Raw Dykes Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 Chaps - see our list of signings - 5 defenders, a keeper, a box to box mf and a striker. I don't think it is too controversial to say that we need to diversify a bit? I don't think we look formidable in the mf or up top and we ciuld have done with balancing the t'fer policy a bit. It is only an opinion, but I remain pretty convinced it is a sound and logical one. The reason we've mainly brought in defensive players so far is because we shipped far too many goals last season, while not really having problems scoring. Also, many managers believe in building from the back anyway. If you can defend well, you don't need to score very many. The transfer window isn't closed yet. Football director Andrew Neville said he expects 3 or 4 more signings (2 or 3 now Pantsil's signed), and that at lease one of those would be a striker. I expect Michael Ball will be another, and the other one will likely be an attacking player. I really don't think we're far away from having a squad that can win this league.
dave_the_fox Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 At the end of the transfer window your list of players signed will look different. Just because we have brought in 5 defenders in a row doesn't mean we wont be getting attackers. Maybe Sven should have brought in a defender and then an attacker- but it doesn't work like that so chill
North-LondonFox Posted 23 July 2011 Author Posted 23 July 2011 I really don't think we're far away from having a squad that can win this league. rea To be fair, neither do I - perhaps i'm just feeling the natural frustration that we haven't pulled off some of the more exciting signings such as Routledge or Maynard. For the record, I do completely agree that we need a strong defence - in the long hard slog that is the championship, it's essential. Its just that I love watching creative/attacking players and feel we need a few more. Still think that Sven is the man for us and think we have a v good shout of going up.
dibbdroid Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 I think we need to defend well, retain possession and score goals - that is how you win footy matches. I have no doubt we have the strength to defend, but I think we need a bit more in other areas of the pitch. rather than signing 2 x defenders in each position perhaps we should have concentrated more on other departments. It is also worth noting that attacking play is what excites fans and fills stadiums - I know winning is the main thing, but I for one, feel much better watching a side that wins playing attacking football. Time will tell, but it might be worth reviving this thread in November to see whether I have got it completely wrong!! The Sven quote in the Merc says it all and it is not the first time Sven has mentioned it: the goal is "...two players for each position...." I'd suggest reviewing the squad after August.
North-LondonFox Posted 23 July 2011 Author Posted 23 July 2011 Arsenal fans might correct you on that one... I don't want ANOTHER season of us banging in 3, only for crappy defending seeing us conceding 3 down the other end (a la 'Boro away). I'd always take a 1-0 win if it meant us going up as Champions. I said winning is the main thing? Surely all fans would rather win playing attacking football, if given the choice? Ask Manchester United fans if they prefer winning the title this season playong fairly poor football or when they have one it in the past playing attacking footaball. I am sure that most would prefer the latter.
TrentFox Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 I think that aimless is far from what's happening, but that's just my view. At the end of last season it was obvious that it was defence that needed strengthening. It was clear Neilson, Kennedy and Lamey would never play for us again, and man for man, replacing Van Aanholt, Mee, Naughton, Bruma, Vitor (none of whom were ours) and Hobbs with the permanent signings of Peltier, Pantsil, St Ledger, Mills, Konchesky, and possibly Ball, is great. The overwhelming majority of supporters were calling for experience, established players in the champ who could also hold their own in the prem, and that's exactly what we've got. Having 2 players for each position is important, and it's worth remembering that Peltier is also developing ability as a defensive midfielder, and i wouldn't be surprised if he features there this year as well as RB. It's true there's a bit more to do in the final third . However, I rate Nugent far more highly than Kamara, and with up to £4.5m cash bid for Maynard it's clear that we've still got real funds to strengthen up front, and possibly out wide. The most important thing this preseason was to get the completely new defence gelling and with the exception of Pantsil that's mission accomplished. That's the base to build on, and i'm absolutely confident at least one forward will be added to complement what we have already in time for the Chav game. Now whether it all comes together and leads to success is another question entirely, but I wouldn't change anything about our transfer policy so far this summer. Totally agree. Think we've all got carried away with new signings and how much money we have or might have. No idea how much money is / isn't in the club, but let's think back 12 months and who we signed last year ! The step-up in quality this year is HUGE. Look at QPR - owners' wealth does not necessarily impact quality or quantity of signing.
ithuriel Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 We have rebuilt our defence and done so in depth, which was required after last seasons poor defensive show so no, it is not aimless or excessive. What we need is a good sized squad, with enough quality to secure an automatic spot and the forward line now needs some additional firepower.
