The heart of our defence, but is it enough?

With the transfer window beginning to get into full swing, we seem to have some fans developing a sense of panic as to whether Newcastle United’s board are going to bring in the quality additions needed to continue the progress shown by the club over the past few seasons.

There has been a lot of media furore around the possibility of Andy Carroll potentially coming back, the need for defensive strengthening, with some saying our squad is far too thin in quality and numbers, but just how much strengthening to we really need?

Well I’m going to take a look at it and see, as you may have guessed by the title, whether we we have more depth in our squad than at it may appear we have at first glance. It’ll take me more than one article to get through the whole squad, but here is the first one which is going to focus on our goalkeepers, defence and defensive midfielders,. Basically everything we need to stay solid at the back and give those up front the platform needed to go and win a game.

In goal: Tim Krul, Steve Harper, Rob Elliot

Tim Krul was outstanding for Newcastle last season. Finally given the number one jersey, he proved his skill becoming one of our best players. During pre-season many felt that he wasn’t quite ready, but it took those few starts and a run of games to give him to confidence to show what he is capable of. I believe he will get better with time.

As backup, we have a very experienced Steve Harper, who despite getting on in years, still looks more than adequate when needed, and Rob Elliot who Alan Pardew has much faith in.

All in all, we are looking well covered in goal.

Right back: Danny Simpson, Ryan Taylor, James Tavernier, James Perch, Davide Santon and potentially Mathieu Debuchy.

The hope amongst most supporters is that Debuchy will sign on with the Toon before then end of the month. He impressed at the European Championships for France, looks a real handful in attack and will offer us a right back who can overlap and be far more assertive in possession than Danny Simpson.

What I cannot do however, is complain about having Danny Simpson in the squad. Defensively he is very sound and statistically was one of the best right backs in the league last season. If he could work on his skills on passing and ball possession I believe he could even be challenging Debuchy for a start.

Ryan Taylor isn’t the best defensively in my opinion, but he is a decent option as cover and has some good weaponry in a quality delivery and good long throw depending on the tactics we deploy. James Tavernier is a youngster who has done his time in the reserves, impressed while gaining first team experience on loan and now needs to get his chance in the first team at Newcastle.

Not forgetting that Santon can play at right back, and so can Jonas if needed, with six good options and a potentially class international signing looking likely, I’m confident the we will be well covered at right back this season.

Left back: Davide Santon, Ryan Taylor, Shane Ferguson, James Perch, Jonas Gutierrez

Davide Santon had a rough start in his first season in the Premier League, but began to blossom as he adapted towards the end of the season. He looked adequate defensively and excellent in attack. While perhaps lacking a bit of confidence, Ryan Taylor filled in at left back, and while he never really filled me with confidence, the statistics of our defence record of which he was part of the back four were there for all to see. He did alright in defence and offered something going forward. He also chipped in with some crucial goals.

Jonas found himself playing at left fullback for much of the season, covering for Santon and Taylor. He certainly didn’t disgrace himself and he seems happy to play there when needed which bodes well for the team and squad depth.

Again a youngster coming through the ranks, Shane Ferguson has done a decent job when giving a chance at a first team appearance. He may seem a bit light weight but never pulled out of a tackle and looked very energetic of decent going forward. James Perch, who is our “Mr Versatile” could really cover any position in the back four, and is other option on the left or right of defence.

That’s five fairly decent options.

Centre-back: Fabricio Coloccini, Steven Taylor, Mike Williamson, James Perch

Captain Coloccini was named as one of the best two centre backs in the league last year. A quality player, that reads the game superbly and mops up everything. Steven Taylor’s passion and determination and power has proved a perfect foil as together they were the best defensive pairing last season until Taylor’s injury. In which lies the problem. Will he stay fit?

Mike Williamson is a brute in the air and very useful in the squad when playing teams like Stoke that will bombard you with long balls. However should he find himself first choice due to an injury against a top pacey passing team like Arsenal or Man City, he could be a serious liability. James Perch is an option in this case and he did have some brilliant performances, but I still feel it is crucial we bring in quality in the centre back position.

This for me though, is by far the area which needs strengthening the most, both in depth and quality.

Defensive midfield: Chiek Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Medhi Abied, Jonas, Gael Bigirimana, Dan Gosling, James Perch

There has been mention of Newcastle looking to add Vernon Anita to strength in this area, but for me, we are looking good already and should maybe think about strengthening other areas first.

