I do like the idea of playing a 4-2-3-1 as long as Sess is part of the 3 either right or centre. Agree with several comments about Catts being a liability, but MON seems to be keen to keep him. I too like Colback and think he will get better, having Diame, Catts, Colback and Meyler as our more defensive midfield players sounds good to me. Creative midfielders?, McClean will do it, Sess will do it, but I would like to see another who can 'orchestrate' ............ if he can't be found or afforded, lets develop Colback to get forward more. Forwards? We have Campbell (Ji and whickham still not the quality we need yet) and need two more in my opinion 'experience and young but proven' .... see Dzeco may be surplus at Citeh and where does Sturridge fit into ever expanding Chelsea squad? Could be an exciting summer!
Who can afford £100k wages, Citeh will have to subsidise the release of several players including johnson if they are going to clear a few out
Good article about Diame: O’Neill looks to be signalling his intent with the possible capture of Wigan midfielder Mohamed Diame. However, I don’t mean this in a derogatory sense or in terms of financial outlay. Diame is a free transfer if Sunderland can indeed catch his eye and become his destination this summer. What I do mean is O’Neill is clearly aware, like us all how the Sunderland squad lacks physicality. It was apparent from our first home match this season as we were overshadowed by the bigger, stronger Newcastle players. That now seems to be one thing Martin O’Neill’s hoping to address, the direction of the move is probably not before time. There are some players in our side where height and build aren’t an issue. Certainly when Captain Lee Cattermole struts his stuff in midfield defensively, he makes up for what he lacks by work rate alone. His display at home to Manchester City proved that when Cattermole is at his best even – possibly the biggest strongest midfielder in the country – Yaya Touré can’t play his normal game. However, it is probably alongside Cattermole where O’Neill would dearly wish to utilise someone of Mohamed Diame’s stature. The small, slightly built, nippy midfield may now be out of fashion, in favour for one that boasts at least one big lad ready to run at teams. Having height and muscle in the middle of the park certainly did Yaya, Manchester City or even, dare I say it Newcastle no harm last season. I believe there could be a new spine brought to the team next year centred around three or four physical players, no bad thing. It would herald a return to an older style Sunderland, just as some fans would like to see. But don’t worry those hoping for us to evolve a style like Barcelona. There would be something wrong if we had to adopt a strictly route-one brand of football to accommodate the new additions. That wouldn’t be what Martin O’Neill is after.
The reason why I left Sess out is because truthfully, I don't think he will be here next season. If an offer of 15million + comes in he will be sold. I can see him either going back to PSG (they have a new manager & his family are still there as far as I know),or someone like Arsenal/Spurs. That is why I left him out - i'm being realistic IMO. And the formation I chose wasn't too defensive. Colback and Diame can push forward and score while Catts sits back. That is generally how a 4-3-3 works. You have the front 3 attacking, and the 3 CM midfield pushing forward occasionally, with one sitting back. I also agree, if Sess does stay he cannot play as a CM, IMO too lightweight.
No I too am unexcited by Fletcher, I do admit he would be a good additiion but when looking at those teams above I just cant help but feel Fletcher ruins it. Its a tricky one because I would like him hear but not as first choice if we play one up top but then he wont come if he is not garanteed football.
I am in favor of something like this next season: .................Migg....................... Bardo...Kilgallon..Brown...Colback ...........Catts......Diame.............. Sturidge.......Sess...........McClean .......................Holt.................. Sturidge and Sess could swap in and out and be a real threat behind a big target man. Holt only scored 2 less than Adeybayor last year and that was in a much weaker side. I would love Adam Johnson as well but I just can't see that happening.
dzeco would have severel top european clubs after him if he would become available, top champions league clubs, absolutely no chance he would come here
I work for the NHS so will let you know if he turns up at Happy House surgery this afternoon!! (Happy House is the new Seaham Hall I tell ya!)
without trying to sound like do the players actually go for a medical where you are??? are you actually ITK???
Ah not another team with Colback at left-back! Runs his development playing there mate and we all know how good he is in the middle.
we cannot have players playing out of position anymore, we have got to have an end to it. we need an out and out left back we have been linked with Tienne at PSG who would be good and Bertrand on loan would be even faster. MoN needs to target a modern day left back with pace and power, maybe Taiwo or M'Bengue if we cannot get either of the two above
