Who is the weakest link in the NUFC first XI?

Goodbye!
With no football about and very little news around to float my writing boat I’ve had to think about subjects to write about a bit more than what I would have to do normally.

So with that I’ve really been thinking about our team, our fortunes, and what we need to improve to progress in the future.

Of course we covered that the other day in this article, but that one essentially takes a look at what we need to do in the transfer market. With that particular market closed for the time being, we must make do with what we’ve got.

So what have we got? I’m pretty sure that most will agree that we have some cracking players. I’m also pretty sure that most will agree that we have some players who are, well, shall we say not so cracking? Yes the squad has holes in it which have been discussed to death, but what about the first team? Where would you improve as a priority? Who is the weakest link?

To establish that I think it’s important to try and work out our best team when everyone is fit. To me that probably means something like; Krul, Simpson, Coloccini, S.Taylor, Santon, Obertan, Cabaye, Tiote, Jonas, Demba Ba, Cisse.

Now I know people will scoff with the inclusion of Obertan, but the fact is I really struggled with who to put on the right. Obertan is there solely because he was part of the team that went unbeaten at the start of the season although it could just as easily be Hatem Ben Arfa in truth.

Now assuming I’ve pretty much touched on what our strongest team is, the next question has to be where do we improve it? It’s all to easy to say all over, which ultimately is the goal, but in one transfer window that just isn’t going to happen. Small steps and all that…

So look at that team and work out who is the weakest link?

About toonsy

A lifelong Newcastle fan and current webmaster of this very 'blog who has the sole aim of creating a place by Newcastle United fans, for Newcastle United fans.

81 thoughts on “Who is the weakest link in the NUFC first XI?

  1. No comment

    It’s a team game all have earned the right to play. Areas to improve are either in the wide areas or we change formation.

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  2. I hate to say it Toonsy but that’s twice we’ve agreed today. 😯
    That’s the team I would play.

    For me, Raylor may provide a better service to the forwards than Oba but he doesn’t cover the ground and cover his fullback as well IMO

    However having said all that, I still believe we need a better player than them both.

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  3. OK from those who have had regular starts this season eg exc. Marv, Cisse & HBA. those that I want in my starting 11 next season are

    Krul, Santon, Colo, Saylor, Tiote, Cabaye, Jonas & Ba

    That’s three places up for grabs.

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  4. Reckon that lineup is close to our first choice, but if it were me I’d start Raylor over Santon until the latter learns when to go forward and when to stay back.

    So to answer the question: Santon, Obertan, Simpson. In that order.

    Feels a bit harsh to say that about Simmo though, the lad’s earned a new contract IMO.

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  5. I won’t beat about the bush, the positions I would strenghten is Simmo and Oba, for me when Marv is back he’ll take over from Jonas and then Jonas gets a blast on the right. I know that Simmo was part of the unbeaten run but I think it was more to do with others doing his work and keeping him right.

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  6. simpson is weak link for me i would like to see young fergie put in at l/b and switch santon to the right at some during a game,maybe even against
    wolves i think simpson will struggle against jarvis imo

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  7. Yeah the stand out is Simmo i think
    Tbh starting line up isn’t the real issue for us it is depth.

    I would love to see us try 4-3-3
    Jonas/Guthrie-Tiote-Cabaye
    Then playing Benny up top with the Demba’s

    Don’t know whether now is the time to do it, but think it’s worth a shot at some point. It’s the only formation where we can properly play Ben Arfa i think.

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  8. It’s possible that we should include all our best players. In my mind we have 10 good ones and I’d find a place for all. The 11th is Williamson who I don’t rate but in the absence of Saylor there’s no one else.
    However this means 433 with Jonas at right back.
    Weak links are definitely Simpson, Obertan and Williamson and I don’t think we can afford more than one.

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  9. @ KeithR

    (in the style of Anne Robinson)

    “Keith you chose Ben Arfa. He has a Midas touch. You don’t . Why choose him?”

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  10. Can’t wait for Sylvain Marveaux to come back,cause simply he is way better than the current wingers. 😉

    Yes,i have watched him played before in french league,to have such confidence saying. 😎

    Question remains,is ryan taylor worst/equal/better than danny simpson at right back?

    If is worst,i guess the club should start finding new players for Right back position.