Cheik Tiote is our main man. He shields the back four better than most in the league. Sometimes, however, we may play with two in front of the back four, in which case Cabaye, Abied, Jonas, Gosling and Bigi are all perfect foils. They have great energy, are strong in the tackle and can pass well from the back.

I also believe should Chiek get injured that James Perch has proved to be excellent at putting his foot in and breaking up the play. However, all six players are capable of performing the role. I believe we are very strong here, and we have a perfect mix of experience and youth.

Looking at our defence, it is clear that we need to add a quality centre back. However, for me, the left back position is also an area I feel needs some stronger competition. It would be even more preferable if that person could play a role at left back if needed to cover the lack in quality of depth. Eric Pieters, Mamadou Sakho someone in their mould. Would be perfect.

In summary, we probably need to bring in two players. A quality attacking right back or left back which Santon playing on the other side, and a quality centre back, that can fill in at fullback if necessary. What I also feel is crucial, is that we don’t overload these positions with quality experienced cover. This may not seem to make sense, but I feel it is more beneficial to have a quality starter, with versatile cover, and then a potentially quality youngster coming through.

In order for him to be given a fair chance to grow in skill and confidence, he will need to be playing and therefore should be at least second or third choice for the position in question.

Are we covered in the department?

Centre back: No. We don’t have one which would make someone like Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (23) or Mamadou Sakho (22) ideal options<
Left back: Yes. Davide Santon (21) and Shane Ferguson (21).
Right back: Yes. Davide Santon (21) and James Tavernier (20).
Defensive midfield: Yes. Medhi Abied (19), Dan Gosling (22) and Gael Bigirimana (18)

So, do you agree that defensively, two quality additions would be enough to see us looking very strong?

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93 Comments

  1. 1
    Munich Mag says:

    I feel that when Cabaye is missing from the team we lack creativity in the middle of the park. Our midfield options quoted above are all defensively minded. Hopefully young Bigirimana can grow into that more creative/play maker roll.

  2. 2
    aussie magpie fan says:

    Good write up Jj, interesting to actually see who we have on paper… another interesting fact to know would be ‘ how many games did our best starting 11 miss through injury’ then we could see what the demand would be on the player we have as back up.. It would help us judge whether we have enough cattle :-)

  3. 3
    Johno Toon says:

    Think it shows we need quality not quantity this window. I think that defensive unit would more than capable of finishing top 8 this season and proved last season it can finish top 6! But with our extra games a quality centre back and a full back and we should be more than cover imo.

  4. 4
    Toby le Rhone says:

    We have enough numerical in the squad.
    I get annoyed when people say some of the squad are too young. They are not too young they are inexperienced. For some it is too late to go out on loan. Unless there is a major shift in this country to making reserve team football more competitive the bairns should go out on loan at 17 and be ready for our first team at 20.
    England is miles behind the rest of the world when it comes to player development between the ages of 17 and 21. Take Ryan Donaldson for example. Played for England at all ages in his youth and now is virtually on the scrapheap. This would never of happened in Holland, France, Germany Italy and Spain

  5. 5
    Stuart79 says:

    Its not the quantity that bothers me its just the quality.

    With the squad as it is there’s a lot of reliance on inexperienced players to add depth to our squad. I think we need better quality and experience in defence and central midfield for definite and probably in attack too as we could lose Ba and Cisse to ACN.

  6. 6
    jay jay says:

    Don’t think we will lose Ba and Cisse to ACON, Ivory Coast should beat them. Means losing Tiote though :???:

  7. 7
    toonarmybill says:

    Santoons first season was MASSIVELY more impressive than Judas Enrique’s first and second. :lol:
    Davide will be a class act very soon IMO :razz: ,Simmo as back up for Debuchy-sound sense :cool: – Douglas looks impossible now as he played in Europer Thursday :roll: , Deffo need to strengthen in that area because of the frailty of Saylor ;-) . IF only we could keep him fit for a Season, :cry: .England squad definite. IMO. Mini Tiote looks mint, as do the other new recruits #TrustInCarr

  8. 8
    JJ says:

    Stuart,
    How do our players get experience when we keep buying experienced cover. Surely that is the point of having a youngster.

