If we sign Stockdale, there is absolutely no way he's going to be number 2. I reckon we're looking at £1.5m-2m and what with FFP & our general finances we'll hardly be looking to hand out fees for 2 goalkeepers when we have plenty of other positions to improve upon.
Just remember, we survived with Dean Marney as a regular CM last time around.
GK: Stockdale + Experienced FA (there's bound to be someone)
RB: Rosie has to get a new contract for me, I don't see 3-5-2 next season and even though he's been dropped for Elmo lately he's still a quality full back.
CB: I reckon Chester and Hobbs will be fine. McShane will stick around if we go up, and can cover RB as he has in the past. Can't see Faye being here. Unfortunately I see Alex Bruce staying to provide cover.
LB: If Dudgeon keeps playing the way he did before his injury, then I think he'll be fine. Certainly as competent as Dawson was back in the PL.
Potentially someone like Phil Neville to come in and provide all across the back line.
LM: Brady is getting better and better for me.
RM: Not Elmo for me. He's delivered some beautiful crosses this season but all in all he's not worth the price tag Sunderland would be looking for, and there are more consistent, skillful and pacier options out there.
The likes of Quinn and Aluko can cover LM if necessary, but I think it'd be good to bring in a winger who can play on both flanks. Basically Cameron Stewart - but better. He ain't gonna cut it either.
CM: Koren may be lazy & sulky at times, and inconsistent, but he's still a match winner on his day. He certainly stays for me. Evans is getting better by the week and should at least be in and around the squad in the PL. Quinn and Meyler will be fine. Can't see Cairney getting a new deal, as much as I like him he's just not improving and not even come close to the potential we anticipated.
ST: Although not technically a striker and lacks pace, Boyd has looked very good and I can't see him not winning a permanent deal, particularly as a FA. Fryatt should bag a few but we'll need more. Proschwitz can **** right off, and as much as I hate to say it, Simpson isn't gonna win a new deal either. Can't see a permanent deal for Gedo - despite a good start I don't think he's really any improvement on Simpson - in fact I think he's worse. Simpson at least has decent hold up player and can pick a pass (Huddersfield assist was inch-perfect). Gedo is absolutely invisible at times.
Call it two new strikers - perhaps one on loan.
How many signings is that? Seven? Potentially an 8th for CM depth.
We signed 14 upon promotion last time. I reckon I've done alright there.
Having said that, I'm asking for a striker and two wingers. They won't come cheap.
Just remember, we survived with Dean Marney as a regular CM last time around.
GK: Stockdale + Experienced FA (there's bound to be someone)
RB: Rosie has to get a new contract for me, I don't see 3-5-2 next season and even though he's been dropped for Elmo lately he's still a quality full back.
CB: I reckon Chester and Hobbs will be fine. McShane will stick around if we go up, and can cover RB as he has in the past. Can't see Faye being here. Unfortunately I see Alex Bruce staying to provide cover.
LB: If Dudgeon keeps playing the way he did before his injury, then I think he'll be fine. Certainly as competent as Dawson was back in the PL.
Potentially someone like Phil Neville to come in and provide all across the back line.
LM: Brady is getting better and better for me.
RM: Not Elmo for me. He's delivered some beautiful crosses this season but all in all he's not worth the price tag Sunderland would be looking for, and there are more consistent, skillful and pacier options out there.
The likes of Quinn and Aluko can cover LM if necessary, but I think it'd be good to bring in a winger who can play on both flanks. Basically Cameron Stewart - but better. He ain't gonna cut it either.
CM: Koren may be lazy & sulky at times, and inconsistent, but he's still a match winner on his day. He certainly stays for me. Evans is getting better by the week and should at least be in and around the squad in the PL. Quinn and Meyler will be fine. Can't see Cairney getting a new deal, as much as I like him he's just not improving and not even come close to the potential we anticipated.
ST: Although not technically a striker and lacks pace, Boyd has looked very good and I can't see him not winning a permanent deal, particularly as a FA. Fryatt should bag a few but we'll need more. Proschwitz can **** right off, and as much as I hate to say it, Simpson isn't gonna win a new deal either. Can't see a permanent deal for Gedo - despite a good start I don't think he's really any improvement on Simpson - in fact I think he's worse. Simpson at least has decent hold up player and can pick a pass (Huddersfield assist was inch-perfect). Gedo is absolutely invisible at times.
Call it two new strikers - perhaps one on loan.
How many signings is that? Seven? Potentially an 8th for CM depth.
We signed 14 upon promotion last time. I reckon I've done alright there.
Having said that, I'm asking for a striker and two wingers. They won't come cheap.
