Moyes has gone halfway to making it a very good summer in the transfer window by getting himself first option on Pienaar, and signing alot of important players (Lescott, Osman, Arteta, Cahill, AJ) on renewed, long contracts. Well this is what we need in the summer, then, if we're all playing this wishlist game...
-Pienaar signed up on a permenant deal immediatly. Brought a touch of class every time he is played, I love his heart and determination even when playing up against big fat c*nts like Riise & co. yesterday. Always manages to dazzle.
-Get James Vaughan fit again. I still think he has the potential to be one of the best strikers in this League. It is absolutely imperative we give him one last chance to get fit, and stay fit, and give him an extended run of games. He could be a star, it would be horrific to let injuries ruin his career so early on.
-Bring in a replacement for Carsley, one that is young enough to be content with being eased into the game, and allow for Carsley to be eased out. He still has much to offer us, I maintain that, so I think we can bring in a young, foreign midfield player, of genuine class, possibly for a large price (much like Liverpool did with Lucas - same sort of role we'll need this youngster to play as well), and still manage to cope with taking such a risk, which is a big step for us. Then allow him to play a bit part role as Carsley's play time diminishes with increasing age. Hopefully Lee can pass on all that he has learnt.
-If we dont sign Gardner permenantly, then find a replacement centreback. If 2 out of our 3 centrebacks get injured (not inconceivable) we would be in dire straights and down to Neville in the centre of defence. All it needs is a hasty high challenge here, and injury there, and we could have Yobo and Lescott both out for 3 games through either suspension or injury. It is vital we shore up our defence, which give it is due, has been magnificient this season. Again, perhaps a youngster to be eased in - or even, dare I say it, give Rodwell a few more appearences?
And finally, it is an obvious point, but alot will depend on keeping Arteta and Cahill fit. For that brief time when Cahill was back roaring, and Artetas troublesome hamstring/hernia/whatever the [Poor language removed] it is problem was not bothering him, we were absolutely on fire. I have complete confidence that with a better pre-season behind him, we will see the best of Arteta again.
Things are looking up. I can say with alot of confidence that the squad doesnt need too much tweaking, and on our day we can be superb. This will allow us to sink our assets into a couple of high quality players rather than a batch of cheap, average ones. Then again, even on a shoestring budget, when has Moyes ever gone average?
Here's to a great summer.
