I think people are forgetting the Loan market.
Adam said we would be making 6 or 7 signings this Summer.
I for one don't believe that was something cast in stone, but I do think he was referring to permanent signings.
When Adam said Daniel Ayala was high on the list of targets, I am sure that that would have followed protracted conversations with the Management Team and they WOULD have discussed Hobbs in addition to the young Spaniard. Consequently, I think Ayala is still on the wanted list.
Having said that, as Kempton Klutz said, I worry that NP will play Chester as a utility and give first choice to Hobbs and Ayala, which I think is not necessarily a mistake, but a huge waste of one of the best defensive centre backs I have seen for years in James Chester.
Dudgeon was an obvious need as we simply didn't have cover for Daws. Whilst I love him to bits for his service to the club, I think most would agree that the sands of time were starting to have their effect of our Legend Left Back last season and a gradual transition this season is to be expected.
Evans was an obvious replacement for Bullard in the link-playing midfielder role and given his assured performances in a highly pressurised position last season, I think he will get plenty of starts this time round and will grow in the role. I have spoken to a number of United fans and they thought he was going to be a better player than his brother Johnny for the reds and were surprised they let him go. They concluded it was only the quality of the competition and the impending influx of new signings that signalled his availablity. People should watch this lad carefully and remember he is still very young to be playing in such a pivotal position. I hope he isn't the next target for our infamous bully-boys.
McKenna was always a priority signing in terms of position. We shouldn't be in this position as Ash should still be there, but his departure left a hole in the squad that must have been a high priority to fill at season end. As with Ash, McKennas role will not necessarily be about what he does with the ball at his feet as much as what he says (or shouts) on the field, in the changing room and in training. Expect him to wear the captain's armband.
The Adebola signing (if it actually happens, which I would expect it to after the 30th) came completely out of left field for me. He is not my favourite player, but if he is to be used as a plan B in the 75th minute, then I suppose I can see some logic in it.
So what is left?
Goalkeeper(s)!! We will surely sign two goalies. I would expect City to try and get a permanent and a loan, but that may well turn into 2 loans if circumstances dictate. Personally, I do not see the logic in letting Matt Duke go. Offering him a new contract would surely have made sense to fill the back-up keeper position with a loan, class keeper (as Mannone was) coming in from a Premiership Club reserve team, maybe Forster? Not a desperate issue though. As Adam said, there are plenty of options around and we can take our time over this one and wait for the right man (men).
The creative midfielder was to have been Danns, and as Adam said, was top of the list. It will be interesting to see who is Plan B, but that position is critical to us being competitive next season. I think Bullard leaving is crucial to this. If we can do a deal with him and a suitor club EARLY (by that I mean before the last day of the window!!) then we may be able to actually spend a bit of cash and get a quality player in. Otherwise, we may have to look to a free OAP or a young Prem reserve on loan.
So the 6 or 7 are:
Dudgeon
Evans
McKenna
Adebola
Hobbs
Keeper?
Creative Midfielder?
The rest of the needs, I think, will be filled by loans. We need a left sided attacking midfielder, cover for Rosenior (although I suspect Chester will be a shoe in there!!
), another creative youngster (Pogba??), cover for Stewart until October?
Like most, I would expect to see Leicester and West Ham as faves for auto with the usual suspects vying for the yearly lottery. With the budget we have to work with, I would be happy to have a sniff of the play-offs. But people should remember team-spirit counts for a lot and in Nigel Pearson we have a very capable leader. Bring it on!
