to tail off. So, we need 1 more quality centre back, (unless alkalem steps up) a fast (Vydra like) complement to Deeney, +replacements for any of those above who leave. And hope we get no injuries and no suspensions
Renewed my ST for next season so looking forward to it! Outs - Fabbrini sold, Hall and Nosworthy gone. If Almunia retires/leaves, then a decent back up keeper to JB. I'm not convinced by Ekstrand so maybe him to go too. Belkalem back to Granada Ins - Toszer to sign, Rieira to sign (on loan from Udinese?). Then I'd like a commanding CB to play in the middle of Angella and Hoban, and a pacey striker So I'd like a squad of; GK: JB, New Keeper, Woods CB: Angella, Hoban, Doyley, Cassetti (1 more year - player/coach?) +1 WB: Anya, Faraoni, Pudil, Riera DM: Tozser/Iriney (or replacement) CM: Abdi, Battocchio, Murray, McGugan, O'Nien (maybe a loan with a call-back clause) FW: Deeney, FF, Ranegie +1 That would be a squad of about 21/22 which I think is enough, and any youth to step up if needed. I think I would like to see Ikpeazu in preseason and see how well he does, and maybe keep him in around the squad for the first 2 months. I don;t want too many changes again so if we can get Tozser and Riera it, would be a great couple of signings, and not too far off challenging again
Daiteke can go too, or what ever his name is. Along with Neill...http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sp...ws/11167227.Watford_defender_s_loan_extended/
I was under the impression that Tozser is too expensive for us to sign permanently. Is this not the case?
What about Merkel? I think hanging on to Tozser & Riera would probably be the stuff of dreams - would be great, but probably won't happen. As, it would appear, is the likelihood of holding on to Deeney. If he goes he will be sorely missed, not just for his goals but his all-round contribution. Which rabbits get pulled out of the hat as replacements is anyone's guess really - will more than likely be from the Continent and little known here.
Continental rabbits! I'd forgotten about Merkel, he is on loan. Defoo a lot of changes to come in the summer...
We have to get at least one British player, especially if Deeney goes, otherwise we will have to put the kids on the subs bench to make up the quota
