With 5 games to go our thoughts naturally turn to end of season and two months of mad speculation ready for the new campaign.Hope the players remain switched on and push for a strong as finish as possible, really can't see anything but this from MON,he will demand and expect all his players to fight for every available point and achieve another top ten finish. The players have a lot to prove to MON that they should be part of his plans, so hopefully a strong finish is in store. I think we will win the next 3 games then away at Fulham could really go either way .Then SAF brings his troops to the SOL , if the title is already won we will see a traditional end of season game played in a party atmospher, I'f UTD need 3 points to secure the title ,well that's a different kettle of fish.So I see us breaking the 50 point barrier and securing another top ten finish , which after the poor start we had is a remarkable achievement. Then it is 8 to 10 weeks of being linked to 1001 players the majority we have never heard off, or would never have. MON will have had 6 month to assess his squad and I would have thought he already has a good idea who he wants to keep who he is happy to let go and probably a wish list already. I don't see massive wholesale changes because I think he likes the look of the squad and after all they have played to a very good level since he came. How many points extra do you think MON would have getting from the first 11-12 games if he was in charge ( with Bruce's squad) then add that to our total and that will give you a very good idea as to what level this squad is already at. So I can see MON bringing in 2-3 players that will walk straight into the first team, then with the loan system 2-3 squad players. I am not going to guess who he will bring in or let go , There are better qualified on here for that. I am just looking forward to reading all the speculation and debate on here.
MoN had a fantastic start, with Bruces squad, but now found out the level of that squad....(1 win in 7).. Due to injuries etc the squad is pretty thin, and the depth of the squad (or lack of it has reared it head) once again... Basically we need a squad of 25, that's two full teams... Now there is a number of these players, although decent, are not top 8 players, and that is what we hope to aim for...but they will be ok as said squad players.... We will have players leaving, and they have to be replaced with better quality....Replacing Sess (if he leaves won't be easy). Then MoN has to sort out players positions....i.e Ricco is he a l/b or somewhere else?. Young Jack Colback, could he become a full time l/b and make that position his own? Many things for the manager to sort out, in what could turn out to be a hectic summer for the club, as all this would be done during pre-season and trip to Korea etc. Good luck Martin.
Despite the words coming out of MON I'm sure the goers and stayers are pencilled in and a list of potential targets is on Shorts desk. There will always be the Gordon's and Bendies who are still not known but I'm sure again MON has replacements in mind. I think one thing is certain, anyone leaving early for their holidays will risk moving from the stay to go list.
I reckon we should make Bridge our player, then Colback and Ricco can cover LB (and both can do a good job). RB also needs to be covered. Bardo and Gardner are very good, but another player would offer an extra option (O'Shea should not be played there IMO). If MON decides Elmo is not good enough, we also need cover at RW. Larsson can't play 2 games in close succession, he looks very tired if he does so. Johnson would be a great move if it comes off. and of course the we need a striker or 2, depending if Bendtner stays or not.
Do you think he looks good enough? I think Ricco has looked better at LB than Bridge this season. Its a position that needs addressing.
MATT Kilgallon has told Jack Colback to consider plying his trade at left-back permanently. Midfielder Colback has impressed as a makeshift full-back after starting each of Sunderland’s last three games in defence. The 22-year-old is no stranger to life at left-back, having played in that role during his two loan spells with Ipswich, and on two occasions for Sunderland in January. But centre-half Kilgallon, who knows the difficulties of playing as an emergency full-back, has still been taken aback at how well Colback has adapted to life in defence. The former Sheffield United defender has urged Colback to contemplate re-branding himself as a left-back, with the Tynesider predominantly playing in central midfield since his days at the Sunderland academy. Kilgallon told the Gazette: “I’ve said to him that he’s an outstanding left-back, always in the right position for a centre-half. “I said ‘I don’t know if you want to play there, but think about it mate’. I think he’s top drawer there. http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport...lon-urges-jack-colback-to-stay-left-1-4440365
Personally I think it would be a better move to have Colback their than sign Bridge. Means we can keep Catts, Gardner, Vaughan & Meyler in midfield and worry about spending money on quality like Adam Johnson and a Striker. We probably need a Centre half too unless one of the academy players steps up, I am sure Bramble and Kyriyakos will not be at the club next season. Personally I would be looking at spending top dollar on keeping Sess, signing Adam Johnson and a top name centre forward. That is really what we are lacking. Imagine a front 4 of Johnson, McClean, Sess and ?????
He looked rusty, but he improved each game he played. IMO, he will do a good job there. I like the idea of having 3 players who can play in that position, should be the same for RB. Colback looks very good at LB, but will he want to play there permanently ? He also looks very good in midfield.
Am enjoying the ins and outs of this topsy turvy season, so am happy to wait for the closed season. Never thought Id say that.
Odemwingie S.Fletcher Attacking central/right midfielder Versatile defender If Gordan leaves id also have hope we may try bringing in a proper number 1. Dont think Mig is good enough and a good keeper can be the difference between 6th and 10th.
West Brom wouldn't sell Odemwingie for £12million to Spurs last summer, and Odemwingie will have been itching for a move to a European team. For Sunderland to get him would cost a bare minimum of £15million imo, probably more, and I don't think your club are in a position to spend that on one player.
