By the time we get to them prem, Lallana Oxo Cork and Schneiderlin could well still be our midfield, it would be the defence which would need to be looked at, but one step at a time!
I think Nashy has answered your question well. The fact is, we don't know how our squad will fair next season in the Championship. So, what we could do is buy a whole new squad that would need to gel and would have no team spirit or momentum or we could see how our current squad will do which is young and hungry and wanting to prove themselves next season. I don't think we have any real expectations, this season is about consolidation and seeing which players are good enough for the next season. The players that aren't good enough can be replaced next season. But this won't ruin team spirit as we will have tried them out. If we don't sign anyone else other than Cork, I will be very happy. We needed Cork as Stephens and Gobern left but atm, we have squad that compliments each other very well and deserves a chance in the Championship.
There's no need for us to develop a team that is fit for the prem when we're about to embark on a season in the championship. If we get promoted again this season (wouldn't we all love that!) then we have next summer with all the added financial bonuses of promotion to the prem to fund a spending spree to supplement our champ squad and make it ready to compete (not just survive) in the prem. To your main point about player additions, wouldn't you agree that an adding two key signings in CB and ST would give us the platform, what we've already got, to push for top six this season? No one's saying that we won't aim for promotion. Cortese wanting to keeps things sustainable this year, a budget, squad consistency, team spirit and momentum will stop us signing anymore than that. And personally I don't really think we need it. Signing beyond 2-3 players will be counterproductive.
OK we can look for comparisons can we not. Norwich did not spend big when they were promoted to the championship. They just boosted a few area's. Presumably because they felt they had enough to get promoted any way and just needed to bolster there squad. Moving from the championship to the premier is a different kettle of fish. They have had to bring a few experienced players in and spend for them a large amount to do that. We are in exactly the same position half of our first team players have not been tested at this and a higher level of football. However for me we have weaknesses. The purchase of Cork over comes one, CB is another, as is a striker. I do not believe we will get promotion with out both. Jmo...........We cannot read Adkins mind...we do not know who his targets are or were, we do know though NC will not break the bank with wages to get them. So it may mean in the short term no more purchases. Although I doubt that but we are not in charge. It is not our heads if they get it wrong. We need the promising players to excel and be counted we need the others to up their game. We need more of our existing squad to become stars. By September we will probably know which players are not going to make it and whether NA's and NC's judgement has been good. Just another thought.........I was thinking of the Sharpe saga in particular........do you think players think because we have rich owners they can make very high demands as far as wages are concerned?
Would like to see another striker (strong and quick), another wide right midfielder/winger and a utility back (right footed) - then I will be happy but they must be better than we already have in the team otherwise don't bother
We only need 3 more players max- centre back, winger, pacey striker. Although I certainly don't see us singing all three of them, 2 at most. The signing of Jack Cork is a real statement that we can compete in this league.
A central defender with the ability to partner Fonte and a 15+ goals a season striker should be enough to tighten us up for the Championship. You don't want to go overcrowding and expanding the wage bill unnecessarily. Also if Chamberlain should leave us, and I really hope he doesn't, then we will need a replacement.
A telling sign for me was all the different options in 'who will be in the starting vi thread'. (I know it should have been xi!) There was so many variations, & people were having such trouble picking the 1st eleven, that I kinda realised we are in a very good position. Now I'm not on the 'looking for prem only boat', in fact my main want is keeping the group together, that for me is priority. But, I think we are not going to sign more than one more player. I think that both Na & Nc are both confident that the squad will either gain promotion / or consolidate in the higher league. I'm not sure which, but I most certainly am looking forward to it. These guys wear the shirt with want on the face & eagerness in their heart. We will do alright, let the foxes buy the rest.
I agree with you completely. I would be more than happy to wait a season or two before achieving promotion to the Premiership, if it meant we were better equipped for life there when the time came. I think its important to be patient. Leicester were always going to be tough opponents whoever they bought, they are well ran, great manager and a good unit all round. That aggressive a business model has serious long term implicitions if the hurried-together squad doesn't gel quickly and produce, AS WE WELL KNOW. I do think we need to bolster one of two positions to compete at the top end of the Championship however. I'm confident NC and NA will spend wisely and only necessarily. I can't wait for the ride.
IMO ... Striker is a must! As much as Rickie had a cracking 2009/2010 season. Last season wasn't a great display for Lambert. It was all down to Barnard & Connolly towards the end!
Never Barnard and Connolly together though, Lambert developed as a player and the price of adding another dimension to his style of play was goals. Barnard and Connolly played so well because of how good Lambert was. You would have to watch a match to know what I mean, stats aren't everything.
