No need for the name calling and agro stance chaps! I think all are generally valid points. We have other options for up front other than just Zamora. The sytem/style/formation may need to change to accomodate that, but thats what Mr Hughes is paid for imo. No doubt we may dip our toe in the transfer market in January if we are lacking goals or get injuries, but I would like to think the 3 main strikers (BZ, AJ, DC) and the plenty of alternative attacking options we have could cope for now. Could also be thinking of bringing a youngster in? No need to name them in the 25 squad is there? Also, whilst the majority (if not all) would liked to have seen Helgy stay...for all we know he wanted to leave. Hughes would not guarantee starts/games so he probably wanted a full season with plenty of minutes...what I am getting at is that it was more mutual, rather than Hughes making a mistake? I am most surprised at Ephraim. Never disliked him but dont think he has ever got going with us (other than in pre season!). Doubt he will get much game time though?
You have given Cisse 1 game and written him off, and we haven't seen Macke, Johnson up front alone. But Mark has in training so think he knows a fair bit more than you do
Its not just one game, none of them apart from Mackie has the physique to be able to hold the ball up, something thats needed for the way that weve played every game so far. Johnson and cisse are secondary strikers, meaning they need someone to feed off.
You seem to think a loan striker has the soul purpose of holding the ball up. Look at man city last year. Aguero often played up top by himself. The midfield pass the ball up the pitch and then look for darting runs. Against Swansea we tried to pass the ball up the pitch and did you watch the Walsall and 2nd half of the city game? No long ball. All passing . . .
More passing on the ground, using space is great 17, but I reckon we're going need someone up front who is decent in the air beacause it isn't always going to work - we're not Barca yet! But I agree it doesn't have to be BZ or a big fella who'se prime talent is taking the high balls, controlling and laying off. Cisse and Mackie are both strong, OK in the air and each have other assets that BZ isn't quite so good at, Cisse's speed, skill, strong shot, and Mackie's strength and determination.
I agree sometimes we will need someone who is good in the air which is when Zamora can be played or Mackie and Cisse has scored countless headers in his career. BUT we have the midfield to pass people off the park. I don't think there are many teams in the league who can match the midfield so we should use it!