Whilst I think Chris Wood has been a terrific signing and had added what we needed up front I look at other positions and still think we need 1 or 2 more players which I hope Nige is considering...
Midfield especially needs some attention. Forgetting Wellens as he is going backwards and I think he is off, we only have 3 central mids. It only takes 1 of them to get injured like last season and we are at bare bones for a crucial time of the season - we don't want to be playing players out of position, we need a strong squad for the run in. Perhaps also another defender?
Add into this the fact we have been 'out fought' in too many matches this season I would still like to see another tough midfielder, even if James looks to have improved, sometimes you have to win ugly and we don't seem to be able to do that.
We're in a great position and have one of the best teams we've had in the last 8 or 9 years, if we can add 1 or 2 more then I think we have a great chance this season - really don't want the lottery of the play offs and we can get to 2nd place if we can win a few of those tight games...
What do others think?
Still think we need 1 or 2 more...
posted on 10/1/13
I understand we are in negotiations for two positions.
A tough central midfielder - tick
A defender - tick
So it would seem Nigel agrees with you.
I beleive we are trying to get Trotter in based on nothing more than Twitter rumours from Stringer et al, and if we fail are lining up (another) Utd loan.
I don't know anything about the defender and whiter this is now off the radar with Keane's loan extended or not. I'm less worried here as with Schulpp and Moore, I feel we have good cover across the back 4 but if I were to be picky, I'd like a strong left back to challenge Konch.
So, a midfielder able to win a battle is the only real item on my shopping list but a bit harsh on James who's beginning to show some form.
Oh well, sport is ruthless!!!
posted on 10/1/13
Haha, Indeed it is Mersey but with the transfer window as it is I would like a couple more just in case - someone will get injured as bodies get tired and games pile up and it is good to have cover...
Heard Trotter is attracting Watfords attention - may be Nige has cooled interest after James improved form or may be we are still in talks...? I also think Millwall will want more than he is worth after the Wood transfer - either way someone to keep the midfield 3 on their toes would be good.
posted on 10/1/13
I'm not sure what to think of the Liam Trotter rumour. If we bring in a quality centre mid, that means that in a 4-4-2, two of Drinkwater, King, James and newby wouldn't be playing; this is quite ruthless and a little at odds with Pearson's policy of having a small squad with not too many people out of action. If James can continue the form he's showing then arguably we don't need another centre mid as the three we have (plus possibly Marshall who could fill in there) should be able to do the job. It's a marginal decision for me.
Similarly, if Michael Keane plays well, the question of another defender may also be answered.
posted on 10/1/13
I agree AJB. I think we're now in a position where we have a squad that looks quite capable of a play off finish, but to achieve better we look very susceptible to injuries or poor form.
I fear injuries to the strong core that our team has got: Schmeichel, Morgan, Drinkwater and Nugent. The situation has improved since the signing of Wood and the form of James, but we still look a little light - particularly in midfield.
posted on 10/1/13
"If James can continue the form he's showing then arguably we don't need another centre mid as the three we have (plus possibly Marshall who could fill in there) should be able to do the job."
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If James did his ligaments in training tomorrow then we have only King with Marshall "filling in" or Wellens on the bench.
The choice is either a small, motivated squad or the luxury of adequate back-up to cover the unknowns. There are arguments for either approach, but I still fear we are vulnerable to injuries despite the fact we've been lucky thus far.
posted on 10/1/13
I think the point about the midfield is more about experience, rather than attacking or defensive.
It may date me a bit but I remember "Jock's Junior Commandos"! A hugely talented bunch of kids but who only really came good when the likes of Eddie Kelly and then Gerry Daly joined the club.
It feels like deja vu, as I think I mentioned in a previous article !
posted on 10/1/13
Still think king could be off?
posted on 10/1/13
With Keane here, St Ledge on the way back, Moore and Schlupp I feel we are covered in defence and I feel another "first XI" player would disrupt the unity because there's not enough places in the team.
Similar situation in Midfield if we're going with 4-4-2 but if we could get an experienced head in there to play in some games (the-scrap-it-out games away from home games) then I'd feel we are set for the run-in.
Don't forget that the loan window doesn't shut until March in case of emergencies.