Happy Fox Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/story-12995767-detail/story.html? Leicester City have more than one striker target as they bid to bolster their attack with a 20-goal-a-season frontman, says manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. City are chasing Bristol City's Nicky Maynard and have had three bids for the 24-year-old turned down so far. Nicky Maynard But City, who play their final pre-season tour match today against Valencia in Austria, have not given up. Although Eriksson would not comment on individuals, he said he does have other options if he is unsuccessful in landing his number one target. City, who have officially announced John Pantsil as their eighth summer signing, will now step up their attempts to sign a striker. "We have to have more than one target because otherwise, if you go for one target and it proves to be impossible, then you end up without, so yes, there is more than one target," he said. "Before we have players signed, I don't want to comment on names, it is not right. "I am almost certain that there will be a couple more players coming in. "We want to try to make the squad as strong as possible and we would like to have two players in every position, to have 20 outfield players who are all strong so we can change over now and again, because I think it is necessary. "We have 46 games, which is a lot. "We have a squad that is strong and we will be strong all the way to the end of the season, which you need in this league." Speculation that the arrival of another striker could see one of City's other strikers leave has led to rumours linking Steve Howard to Sheffield Wednesday. But Eriksson said he had received no approach from Wednesday, and that Howard wanted to stay at the King Power Stadium. Howard scored four goals in the recent victory against Vasalunds in Sweden, and Eriksson said he was happy with the 35-year-old, who has a year left to run on his contract. "There has not been any contact about Steve, not that we know about," said Eriksson. "There have been rumours about Steve for one year now. "Every time he says he doesn't want to leave, he wants to stay, so if there are clubs they have to contact us and contact Steve."
Fmfox Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 i know we have made a lot of signing but dont forget how many loan players we had last season. The fact that we have purchased 8 new players and still aren't covered in all positions shows that our team was basically reliant on the loanees. Although some of our signing are very good quality, dont forget some are just replacing our loan players from last season. Some I think may not be as good, others better. For example Peltier will have a job on his hands being as good as naughton Mills is pretty much as good as Vitor Danns is clearly an addition rather than a replacement Nugent is our only replacement for the Yak so far Konch should be better than PVA but about the same as Cunningham I would guess So I would say we have made a lot of signings but only because we hardly made any last year and instead loaned lots of players. If we had made 4 signings last year and 4 or 5 this year, it wouldn't seem that much. I reckon it seems more because we have done it all in one go.
psychonaut Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 I really don't think we're far away from having a squad that can win this league. To be fair, neither do I - perhaps i'm just feeling the natural frustration that we haven't pulled off some of the more exciting signings such as Routledge or Maynard. For the record, I do completely agree that we need a strong defence - in the long hard slog that is the championship, it's essential. Its just that I love watching creative/attacking players and feel we need a few more. Still think that Sven is the man for us and think we have a v good shout of going up. Decent thread (for a change) I think you have a completely valid point North, although I wouldnt go as far as to say the transfer policy was a bit aimless. It may appear that way granted, as we have signed 5 defenders in a row and undoubtedly makes you think - well what about our attack??! I agree 100% that we lack strength going forward and as it stands would be hard pushed for a top 6 finish let alone a top 2 finish judging by our competition this coming season. IMO we require a creative midfielder with pace and a proven goal scorer. My mind is at rest with signing a proven goal scorer, its obvious that this is svens number 1 target after the CMS, Yak and multiple Maynard bids. So I would rather see us sign a creative midfielder/winger next.
Pookie Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 We scored 76 goals last season including being the top scorers in the division at home, that doesnt strike me as squad thin on creativity. QPR won the league and only scored 71 goals The reason they won the league is that they only conceeded 32 goals thats 12 less than the 44 we let in away from home. we have brought in 8 good signings and looking to add a couple more before the transfer window. Some fans will never be happy I guess, we're a miilion miles away from this Starting: Chris Weale, Robbie Neilson, Michael Morrison, Jack Hobbs, Bruno Berner, Dany N'Guessan, Matt Oakley, Andy King, Lloyd Dyer, Dudley Campbell, Matt Fryatt Subs Conrad Logan, Steve Howard, Tom Kennedy, Richie Wellens, Tom Parkes, Jorrin John, Liam Moore The named team & bench for the 1st game of last season at Palace.