    I believe that when out first choice players are injured the youngsters should be given a run of games to prove their quality. Otherwise their development is stunted.

    Andy Carroll was almost given away for nothing but he got the chance to proove himself in the Championship. Krul was being written off too.

    Until we play these guys, we will never know how good they really are.

    As for creativity without Cabaye, what about Amalfitano? Abied or Inman. Don’t they deserve a chance? When would they get it with another experienced star?

  9. 9
    kimtoon says:

    Nice read JJ. I would say the midfield situation is pretty cool but I am worried about our defence mainly CB tbh. I don’t believe fans are in a state of panic over the lack of incomings ,it’s more frustration at not getting players bedded in befor the preseason starts, which is an entirely common sense viewpoint. I do believe the club are trying to address this ,but they sure are dragging their heels.

  10. 10
    batty says:

    the amount of goals ba and cisse score i reckon the game could go either way gay jay ;-)

  11. 11
    JJ says:

    Batty,
    Senegal’s midfield and defense is terrible. Ivory Coast is a powerful team. IMO they would destroy England too.

  12. 12
    batty says:

    JJ Senegal’s midfield and defense is terrible<<< agree about that part but bollocks to the other :smile:

  13. 13
    jay jay says:

    you pikey git batty :lol:

  14. 14
    Munich Mag says:

    Jay Jay….Batty has never been the same since worky bitch slapped him…. :lol:

  15. 15
    batty says:

    munich :lol:

  16. 16
    Troy Stavers says:

    I agree with Stu. Not enough quality in the ranks.

    @ JJ

    if they are good enough the youngins will naturally break thru.
    Have you known us sell a youngster who has not broke into the first team at the toon and gone on to great things?

    Give some credit to the reserve and youth coaches to identify if they are ready or not.

  17. 17
    jay jay says:

    Gazza? :grin:

  18. 18
    Munich Mag says:

    Troy, I was at Landsberg during the week, and had a chance to look at a few of our bairns first hand.
    I reckon the young lad from Coventry has a good chance of succeeding, he has a great touch on the ball, and good balance.
    Abede I’m not sure about, he seems somewhat static and tends to get caught in posession, though he is still young.
    Amalfitano, has good pace and balance, strikes a good ball, good cross, and gets stuck in. Could make it as squad player this season..
    Tavernier, had a steady second half as centre back, think he has a chance at right back, but more in the mould of a Simpson than a Debuchy. He’ll offer the team nothing offensively playing at right back… unless he develops of course..

    Sammy Ameobi…seems to have developed a bit of trickery on the ball. Could be a wild card this season, moulding himself into a flying winger in the Chris Waddle mould. Still only 4 stone soaking wet, but that shouldn’t hinder him..

    Vukic…seemed off the pace, caught in posession a lot and didn’t offer a lot. Is the lad stagnating ?

  19. 19
    Munich Mag says:

    I actually think that our academy has been quite successful over the last few years. By my reckoning, with Krul, Carroll and young Fergie (excuse me if I’ve missed anyone), that equates to around 50 million quids worth of talent, absolutely immense in my opinion !

  20. 20
    CC says:

    Were a few players light, Need to get another quality centre half and full back done and then a striker who could challenge Ba/Cisse, Wanted another midfielder but i think Bigirimana, Gosling and Vukcic are sound enough back up.

    Still think we missed a trick not going for Diame who would have been class in a three with Tiote/Cabaye and can play at centre half to boot…

  21. 21
    Troy Stavers says:

    @MM

    I’m sure most clubs have promising youngsters but stepping up another level is clearly a huge leap.
    The coaches should know the right time if at all to offer the opportunity.

    I find it astonishing when I hear fans demanding youngsters should be given a chance having seen them for a 10 min cameo role in a friendly.

  22. 22
    jay jay says:

    what time is kick off today?

  23. 23
    Sharpy17 says:

    JJ – on paper it certainly looks ok, but theirs afew players down in positions that aren’t natural to them and may be ok filling in for 1 or 2 games but longer than that and I wouldn’t be sure like.
    I’d agree that adding 2 players to your list of defensive options would be ample, a FB and CB would see us fine. I would still like to see us bring Good in aswell, or promote Streete to gain some first team experience.

