@bluestevon just wanted to say, fabulous posts last night...
I noticed
@davek posts about the LB position. This is quite an intriguing situation really as if we take it that Oviedo is off we basically have 3 left backs and apparently some top potential coming through from the u21s.
Galloway: I have to agree with
@davek here. I think he is absolutely brilliant and did extremely well for us especially considering the total lack of protection he had in front of him, i also think with a bit of experience/luck he could have had a few assists and even a couple of goals. I see him as this seasons "Ace in the pack" where he was probably going to get 10 games max with a view to a loan in Jan or next season....instead he's been talked up by Martinez and given a new contract.
I'd like to see him get a game at CB in the FA Cup and also a couple of games when possible there. Last season he had 2 games at left back at the end which must have prepared him for his run in the side. For me, it was the perfect time to replace him and now i hope hes being coached on what he did right/wrong in the games to help him improve.
Id like to see him as 4th choice centre back next season and see if he can get past Mori in the pecking order (or get him into a good side on loan with a recall clause (same for Browning) where he will get games and experience like Garbutt as teams cant fail to be impressed with him by now).
Garbutt: I remember
@davek slating him a lot last season and i think referring to him as "The hair" (lol). I think he's come back from his injury well and is now starting every game at Fulham. For me, he looked at least as good as Luke Shaw and his dead balls are Hinchcliffe-esque which is something we really need. He's basically the modern day attacking full back BUT can he defend?
Baines: He's 31 now and should really be at his peak. Perhaps he has 2-3 years at the top in him but would Garbutt be happy on the sidelines that long, unlikely. At the same time if Garbutt took Baines position would Baines fetch a decent fee now as the £15mil bids were a couple of seasons ago--or would Martinez put him as a DM?.
Position wise i think if Garbutt was playing during Baines layoff we would have been totally screwed as he wouldnt have done well in this system with Kone miles ahead of him. Likewise i dont think it benefits Baines to have this setup and we absolutely need to sign a LM or LW or play Cleverley there till season end.
So, in conclusion i would try and get Galloway a few games at centre back before season end, he already has 15 this season at LB which for a 19 year old is "phenomenal". I'd then see how he does in pre-season compared to Mori as then we would have 5 centre backs (including Browning) which is enough.
Baines i would have as 1st choice this season and then next season start integrating Garbutt a bit more and see if he can dislodge Baines...
Personally i feel Garbutt is key to Galloway moving inside permanently and also what we do with Baines. I really hope he does well with Fulham then we have some serious strength with him and Baines on the left.
On the other side, im very keen to see who becomes Colemans understudy for next season. Would it be Pennington, Kenny or Holgate?