Haydos Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 I'm very excited about our new signings this summer and I don't want to complain at all, but does anyone else share my slight concern that the policy is starting to look a bit aimless? It just occured to me with the signing of Pantsil, Peltier, St Ledge. Konnechesky etc that we might be focussing more on quantity than quality? Perhaps we need one really exciting signing to really transform the side? It was just the other night when we started with Howard, Vass and Gally in the friiendly, it struck me that it would hardly be likely to strike fear into championship defences!! My other minor concern is that we have some great youngsters in Schlupp, Moore and Parkes and if we simply have a massive squad then it will be very difficult for them to break through - however, if we had a sensible sized squad with top quality players this would be ideal for bringing youngsters through? Anyway - I am genuinely not here to be negative - I am a big fan of Sven and very excited by the close season activity, but I had these nagging concerns so I thought i'd see what others think? I'd say it's very precise. He clearly wants players for certain positions. Looks like cover for every position in defence. Gally is one of our most important players. Great youngsters? How have Schlupp, Moore and Parkes played when you've been watching them? Jesus.
bluebeau Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 OK guys, we all know that we need to add a quality goal scorer to the sqad, but so does the Mighty Sven. The reason that we haven't signed one yet, is because Sven knows who he wants, & it's taking time & patience to get him. Obviously Maynard is the no.1 target, but BCFC are playing a game of poker with Sven. IMO we will sign him within the next few days. The silence from Maynard has been deafening, which I think says it all. He wants to move to another club but is not prepared to say so, probably 'cos he doesn't want to lose the good relationship that he has with the Bristol fans, he doesn't want to lose his 5%? transfer bonus, & he will be able to say that BC sold him, he didn't ask for a transfer. But let's not forget that BC have had a new contract on the table for him, why hasn't he signed it if he is so keen to stay? Pretty obvious imo. Personally I'm not stressed at all 'cos if we fail to land Maynard, Sven will get his 2nd choice who I'm sure will also be a quality player, so let's chill guys! In Sven we trust. Bring on El Blancos!!!
Walker Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 Agree with the OP to a degree- but the signings have been pretty necessary considering (as has been mentioned) we lost so many defenders at the end of last season. We all know we need another striker which is why Sven is persevering with Maynard. I guarantee a striker is being brought in, whether that be Maynard or another target. Can't really see the need in another midfielder- weren't we bemoaning the lack of finishing after creating the chances? That wasn't the problem after the Yak came in- the defence was! Two weeks 'til the season opener, plenty of time for Sven to get his man!
Guest Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 We scored 76 goals last season including being the top scorers in the division at home, that doesnt strike me as squad thin on creativity. QPR won the league and only scored 71 goals The reason they won the league is that they only conceeded 32 goals thats 12 less than the 44 we let in away from home. we have brought in 8 good signings and looking to add a couple more before the transfer window. Some fans will never be happy I guess, we're a miilion miles away from this Starting: Chris Weale, Robbie Neilson, Michael Morrison, Jack Hobbs, Bruno Berner, Dany N'Guessan, Matt Oakley, Andy King, Lloyd Dyer, Dudley Campbell, Matt Fryatt Subs Conrad Logan, Steve Howard, Tom Kennedy, Richie Wellens, Tom Parkes, Jorrin John, Liam Moore The named team & bench for the 1st game of last season at Palace. I'd say we already have an upgrade in every position apart from King !
Stevie Synex Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 Defensive frailties cost us dear last season, I am pleased that Sven has got players in to sort that out, even with a couple of players out we still can field a pretty impressive back 4. Agree entirely with the need for a 'proper' playmaker, we really are laking in that department. King scores goals but creates nothing outside the box, Wellens simply is not good enough which leaves Gallagher as our only creative attacker, nowhere near enough in my view. I would go as far as to say that such a player is even more important than the '20 goal striker' that so many people hammer on about. Create decent chances and Vassell, Nugent etc are capable of putting them away. When did last seasons "player of the season" become simply not good enough ?
Cropwellfox Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 Starting: Chris Weale, Robbie Neilson, Michael Morrison, Jack Hobbs, Bruno Berner, Dany N'Guessan, Matt Oakley, Andy King, Lloyd Dyer, Dudley Campbell, Matt Fryatt Subs Conrad Logan, Steve Howard, Tom Kennedy, Richie Wellens, Tom Parkes, Jorrin John, Liam Moore The named team & bench for the 1st game of last season at Palace. Not sure whether this team deserves a , a or a Certainly makes me shudder a bit....
North-LondonFox Posted 23 July 2011 Author Posted 23 July 2011 Decent thread (for a change) I think you have a completely valid point North, although I wouldnt go as far as to say the transfer policy was a bit aimless. It may appear that way granted, as we have signed 5 defenders in a row and undoubtedly makes you think - well what about our attack??! I agree 100% that we lack strength going forward and as it stands would be hard pushed for a top 6 finish let alone a top 2 finish judging by our competition this coming season. IMO we require a creative midfielder with pace and a proven goal scorer. My mind is at rest with signing a proven goal scorer, its obvious that this is svens number 1 target after the CMS, Yak and multiple Maynard bids. So I would rather see us sign a creative midfielder/winger next. I'm glad someone gets where i'm coming from. It seemse blatanly obvious to me that we need more creativity in mf and up front. Just look at the top teams last season Swas, QPR, Cardiff etc - all had real quality up front Sinclair, Bellamy, Bothroyd, Routledge, Dyer Taarabt etc. So many posters on here seem obsessed with solid players and good pros etc - such players are vitally important but they only work if they are combined with creativity - see QPR last season.
