Fingers firstly crossed and touching wood as I write BUT, IF we finish this job and get back to the Prem, WHO of our current squad are good enough to make the first 11 come next August.
There is no doubt that this is one of the strongest teams we have had in many years. Not just the individuals, nor the future potential of our younger chaps but the sum of our parts. I am a firm believer that keeping the core of this first 11 together will help us get off to the right start in year 1 in the Prem. BUT is there a danger that sentiment gets the better of us and we stick with some players who will not be up to the rigour of Prem football.
Here is my initial list, split into definite first XI at Prem level and then squad players. Assume those not on either list are released or loaned out....
First XI
Schmichel, Morgan, Wasileski, Moore, De Laet, Drinkwater, James, Vardy, Knockaert
Squad
Nugent, Konchesky, Mahrez, Dyer, King, Schlupp, Wood
Would therefore suggest from this we need a core of 2/3 quality first team additions, plus an imporved back up/challenger to Kasper. I think this will get the balance right between keeping the core spirit of the first team together but providing some strength.
Thoughts and other suggestions?......
Planning ahead....
posted on 3/3/14
There won't be a massive influx, that's not Nigel's style but 2-5 key signings.
As you say though, let's get over the line first.
posted on 3/3/14
I agree with this as a list, although several fall into a grey area where they might be good enough to start but might also be squad players. Still, given that the team has been built around a magnificent spirit, I don't think a massive influx of players would necessarily do us a lot of good. Maybe one signing in each position: Centre back, full back, centre mid, wing and forward, plus possibly a new keeper.
posted on 3/3/14
"Is there a danger that sentiment gets the better of us and we stick with some players who will not be up to the rigour of Prem football?"
Most certainly there is. We know this because nearly every year one or two promoted teams demonstrates it to be true, under a banner of rewarding loyalty. Many a club has roared away to automatic promotion at least as imperiously as we seem to be doing, only to be exposed in the Prem for what they really are - mostly journeymen, caught up with their fans in a whirl of confident, unstoppable forward momentum.
For my money, only Schmeichel, Konchesky, Moore, Drinkwater, Nugent and maybe De Laet can be inked in for the Premiership side which it looks like Pearson may need to assemble. We won't be massively funded, so several others in the present squad will doubtless get to play, but I struggle to see even the likes of Vardy, Knockaert or Morgan cutting it long term. Of course I'd love to proven wrong.
posted on 3/3/14
I obviously can't comment on this article for fear of cursing the team. However, if I was to comment, if probably say that I broadly agree with the list.
It's hard to say but I can see any of our first team stepping up, but equally many of them could get lost.
I think the definites are Kasper, Morhan/Wasi/Moore, DD and Knocky. Everyone else has a question mark for me - they could make the step, but some would need to find another level.
If personally want to see 2-4 key signings to bolster the squad in the midfield, fullback and up top. Otherwise keep the core of the squad together and give people a chance - if they don't take it, move on.
What I desperately don't want to do is spray money around Harry Redknapp style on "proven" premiership flops only to get relegated and go bust!
Sensible spending on a few signings. If Pearson's given the ask of leading us (and of course he should) I wouldn't expect anything else!
I expect Pearson's building to include a couple of solid prem signings who've been steady away in the past, mixed in with a few gems - one from the championship, one from Man Utd reserves, and of course, one from France!!!