philwhitters

Bottom by end of Feb

Once we go wide to Lowton or Bennett, they have nowhere to go!! Bannan and Westwood don't show, because they don't want it!

We got drubbed a few times, we didn't take the hint that we needed to tighten up at the back. We then failed to 'get up' for big games against Wigan and Southampton at home for whatever reason, losing those games I think is more damaging than Chelski and Spurs games. Leaving us in a state of no confidence and no real ability to pull us out.

Marc Muniesa's contract with Barca ends this year. Young 20 year old CB. (yes need experience asap) but could be worth trying. Mohammed Abu from Vallecano is another who's contract is up, again young (21) but could be the defensive midfielder that fits the young and cheap policy. Matt Phillip's (Blackpool) contract only runs to end of this year. Chung-Yong Lee (Bolton) is another. Liam Bridcutt (Brighton) people have mentioned before. Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse, 23) Flamini (Milan, 28) McDonald Mariga (Inter, 25) All players mentioned are out of contract come the summer. The point I'm making is not that these players are amazing, it's that this information is readily out there with a quick google search. Someone with more knowledge of foreign leagues then myself (my FM playing hours have dwindled) especially scouts at the club could probably compile a decent list as these players may go for a little bit cheaper than face value due to time left of contract. I am as shocked as everyone else that we haven't made early moves!

From that list there are a few that could help us, and if we made bids now maybe get cheaper (could also damage a few teams around us too) Frimpong Turnball (if we were to shift Given) Distin (only really a short term option) Hangeland Simpson (not sure if he is actually any good, but possibly at end of contract if Lichaj goes) Nelson (again sort term, VERY short term) Puncheon (has been quite good so far and would unsettle Southampton) Shotton (would give us a bit of thuggary and a long throw, anyone seen that Delap fella?) Brunt Figueroa Boyce Im obviously not saying sign all these, but they can all do a job. Even making bids for some of those players now could unsettle the player and possibly the club e.g Southampton and Wigan.

We need to work on the shape at the back. I personally hope we stick with 4 at the back. But they need to work together. The problems in the first half were partially created by not shuffling across. When Stevens closed down wide, the other three stayed where they were, leaving a massive space to play inside him. The other three need to shuffle across and if need to, leave opposite winger free. Should they switch it, you have time to shuffle the opposite way and get there to close down. Get the basics right and Benteke and Weimann look a handful and would keep us up.

in here?

Thought he looked completely uninterested in the first half. I know he was technically out of position. But just basics, for example we had a freekick on halfway close to right touchline. Lowton is just going to play it diagonally to Benteke (obvious target), rather than tucking in a little bit ready for the flick on, he stayed 4 yards from left touchline. Benteke won the flick straight to Angel Rangel. He didn't look bothered at all.

The rumours don't sound good. Couldn't believe Halsey waved play on! I was down that end of the ground (live in Swansea, sneaked a ticket) and it looked bad. Michu took a poor touch and Westwood got between him and the ball, Michu lunged and 'scissored' him, and his legs got caught underneath whilst his body just feel back. To top it off, they equalised in the added on time it created! So frustrating, thought Halsey was really poor today, but that's for another thread. One thing we didn't need was another injury, however good or poor in anyones opinion.

The other teams look like they are capable of scoring goals though. Which at the moment we don't and we don't how to stop them at the moment either. Southampton scored 3, Reading on (and won), Wigan scored 3 (albeit against us!) It's only QPR that look worse than us at this point imo. But I do believe with players getting fit and a couple in we could be ok. But this is the first time i've been really worried (including when McDuff was here).

I actually agree. Everyone recognises we need experienced heads. We actually have players at the club already. A fair few are injured at the moment but if everyone was fit I would go back to 4-4-2. GK: Given RB: Lowton CB: Vlaar CB: Dunne LB: Bennett RM: Holman/Gabby CM: Ireland CM: Westwood LM: N'Zogbia ST: Benteke ST: Bent Automatically more experienced and a lot more Prem experience. I don't like Gabby on the wing as much as the next man, but if we have experienced players already here, then lets use them!

Im hoping for some movement soon. But as always at this time, frustrating to see other clubs links and signings. E.g Adebayor to spurs for reported £5mill. (yes I know wages) Ki seung yeung to Swansea £5mill and Pablo Hernandez to Swansea for £5mill. These two players I believe would both improve us, Hernandez especially as could do with another genuine wide man.

Mid-table (between 8th and 15th) and not flirt with relegation. Have a go in the cups. Have a go at winning games.

Thanks. Well if that is the plan, Gabby needs to play up top and we need to draw the opposition out first! I know it was a joke, but I wouldn't mind if that was our ultimate plan, at least we would have one!

The issue for me is I don't know what our plan is. Swansea like to keep the ball. (I live in Swansea and have criticised them all year for keeping the ball and having no 'go forward' but it's a plan!) Stoke get the ball into the box as often as possible, long balls, crosses, throws etc... it's a plan. What do we try and do? I just don't know!

@PhilWhitters

I think Hutton epitimises what we are trying to do. We have a decent full back on very good wages, but coming towards the end of his career. So we move him on and get a decent full back on good wages with twice as long left than the previous. L. Young = Hutton as a player but L. Young > Hutton wages L. Young > Hutton age. So you get the same product for less and prob longer. (If not longer get some money for him)

Joey Barton allowed to speak to QPR

Agreed. It's great when someone explains the thought behind peoples worries/concerns. Top man!

It's because people love the club and want everything in favour of the club. My opinion is that it's a great signing and i'm not bothered about the length of contract. But i can understand that view.

I suppose that is also very true. Well as long as it gets done or we get quality players in I think we all will be happy. We can all agree on that!

Yes, I agree. But I don't see where that quality of player is if we walk away. Basically what I was saying, is I would like this done quickly because if we don't and he goes elsewhere or stays where he is because we don't match the figures, we may suffer during the season and still have the money in our pockets. What would be the point? If they negotiate hard and get him for £10mill i will be delighted. I just don't want the club to lose out.

an extra 2mill from the near £40mill we just made. I'm not saying 'name your price' at all. But to get a guy in that is equal if not better than a player you have just sold for near £20mill for £8mill profit I would still think that is a great deal.

I want the board to just turn to Wigan and say "Here's £12mill. We want the player. We want him now. Can we get this done?" ok we may pay a couple of mill more than we need to, but it will prevent others coming in eventually.

Just a thought on signing younger players. Maybe we are looking for a slightly older player in a vital position because we keep having our better younger ones pinched. So we could keep Given for 4/5 years. where as Foster could attract interest from say Arsenal in a year or two if he is great.