WALK DMC

Even the half hearted way he tries to tackle and subsequent petulant responses remind me of MLT.

Judging by the first two games, he would almost certainly have given us 1 more point already (see Newcastle mistake)

It certainly is, but appears to lack the creativity to keep us up. Plus big Les and tiny Mateus both have loads of potential, but unclear how good they will be in a full year in the Premier league playing our system. JWP would be a decent acquisition, but sadly if the choice is a physical centre forward and a creative midfielder/winger then JWP would only be 3rd on the list of priorities.

Last time around Armstrong scored 4 goals in 53 Premier league games. So I think that there is a very good reason to suspect that he cannot step up. On a more positive note, the team do play for him more and try to put through balls for him to run onto. When we were in the Premier, he would make the runs, but the midfielders didn't appear to be conscious of these. It is a shame that his 2nd half shot was saved against Newcastle, strikers thrive on confidence and my worry is that if the goals start to dry up he may return to the previous Premier league version that we saw for 2 seasons.

Last season one of our biggest weaknesses was the number of goals that we conceded too many goals (around 20 more than both Leicester and Leeds did). Just before the playoffs we moved to 3 at the back, and this appeared to reduce the number of chances/goals against us. We did the same again on Saturday and the defence did look very solid (before and after the sending off). However, I think that goal scoring may be an issue this season, so there will be times when we will switch back to last season's 4-3-3 which could help with our goal scoring but leave us exposed, as we were against average Championship teams last year. I think that the investment in two more defensive midfielders in big Les and short Fernandes means that we can play two strong DMs in front of the defence (with Downes plus 1) will allow us to go back to 4 at the back particularly for games against bottom half clubs. I still expect that for Man City away we'll play 3 at the back and probably all our best defensive midfielders 🙂 ). In summary, buying these type of DMs means they are addressing the defensive issues from last season so that we have tactical flexibility and don't have to completely rely on playing 3 at the back in every game this season. It will be interesting to see if the new additions give the back 4 the solidity that was missing last season.

I also thought that he would be an option, although wasn't sure that signing three of the Sheffield United attacking players (BBD, Archer, Hamer) from last season which was the lowest scoring in the division. I do like him as a player, although he has a bit of a bad reputation for his fitness (rather rotund ...... )

I tend to agree, although he is renowned as a good finisher. Plus his goals in an awful Sheff U team was 4 in 29 games, which compares acceptably to Armstrong's 4 in 53 premier league games. He also has time on his side to improve. Personally can't wait to resign Frazer and to play the three of them up front, it would be the shortest front 3 in the history of the Premier league. I'm sure McCarthy would still hoof it randomly in their general direction (which would still probably be preferable to him playing it out from the back.....)

I dont think 1hat they allow 12 players in the Premiership.

I agree, although it confirms my view; if Bednarek leaves then we need to replace with experience. But like you I expect a real struggle next season, a successful relegation battle should be viewed as equal to the playoff final victory.

You'd seriously want to go into a Premiership season with Stephens (limited), Edwards (lacking experience) and Woods (jury's out) ? I hope that our management don't have the same level of expectation/apathy.

This is hugely speculative. If ABK (probably wants away) and Bednarek leave (last year of contract) then we will certainly be looking for replacements.

I think playing 5 at the back does offer alternative positions for Charly. He is a player who is always looking to try something and look forward, however the inverse to this is that he has a tenancy to give the ball away more than other players. He was most effective when playing just off the front where giving the ball when trying something ambitious isn't such an issue, so I agree with you that playing as part of a front two could work. I'm still not totally convinced by him, but at 21 years old he needs to be given time to evolve in the right position and environment; he certainly has strong potential.

Agreed, although I understand Camara to be more of a defensive midfielder, so would also like a more creative type to replace Stu and Brooks. I don't think that Alcaraz (or ABK) will stay, so perhaps that can fund some of this.

I think that we should compare the forums views on these players. Mara has been universally panned by this forum, with perhaps a short respite from the criticism around the Huddersfield game. Delap has got a good reputation with Hull fans for his pace and holdup play. There are a few comments that his decision making and finishing will need to improve but they talk about an individual with huge potential. He is still only 21, so 8 goals in the Championship at that age isn't too shabby. Mara scored 3 in the league last year. I'm not saying Delap is a world beater, merely that it might be worth giving him a chance before writing him off.

I think that this is a good call. It is the type of player that could help reestablish ourselves in the Premier league. The usual concerns remain: his age, he has been injury prone and £10m is a lot for someone of his age and with only 1 year left on his contract. However, as you say in your last line, it isn't totally unfeasible......

With 1 year left on his contract we'll be lucky to get £15m for KWP.

I suspect that we will have to adapt our possession system next season. There is one thing having 80% possession against Rotherham than playing away at Man City. I can see more performances such as the playoff final where we play 3 at the back and don't dominate the ball as much. Certainly away from home that style could benefit from a pacey front man who stretches the opponents defence. Sulemana doesn't deserve to be in the team based on last seasons performances but there may yet be a role for that type of player as we adapt our style next season.

I agree with much of what you say, except for the price. He is 32 next month and in the last year of his contract, he will also be on mega wages, I'd be surprised if West Ham wouldn't want to get rid on that basis, so I'd hope that Saints wouldn't be interested unless the price came down significantly - say £2m ?

I'm not sure that I would describe Stewart as "strong" in comparison to Wood. He knows League 1 and a little bit of Championship, but not the Premier. And didn't score 14 goals last year. So not that similar ......

I believe Bella Kotchap had the operation in October. I'm not aware of any recurrence of the injury since then.

I'd be slightly worried if we ended up getting Lallana, Ings & Romeu and turn into the home for ex-Saints. I personally feel that Romeu would be the best of the bunch, playing for Barca shows how well his return to Spain went, plus he never had any pace to lose, so age may not affect him as it might other players. However, he will be on a load at Barca and possibly would see his future in his twilight years back in his home country.

Just saw that I repeated your suggestion. Great minds ......

Norwich's Gabriel Sara would be a good shout to strengthen our midfield. An outstanding performer this year in the Championship, played mostly AM, but can play DM and scores a few goals too (13 in 23-24). Biggest issue would be competition from other Premier league teams; I believe that Palace are already sniffing around.

Have people received their tickets for the away leg yet ? Nothing has arrived yet for us.

I thought that Edozie played OK against Stoke, but when it comes down to the crunch games I'd always prefer Frazer who has the experience and pedigree that Edozie doesn't possess. I often think Edozie flatters to deceive. The first league game that he started when he returned after his 6 week layoff was our 3-1 loss to Bristol C. Frazer started the next game v WBA which we won. Edozie started the next v Hull and we lost again. In fairness he didn't start next against Millwall which we lost. He is a player who likes ball to feet while Frazer makes runs for others to use. I also really like Frazer away from home where he gets a little more space. Maybe Edozie will come good, but I don't think Saints play as well as a TEAM when he starts, and so would avoid in the playoffs.