It makes perfect sense to keep hold of Rory. Imagine the scenario, Whitehead gets suspended, Palacios injured, and we've just got rid of Delap because he's "crap", leaving Whelan as our only decent, experienced CM. . . Yeah, we need to improve, and it'd be nice to see the younger players, but improve and expand doesn't mean getting rid of "average" players, who provide perfect cover.
Pistol, Delap, Whitehead,Whelan, Diao, Tonge, Soares, Shotton,Wilson, Arisamendi, Palacios, Cuevalier in the wings -Wilson was bought to be a midfielder, and if he is tough enough to play at the back, he should be tough enough to play Centre Mid. We should ship half of the above out including RD.
It's about time Diao got on with his coaching role, and not playing, don't think Tonge and Soares are up for it. Shotton is doing well, but IMO is a defender. Wilson looked cracking at CM when I've seen him there, but we need a new LB before he can play mid. Don't know how good Arismendi and Cuevailer are, but they have little experience. So were back to Rory, Whitehead, Whelan and Palacios. In which case, we need Delap. We need 2 CM's (or 1 and LB) before we start thinking about letting Delap go, and I don't think were that desperate in that position, wing cover and LB are priority.
Yes, you are right about priorities, although I would include a winger in there - I firmly believe that we have seen the last of Pennant.
Yeah, I've said just wing cover, but if Pennant is on his way we need another good winger. I like Matt Jarvis, he'd be a good fit. If we do keep Pennant though, it'll be hard to find a winger who is better than Shotton out wide, but still be happy with being a "cover" player.
Pistol I think? Pulis is taking the micky playing Wilson at left back! He KNOW'S he a very good midfielder but Higgy could play there and we do need another left back ASAP. As for Rory, he's fine to come on for half an hour or so later in the game but we have better player's who SHOULD be playing * barring injury* every week. Rory does start too many games IMO.
Yeah, that's pretty much my point, Rory is great back up (for CM, not RM as he is playing today ). LB is a definite priority, but I can't think of anyone 9we could realistically sign) I'd want there.