I thought Stephens started the season well and was playing with an injury for some of the games, Stevenage away was one. He was looking back to his best towards the end of the season. Although any signings that will improve the team would be good.
I agree, also think he will get a bit more time on the ball in the Campionship. I believe he will become a great player.
Must agree with GH. If we only strengthen one position then I would prefer it to be CM. Only real position of weakness. Anyone else would be icing on the cake.
disagree. I think Bover JJ, Wilson and (I expect him to sign) Kerkar will be good cover. I'd like a ball playing CB to ensure we don't get lazy and go route one as we did for much of winter. Smith good back up for Yann, Cook promising, but Baldock would be the other signing I'd like.
Not talking about cover. None of our central midfield are good enough and I want someone proven in the Championship that is. That is not to say our current midfielders can't cut it this season but on last years showing that area will be a considerable weakness this time around.
Bit harsh don't think we've seen the best of stephens yet.
Is it harsh though ? Stephens flattered to deceive last season and although I think he has real potential it's not something we can guarantee from what I've seen. We definitely need a straight out of the box into the first team midfielder IMHO.
Agree, Stephens has something about him, but I found him frustrating. I can see him pushing on, but I'd like a new CM that offers something different and improves on what we've got. A Scott Parker of the Championship would be ideal, bit more pace, aggression and strength, someone that can drive forward with the ball.
As Oggy said, for me any combination of Stephens, Hollands, Jackson and Green in a midfield 2, 3 or 4 lacks the pace and energy we'll need, even more so in the Champ.
Must agree with GH. If we only strengthen one position then I would prefer it to be CM. Only real position of weakness. Anyone else would be icing on the cake.
disagree. I think Bover JJ, Wilson and (I expect him to sign) Kerkar will be good cover. I'd like a ball playing CB to ensure we don't get lazy and go route one as we did for much of winter. Smith good back up for Yann, Cook promising, but Baldock would be the other signing I'd like.
Not talking about cover. None of our central midfield are good enough and I want someone proven in the Championship that is. That is not to say our current midfielders can't cut it this season but on last years showing that area will be a considerable weakness this time around.
Bit harsh don't think we've seen the best of stephens yet.
Is it harsh though ? Stephens flattered to deceive last season and although I think he has real potential it's not something we can guarantee from what I've seen. We definitely need a straight out of the box into the first team midfielder IMHO.
Agree, Stephens has something about him, but I found him frustrating. I can see him pushing on, but I'd like a new CM that offers something different and improves on what we've got. A Scott Parker of the Championship would be ideal, bit more pace, aggression and strength, someone that can drive forward with the ball.
As Oggy said, for me any combination of Stephens, Hollands, Jackson and Green in a midfield 2, 3 or 4 lacks the pace and energy we'll need, even more so in the Champ.
Waggy and BP have the energy and pace to impact but need defence to step up 5/10 yards to stop them being isolated. DS pulling strings but needs to do so in oppo half, not ours. Pace upfront with Yann/Smith drpping off. Sorted.
Sunderland have apparently bid £12m for Wolves striker Fletcher. Madness. If that's how the transfer market is at the moment you can see why we're struggling to sign players.
I think Pritchard will have a good season and could be CPs "secret weapon". I think think this guy could be the missin midfield dynamo. If not we need one.
Sunderland have apparently bid £12m for Wolves striker Fletcher. Madness. If that's how the transfer market is at the moment you can see why we're struggling to sign players.
I think the player is grossly under-rated, if he looked like a spanish 'superstar' and had a name like fernando I don't think many people would bat an eye lid at this price.
Comments
As Oggy said, for me any combination of Stephens, Hollands, Jackson and Green in a midfield 2, 3 or 4 lacks the pace and energy we'll need, even more so in the Champ.
Even if we got 4-3-3 and include Jackson, we'll probably then need 5 CMs.
Wilson not really cover for me, nor would I want to see Wagstaff or Green in CM, even in a 3.
Bover's not ready yet - if we get a few injuries I wouldn't be confident with him having to play a long a run of games.
Might sign Kerkar, but if we can sign proven Champ quality we should. Same with CB and up front.
If not we need one.
Powell Out.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17803512
29 year old Scottish midfielder who played regularly for Norwich in League 1 and the Championship until he had appendicitis.