    Kim – great minds … ;-)
    Also, loving the avatar, good to see NUFCs lucky charm sporting his new away strip :smile:

  24. 24
    CC says:

    6.00 pm

  25. 25
    CC says:

    6.30 sorry, Assumed they would be straight into it like the other day but apparantly we have to hear twats like stuart robson bad mouthing us for an half hour pre kick off

    programme starts at 6.00

  26. 26
    jay jay says:

    cheers CC

  27. 27
    Newkie says:

    Marveux can also play left back ;-)

    Problem is with full back positions, Jonas, Marveux and Fergie are all too attack minded/too small for full backs imo and I would never play Raylor without the assistance of a winger like Jonas, he just get’s skinned too often. We still need one quality full back in and ideally keeping Simmo-we’d be absolutely fine in both positions then imo.

    Defensive mid wise, seing as we essentially play two in our 4-3-3 we should be alright as well as we still have plenty of midfielders, assuming they’re good enough to do a job.

    Centre back still the priority, i’d like a new first teamer tbh!

  28. 28
    I Love Mike says:

    Agree with what pretty much everyone is saying, it’s all about quality, not quantity.

    Every player brought in should, potentially, be better than the person already playing in that position, that’s how you improve a squad, and ultimately, progress.

    Bringing in players who can ‘do a job’ or to ‘make up the numbers’ makes no sense to me and is regressive.

  29. 29
    kimtoon says:

    Sharpy@23 Thanks , I think it suits him fine . :cool: :grin:

  30. 30
    JJ says:

    hat some need to realise is that we can’t bring in too many numbers without selling first.
    Otherwise we end up with a large number of players on the wage bill not playing any part.
    So while is may not be about quantity. We can’t bring in that extra quality until we have made the space for them by selling first.

    In my opinion we should sell Raylor to provide extra cash for Debuchy.

    And loan

  31. 31
    JJ says:

    # and loan out Vuckic, Fergie, Sammy and Gosling.

  32. 32
    wolfie says:

    Good write up.

    I think CB is the main issue but I’m really pleased about our focus on young talent which could produce dividends in short order.

    It’s all about buying in vetted quality that fits the profile of the team now and leave the baggage to other teams.

  33. 33
    Newkie says:

    Bloody typical, its a free weekend for sky sports yet we’re still playing on ESPN which doesn’t come with the package. :evil:

  34. 34
  35. 35
    Newkie says:

    CC :mrgreen:

  36. 36

    I seem to remember Saylor playing Right back at times, so there’s another option, I suppose.

    I guess I have to join the quality vs. quantity brigade here.

  37. 37

    Does anybody know anything about this kid, Anthony Koura, that the Chron is reporting is on trial from Le Mans?

  38. 38
    Big Dave says:

    JJ @ 30 have we not made enough space yet as we have already shifted 5 players so why would we need to weaken the squad anymore by getting shot of Raylor who in the article you said > “Ryan Taylor isn’t the best defensively in my opinion, but he is a decent option as cover and has some good weaponry in a quality delivery and good long throw depending on the tactics we deploy”

  39. 39
    Newkie says:

    If we did get Judas back god forbid then Raylor would be a necessity

  40. 40
    JJ says:

    Anthony Koura is a strike/winger, 19 years old and had played at all youth levels for France with a good goal ratio.
    He’d be a nice option…

  41. 41
    JJ says:

    Big Dave, if Simpson leaves then ye I agree about Raylor for cover, but even then Is rather give Tavs a chance to grow more.
    I think Raylor is shit on the left defensively. Okay on the right.

  42. 42
    Rodzilla says:

    If anyone wants to watch the game later and haven’t got ESPN, Bet365 have a live stream of it on their website. They’re always good streams too.

    You need to have an account with them in order to watch it though. This means you need to deposit a minimum of £10 to register, however, they match whatever you deposit with them (up to £200) for a free bet.

    Newcastle are 6/5 to win, so there’s potential to get paid £12 to watch it there if we win. ;-)

    …and I agree with Dave at 38.

    In response to the article, it’s all well and good stating we have Davide Santon, Ryan Taylor, Shane Ferguson, James Perch and Jonas Gutierrez available for the RB position. But at least 3 of those players are likely to be already playing in other positions so they don’t really count as ‘strength in depth’, they just add to our versatility in being able to bung someone in to cover an injury. This just has a domino effect on the rest of the squad.

