A bit of a change of mood from all the doom and gloom regarding our management. We started the season with an incredibly solid defence, and that is what gained a lot of our initial points- and therefore our initial momentum, giving us the platform and confidence to challenge for Europe up til mid-January. However, its all gone tits up. I don't think it's Bruce, I think it's much simpler than that. We had a good first half to the season because we didn't concede many, and Bent (who we hate to admit it, but miss) and Gyan and Welbeck scored goals. Injuries hit defence, and then Bent left. We started to concede more and score less. Which means we stopped getting points. Titus and Turner were magnificent at the start of the season and hopefully they will be right as rain for the start of next season. However we need cover, and it's starting to look like we won't sign Mensah, as he is too injury-prone to provide cover when our first two are injured. Who do people want/think is achievable? I'm going to say Madjid Bougherra, from Rangers. Has turned down a new contract in Glasgow, has experience playing in front of large crowds under intense pressure, has played Champs and Europa League football, 28 is not young but he's got a few good seasons in him as a CB, and would only cost a few million. Thoughts? KTF!
depending on the money, but if ellis short keeps a hold on the purse strings, chris baird down at fulham
Onouha looked much more comfortable when switched to centre back on Saturday. Next season we need Bardo back at right back with Turner, Titus or Ned and a new left back, I am sick of the imbalance and players playing all over the shop.
Still think Samba from Blackburn would be a good buy, he's a decent defender and a leader which is what we are missing badly. Heard Bougherra was wanted by Real or AC a couple of weeks back so can't see him giving us a second thought although money talks these days so maybe he will. I reckon we need 2 CBs as Turner looks pants he could still be carrying a knock mind but both him and Bramble have been sussed as slow and not very agile, so a speedy forward will get by them most times. I would still try Nedum at CB see what he's like that's if we buy him and then we only need a RB, LB, CB, CM, LW, CF basically the whole spine of the team needs changing, just not sure Short and Quinn will sanction that.
