I'm still 50/50 on Brady, I wouldn't be too disappointed to see him go back to Man U in Jan, but I think we certainly need to sign another young, pacey winger ASAP. Just like McKenna, McLean has come good lately, but I think we need someone in to challenge for Fryatt's place, Gulasci is playing well, and there is no news on Basso's injury, for all we know he could be fighting fit and chomping at the bit to get out there. He's getting on though. My January shopping list (on perms); Keeper Winger Striker
Basso is not 100% fit as has been posted many times. He has tendonitis which hinders his goal kicking. Yes he maybe chomping at the bit but that injury is not a help at all to either himself or the team. Gulacsi has really come good of late.
The thing is, I know we didn't play at our best against a poor Coventry team on Saturday, But it was a convincing 1-0 win and take a look at the posession stats, Very high in our favour away from home. We are turning into a really good passing and possesion footballing team. While we have the ball, the opposition have to get it back from us. A bit of team strengthening in January and I firmly believe we can finish in the tp two!
Were you at the game? I'm not sure about those stats, we could barely put 2 passes together all game besides the build up to the goal, we were constantly giving it away, and if it wasn't for Coventry being intent on hoofing it straight back to us the stats would be the other way around. Don't look too much into the stats, IMO it was a very even game and think we used our luck a little to take all 3 points. We took the points though and in the end that's all that matters.
I think the stats showed we had 61% posession, but i wasn't at the game so i couldn't say how likely that is to be accurate.
FAO FrenchTickler Is there any reason you quoted my same post twice but disagreed with it first time round then said it was spot on second time round? Just noticed it on the previous page
In the moment-No, I do not think so. I do feel that we lack some depth in the squad in the long run. With 2-3 decent signings in Janury- Why the hell not Pretty even league and neither West Ham nor Southampton are looking like any world beaters right now.
IMO, any new keeper will be just a loan deal. IF Brady goes back then maybe the same to replace him But i can see Brady staying fror the season now. The PERM signing Must be a striker. We only have 3 and thats not enough but i do accept that Garcia and Stewart and Pusic can play there in an emergency. I expect NB to use the FA Cup to try the squad players as that will show us all just how good the 2nd XI really are.
sorry and yes i see what you mean. The point that i disagreed with was when you said we need numerous positions covered. i dont think we do. other than that....
ive been saying for ages that nothing is yet set in stone despite the media having saints and hammers nailed on. the results every week show what you posted to be true. saints are now wobbling. there only win in the last 4 was against us and that was lucky. hammers are also up and down. i can see Hull City in the top 2 by jan 3rd.
No worries mate, thought you must have been on the ales or something! Just to clarify though i only think we need numorous positions covered if we're going to get automatic promotion as i don't think our squad has enough top quality in depth which the likes of West Ham & Southampton have got. I think this would be vital if a push for the top 2 is to be sustained. As for the play-offs, i think the current squad plus a 2 or 3 additions are more than good enough to stay in the top 6.
maybe NB will use the loan window If or When we got to the top 2. As if PL was reached then the squad would need strengthening for that league. I guess it will come down to injuries and suspensions. One thing is for sure, its gonna be a very interesting and exciting 2nd half of this season.
Said a couple of weeks ago that Soton and WHU were nailed on for the top two (even at this early stage) but then the Hammers go on to lose twice in a week whilst Soton start dropping points. What the f*ck do I know! Interesting that Alan Pardew said on Sky the other day (Goals on Sunday) that West Ham supporters are very destructive and expect their side to win at home every week - this in his opinion will put them under pressure in the second half of the season. Lets hope so. Certainly if we are to maintain a promotion push rather than hover around the playoffs we need to strengthen in January that's for sure. Defensive cover at CB, a GK (isn't Basso now 'doubling up as goalkeeping coach?) and a mobile big un up front -I said Darius Henderson at the start of the season and nothings changed my mind.