Thats an interesting statement, considering statistically we actually had one of the best defences in the EPL last year? Maybe more perception than reality? I felt that Bardsley, O'Shea, Brown/Killgallon/Turner/Bramble coped very easily most games with only the Colback/Richardson combination at left back not working for me. Mignolet or Westwood make up a pretty good back 5 imo. Our problem is still not having replaced Bent and latterly Gyan. That cost Bruce everything but I simply cant see MoN making that huge error of judgement imo. A couple of new faces and the ridiculous doom and gloom from some quarters will soon evaporate, like the hot air they come from. AS for PhilMcBardinhos comment we had no real physical presence? I'm confused. Catts, Meyler and Colback all offer that in huge doses. What we lacked was the killer pass from a playmaker, a bit more pace and the finishing of an accomplished striker, areas Martin is busy addressing right now.
Our defence is shakey especially towards the end of last season but, they'll do for kick off it is without a doubt up top where we struggle. This is not a new thing SAFC have never been prolific goal scorers barring a few seasons with the G force and Qinny and SKP, after that I'm struggling to think of any decent strikers we have had.
I think the injuries to Bramble, Killgallon and Brown didnt help though and the act Bruce had left us without any left back at all. Mignolet Bardsley, O'Shea, Cuellar, Olsson (I'd buy this lad for sure) This wouldnt be a bad back at all 5 imo.
I agree mate not a bad back 4 at all. I really hope MoN signs a LB we have not had a decent one for years
Perhaps I should've been more specific, I was thinking more in terms of height and pace, Catts, Meyler and Colback are all good tacklers and battlers but I'd still like to see someone like N'Zonzi in there.
There must be a goal-busting center forward out there from, like Belarus or Peru, who would jump at the chance to play in the Premiership - even for us! I'd rather take the risk on someone totally new (and unknown by Premiership defences) than pay the £11 - 12 - 13+m for Fletcher. We might as well bring back Kenwynne. x
