Central Defence

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NCFC Dorset Branch

Active Member
Aug 21, 2011
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The sunny south coast
Bennett, Ayala, Martin, Ward, Barnett, Whittaker.....is perhaps the pecking order, though of course we don't know how Hughton sees things yet.

6 players that can play at CB would seem more than enough (though it could be argued that Martin and certainly Whittaker would only be cover).

Do we think Bennett and Ayala will be first choice pairing?
Where do we think Martin will play (if at all?)?
Do we think Ward and or Barnett will be offloaded?
Do we think Davies will be brought in? Anyone else on the radar?
 
Bennett and Ayala are far too young and far too inexperienced to be put together as our first choice choice CB partnership at this level in my opinion. Both are 22 I believe and both would benefit massively from playing alongside an 'older head' with far more games under their belt. Davies would be a good shout, almost perfect in fact and on a Bosman he would be an amazing signing in my book. He's 27 now and ready to show what he can do at the highest level. He was probably too young when thrust into the big-time after his big money move to Villa, and I fear Ayala or Bennett could suffer a similar early career burn out if too much pressure if put on them. Both will definitely have a huge part to play this year, but not together when everyone else is available if it was up to me.

We'll definitely sign another CB, Martin will get his fair share of games - 20+ I'd imagine - and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Barnett head back to the Championship before the season gets underway. Wardy signed a new contract so unless he's loaned out at some point to get some games I can't see him going anywhere.
 
THURNBY CANARY said:
I agree with your analysis Munky.
Martin could be more right back I reckon than central defence.
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I disagree with that, I think Martin was a lot better at centreback last year and if Hughton watched the videos will probably agree that's his best position. For me I would have Martin at centreback ahead of Bennett at the moment. I agree I think another centreback is needed to add competition.
 
NCFC Dorset Branch said:
6 players that can play at CB would seem more than enough (though it could be argued that Martin and certainly Whittaker would only be cover).

Unless Hughton is going to play three at the back Barcelona style - with four in midfield, kind of similar to how Wigan played at the back-end of the season.... or even 3-5-2 with the objective of being difficult to break-down....Not sayng that's his intention at all but the 3-4-3, especially, would be interesting.....
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davrid said:
NCFC Dorset Branch said:
6 players that can play at CB would seem more than enough (though it could be argued that Martin and certainly Whittaker would only be cover).

Unless Hughton is going to play three at the back Barcelona style - with four in midfield, kind of similar to how Wigan played at the back-end of the season.... or even 3-5-2 with the objective of being difficult to break-down....Not sayng that's his intention at all but the 3-4-3, especially, would be interesting.....
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Yeah you could be right, although I think Whittaker looks like he will be curbing his attacked intent after yesterdays interview which probably indicates he will be part of a standard back 4.

Do players actually get told when they are signing on the favoured formation the team will play in the forthcoming season? I know obviously it changes but surely Hughton has in mind a formation he will play with the players he has. Just a thought? I suppose it applies more to attacking players anyway.
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YellowLittle said:
davrid said:
Yeah you could be right, although I think Whittaker looks like he will be curbing his attacked intent after yesterdays interview which probably indicates he will be part of a standard back 4. .
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Haven't seen the interview so can't comment on what was said. However, if the instruction is to curb his attacking intent, this could arguably mean he will be on the right side of a back three...or, of course, a non-atttacking right back, which, to me, would be an extremely negative tactic...
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Now that Birminghams transfer embargo has been lifted, we might see some movement now. I'm sure they were reluctant to let anyone go as they only had 14 players signed on until yesterday.
 
indeed. also reading are apparently sniffing around Danny Simpson. I hope we are in for him as well with Hughton's link there.
 
canary_max said:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ich-keen-Curtis-Davies.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
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Apologies if this is elsewhere - raised a chuckle. I don't know why they bother...If the mail are to be believed,hughton is only interested in Birmingham and Newcastle players. Oddly enough they didnt pick up on butterfield and whittaker. I'd be embarrassed to call myself a DM journalist.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2168934/Nile-Ranger-wanted-Norwich-City.html
 
YellowLittle said:
I disagree with that, I think Martin was a lot better at centreback last year and if Hughton watched the videos will probably agree that's his best position. For me I would have Martin at centreback ahead of Bennett at the moment. I agree I think another centreback is needed to add competition.
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Martin deserves to keep the Centreback roll, agree with the other comments as well.

ILD OTBC
 
If the rumours Reading are in for Simpson are true then I'd like to think we are involved too! Would be a great RB signing for us.

Nile Ranger? No thanks!!
 
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