No need to panic yet. Just need to make sure we get three more points than Leeds do until May 12th and we're in with a decent chance. 5 points not inconceivable in those 3 games and we could be out of the relegation zone with a game in hand.
But signing only under 24's (or something approximating to this strategy) is no longer a football hipster view but the prevailing strategy at the majority of successful European clubs.
Lewis Dobbin recently (http://www.secretscout.co.uk/academy-life-lewis-dobbin/) mentioned how hard he found the jump from 18s to 23s. It might be harder than some imagine, or it might just be down to the player.
Would be good to see Dobbin and Simms working well together. Simms needs to learn...
This seems very unlikely. Might be possible they go with these 5 and Gibson covering left back (especially if they flip last season's 442/352 hybrid around, with a new rb and maybe Iwobi on the left). Loans and incomings seem like the plan though.
Keane will get minutes from the bench at least.
But Ancelotti has played him (and left him on) almost every time he's had a decision. Including playing him off the left in what seems to be (and had Iwobi quoted in the Echo as saying was the only position they were training for) the only position Iwobi and Bernard can/will play in a 442...
I remember being a big fan back then. Think he had a great season the year after when we finshed in the top half for the only time in the decade. Lots of power, but he could pass too.
They were the two main components of our 'Dogs of War' moniker, so can't be thought of as 'unsung'.
Was just looking back on that Cup Final line-up yesterday: 4 centre backs, 2 workhorses in midfield plus Hinchcliffe, Rideout up front. No wonder we bullied Utd!
Listening to Curtis Jones' post match comments, you'd imagine Gordon was similarly frustrated in that second half to watch a clearly knackered Richarlison and way off the pace Bernard blocking his opportunity.