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  11. For me danny simpson is the weakest part of the team he gets torn apart for his pace and isnt the best defender for me ad be hoping another right back came in or sign the lad from psv and switch santon to right back

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  12. 😆 just named the midfielders Toonsy left out of his first choice eleven who”ve figured this season.. Obertan not as good as any of them

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  13. Definately Obertan from that team but the right wing in general hasnt been very effective since last season, Joey must be kicking himsel for not shutting up looking at the lads form this season and the chopping and changing in the position he had nailed down last season… 🙄

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  14. A few of you are saying bring some one in to replace ONE of our wingers, does that mean you would replace Gutierrez, are you insane Gut is amazing, for me the 3rd best player we have behind Ba and Cabaye NO WAY WOULD WE CHANGE GUTIERREZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!! no onto the matter at hand i would personally move Santon to right back where i think after a few games you would see him flourish and would of bought Aly Cissokho to go at left back and let Ben Arfa have the right wing, if it does not work get someone like hoilett to go out right! This is the team!!! Krul, Santon, Samba, Coloccini, Cissikho, Hoilett, Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Ba, Cisse, it makes my mouth water just looking at it, and i think its completely possible.

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  15. Its clear that Pardew is frustrated with the right wing position.

    He’s played Barfa, Taylor, Obertan and switched Jonas there occasionally. I’m sure someone else will think of another player to play there this season.

    It’s got to be a priority this Summer.

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  16. I think Simpson has earned his right back position for the season and is lacking cover from both the right winger and his defending partner. When S Taylor returns u will see a better Simpson.

    As for Obertan he has the potential but lacks confidence.. I would try Ben Arfa on the right as a sub for the next 2 games and see where that goes. Santon is a perfect left back and IMO one of the best in the league, no problem there. The rest of the team just needs cover.

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  17. @23 Agree, but buy a better full back and you can afford to play Ben Arfa, probably work out cheaper than buying a top quality winger, plus you’d still have the same problem even if you did buy a winger, full back behind him who needs too much help

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  18. TROY simpson will be gone in the summer imo so something will have to change

    by the way wife made me reply to you on last thread 😉

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  19. SIMPSON IS FINE!! GIVE HIM A NEW CONTRACT!!! Dont you all realize that he lacks cover from the right wing and central defence. You can put any defender in his position and they will struggle, yet he has done a fine job.

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  20. HBA is a wonderfull player. What he can do is magical at times, but in reality when you look past the flashy exterior of him what does he actually do for the team, he gives the ball away far too many times, putting the side under immesnce pressure as a result of a counter attack from him loosing the ball, he never knows when to pass, resulting in failed attacks and yet again wasting chances which in the premie leage just can’t be done. It is a team game and for me HBA is too selfish, unless he changes I can’t see him staying as I think Pardew will get rid.

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  21. @Icedog

    Cheers fella. Just read it. 😉

    If you and your good lady ever want a drink before the match I will buy them in.
    You’ll recognise me by my trunks and boots and there’s always plenty of space around me. 😛

    @BD
    Pat Bomber Roach bent six inch nails? It’s good we’ve had heroes to influence us in our early lives fella. 😉

    Batty used to live next to Jimmy Nail and Batty still wears Oz’s dirty Y fronts. Respect For Batty like. 😛

    On the football issue. @Keith. You didn’t answer my question in the style of Anne Robinson . Why Barfa? What are your reasons?

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  22. Starting to look like I have a thing for HBA defending him all the time, just think it’s funny how much criticism he comes in for about giving the ball away etc etc.. Look I love Jonas for his work rate.. I also loved Kevin Kilbane for his playing for Ireland, didn’t make him a better player than Damien Duff though.

    Statistically Jonas has a worse.. pass success percentage.. less successful long balls per game.. half the successful through balls per game.. less successful dribbles per game.. gets dispossessed more often.. and turnsover possession to the opposition more often… not to mention less goals and assists in double the game time… and that’s without even mentioning Obertan in comparison.

    Can understand if the criticism is based around Benny’s defensive work and see why Pardew hesitates to play him on that basis, especially since Simpson needs a bit of extra help. but the stick he gets for his work on the ball is way over the top in my opinion and solely based on the fact everyone expects him to be every bit as good as someone like David Silva.

