The Squad?????

[Neiler]

I found this quote really intresting from Steve Bruce, who in recent weeks like most Prem managers has said we are the model for success to be learned from:


"I want to make two big signings this summer. Once we get the squad numbers right it is a case of topping up what we have with a couple of quality signings each summer."

As fans and especially in the boring summer months we often think we need five or six new signings and as the summer goes on the words "Kenwrong" begin to be uttered more and more as people get desperate.

My question is this though, have we reached the point with the squad were we now only need minor adjustments say one or two players every summer?? Or do we still need more numbers??

Anyone have any positions or names they would like us to pursue during the summer?

 

[Whitebootman]

I think two great signings, not necessarily expensive signings, would do for us. Without the awful injury situation we found ourself in at the start of the season we had the makings of a cracking squad. We seem to have reached the point where minor adjustments are needed, bringing in one or two quality players to strengthen, rather than chase half a dozen players to 'bulk up' the squad. I have no particular players in mind. On the other hand Lionel Andrés Messi please.
It's also nice to see the Kenwright/Moyes partnership getting the credit they deserve.

 

[davek]

I found this quote really intresting from Steve Bruce, who in recent weeks like most Prem managers has said we are the model for success to be learned from:


"I want to make two big signings this summer. Once we get the squad numbers right it is a case of topping up what we have with a couple of quality signings each summer."

As fans and especially in the boring summer months we often think we need five or six new signings and as the summer goes on the words "Kenwrong" begin to be uttered more and more as people get desperate.

My question is this though, have we reached the point with the squad were we now only need minor adjustments say one or two players every summer?? Or do we still need more numbers??

Anyone any positions or names they would like us to pursue during the summer?

You say that like the Moyes Doctrine of adding two quality players to the squad each year and expanding the quantity of the squad from its threadbare status (the intent behind the Moyes Doctrine) has been adhered to in the past two or three seasons. It hasn't. The manager's been let down and we've sold to buy. And whilst the first team is superior, talent-wise, the depth to the squad is still frighteningly shallow. This is why it wouldn't be a bad idea to sit out Europe next season...because we dont have the squad able to cope.

 

[Neiler]

You say that like the Moyes Doctrine of adding two quality players to the squad each year and expanding the quantity of the squad from its threadbare status (the intent behind the Moyes Doctrine) has been adhered to in the past two or three seasons. It hasn't. The manager's been let down and we've sold to buy. And whilst the first team is superior, talent-wise, the depth to the squad is still frighteningly shallow. This is why it wouldn't be a bad idea to sit out Europe next season...because we dont have the squad able to cope.

How many players do we need in the squad then mate?

Im pretty sure this is the biggest squad the manager has had at his disposal.

 

[Matt Damon]

Don't the squad size limits come in next season?

With numbers who've come through the youth team or domestically developed?

Yes I think we have the core nucleus of the team. But we should be tinkering with it.

But you're right Neiller we don't need a revolution. What we need is to continue the evolution.

I see Moyes broke another club record at the weekend...

How moanyweb and school of talking-[Poor language removed] must be gutted.

 

[Toffe3m4n]

It has gotten to the point now were we have a good mix of skill and experience in the squad for each position on the field, including backup for them. Pair that with the potential of some of the young players that we possess and we have one of the best squads in the league.

Still think we need another quality striker though!

 

[Dutch Toffee]

With Jan Mucha joining in the summer and possible adding that Joao Alves guy and Jermaine Beckford to our strikeforce, I think we're in great shape for this summer transfer market. Hopefully Seamus Coleman will play a bigger role in our gameplan next season, so the right back position is filled for years to come. Would like to see a back up left back added to our squad. Maybe that Rindaroy guy on a freebie.

One name I saw mentioned on Kipper last week, was that of Bryan Ruiz of FC Twente for a fee of 8million. Think he would be an excellent signing for us. Left/right winger/striker who's technically very gifted, pacey and a good finisher.

Another one would be Graham Dorrans. Saw him on the Football League show 9on Saturday and he impressed me big time. Don't know how realistic this signing would be, with the Baggies almost certain to be promoted to the PL.

Also Landon Donovan on a permanent contract would be very warmly welcomed by me, as would Charles N'Zogbia.

