The big difference between the previous three escapes and this one is, of course, Sam. We now have a proper committed manager who knows the game and with a pre season to get the new signings bedded in we will avoid our usual poor start. I think every one who made it onto the pitch last night should be kept. I know that some don't rate Cattermole, Larsson and O'Shea but these are battlers and we will need the likes of them in some of next seasons games. It's not just the clever players who get you results, you need a mix and these 3 give options. The last three times we needed a whole load of players in and these wholesale changes, usually squad players with the odd big names like AJ and Rodwell, meant almost starting again. The first team we have now is full of good players which means we only need about 3 or 4 in. This means we can get players who must be better than those we already have as opposed to bulk buying. The first thing to do is to sign M'Vila. If we can keep Yedlin I would but as a backup to a better RB. Keep Mannone and, if it is possible, let Pickford go on loan to a championship side but only if we can have an instant recall on him. The lad needs to play. PVA is an enigma. Sometimes brilliant but other times suspect. A big improvement under Sam so I don't know if we should get a full time defending LB/Wing back or what. A playmaker midfielder for games against the likes of WBA. Another striker option because we cannot just rely on Defoe. He's getting on a bit plus if he gets injured we would be stuffed. Watmore is a great impact player and should be used, next season, as such. Another central defender as Kaboul and Kone will surely not play every game and JOS should only be used tactically as in the Chelsea game. So then, A RB, Striker, Central defender and a LB/ Wing back. All 4 MUST be better than what we currently have. These, along with the 14 that played yesterday would be the nucleus of next seasons squad. 2 or 3 young 'uns and maybe one or two of our current squad that Sam may think will come good, maybe Giaccherini or even Rodwell, would give us a decent mid table finish. We don't need 7-9 in during the summer as with the other escape seasons. Just see how Sam playing the same starting 11 over the last few games has given us a stability and a great team spirit. With Sam in charge, 4 automatic, next level signings and a proper pre season we should be able to enjoy next season and be happily bored by about February by being safe from any relegation fears. Same plan for the following season, no bulk signing, only 2 or 3 next level signings. I feel quite optimistic about our future.
lets hope we don't go on a merry go round world wide pre season tour. keep it relatively local and have a good pre-season and turn up at the start of the year instead of after about 10 games.
