The current team at SAFC on paper is, imo, a mid-table team. On paper anyway, however not so much actually playing. But before we sign anyone people need to go as well! Who needs to be sold/loaned out and replaced? Gks: Costel Pantilimon / Vito Mannone / Jordan Pickford Defenders: JOS / Brown / Revelliere / Jones / PVA / Vergini / Roberge (still on our books) Midfielders: Rodwell / Gomez / Buckley / Bridcutt / Catts / Johno / Larsson / Giaccy / Mavrias / Ba Striker: Graham / Defoe / Fletcher / Watmore / Wickham Haven't included Alvarez or Coates as they arent ours, Vergini becomes a Sunderland player if we stay up apparently. Would imagine Vito wants away due to a lack of playing time. Would be surprised if Brown doesnt decide to call it a day at the end of this season, (Shame JOS wont) Not sure about anyone else but imo, Pickford could take Mannones place as reserve keeper JOS/Brown/Revelliere all need replacing, Coates might be an idea as I reckon we could get him relatively cheap, improved significantly in recent weeks. Been linked with Tiago Illori, another Liverpool player with no real chance of proving his worth. Linked with Keiran Trippier who could replace Rev etc etc. Would of said Gomez to go but been one of our better players in recent weeks, Can't imagine Bridcutt or Buckley will be staying this summer, neither have made much of an impact, Buckley having about 2 good games I can remember and Bridcutt basically being either fantastic or shambolic with no inbetween. Unfortunately can see Mavrias and Ba going, would of liked to have seen them given a chance but doesnt look as if it will happen! Been linked with any half decent midfielders yet? Would look at players like Nathaniel Chalobah to replace Bridcutt Graham has earned a reprieve with his work rate imo, wouldnt mind him staying on alongside Defoe Struggling to find what Fletcher and Wickham are bringing to the team at the moment, Fletch got a few goals at the start of the year but niggling injuries have bogged his career and Wickham although saving us last year hasn't really replicated the form, especially with a diabolical first touch and has no idea how to apply his strength. Watmore hopefully will be given a chance if we get a point this evening! Would like us to go for someone like Austin/Rhodes but cant imagine we would be willing to spend big on a player this year due to the money needed to improve/replace other parts of the team. Personally think going for James Wilson/Tyler Blackett on loan could be a good start
Gks: Costel Pantilimon / Vito Mannone / Jordan Pickford Defenders: JOS / Brown/ Revelliere / Jones / PVA / Vergini / Roberge (still on our books) Midfielders: Rodwell / Gomez / Buckley / Bridcutt / Catts / Johno / Larsson / Giaccy / Mavrias / Ba Striker: Graham / Defoe / Fletcher / Watmore / Wickham Bold to leave the club. I'd like more but want to avoid wholesale changes.
I think we need to rid the club of the following. Brown, JoS, Bridcutt, Graham, Jones and Buckley. They are either too old or simply not good enough for the premier league.
I think similar but wouldn't be against giving Brown or Rev another 1yr contract. Really hope whoever is manager talks Ridwell into playing CB, at least for first couple of months as an experiment.
Gks: Costel Pantilimon / Vito Mannone / Jordan Pickford Defenders: JOS / Brown / Revelliere / Jones / PVA / Vergini / Roberge (still on our books) Midfielders: Rodwell / Gomez / Buckley / Bridcutt / Catts / Johno / Larsson / Giaccy / Mavrias / Ba Striker: Graham / Defoe / Fletcher / Watmore / Wickham Unfortunately very big whole sale changes appear to be what is needed, too many expensive mistakes, past its and simply not good enough in that squad. In reality we probably can't afford to replace all of those highlighted so whoever the manager is going to be has a huge job on their hands.
Would be crazy to get rid of 5 midfielders and 4 defenders. Keep AJ, Gomez and Giacch. Buckley and Brid are surplus to requirements but must be replaced so we have enough bodies
Giacch is a crock, and has never really got going for us, if we can get rid I think we should, Gomez is slow and holds play up far too often he has been better over the past month but he was dire for the months before that and AJ is a big earner living on his reputation, he's not played anywhere near his potential since his purple patch last year. I don't think that we'd manage to replace all of those so whoever the manager is will have to prioritise who to get rid of based on who we can attract to replace them.