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  23. I would have had r taylor in our first eleven but out of the team above obertan is the weakest then simpson ! 😐

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  24. @KeithR

    Sorry fella. I thought you had said you would get rid of Barfa in the earlier post . That’s why I was asking your reasons.

    I can’t understand how anyone could want to sell him.
    He’s just come back from a horrific injury and year lay off and because he hasnt hit the ground running, he is just referenced off as not good enough.

    I find it incredible to be frank. He has scored some of the most exciting goals in the brief return he’s made. He has the potential to be the most exciting player since Beardsley.

    Give the lad time to find his feet and start giving him support instead of writing him off.

    That’s not having a go at you KeithR it’s to those impatient posters who have him on this summers transfer list. Disgraceful IMO 😯

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  25. I’ve not put what I think in the article for a reason, and that is because I want to debate it in the comments.

    For me it’s Simpson all day long. How can a player who needs covered by another not be classed as a weak link? This is part of the reason why the shape of the team is affected as our right winger has to keep an eye on him. Weakest link by far in my opinion.

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  26. Nuts mate.. as I said to Moreno start of the season when he asked me who he was similar to (or it might have actually been you) I said Nani.. he’ll frustrate the life out of you and his teammates at times but next time he gets the ball will score a goal of the month contender or else lay one on a plate for someone else, just that type of player.

    As i said, do see why Pardew is hesitant to play him because our full back need protection but if we improve in the summer in that regard and our wingers main job is to attack, then he is probably one of our best players, period.

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  27. @Toonsy

    I agree with your Simpson point but does Jonas not have to cover Raylor and Santon the same way. Does that not mean Raylor and Santon are as equally culpable as Simmo?

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  28. The obvious way forward would be Santon to the right and Pieters for left back. Santon in his more natural position could potentially allow Ben Arfa to give it a go at RM.

    I don’t like Jonas slating, tbh he has been poor recently but just looking at assists is too narrow minded, take last season, we scored a number of goals from set pieces that Jonas won a huge number of but he wouldn’t count as a player making the assist.

    @Troy/KeithR etc where would you play Ben Arfa? I in no way think we should get rid of him but it pains me to say he doesn’t seem to feature in Pardew’s plans.

    The problem is we would have to change our formation to effectively play him, but Ba has shown himself to play much better in a 4-4-2.
    So what is more important, the teams effectiveness or HBA? It has to be the team.
    I really hope he can knuckle down and convince Pards that he can play on the wing, i agree with the Nani comparisons (though Man Utd don’t need to change their formation for him), talent in abundance but just poor decision making atm, knowing when to dribble, when just to pass etc.
    HBA is the player with the potential to take us to the next level.

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  29. @Solano.. personally think he is better through the middle, when I have seen him play there in and for France he has been a nightmare to deal with, but our set-up doesn’t allow for it, for the moment anyway. Would still play him above Obertan if faith was put in him to attack, let Cabaye/Tiote cover in behind him when he drifts forward. Ideal scenario would be just to have a top 6 full back so it’s not a problem, but until the end of the season going off Pardews set-up I would probably go with Ryan Taylor or Jonas RW to be honest, play Ben Arfa left.. Santon bombs forward a lot but he has the engine to get back and is a much better defender than Simpson.

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  30. Pardew is the weakest link. Relies on luck on the day rather than deliberate effort for the victory. His One tactics fit all teams is demonstrable of this.

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  31. guys are been unfair to simmo with out hime we would have lost lots of games ifit wasnt for his goal lineclearens
    Mind definatly will get shoot of perch ferguson and the ameobi brothers oba with confident can be really good
    And do think jonas is less able than o ertan going forwardhe would be much better playing along side the centre middfield

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  32. I,d play out this season with a starting 11 of ;

    Krul

    Jonas Colo Williamson Santon

    Cabaye Tiote

    Raylor HBA

    To strengthen in the summer transfer window ;

    CD my preference Yanga Mbiwa

    RW Assaidi

    ST Dost

    Ba Cisse

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  33. It’s Simpson,who, has 5 reverse gears and no overdrive when attacking. He is an athlete who plays football, rather than an athletic footlballer, wih a poor touch and no pace. Pace is a given for all decent Premiership fullbacks today– so he won’t improve. Raylor has the same liability– we need a right back in the summer!!

