So.. Do we give one of the other strikers a go with the shirt, rest it for a season to give someone time to step up... Or sign a new number 9? I think Ross Mcormack could be the man. Just a hunch.
You will get some who say "ah those ****ing mags and their sacred number 9" or our fans "it doesn't mean anything" but I think it's a good tradition to have. If you have a guy with the nuts to take the mantle on and score heavily, it'll mean you have a good season most of the time. As for who that will be, it will all centre around who is the number 1. I kinda like the idea of leaving it blank and saying to the strikers "who wants it? Earn it"
Same as what Hughton did for me - just left it blank in the Championship and let someone earn it. I think Mitrovic should get it, but of course only if he performs as i'd expect and helps us get promoted.
I've got to agree with the sentiments above. Unless we sign a stella striker, then I think we 'rest' the shirt and see who wants it the most. As for what the fans of other clubs think about our Number 9 obsession............ who gives a ****. If only they had a shirt with as much history as ours!!
How many shirts share a legacy? I have no idea why anyone would want to diminish these last vestiges of history. The Newcastle 9 and Man U & Liverpool 7 have significantly lost impact, and I hate it. I mean, the latter two have Depay and Milner soiling the legacy. Is it too much to ask to keep a touch of tradition alive?
Even if we bring someone in it should only be given in January on the strength of performance, I really don't care what outsiders think, it is an iconic number to have and should be given to a player who can do it justice.
I prefer the old 1-11 system. If your no.9 is injured then someone else takes the shirt, and hopefully is inspired by it. No. 28 or whatever, hardly inspires a player or crowd in my opinion.