    We don’t have more squad depth than it appears, just a shit load of utility players. As Dave and others have said, we needed a full back and a centre back over a year ago and still ain’t got either (Santon replaced Enrique).

    We needed a minimum of 3 new players before we lost Guthrie, Lovenkrands and Best (Smith doesn’t count).

  43. 43
    Rodzilla says:

    …oh, and Raylor is (in my opinion) a utility player who should only ever be used as cover. He’s a good squad player because he can slot into a lot of positions, but he ain’t a first teamer in my eyes.

    We need more quality. I seriously doubt Vuckic is ever gona make it either, unfortunately.

  44. 44
    Rodzilla says:

    *comment 42….”….potential £24 to watch it there if we win. (you’ll get your original £10 stake back plus £12 winnings, plus another £12 winnings from your free £10 bet.

  45. 45
    Rodzilla says:

    *IF WE WIN :cool:

  46. 46
    JJ says:

    Rodz, I’d say two of those players would likely be playing already so that still leaves four more options. ;-)

    I think Marveaux, absent the entire last season is Loven’s replacement. Him or Sammy can fitful that role. Amalfitano is Guthries’ replacement, and Bigi is Smith’s replacement…
    All younger and potentially better.

    Once we signed Cisse, Best never played. But I do feel we need another option up front, someone with energy, workrate and pace who can play out wide too… (a young Bellers would do if Carr can find one)…

  47. 47
    Newkie says:

    JJ-Best didn’t play because he got injured though mate, put out for three months or so vs Villa which was why Cisse got thrown in as quickly as he did.

    I was kind of sad we got rid of him imo-okay playing him and Shola together would probably be a disaster, but either one or the other with Ba or Cisse would have worked well imo.

  48. 48
    Big Dave says:

    JJ sorry mate but I think we still need players to cover for certain positions not just utility players to cover if your really struggling due to injuries,
    I know we could stick Perch in at CB but imo thats last resort, we need a CB for CB and we need LBs for LB etc etc you say Fergie as LB but he is a Winger etc etc
    As a club that plays in Europe and expects to be there yr on yr we should have the players to cover

  49. 49
    Rodzilla says:

    I reckon it’s likely to be 3 JJ, well, even more likely during the ACoN when Perch will be covering Tiote (assuming he’s not already covering an injured RB or CB :razz: ).

    Yeah I get what you’re saying along the ‘just like new signings’ line. I have high hopes for Marveaux and can’t wait to see him playing again, but I don’t buy into the ‘existing injured players replacing fresh exits’ philosophy.

    I thought Amalfitano was Guthrie’s replacement when we brought him in too, but after seeing him performing well on the right wing against Monaco last week I’m not so sure he’s been brought in as a central midfielder :???: ….he looked good anyway, nice neat and technically accurate.

    I suppose Bigi Smalls can be classed as an extra player, as like I said earlier, Smith doesn’t count. :lol:

  50. 50
    Rodzilla says:

    …oh, and I’m convinced Jonas will play most of next season as a full back, I may be wrong though. I’ve wanted to see him there for a while.

    We could well see Jonas at RB and Debuchy RW, if we sign him that is. He looks more like a winger to me and Jonas looks more like a RB, but that may just be me. :|

  51. 51
    Newkie says:

    Rodz-Still not really comfortable with Jonas as a full back imo. I’d prefer him there to Raylor and he’s handy every now and then, but he seems to lack the proper tackling nouse, he’s a great hustler but not too convinced he could do it all alone. Saying that maybe he just needs a few matches there to find his feet, but I think the roaming defensive position we usually use him for in the middle of a 4-3-3 is actually a half decent role for him, he can pass short, dribble and cover both full backs which are all his best qualities really.

  52. 52
    Premandup says:

    I must admit that Jonas as part of a 3 man defensive midfield is IMHO his best position.

