Given what we've got right now and assuming all are fit, where do we start? Hudson/Turner Hudson/Caulker Caulker/Turner Assuming whoever doesn't make the starting 11 will be on the bench, is there any room for Connolly? Should Connolly still be the bench option as cover for Brayford? If so, where does that leave McNuggs? I love the options, and I don't think it's finished yet. Can we keep this about football and our club in particular please?
WoL says Caulker/Turner tomorrow as Caulker prefers the right side of defence. Huds on bench. I said on another thread that Hudson was definitely below par at Cheltenham and wondered if he was still getting over his injury at the end of last season. I guess Connolly will be sub also as he can play rb or cb and, as you say Sparks, where does that leave McNuggs? Not in the starting squad is the answer although still a valuable member of the whole sqaud who will have opportunities over the season. The Capoue thing has gone quiet and on the transfer gossip thread Steve thinks he could be on his way to Spain as other transfers are completed. I'm not surprised as he was looking to stimulate interest elsewhere and his club want a bigger fee, using us as a starter for 10. That said, does Malky have another defensive midfield target as we cannot rely on Gunnar alone for that role?
I'm pretty sure Capoue has played the waiting game. Could be Liverpool's £20M+ offer to Atletico for Costa will give them the dosh for Capoue, and we know he's said that was his preferred destination when this thing first blew up. I'm also pretty sure that Malky will have a plan B for that position. It could be something that's been kept on ice depending the outcome of our Toulouse target, and from what I heard a few weeks back, we could be going back to Spurs for it.
Huddlestone or Livermore? Livermore is the more defensive minded and Huddlestone is a play maker - not great on defensive duties although he has played cb on occasion as he is a big guy. Alternatively, Scott Parker?
Huddles would be the choice. He combines all the skills we need in front of the back four. He can break up opposition play (sometimes a bit too aggressively, but hey ho ) and his passing skills are on a par with Hoddle. Huddle/Hoddle - it seems to work for me. Forget Scott Parker. Good aggressive destroyer, but going downhill now. Had his time at the top (if you consider us to be the top that is).
Unless Caulker can play on the left (despite being right footed) I'd go with him and Big Ben. Hudson seems very right footed. as for the bench, either connely or McNuggs as both can cover RB and CB. It's why I commented on another thread on Baby Ben being put out on loan as he's the only other leftie we have at CB. As for a defensive mid, I think Gunnar will become cover for a new signing. Not sure about Huddlestone and Livermore. I think another 'rabbit out of the hat' may be the order of the day. Capoue is out of the equation for me.
Cattermole, or should that be Clattermole? Agree on Scottie Parker, now past his prime and injury prone.
I still think Parker can do a job for us, my type of player. Huddlestone, I'd take him too. They can call us Spurs mark11
A decent counter point to the Liverpool Costa bid is that Atletico have already sold Falcao for 55mil. Surely they could get to 10mill IF they thought Capoue was worth it. If he was a serious target surely they couldn't risk him joining us whilst they mess about trying to save a million or 2 (which is small in CL terms). On another message board I read that transfer policy should be like going on the pull, might as well try and punch above your weight as the night is still young. When it gets nearer going home time you've got to take what you can get. I like the analogy but I think Capoue is playing too! Back on topic, I think Turner, Caulker will be our PL partnership, which feels very harsh on Hudson but football and the PL isn't sentimental. I'd think with 7 bench spots we can probably find spaces for Huds and Connolly.
Very true Steve although the longer you leave it the greater risk of getting an absolute minger. The only advantage being they will be grateful.............or turn into a bunny boiler.
Reading between the lines Athletico want him on the cheap, They have quite a bit of debt (like most Spanish clubs) and seem to be putting money into that. Back to topic, can see Hudson and Caulker starting the season. Whoever plays I hope they are a lot sharper than I have seen so far !!!
Boys, my formative years were in Newport and, take it from me, every nightclub and bar was like that - and still is. Swansea and Cardiff have Beaujolais Day in November, Newport has White Lightening day - every day!!!!
Sorry Sparks, didn't I see a couple of City players supping a strong cider or 2 the other night? I think they were centrebacks, what a pair!!!!! It is Friday after all, poets day.
