http://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/23163/blues-close-to-berra-deal Always though he was a solid player for wolves, And if Mick rates a defender then who are we to argue!
A good solid player, and definitley good business if on a freebie, but my concern is the break-up of the Smith-Chambers partnership. Although i'm not convinced 100% by either of our two centre halves, they definitey forged an excellent partnership last season, and i'd like to see them carry on as the first choice pairing for next season. If he is to sign, i hope Chambers doesn't go to right back, even tho he has played there before, he would definitely be a weak link on the right side (ESPECIALLY if Edwards will be first choice right mid!)
I have to say, i'm not a fan of players playing in multiple positions, it does make it more difficult to train/coach them.
He is primarily a centre half and I wouldn't fancy him in any other position really... (similar to Tommy Smith who has put in time at Left Back but wouldn't consider him a full back in the slightest) If he joins then it's a good capture for us, bringing in a proven centre back with international experience, is a good age and on a free I'd be slightly concerned where this leaves Smith and Chambo but ultimately if we want to improve, then bringing in better players is the best way to do that it might lead to one or the other being dropped but hopefully that will give them the incentive to work harder to improve and we can have confidence in any of them if there are injuries or the inevitable suspensions
It can be done, I must admit when i played i found a huge difference between centre back and full back, just because of the attacking side. but between centre back and midfield is virtually the same, Mainly just reading the game and making sure your passing is spot on.
Centre midfielders make good full backs. FACT ... or atleast that was what I was always told and apparently a lot of full back's started playing in midfield when they were young before adopting the full back position..
What with injuries,suspensions etc I'd be more concerned if we DIDN'T have cover for Smith and Chambers.
Exactly, lets remember how little cover we have got for CB, we need more than 2 CB's. I'm sure all 3 will be used regularly due to injuries suspensions, loss of form etc. Would've preferred Stearman as I think he's a class CB but Berra seems decent enough. I'd prefer to see us sign a specialist RB to compete with Hewitt rather than a CB who can play RB, as I don't think I've ever been overly impressed with CBs who can play full, they're just too defensive although there have been full backs who make good CB's.
Berra story seems to have substance as Ally McCoist has told sky that Berra is now not in the running to join Rangers as he has agreed to move to a Championship side. Please can we go down the round hole round peg route. In an emergency then we may be forced to play players outside of their true positions but lets not make signings specifically to do that. Hopefully Berra will be fighting for a CB slot with Chambers and Smith. If we have 1 of them that doesnt make the first team then great - it means we are looking astronger squad!