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  34. Yeah I think I agree Keith, maybe that’s the long term plan, either once Santon has settled or we have bought a new LB we can play HBA left Jonas right. That would be some front 6.

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  35. “Gary Watson
    February 20, 2012 at 21:49

    JJ @224 – There’s no way in hell that was you ‘playing’ with me. It was just a ridiculous comparison, as was mine earlier. Don’t try to back pedal mate, it’s embarrassing.”

    Gary, you really are a fcking knob… 😀
    Anyone who has read half of my posts on here would have picked up my sense of humour involves quite a bit of sarcasm. If I’ve made any statement in which I feel I’ve embarrest myself, I’ve always been quite happy to admit it… Including yesterday when I had a go at you after misunderstanding your “thug” statement. 😳

    Honestly, hand on heart, I was just screwing with you yesterday because I was bored, and I enjoy it because you are so **** easy to wind up…

    Now run along… 😆

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  36. Oh, and truthfully, I’m not actually Mandela’s biggest fan. His “Children’s Fund” charity and 46664 foundation go a long way to supplementing his own children’s million dollar homes and cars as well as his own, and very little of it even sees any worthy charity organisation…

    I admire the man for not coming out with any hatred, but he is just as corrupt as the rest of the politicians in charge, stealing billions in tax payers money, and implementing media secrecy bills to prevent information like the arms deal from being investigated – far from the hero he is portray to be. 😉

    Anyway, Toonsy asked me to refrain from political debates not long ago… so I’ll drop it…

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  37. Hmmm… Our weakest link…

    SHOLA AMEOBI!!!! :mrgreen:

    In the first eleven it would have to be Simpson for me and Williamson right now, followed by Jonas…

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  38. I know a lot of people will disagree with me when it comes to Jonas. But on current form I have to say him.
    He may be playing on the wrong side of the field, but I can only judge him where he is playing, not where is should be playing.

    He helps out in defence, fair enough, but thats about all he’s done well recently.
    He has been unable to beat his man, when he used to get free kicks, now he just falls down and loses possession, his final ball is poor, he looks very slow and tired, and perhaps a bit too heavy chested.

    He gives his all every game, but maybe he has done too much work because lately he has been one of our weakest players.

    I just don’t think the left side works with Jonas and Santon, however I think the same two could be far more potent down the right side…

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  39. I agree with Toonsy and Troy.

    Problem player = Simmo
    Problem position = Right wing

    I think Simmo looked ok at the start of the season but I think he was aided greatly by Saylor who would drift across and help him out. I don’t think he’s been helped much by the chopping and changing in front of him but really if he were master of his own position that would matter too much.

    I personally, would move Jonas to the right and stick either Benny or Fergie on the left. That would give us a better balance.

    I would have say tho that Shola, Best, Perch, Benny, Oba and Williamson haven’t really laid claim to regular start in the first team.

    Surprise players this season – Guthrie and Raylor.

    Troy – would you let Ann share your wheelie bin with you? 😈

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  40. Simpson, is another one who seems to always do ok, with the odd bad game. However, he is looking more out of his depth lately, perhaps also due to fatigue having hardly missed a game all season.

    He defends well enough, IMO, but he is terrible when pushing forward, and has no ability with the ball at his feet. Which simply isn’t good enough at this level. I’d much prefer Raylor as our first choice right back.

    Finally Williamson. Great if you are playing a Norwich or Stoke but when the opposition decides to attack us with pace. He gets very exposed.
    Coloccini isn’t the quickest, but he’s far quicker Williamson who is still a usefull squad player, depending on who the opposition strikers are, but not someone I want to have to rely on week in week out.

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  41. Michael12

    I think most people are in agreement that the team have overachieved this year! For a team that has virtually spent nothing on players since promotion, to be in contention to fight for 4th is a superb effort – and Pardew must take a lot of credit for that.

    Would you honestly want him sacked? Considering at the time he took over, nobody actually wanted the job. Would you prefer Kinnear back?

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  42. Underground Obertan, wombling free.

    …another one of our ‘starting 11’ who should be nothing more than a back-up player. Simpson for me is also a back-up player but our thin squad dictates their place in the starting 11.

