Are we a bit distracted by the Striker situation this summer?....

[BoroMart]

There is a strong possibility that Hackney moves on, O'Brien doesnt kick on and the loan ends, Howson can not be relied upon for a potential 45 game season, and it looks like Barlaser is struggling to cement his place, or perhaps is struggling to do what is needed in that position for us.

It sounds less likely that Hackney will and if he does it sounds like well have massive scope for investment. O'Brien may or may not be here, but he's barely featured really. Howson needs replacing as a first teamer and to be a back up. Barlaser, I'd get rid if anyone offers 1m.

 

[BoroMart]

We need an Adam Clayton and/or Grant Leadbitter types of players. Although a George Boteng type of player would not go amiss either.

If we keep Hackney then a Boateng is exactly what we need. I know that type has fallen out of a favour a little, but I think they are still vastly important.

 

[1finny]

If we keep Hackney then a Boateng is exactly what we need. I know that type has fallen out of a favour a little, but I think they are still vastly important.

Oh man
I got all dreamy and starry eyed there with the mention of The Boat

 

[BoroMart]

Oh man
I got all dreamy and starry eyed there with the mention of The Boat

gotta love the Boat, absolutely top top class CDM. I remember one year nearly all his stats were better than a prime Makelele but no one seemed to notice.

 

[B_G]

Boateng was always my favourite player during that generation. Loved him.

What would he be worth today? £50m+,

 

[AytonMews]

Not sure how comfortable Boateng would be with Glover rolling the ball out to him on the edge of the box with 3 players closing him down!

 

[parmoboy]

I'd like to think Howson and Barlaser will both still be here next season, they're both adequate squad players for this level, although I think we should be saying to Howson that we're offering him a one year extension on the understanding that he will more than likely be a squad player.

Signing a more natural ball-winning midfielder will be essential, and then the hope will be that Hackney stays.

I actually feel that O'Brien has been a tad unlucky, as I think he'd perform better playing alongside a decent DM, but if his performances don't improve from now until the end of the season then I feel it would be too risky to sign him, even if Hackney leaves.

 

[jetpropelledgiraffe]

To be honest, from what I saw on Saturday, we have issues in all departments and not just up top.
I watched Blackburn play the Saudies last night and they already look a mile better than we do with Eustaces expertise.

Carrick lacks experience and seems to be averse to learning. Not sure how that resolves itself.

Carrick has more experience than Eustace has

 

[Diego]

Boateng was always my favourite player during that generation. Loved him.

What would he be worth today? £50m+,

Me too. What a player.

 

[BoroMart]

To be honest, from what I saw on Saturday, we have issues in all departments and not just up top.
I watched Blackburn play the Saudies last night and they already look a mile better than we do with Eustaces expertise.

Carrick lacks experience and seems to be averse to learning. Not sure how that resolves itself.

You can't really make conclusions like that off one or two games. Well you can, but its folly to do that.

Carrick is learning all the time, we're going through a tough patch, all teams do at some point, at least he has the excuse of one of the lost injury ravaged seasons we've ever had. I make it 15 players with significant injuries. Only Glover, Jamie Jones, Rav, Gilbert and Barlaser have been available for 75% or more of our league games. Yup our second and third choice keepers, a 19 year old kid, a winger with about 2 appearances, and our worst central midfielder. Everyone else has had injuries or been sold.