ErwinK1961

thank you

I guess this is where we disagree as I would not class Steven Davis as an attacking midfielder in comparison to the other players I previously mentioned. When he's on his game he knits midfield and defence really well. Having Mane / Tadic in this role in midfield is completely different, which is why I disagreed with the original post. Also, I'm not asking us to completely abandon a formation that as you say, has served us brilliantly for that period, just suggesting I'd rather 3-5-2 then an overloaded attacking team that throws the balance out. It would also allow Mane to have a free role around Pelle, which seems to be what we're trying to do with the current formation. In regards to Cedric and his defending, surprised you can't see why people are questioning his defensive ability. It's obviously early days and not writing him off at all, but he's so far been shown wanting in his positioning and strength (not just against Lukaku) and I think its perfectly valid to raise this as a current concern.

My point being that I don't think we can play 4 attacking players from Mane, Tadic, Long, Pelle, J-rod, Juanmi without it effecting the balance of the team. Things certainly improved when Romeu came on and I think him and Vic will form a great partnership, however I still feel we need someone who can link the midfield and attack whether that be Davis/JWP or Clasie when he's fit. We tried 'four' on occasions last season, even with Morgan around, and I still didn't feel it worked that well. I'd much rather see 3-5-2 with Cedric and Targett / Bertrand as marauding wing-backs *****il such a time as Cedric knows how to defend). All IMO of course.

Because he's all over negativity like a tramp on chips. Lets pray for a few wins soon, so he can disappear off here for a few weeks.

Stopped reading there.

If we go with this, then we've learnt no lessons from the weekend.

I'll have a pint of whatever you're having!

I don't think he was great, but more referring to that he seemed distracted. Though that could have been what was unfolding around him rather than off-field issues

Were they actually just shouting scummer at Clyne?? Jesus.

The way he played on Saturday, strangers things have happened.

Some would argue we don't.

Why sign one last year if you weren't happy with it?

In that case, finger off the panic button.

Its boring isn't it.

Surely not? Appreciate he is heading towards a certain age, but he's our captain and clearly a vital player on and off the pitch.

Hmmm, not sure if we need another CM. If we do get another one in, then surely Reed would benefit from a seasons loan somewhere? He'll hardly get any games!

Can't really say much in respect of shot stopping, as Stek hasn't really been tested as of yet, however what he has had to do so far he's done well. I like Forster and he did good things for us last last year, but I feel Stek has a better command of his area and gives off an aura of control IMO.

apologies

*MLG alert* Stoke did lose Begovic and N'Zonzi

Yeah just seen that myself.... interesting signing along similar lines to Bertrand. Hope he can have the same impact.

Any idea if this is likely to be before Celtic's qualifier?

Are the signs ever good in your opinion? Ron actually said we want another 2-3 players, so if we sign two is that going to be your next stick to beat the club with, that we didn't sign 3? If we don't sign a CB/CM then I'd agree that we aren't looking as strong. However (and sorry for 'banging the mantra') I will wait until the end of the window before making a judgement, especially as arguably our two best signings of last season came at the very end of deadline day.

This.

Umm.... were you saying that at this point last year? Or are you basing this on hindsight having used the whole of last season as a gauge? If the latter, maybe it's worth bearing that in mind before you start soiling your pants before this transfer window is even finished.

Think it's fairly obvious this is a **** take of Bravehearts thread.