    We haven’t had a proper right winger since Solano, and not managed to fill the RB void since Beye left. Having said that, I believe we have a right winger in Gutierrez, but always plays on the left due to our scant squad.

    When/if Marveaux ever returns to the line-up I believe Spidey will return to the right in what should be our two 1st choice wingers. When that time arrives we’ll be short on 2nd choice RW and LW. We still need a 1st choice RB and a CB who is competent enough to challenge Saylor and Coloccini, in my opinion.

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  43. JJ – back track gracefully will you?! 😉 😆

    Michael12 – That one surprises me to be honest, every opinion counts though.
    In his defence, I think Pardew has struggled with lack of really quality throughout the squad to be able to have a really effective plan B. Personally I think Pardew has brought the team on massively, along with having the right staff in but each to their own.

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  44. I’ve been thinking on the idea that we need a real #10 playmaker, but if you follow that line of thinking it leads to the middle of the park. It seems like madness to suggest tinkering with Cabaye/Tiote because they’ve been superb, but how do you shoe-horn a #10 into this team? Can Cabaye play on the right and start supplying the diagonals like Barton did? Is it a waste to move him there?

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  45. For me, we just need better wide men. We need full-backs that don’t rely too heavily on the men in front of them and we need wide midfielders that prioritize attack before defence.

    I actually like Santon, I think he’s shown some very promising glimpses and he will soon be a top full-back. However, I do believe he needs to play at RB to benefit the use of his natural foot.

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  46. FSOTC

    Like this:

    ______________Tiote_______________

    ________Guthrie_____Cabaye_________

    ____________Ben Arfa_______________

    _________Cisse_____Ba_____________

    Diamond formation…

    Or one up front

    ____________Tiote____________

    _____Guthrie_Cabaye_Jonas_____

    __________Ben Arfa___________
    _____________Ba_____________

    4-1-3-1-1

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  47. Simspon for me as well- by a mile. Seems to me we need another starting caliber FB opposite Santon (either side) if we really want to push on.

    I think Marv would have made a big difference this year. Still, I think I’d like to see young Fergie get a run on the left with Jonas moving over to the right.

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  48. Pretty obvious our weak links are the full backs. Santon will get better and is getting used to the pace and difference than what he’s use to. A bit like Enrique was. Simpson has improved but he’s very definately a weak link and opposition teams know it.

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  49. Stuart
    You’re onto something there…
    Simpson may have been targeted less and therefore looked a better player earlier in the season, because sides identified our left side of defence as a weakness with Raylor as a stop gap…

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  50. Still think most of our players are premiership class, but a lack of end product from the wings frustrates me a lot

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  51. Thought this one was an interesting one for Joans, the third last column is fouls suffered, Jonas is sitting on 61, next highest is Ba at 32 (only looking at players who have played more than 15 games). 61 free kicks is an awful lot for one player to be winning for us. Even without him crossing the ball he’s giving us kicks that are being crossed by someone better (?)

    NUM NAME GS SB G SH SG A FC FS YC RC
    5 Danny Simpson 25 0 0 2 0 0 19 15 5 0
    2 Fabricio Coloccini 24 0 0 11 2 0 19 13 2 0
    18 Jonás Gutiérrez 24 0 1 36 8 2 25 61 2 1
    16 Ryan Taylor 21 2 2 36 5 3 27 16 5 0
    4 Yohan Cabaye 21 0 2 31 13 2 22 12 4 0
    19 Demba Ba 19 2 16 69 33 1 15 32 0 0
    25 Gabriel Obertan 17 4 1 22 2 2 7 8 0 0
    20 Leon Best 16 2 4 24 8 2 21 25 2 0

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  52. KSMIT – Wouldn’t that depend on where he wins the free-kicks?

    I’m actually going to write a blog on our wide men tonight now.

    TOONSY, you’ve inspired me!

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  53. Danny Simpson is our weakest player! When their are individual mistakes at the back it’s usually himI Fink also from now till the end of the season R. Taylor will be our 1st choice right midfielder! we really need to improve the right side in the summer or maybe move santon right back and bring cissokho in left back.. I fink he would suit playing in our team! Hoilett hopefully right midfielder for next season and our team would look very strong if we manage keep our best players for then!

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