  53. 53
    Rodzilla says:

    Yeah Newkie/Prem, I suppose in a 433 formation he does slot in well. Call me old fashioned but I still think in old currency (442) :lol: I think I’ve just been wanting to see him on the right for so long cos he’s shit at crossing with his left foot (yeah I know, change the record) :lol:

    ….ah, just to add to the ESPN thing. It’s well worth subscribing for two months, I just found out they’re showing 5 of our games between now and the end of August, then fuck all for the rest of the year:

    Sat 21-Jul – Fenerbahce
    Fri 27-Jul – Olympiakos
    Sat 28-Jul – SC Braga

    Sat 18-Aug – Spurs
    Sat 25-Aug – Chelsea

    …I feel like a salesman for Bet365 and ESPN today. I want my commission! :evil:

    :smile: :lol:

  54. 54
    aussie magpie fan says:

    We need a couple of defenders, there is no if or buts on that… One centre and a left back.. If we pick up an early long term injury to Taylor or Collo, we will be in trouble due to no real backup other than Willo. We got lucky last season, it may not be the case this one. The rest of the park we can cover..

  55. 55
    Munich Mag says:

    Troy@21……..just to clarify the issue, were you making insinuations in my direction here….?….”I find it astonishing when I hear fans demanding youngsters should be given a chance having seen them for a 10 min cameo role in a friendly”.

  56. 56
    Munich Mag says:

    Aussie….we also need to remember that Saylor had a serious injury last season, and so far this season hasn’t kicked a ball in any of the friendlies.

    He mentioned to me after the Monaco game in Landsberg that he had been promised a start in Portugal, so hopefully that is the start of the big comeback.

  57. 57

    Hey gang, I’m making a trip to Your Fair Nation in August and hoping to catch the Spuds game.

    Someone advised me to get a membership in order to make it easier to get a ticket, and I’m wondering if you think that’s necessary or if you think I’ll be able to get a ticket easily enough when they go on sale for average mooks like me.

    So how about some wisdom o’ the crowd? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

  58. 58
    aussie magpie fan says:

    Eminem, don’t stress about Troy, he’s probably forgotten who he was trying to stir with that comment.. he goes for the shot gun approach, hoping he will get a hit :-) :-)

  59. 59
    Rodzilla says:

    FSOTC, don’t ask me mate, I’m an armchair supporter (and proud). :razz:

  60. 60
    Newkie says:

    Watching this Prem season 2011/2012 on sky, I think we’ve had two matches shown, Stoke and City…they didn’t even show the 3-0 against Manure, but they’ll show all of Manure, Chelski and Arsenal’s shitty 1-0 wins.

    :evil:

  61. 61
    Newkie says:

    Oh my mistake, they’ve just shown it now. Should fecking home so too!

  62. 62
    Newkie says:

    Hope, argh :roll:

  63. 63

    Okay, Rodz, you’re officially out of the wisdom of the crowd experiment.

  64. 64
    Rodzilla says:

    …like to think I still played a part FSOTC, even the failed experiments are important ones. ;-)

  65. 65
    Munich Mag says:

    Aussie, no problem mate. I just couldn’t understand the significance of the statement. :???:

  66. 66

    Now there’s some wisdom, rodz.

  67. 67
    aussie magpie fan says:

    Eminem, no one can mate :-) :-)

  68. 68
    Stuart79 says:

    JJ – You cannot just throw young, inexperienced players straight into the first team. They need to be bloodied in slowly (unless one is a superstar) in cup games and playing the odd PL game. To ask them to come in and replace a Tiote or Cabaye if they get injured is unfair.

    The ones who are good enough will get better, the ones who aren’t wont and they’ll be sold. But it’s not very often every young player at a club makes it so for a PL club to have them all their back up for first team players is pretty silly and naive.

  69. 69
    richietoon says:

    Fsotc….nope you don’t eed to bother with the membership ;-)

  70. 70
    kimtoon says:

    I see the Twente chairman is rather confused over Douglas situation. Apparently one week he tells him he wants to leave then the next week he’s saying he wants to stay :roll: :???: . I say lets give this guy a wide birth ,what with his past on field antics and this mixed message thing now ,he’s looking like a bit of a strange one to me.

  71. 71

    Thanks, Richie.

    On Douglas, the guy must be a bit of a flake. What on-field antics were there, Kim? I didn’t hear anything

  72. 72
    richietoon says:

    Kim agree, I think he’s waiting to see what other offers come on, wasn’t that keen to start with, not that I know much about him other than him going for the ref and half the opposition team…..would rather go for Pieters, can play left back and CB, I guess he’s been crossed off the list now :sad:

  73. 73
    Newkie says:

    FSOTC-Think he’s been sent off like 3/4 times, and attacked a ref after getting one red.

