Phone in??

I also don't get how he can (apart from at Doncaster) be so dominant in the air defensively, but so woeful with headers in the opposition's box.

I kind of agree with what Pearson said last night, suggesting that we did get enough balls in, we just missed too many chances. On average, I'd say Bamba gets a heading chance every other game, but rarely even gets the ball near the target.
I'd suggest having Mills in the area for corners and leaving Bamba on the edge of the box, ready to get back with his pace in case we are countered.

BTW regarding this topic - Nigel said 2 things at seperate times which may be linked. Firstly he said Tunch was definitely in his plans for the future, secondly he talked about how difficult having a big squad and keeping everyone happy, and inevitably this might lead to out goings as well as incomings in Janurary - did anyone else read this as SSL may be on his way, either temporary or permanent?

NNot heard about SSL going but I think it would be a mistake letting him go, what if tunch is injured or mills banned!? And is Bamba going to african nations?

I think unless one of them asks to leave, it is highly unlikely any of them will be sold.

If Pearson had been in charge at the start of the season, we would probably have permanent CB partners so a move would be more of a possibility for one of them. But at the minute, I think it's still up in the air, so at best, I think it would be a month or two loan for SSL or Tunchev, but would either want to go?

I believe Two questions have arisen about Bamba recently. First, whether he's of the right mindset to join a team battle. Second, whether he's a good enough reader of the game. He's got pace, his long legs so often win the ball and he's good in the air, but are strikers outwitting him to score, particularly escaping him for crosses?

If the second of these issues is minor enough and the first not an issue at all then he's ahead of Sledger for me as the obvious positives outweigh the negatives.

However, the question may eventually be asked: Is Bamba actually far better suited as a centre back for an attacking, flair-based team?

I think he perhaps struggles with out the permanent protection of a defending midfielder.

I also think he finds it very difficult to hold his concentration when he isn't directly involved in the game for a reasonable period and hence, sometimes tries to get involved when he shouldn't.

However, he is very good at bringing the ball out in to the middle of the park, and therefore helping to push us forward as a team.

You may have heard my fumbling question about Fernandes last night. I've listened to it again and it was cringeworthy. Stringer put me on the spot too, the little mucker about who I'd replace if I wanted Gelson in the team (he remembers my blog article about his show from last year methinks as he sounded aggressive), but I realise now i should have written the question done so I didn't hum and ha my way through my personal debacle.

I realise there won't be a 'next time' so my opportunity was squandered. Not that Nigel was going to give anything up, but I hope he does mix it up against Ipswich, as we are direly in need of changes, because the team could/should have no guarantees of places. Old guard or not.

The times i see Bamba his antisipation and pace are superb. I think we underestimate the quality of finnishing from Billy Wizz.
The under performing midfield give both the attack and defence headaches but we win as ateam and lose as a team and everyone has to shoulder responcibility.

Spherical,

I think perhaps you ought to save your introspection for your psychiatrist rather than opening up on a football forum.

Good Luck!

Joby,

Thanks for the advice, I'll keep it in mind. Sorry for talking about the talk-in on a talk in thread.

My bad