24 Jun 2015 16:02:37
First time posting here after reading through rumours and rumours, just wanted to share my two cents (bear with me here).
I'd actually be satisfied if we just sign a cb (pref Toby), sell both Mayuka and Osvaldo and give Ramirez another shot, and assuming we keep hold of both Spider and clyne (a BIG if), this squad looks like it's good enough to cope with both europe and a good run in the PL again, don't u think?
GK: Stek, FF, Super Kelv
RB: Clyne, Cedric
CB: Toby, Fonte, Yosh, Gardos
LB: Bertrand, Targett
CMF: Spider, Davis, Vic, Reed
AMF: JWP, Juanmi
WG: Mane, Tadic, Ramirez, Jay Rod
FW: Pelle, Long
I think versatility is also key here, seeing that clyne could play LB, Toby and Yosh solid RB covers, Davis and JWP can interchange between deeper and advanced positions, Long and JayRod versatile enough to switch from FW to winger from time to time. Juanmi and Ramirez could probably play anywhere between the holding midfield and forwards.
Just a thought! COYS
24 Jun 2015 19:29:36
If we take what Les Reed said about using our youth players to add further depth then here's a few additions for positions who could feature at some stage. Hopefully a few of these players will also be sent out on loan to get some better game time and experience.
GK: Gazzaniga
RB: Bevis Mugabi (Used formerly as a centre back), Jake Flannigan
CB Jack Stephens, Jordan Turnbull, Jason McCarthy
LB: Josh Debayo
CMF: Dom Gape
AMF: Jake Hesketh, Callum Slattery
WG: Sam McQueen, Lloyd Isgrove
FW: Sam Gallagher, Ryan Seager, Josh Sims
25 Jun 2015 08:10:15
Personally, regardless of whether or not we sign Toby, I think another decent quality CB would be a good shout, not sure I rate Gardos particularly highly and Yoshida whilst a decent player,in order to push us to the next level I would sign someone better [finances permitting). Basically sell Gardos, sign a better CB and keep Jose, Toby, Yoshida and a new CB.
I think J Rod when fit played much better in the outside forward role rather than the out and out striker, and Long is also better in this role, so I would quite like another strong striker, doesn't appear as though Koeman rates Gallagher unfortunately.
Obviously this may not be realistic due to finances!
25 Jun 2015 12:17:59
Les Reed has said that a championship loan is the next step in the development of Stephens and Turnball, so I expect them to be loaned out again. I think Gallagher, Isgrove and possibly Hesketh and McQueen will be the next players to be used more regularly. As Reed said aftern Isgroves Sheffield Wednesday loan that he hoped he'd return a contender for the first team. Gallagher had a long term injury last term and spent the end of last season getting sharp again so I expect he'll be used. McQueen was used a lot last pre-season so could possibly push on and as with Hesketh I think Koeman rates him highly after giving him his debut against Man U and starting him against Burnley. I think Gallagher will really push on this year, I think he has all the attributes to becoming a top striker