    Just seems a very average defender to me, a good physique for it but not the brain or mentality for it.

  74. 74
    kimtoon says:

    Stuart @68 Totally agree mate ,said the same thing the other day. If you throw the younguns in too soon for too long and they struggle you end up wrecking their confidence and dropping points. :roll:

  75. 75
    Rodzilla says:

    FSOTC, this mate:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AwuazHJZC4

    He was suspended for 6 matches, ages ago.

    …storm in a teacup if you ask me.

  76. 76
    Newkie says:

    Or was it one sending off that was the equivalent of 3/4 red cards? Not sure really, just what i heard

  77. 77
    kimtoon says:

    Fans @71 He got sent off for violent conduct and ended up punching the ref and stuff , I think you can get it up on you tube.

  78. 78
    kimtoon says:

    Rod ,beat me to it. ;-) :roll:

  79. 79
    Rodzilla says:

    …he pushed 3 people and they all went down like pussies. Reminded me of Di Canio and Alcock in 1998.

  80. 80

    Who amongst us hasn’t wanted to punch a ref?

  81. 81
    Rodzilla says:

    Kim, quick on the draw me like.

    PEEEAOOOOW! :cool: :razz:

  82. 82
    Rodzilla says:

    …got to post the DiCanio clip now like, funny as fark :lol:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j37sS1u2FR8

  83. 83
    richietoon says:

    To be fair, he had a good right to go off it, that first fecker was rolling about for feck all…..maybe Douglas took it a bit far like :lol:

  84. 84
    richietoon says:

    Rodz….That’s right up there with Fawlty Towers, Porridge and Only Fools… as one of the old time comedy classics :lol:

  85. 85
    kimtoon says:

    FANS, Aye ,but what stops you? Your common sense that’s what. If you look at what Di canio did it was nothing really but it was wrong and got him a long ban and affected his club as he was a top player. That’s the thing you need the common sense to go with the desire to win, controlled aggression and all that stuff, no loose canons. ;-)

  86. 86
    Newkie says:

    Yeah, Willo, Colo, Taylor and Tiote can lose their heads, we don’t want to add to that surely :lol:

    Still, part and parcel of defending I suppose…

  87. 87
    Rodzilla says:

    Indeed Richie. :lol:
    …I think it beats David Dunn’s ‘trick pass’, but only just mind.

    Speaking of comedy gold,our very own Steven Taylor’s sniper attack was pretty good too.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl3HnU0HOhk

    :shock: :mrgreen:

  88. 88
    Rodzilla says:

    Good point Kim@85 – I suppose a foul’s a foul, and discipline is key – whether violent or not.

  89. 89
    Groucho says:

    All the comments by Stuart and Kimtoon are valid but you can only become a premiership player by playing in the premiership and if the youngsters are never given a chance isn’t that going to ruin their confidence too. We frequently brought Smith on and Butt when surely some of the youngsters would have done no worse. What are the reserves for?

  90. 90

    How dare you accuse me of common sense, Kim? I demand an apology! I’m gonna go punch a linesman in frustration!

  91. 91
    Pootle says:

    We are going to be playing a lot of matches this season – 2 cups, the league and Europe.
    The way to give the youngsters experience is to field a team of youngsters in the league cup matches, say.
    We don’t want to be having to rely on them in important matches for long spells if we get big injuries to first teamers such as what happened to Taylor last season. That’s daft. If they do make the grade its fine, but if they don’t it could badly effect our season.

  92. 92
    kimtoon says:

    Been out to pull up the weeds in frustration at the lack of signings ,now that’s controlled aggression. :grin:

  93. 93
    DanishToon says:

    hey guys… Long time since posting.

    I see you all think that we will continue playing our 4-3-3 system in the new season.. Is their a reason for this?

    I really dont think Pards will go out with same tactics as last year and if we dont get a striker in this window it is a clear sign of how we are gonna play i think.

    I will prefer a 4-1-3-1-1 now.
    If debuchy arrives it is clear that our attack will come from the backs and we will have no need for wings.
    Tiote will be even more defensive and cabaye will have a more ball distrubution role.
    The last midfielder will work defensively like Tiote and support when needed going forward.

    barfa will play behind the attacker, maybe even get a free role.

    Think it makes sense . . . I think Marv also can play off the attacker like barfa.
    Fuck orbetan…

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