 

[zimblue]

I'd be happy with just 1 decent signing this summer - Donovan or similar - as long as we keep hold of everyone we have. Our squad is quite big by our standards, we have 2 players for every position.

--------Howard
Nev - heitinga - jags - baines
Donovan - arteta - fellaini - pienaar
-----------cahill
--------------saha

----------Mucha
hibbo - yobo - senderos - distin
Anichebe - rodwell - osman - billy
-------vaughan - yak

+ gosling and coleman

The key for us to do well in europe is for moyes to rotate the team much more. All the top teams especially ManU rotate the first 11 for every game. Moyes likes to pick his strongest 11 all the time. Yet our players were clearly out on their feet in the 2nd half in lisbon.

We need to start thinking like a top team because we have a quality squad.

 

[Number_25]

I would like to see the following players leave.

Nash
Yobo
Anichebe
Vaughan

 

[Neiler]

With Jan Mucha joining in the summer and possible adding that Joao Alves guy and Jermaine Beckford to our strikeforce, I think we're in great shape for this summer transfer market. Hopefully Seamus Coleman will play a bigger role in our gameplan next season, so the right back position is filled for years to come. Would like to see a back up left back added to our squad. Maybe that Rindaroy guy on a freebie.

One name I saw mentioned on Kipper last week, was that of Bryan Ruiz of FC Twente for a fee of 8million. Think he would be an excellent signing for us. Left/right winger/striker who's technically very gifted, pacey and a good finisher.

Another one would be Graham Dorrans. Saw him on the Football League show 9on Saturday and he impressed me big time. Don't know how realistic this signing would be, with the Baggies almost certain to be promoted to the PL.

Also Landon Donovan on a permanent contract would be very warmly welcomed by me, as would Charles N'Zogbia.

Good posts mate, with the couple of clever freebie punts we will be stronger - not that i have ever seen him play but the name that popped into my head when i heard the Ruiz rumour was Kuyt - im sure hes nothing like him though.

Dorrans looks a great talent - the two names i keep coming back to who i think would make us stronger are Nzogbia and Shawcross.

I'd be happy with just 1 decent signing this summer - Donovan or similar - as long as we keep hold of everyone we have. Our squad is quite big by our standards, we have 2 players for every position.

--------Howard
Nev - heitinga - jags - baines
Donovan - arteta - fellaini - pienaar
-----------cahill
--------------saha

----------Mucha
hibbo - yobo - senderos - distin
Anichebe - rodwell - osman - billy
-------vaughan - yak

+ gosling and coleman

The key for us to do well in europe is for moyes to rotate the team much more. All the top teams especially ManU rotate the first 11 for every game. Moyes likes to pick his strongest 11 all the time. Yet our players were clearly out on their feet in the 2nd half in lisbon.

*All fit of course!

We need to start thinking like a top team because we have a quality squad.

Its hard looking at that to find players who would make us stronger or push into our first team, a centre half and a right winger IMO. But have a sneaky feeling Davey will blow his load on a striker - hes been saying for a while we have lacked a cutting edge.

 

[Neiler]

I would like to see the following players leave.

Nash
Yobo
Anichebe
Vaughan

Was making the point last night mate, that Yobo and Jags as a pairing have proven they can keep 20 odd clean sheets a season over the past couple of years.

I know Yobos been getting a bad press recently but thats a fair bit to be chucking away for 5 - 6mill.

 

[Brownie]

Unfortunately we have no money. Oh well, mo money mo problems.

 

[teppic]

Right midfield needs attention and of course the perfect player has to be Donovan.

A lot depends on Yakubu finding his form. With him and Saha at the top of their game we don't need a top end new striker, perhaps one to replace vaughans place on the bench.

A squad without injuries will give Moyes quite a few selection headaches.

 

[Lien]

We don't need many players at all, we need to simply have better luck with injuries.

We have a very good squad when fully fit. I'd like a couple of players, yes - a quality striker would be welcome. But if you said to me the squad at the start of next year would be near enough the same, and 1 or 2 squad additions to bulk up numbers, then I'd take that, definitely.

I repeat, we have an impressive squad. Let's just hope they won't all be injured next season.

 

[Neiler]

Surprised with calls for a striker, was thinking a defender was a must myself.