19 games - 17 points = relegation form. After a reasonable start, all things considered, the team seem to have lost their way. Since the excellent win at Stoke we have underperformed in most games and are seriously lacking any midfield creativity. The transfer window will make or break our season and the main positive we can take from it is that there are going to be a number of 'quality' players coming in. Here's my view of the players with their marks out of ten: Kenny - His usual reliable self, still worries me with crosses. 7 Cerny - Surprisingly good in his few games, will keep Kenny on his toes. 7 Young - The most consistent of the new additions, goals have been a bonus. 8 Ferdinand - Was doing so well until the Terry incident, still our best CB. 7 Gabbidon - Doesn't inspire confidence and squad player at best. 5 Traore - Not the greatest defender but pace such an asset, good going forward. 7 Hall - A bit of a curate's egg, good in places, dodgy at times. 5 Hill - Has done well since return from loan, lack of pace a worry. 6 Connolly - Another who doesn't inspire confidence. 5 Orr - Not really had much chance, could be on his way. 5 Derry - Beginning to look out of his depth, never lacks effort. 5 Barton - Doesn't seem to have shown his best yet. 6 Faurlin - Consistently our best player so far, would like him further forward. 9 SWP - Never stops trying but disappointing so far. 5 Taarabt - Underperformed in most games. 4 Buszacky - Another underperformer in a key area. 4 Mackie - High energy performances, has done well. 7 Smith - Struggled to make an impact. 5 Helguson - A revelation at this level, goals and impact. 9 Bothroyd - Has looked isolated and failed to make his mark. 4 DJ - Little chance to show what he can do. 5 Others have had little time on the pitch. Overall the verdict is 'must do better'. We have players who just haven't stepped up to the plate and the next month will hopefully sort that problem out. What are your verdicts?
Here's my take so far... Kenny - Best keeper we've had in year. Would love to see him have a settled back 4 in front of him. 8 Cerny - A Surprise bonus. Has been good when required, but cannot see him lasting aymore than this season. 8 Young - The most consistent of the new additions, goals have been a bonus. 9 Ferdinand - Was doing so well until the Terry incident, still our best CB. 8 Gabbidon - Injury prone defender. Will give him the benefit of the doubt but better than ****tu. 4 Traore - Not the greatest defender but pace such an asset, good going forward. Maybe a midfielder rather than defender. 8 Hall - Never inspires any confidence. For a 6ft plus defender, with a strong build, he never wins as much as he sould do in the air. Too injury prone as well. 3 Hill - Has done well since return from loan, lack of pace a worry. 5 Connolly - Someone that has ability, but, in my opinion, would benefit from a loan spell to get his confidence back. 6 Orr - Not really had much chance, could be on his way. 5 Derry - If he was a few years younger he would be a regular first team player. Never lacks effort. 6 Barton - If he played football as well as he tweets we would be higher. football 6.5, tweeter 10 Faurlin - Consistently our best player so far, would like him further forward. 9 SWP - Needs a goal. trys hard - maybe too hard but at some point SWP is going to hit form. 6.5 Taarabt - God given talent, shocking attitude, needs a massive kick up the arse and too get rid of the hangers on. 3 Buszacky - Not had too many opportunities. 4 Mackie - God player to have around. Energetic, willing to learn, and has got 2 goals in last 3 games. Will get double figures before end of season. 8 Smith - Surprise he hasn't been given the opportunity, however, HH has done very well. Good player to have in squad. 6 Helguson - A revelation at this level, goals and impact. 9 Bothroyd - another who has talent, but hasn't shown it for us.......yet. His time will come 6 DJ - Injured for the majority of time he has been with us. 4 agree we must do better, however, I can still see us staying up. New players coming in will improve dressing room morale, as will the outcome of the terry incident. We def need a couple of defenders, and a couple of wins, and as i keep saying - NW and TF know what is required to keep us up. If Sir Alex has had enough of Shrek, maybe he would loan him to us but still pay the wages.....however, as a warning, I would suggest keeping an eye on your gran!!
Agree with most of it but... Cerny - seems to be the better keeper and showed superb reactions especially against ManU - 9 SWP - he didn´t disappoint me a bit, tried very hard, very skillful but very unfortunate so far - 7.5 AT - did not see his talent this season, no teamplayer, no nothing - 1 B.
