I think that a lot of posts like that on the TWTD forum are satirical posts taking the piss out of the few posters who actually genuinely post such content.
I understand that Chambers did a decent job at right-back last season and with the addition of a few wingers, the impetus to get forwards is not as crucial as before. However, my issue isn't particularly with Chambers at right-back, but because I feel Chambers and Berra would be a more formidable, assured centre-back pairing. Tommy Smith is a decent player, but his form curtailed last season and he made several poor mistakes in the lead up to, and including, the play-offs. A natural right-back, even if it's just for the sake of more options, would bolster that position, which sides may identify as a weak link. We need cover there for when injuries and suspensions inevitably hit, particularly if we can only fall back on a untested Kyle Hammond and Jonathan Parr, likely starting on our left. Some on here are predicting automatic promotion, but to realistically achieve that we need two good players for each position. I don't think it's beyond reason, or our financial limits, to invest some of the windfall we've made from selling promising players for big fees over the past few years, on a squad position that needs at least some support. I trust Mick has identified, or is in the process of bringing in, somebody in that position. If he doesn't, fair enough, he's the manager and I'll support his decision. But if injuries, suspensions, or loss of form accrue and we're left scouring the loan market, it'll be a damn shame.
That's what the loan market is for though. Not burdening the club with multiple contracts and using it when unforeseen injuries etc occur. I'm happy enough having Parr as back up left or right back. I do agree that a Chambers/Berra pairing could potentially be better though.
Fair enough SD, the loan market is there and can be used. I'd prefer Mick to use that as a last resort or, in the case of Fraser and Niles, bringing in potential we're priced out of in the market, which is generally what he does. Not that I'd ever expect Mick to become reliant on the loan market, but we've seen the negative effects that policy had under Jewell. Buying players is a preferable method, and while we shouldn't blow the Mings money, it has afforded us the option to go for targets otherwise unavailable to us. I like the think the Chambers/Berra partnership is the main reason why people are wanting to see a right-back come in, at least it is for me.
Too many people (not accusing you) don't take the way the football landscape for clubs like ours has changed since FFP's introduction into consideration. The days of having two players for every position on contract is not financially viable any more. I have no problem using the loan market but as you say, not in the way that we've seen in the past.
And just for the sake of debate.....what is a 'natural right back' anyway? Surely players learn their position, some are just better than others.
Personally I've never been a fan of the ' two players for each position' it kind of goes against my thought of 'play your best team'......... Also about the loan system I think it has now having a detrimental effect on clubs outside the prem and also the development of home grown players..........Chelsea have dozens of players out on loan many won't play for the first team man city just sent a player on a 18 month loan.....this was not what it was for IMO.
Maybe not, it's beneficial for us being able to get players outside of the window though. We use it quite well at the moment. Sending our youngsters out for game time and adding quality we don't want to pay for. Top teams fill their ranks with young'uns they never plan on using just so that other teams don't get the benefit of having them. Like everything, it can be used or abused.
The way we use the loan system is how it should be IMO getting youngsters games....but there really should be limits.
Pretty sure now we have actual wingers now in Fraser/ Niles, and this LB in, Parr will slot into RB. I still maintain Mings is the most overrated player we've ever had and I for one will not miss his languid lack of effort to track back and do what many people do when crossing a road infront of drivers - pretend to run but inside the driver/ pedestrian both know they are taking the P***. Thanks for the ££££ for your sale Tyrone.
Westy,I think I actually saw Mings play more games than you and I think your assessment is a bit harsh.Yes he could look languid but he did have genuine pace,which got him out of trouble in several crucial instances last year.He was in his first full season and raw so bound to make the odd howler-even seasoned pros like Berra are prone to those!There was a steely edge to his game and I thought he was one of the few genuinely exciting members of a fairly dour side.So yes ,thanks for the £££,but I will follow his career from here with interest.
Well I went to 14 games, saw around 8 others on tv, and perhaps streamed another 6 so last season I saw close to 30 in total. Mings was good in the play offs, and especially away at Forest. He had some good games sure. Not sure if you went to either Reading or Cardiff away but he was absolute gash in both of them. I didn't think much of him away at Norwich in the league either, plus a yellow card walking for either arguing back, kicking the ball away to boot. I wish him well, but feel he won't be that missed. Pretty sure him at LB is why Tabb often played LW to cover him. Think the new lad may well be a good signing for us. We got a vastly overrated price so I'm quite happy with the outcome.
