2011 squad V 2012 squad

We also gained Ade, don't forget.

I've never rated Modric as a CM in a 4-4-2, especially when we were playing with two out and out wingers but, ironically, he might have been ideal for a 4-3-3, we'll never know.

We look stronger as a squad, no doubt, and with Dembele and Siggi/Dempsey replacing Modric and VDV we'll be a lot stronger off the ball. Whether we miss their more mercurial talents remains to be seen.

I'd be happy to treat this season as a (dreaded) transition period, but if we don't build on the Reading (as opposed to Norwich) performance, I fear for AVB come Xmas.

2012 easy, as much as I loved ledley and VDV, I think this squad will be stronger

Morning Gents

Comfatable........We had Ade in both squads even if he was only on loan last year....I hope we did otherwise I dont know who scored those 17 goals

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Galv you litttle tinker

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Hi Squid,

It's early days yet and yesterday was the first chance i've had to watch the current team. I was impressed with the big rugby player we bought to play centre back, i'm assuming he's a rugby player as they kept calling him "the Tongan".

Bet he can kick a ball further than any egg chaser

Joking aside Squid, i thought he looked very cool on the ball, always keen to receive it and happy to go forward given the chance. Gylfi looked energetic and Dembele was involved throughout the game. The match was about 10-15 mins old before i remembered Bale was playing.

Yes Bale wasnt as involved as much as we'd like but he did score and did puts some great runs together ....TBH I wonder if we put too much pressure on him , after all he is still only a youngster and nobody performs at 100% all the time .......