I would love to see us sign a quality right back and attacking midfielder. We've got a squad but we need to modify and add to certain areas.
I think he may have played CB in his early career rather than in the PL. City could certainly do with more pace and he has bags of that. I'd be happy with Martin as the 4th CB. If City are to go for another striker, I'd like to see Alfred Finnbogason. He seems to score goals for fun for SC Heerenveen in the Erdivisie (38 goals in 42 matches!). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Finnbogason
Yeah it was after both Ayala and Whitbread injured themselves in the first 25 minutes or so against newcastle (i think, might have been bolton at home) we brought had a back four of three full backs and a winger
I can't see another wide attacking player coming in really, whilst 3 are crocked, we've still got Redmond, hoolahan, Olsson and Whittaker capable of filling in, so it's not an area where we don't have options. I wouldn't say no to upgrading on Bennett, but can't see us being able to sell an injured player too easily. A central midfielder to fit the 4-3-3 would be my key signing. We still lack creativity in the middle, so someone like Wes but with a bit more physicality about them (sorry Carrabuh) would be my ideal. With Tettey still out, Fer could play a deeper role, with Howson the third man. With Tettey back we'd then have more options in both offensive and defensive midfield roles. Beyond that, depending on if Bassong rediscovers his best form or not, a cb, or a right back.
Garrido's positioning is decent and, when playing well, he is one of our best crossers of the ball. I think he's useful enough as a back-up, though as you say he gets beaten due to pace. We're not going to find too many players happy as a back-up option, but Garrido doesn't strike me as one who'll cause too much fuss. Priority for me is a strong replacement for Turner. Someone as strong and dominant as Turner, but significantly better on the ball and capable of passing quickly and creatively so that the receiver has time to get his head up. The new CB doesn't necessarily need to be quicker than Turner (though certainly not slower...), though that would obviously be a bonus. After that, I'd like to see an attacking midfielder more like Hoolahan, who could also double up out wide. Yes, we have a lot of injuries to wingers but realistically that's just a temporary spate of misfortune and the real lack of depth is in a truly creative attacking midfielder.
Agree with those saying a playmaker-type CM and a CB. Can't see us being in for a striker, not when we have RvW, Hooper, Elmander, and Becchio. Could possibly be a chance if we let Becchio go.
The issue I have with out wide players is that we have 3 senior right wingers and 1 senior left winger this was one of the reasons i suggested Capel.
Every penny of the budget should go on a quality ACM so these strikers don't need to feed off scraps all the while. It's the one position we failed badly through the summer and should be corrected at what ever cost in Jan. We've got enough cover in other dept's not to worry about other than a short term loan maybe.
Can see your point Bath, but I still see it as one for the summer rather than something crucial for January. If the right player is available at the right price, fair enough, but I don't see it as a position to target heavily.
I don't think Hughton will bother with the window, especially if everyone is near fitness by January, perhaps some loan deal from somewhere. I remember being in high hopes around January this year but ended up being a bit disappointed. There are two area's though where we need to improve and reinforce if we're to have a more comfortable season.
Another question is if Pilks will be offered a new contract, i think he should btw, but he'll be 6 months from the end of his current one, if he's not getting a new deal or doesn't want one, then we'll probably be looking to sell.
I believe he turned us down something in our package wasn't good enough so unless circumstances have changed dramatically I'd guess we'll be unlikely to sign him.
I agree that ACM should be the priority for spending big, but I wonder if we might get Naughton on loan for the rest of the season. CH does have good links with Spurs.
