With Graham, Lita, Moreira and Cauker signed sealed and delivered , and Routledge allegedly on his way, and maybe Camp will be signed at some point, what else do we need to add to the team? I know some say pratley needs to be replaced, but with dobbie already in that role and Allen and Leon is there need ? I think a left back and another player in the defence is all that is needed provided those 2 sign above. What do you think ?
For me, a strong, quality midfielder. For the life of me I just don't think that Joe and Leon are up to it - as a pair, I mean. I just can't forget the number of times that they were were played out of the game by Championship mid-fielders and I shudder to think what the Premiership guys will do. Facts are facts and we were overrun in midfield on a number of occasions, including games that we won. Think back - and be honest, people. I know what I saw and you must have too. We are going to have to amend our game plan somewhat this coming season. The argument that was valid in the NPC about us defending by attacking and keeping possession, won't carry the same weight in the Premiership. There are some seriously good players there, many of whom are top international class. They are not going to sit back and let us play our football, so we are going to have to battle for the ball to win the right to play and, at the moment, I think we are a bit lightweight....... Maybe Kemi will step up. Perhaps Bodde will make a triumphant return. Great if either, or preferably both, things happen but right now it's conjecture. We need some quality, experienced beef in the middle of the park to hold things together and earn us the right to show what we can do. Easier said than done I know but Buck must be thinking along similar lines or he wouldn't have been looking at Senna.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLYxMsUNrtQ&NR=1 experienced at the highest level and a left back and holding midfield supremo at his best....risky but on a pay as you play????
Pay as you play worth a punt. I am thinking that Routledge, if he comes may well compete with Dobbie for that role.
by holding midfield I mean just in front of the back four. Routledge and Dobbie are attacking midfileders/link up men. As damaged goods, he can't be asking for more than 40k a game (you would hope). If we got 30 games thats still only 1.2 mill and no signing on fee. Worst case, he doesn't play.... we don't pay.
Agreed completely Ivor. I think both Kemy and Ferrie have the potential to do it, but as to whether they will is a different matter. In games where teams came at us high tempo, with quality midfielders...we did struggle. Thankfully, our defence was good last season, but it'll be such a step up in terms of quality of attack it'd be naive to think we could adapt without additions in the middle. Senna sounded like a quality bet, Hargreaves I just don't rate because of injury...I really do like the idea of Michael Johnson to be honest!
There was a bit of a pessimistic tone to this quote, but I think I agree with the idea. I've wondered a few times if Leon, Joe and even Gower are a bit on the small side. I'm not knocking them and Leon's terrier attitude makes up a great deal for his smaller stature, but someone a bit burly in midfield to take the edge off of slicker attacks that we're bound to see might be the final piece of the jigsaw.
Cardiff fan, All you need to do is get points on the board till January when a lot of clubs want to loan out players. Effort and team spirit is what we are trying for this season and you had that last season so look for that rather than one or two names on the sheet. First game up Man City enjoy. Don`t worry we got West Ham! not sure who got the harder game yet,lol.
More depth at the back without question! Any one of our first choice gets injured and we're looking at Monk / Tate. Sorry but even though both have been fantastic servants neither is good enough for the Prem imo and sentiment shouldn't play a part. Rangel, Caulker, Williams and Taylor are fine but one more decent defender is required to give us strength in depth. Preferably someone who's versatile enough to step into any position at the back. Wish we'd gone after David Edgar. Said it before and I'll say it again - if you can't defend in the Prem it doesn't matter how many goals you have in your side or how stylish your play - you'll get mullered.
I would love another solid midfielder with premier league experience, but i would really like another versatile defender.... someone who could play on the wing but cover the center when needed. Other than that i think we have got some class..... as well as i think Britton and Allen will still be able to boss it as long as there is either dobbie or bodde fit...... Gower will fill leon and joey's boots defensively but i would love another quality midfielder! David Silva hahah, Can only wish!