Lets not forget if the FA stick there noses into the Terry/Anton row we might be without our no1 centre half,depending how they find he could be missing for 3/4 games.
DT, you forgot Max Ehmer who is shaping up nicely. I do have a little inside information though AND please keep it to yourselves as my source will have my guts for garters as I have heard that Steve Bruce is looking at getting back to playing as he can't find another club that will take him as a manager and Alan Hanson is pissed off with the boy Lineker he wants out off the telly and believes he still has a lot to offer. In my opinion two quality defenders that can do a job on any given day. P.S. Don't mention this to Flyer as he is likely to have a bluey
Remember how well the defence played at the end of last year when Clint was moved to CB and there was some consistency? Plus Samba in front of them destroying all that was in his path....I'm not panicking, even if we don't sign anyone! Fabio and Nelson have strengthened what was the nucleus of an okay defence. More probably to come!
Personally would like 1 more versatile defender in.. We have a better midfield and the defence wont get as exposed with diakite or Park in fron of them. Clint may struggle this year but i do rate Nelson highly. Just need a bit more cover for injuries, bookings etc How about Antons brother...he must fancy coming back down south?..not sure if he's to old though !
If we don't get Samba or similar in the middle, Hill, Ferdinand, Nelsen, Onuoha, Ehmer should cope. Not great resource but pretty adequate and able so not too worried. Do think we could do with another decent full back though. Still think we could do with a reliable goal scorer though, to either complement Cisse or act as cover for any games missed.
For ****s sake,please stop listing Connelly as a decent defender.The bloke is a liability who couldn't get ahead of Gorkks and Hall in the Championship,the amount of times he cost us goals when he did play was incredible.If he gets a game for us this season we are in huge trouble!
If it makes you feel any more secure, I fully expect our defence to be a lot better this year, even without any changes (although we've had the addition of the Kiwi and Fabio). Firstly, I think the team will be more focused this year, especially in the case of Ferdinand. Secondly, the vibes are good at QPR. Thirdly, the players are getting to know each other more and are having the benefit of a good, full pre-season. We do have a decent collection of defenders and they can work well together, so if MH can get the best out of them we'll be ok. I wouldn't turn down some good additions, I'm just saying that we don't need to be THAT worried. I also reject the statement that everything needs to be built around the defence. I think the whole team needs to be built mutually as defence is a part of every position on the pitch. If we're better in possession and pressing then the defence will have less to be stressed about. I think there were times last season where the defenders were doing all the work and the rest of the outfield players were a liability, losing possession and not pressing!
Got to add to this that the current defence will benefit from a better keeper in front of them , coming for crosses etc. Anyone who has played in defence will know how much easier it is and how much more confident you feel knowing that you have a commanding goalie behind you. This will make a huuuuge difference next term.
Part of the back four problem last season was lack of continuity. At CB we played 8 different combinations Hall/Gabbidon, Gabbidon/Perone Gabbidon/Ferdinand Hall/Ferdinand Connolly/Gabbidon, Hall/Hill Ferdinand/Hill Ferdinand/Onuoha We need to find our best combination this season and have some stability at the back