I think that we have progressed massively under Grayson, from the first game of his tenure against Leicester to the end of last season, there has been a massive progression.
If we compare last seasons starting 11 over the season it wasn't much different to the starting 11 we had in League One. Obviously now the likes of Naylor, Johnson and Kilkenny who were ever present in League One have left. Was last season a case of the players out performing themselves, such as Becchio, Howson etc, or do you genuinely think they can perform to that level again this season? With Kisnorbo back and looking sharp I can't see any reason as the why he shouldn't be as good as he was apart from maybe his fitness, but 14 months out and training should see him as fit as ever.
I am confident with the 2 keepers as I believe that Rachubka is a better 2nd choice than Higgs and I think Longeran is a better all round keeper than Kasper.
The Midfield is my worry, if Grayson plays his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, with the old Michael Brown and young Adam Clayton (who is completely inexperienced at this level) as the holding midfielders which is what he has done in pre season then there is an area for concern.
Attacking wise I believe we are fine -Becchio, Snodgrass, Gradel, McCormack, Paynter, Sam, Nunez, Mendy (if he signs) and even Grella may play a part.
I feel we are 2 players light however, a central midfielder and a left back.
I would love to see Lichaj back on a season long loan as he said he enjoyed playing for the club last season - he could play left back. And I actually would like to see Jake Livermore return as we didn't get to see alot of him last year although I can't see that happening.
My prediction: 9th - Slow start, good mid season and poor finish.
However this would be a massive underachievement as if the squad had been invested into more I feel would should be challenging for the top six.
your opinions and expectations
posted on 3/8/11
With Kisnorbo back and looking sharp I can't see any reason as the why he shouldn't be as good as he was apart from maybe his fitness, but 14 months out and training should see him as fit as ever.
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Bit of a contradiction.
Re strikers out of our available strikers only Gradel returned a respectable haul and last season was aassive difference to his previous seasons.
Can he repeat it?
posted on 3/8/11
How have we progressed massively?
If the squad was more or less the same as the one we had in League 1, and finished a disappointing 7th, that shows you how much we underachieved in League 1!
posted on 3/8/11
Or it shows that the players stepped it up in the Championship.
posted on 3/8/11
They did no better compared to Norwich or Millwall, though.
posted on 3/8/11
And how can 9th be an underachievement if it's what you expect the players to achieve?
posted on 3/8/11
That is where I think we will finish not expect. I don't know what to expect until we have played some games, however if we do finish outside the play offs some massive questions need to be asked about the lack of transfer activity
posted on 3/8/11
white is the colour, leeds is the name
Great post, but IMO we'll end up higher than that. I reckon we'll be battling with others for promotion come may.