So, a few games into the season and there's no doubt that we are a little bit short at the moment. Some are lamenting our defence either as a unit or on a (sometimes too witchhunty) individual basis. Some blame our defensive frailties on over exposure created by the midfield. Some are pointing to a lack of creativity from midfield and yet others to poor quality finishing. I don't think it's hard to argue a fairly decent case for any of the above but, rather than bemoaning what we cannot change, what if you could? What if Nige was able to call upon just one (I might let you have two at a push) former player to add to his current squad who would appear in their full former pomp straight away? And what if Nige asked you who it should be? It's easy to recall how great some of our former players were, but that was in their teams. Who would have the biggest impact on this one? Would you put Shilton back in the sticks? Would the unit that was Jimmy Case be wheeled out to enforce the midfield? Would you love to see Marian play up alongside Rickie? Yes I am aware that I created a new word in witchhunty. I doubt it will enter the lexicon soon but it nicely sums up a few things I've seen on here lately.
I like this. Several options though. If we swap left backs, then Mark Dennis would make sure Aaron Lennon felt a twinge on the team bus driving down for Sunday's game. For me, it would really be a toss up between Mark Wright at CB or Steve Williams (just edging out Jimmy Case) in CM.
I would go with Jimmy Case or Mark Wright. To be honest I would welcome Paul Telfer in the current squad. No frills and spills but a versatile hard working Premier League player who never stops and adds a bit of grit.
Why look elsewhere when we've got the players right here. Adkins in goal, back four of Graeme Murty, Andy Crosby, Radhi Jaidi and Jason Dodd. Paul Williams on the bench
If I'm being serious I'd be thoroughly uncreative and take Le Tiss. Couldn't give a toss about the circumstances, but would just love to marvel at the pure majesty that would be a 4-2-3-1 consisting of: -----------------Who Cares Who Cares Who Cares Who Cares Who Cares -------------Davis---Schneiderlin ------Ramirez-----Le Tiss-----Lallana ------------------Lambert That would be a sight to behold. And I still think we'd stay up because we'd break the PL goals record by a distance. Lambert would bang in 30, Le Tiss 25, Ramirez 15 and Lallana 10.
So many to choose from! John McGrath at CB, but nowadays he'd get sent off every game, so maybe not. Dave Watson and Mark Wright would have to be the CB pairing then. I'd quite like to see Steve Williams, MLT, and Gaston playing together as well. And how about Big Ron Davies alongside Rickie up top, with Paine and Sydenham firing in the crosses? I realise I have exceeded my quota by quite a way but if I'm only allowed one it would have to be Le Tiss.
I'd love Shilts in goal, there is no way that we would've conceded 24 goals with him in the team...He was great at organising the defence in front of him too. Just a mention for Super Kev Keegan as well, in his prime he was unplayable and would've been such a boost to the side. On balance, currently we require Shilts more.
I was definitely leaning towards Killer or Mark Wright when I was writing this but just seeing that attacking formation laid out by Mikey has made me drool. Regardless of the outcome for the season ahead, we'd certainly be first on MOTD every week with that line up!
All we need is Mark Dennis and Ivan Golac at full back Mark Wright in the centre of defence and Jimmy Case in the midfield.....oh we can dream!
It depends if we're going for the best they were for us, or the best they were/are in their career as a whole. If the latter then, despite our defensive horror showing, I would find it very hard to pick someone other than Bale. If the former, then, as much as I love Pahars and would bend over backwards to have him back in, I think I would say either Niemi or Svensson. Not too fussed which (whilst I rated Niemi higher, it doesn't matter it you're the best keeper in the world, if you've got the worlds worst defence in front of you - thus dropping my want for Niemi down slightly, to Killer's level). Whilst I would take Le Tiss back in an instant, with our current problems and with Lallana and Ramirez already on board, I don't think I can use my one slot up on him. But because Bale is so different to what we currently have, I am happy to overlook our defence problems for him.
When we were 2-1 up against United, Sir Alex put on Paul Scholes and he turned the game. Now if Jimmy Case had been playing .... Case was a better player than many gave him credit for (his goal in the '77 Final was sheer class). But he was also a hard bugger. Oh for that type of player now.
I remember him doing exactly that against Utd, came on as 2nd half sub and promptly went about dismantling Norman Whiteside and Bryan Robson and we drew 2-2. A player that the other team fears is priceless
Some very good names have been suggested, Terry paine, Johnny Sydenham, Ron Davis, Mark wright, John Magrath, Svennson, Jimmy case, Marian Pahars, Steve Williams, Gareth Bale, Neimi, Mark Dennis, Ivan golac, Shilton......The list goes on and on. We even forgot some of the other favorites as well....Kevin Keegan, Micky Channon, Martin Chivers, Charlie George, Beattie, Crouch. Most of whom were internationals, not all granted. Who in the current line up can hold a candle to any of them already mentioned with a few more still unmentioned......Lambert....Lallana........Ramirez....well....hmmm maybe but not much else.....yet! (Oh and I purposedly left Le Tiss out, he's got too grouchy of late for me....) Oh in my haste I forgot to answer the original question......Jimmy Case...Just needed to run around the centre circle all you had to do was get him the ball.......
You are going to laugh at this not Jimmy Case but someone similar , Terry Hurlock underrated footballer , tough in the midfield , will shout scream and holler , not the best but would fit the bill nicely for this , our team is weak mentally he would be sure to put some backbone in them .