Babylon Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 Transfers John Pantsil - defender Paul Konchesky - defender Matt Mills - defender David Nugent - forward Sean St Ledger - defender Kasper Schmeical - keeper Neil Danns - mf Lee Peltier - defender Chaps - see our list of signings - 5 defenders, a keeper, a box to box mf and a striker. I don't think it is too controversial to say that we need to diversify a bit? I don't think we look formidable in the mf or up top and we ciuld have done with balancing the t'fer policy a bit. It is only an opinion, but I remain pretty convinced it is a sound and logical one. I'm sorry but how can you not see that we have signed a lot of defenders because we didn't actually have any (other than dross) on the books? We are buying players in areas that are needed. Why go and buy 3 midfielders or strikers if you need defenders? Your argument makes no sense to me whatsoever. We have plenty of midfielders and plenty of strikers (if you take into account the fact we're going to sign one). We're perhaps only a winger short. Maybe even another CB as we only have three specialists (I'm not sure ball is the answer).
North-LondonFox Posted 23 July 2011 Author Posted 23 July 2011 I'd say it's very precise. He clearly wants players for certain positions. Looks like cover for every position in defence. Gally is one of our most important players. Great youngsters? How have Schlupp, Moore and Parkes played when you've been watching them? Jesus. I watched Schlupp and Parkes play for Brentford and Burton respectively and they both did exceptionally well. Much like Peltier they showed a lot of promise at a lower level and at a young age. I am not saying we should base our team ariund them, but I am sure such players could fill in at times to cover injuries - and I'm sure they would progress very nicely indeed. I trust that answers your question? BY the way, I recognise how important Gally is, I just said he probably doesn't strike fear into opposition defences and I suspect that is correct. What's with the "Jesus"? Just having a sensible forum on a subject on which a lot of people have fairly sensible opinions - including your own.
Wherethefoxhat? Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 Defensive frailties cost us dear last season, I am pleased that Sven has got players in to sort that out, even with a couple of players out we still can field a pretty impressive back 4. Agree entirely with the need for a 'proper' playmaker, we really are laking in that department. King scores goals but creates nothing outside the box, Wellens simply is not good enough which leaves Gallagher as our only creative attacker, nowhere near enough in my view. I would go as far as to say that such a player is even more important than the '20 goal striker' that so many people hammer on about. Create decent chances and Vassell, Nugent etc are capable of putting them away. "Wellens simply is not good enough" ?????? "Need a proper playmaker" ????? Why do you think Sven's bought Danns ???? Take up Bowls or gardening mate .....cos you know zilch about football !!! <_<
Stevie Synex Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 "Wellens simply is not good enough" ?????? "Need a proper playmaker" ????? Why do you think Sven's bought Danns ???? Take up Bowls or gardening mate .....cos you know zilch about football !!! <_< Nor does anybody else supporting the club if last seasons award is anything to go by!!
Babylon Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 I'm glad someone gets where i'm coming from. It seemse blatanly obvious to me that we need more creativity in mf and up front. Just look at the top teams last season Swas, QPR, Cardiff etc - all had real quality up front Sinclair, Bellamy, Bothroyd, Routledge, Dyer Taarabt etc. So many posters on here seem obsessed with solid players and good pros etc - such players are vitally important but they only work if they are combined with creativity - see QPR last season. We have lost Yakubu from our usual starting front 6. We have added Danns (10 last year), Nugent (14 last year) and are looking to sign a top quality striker. Last year we scored a lot of goals, add those players to that and the striker to come and it seems fairly obvious to me that we have added a fair amount in the attacking department. Goals come from all over the pitch, Mills scored 6 last year from CB, so that will also help.
North-LondonFox Posted 23 July 2011 Author Posted 23 July 2011 I'm sorry but how can you not see that we have signed a lot of defenders because we didn't actually have any (other than dross) on the books? We are buying players in areas that are needed. Why go and buy 3 midfielders or strikers if you need defenders? Your argument makes no sense to me whatsoever. We have plenty of midfielders and plenty of strikers (if you take into account the fact we're going to sign one). We're perhaps only a winger short. Maybe even another CB as we only have three specialists (I'm not sure ball is the answer). You and I must watch a different game if you think we have enough players of the requisite quality in midfield and upfront. I could not disagree with you more. Of course we needed defenders, I have never argued otherwise, but the balance has been too heavily skewed towards defensive players rather than attacking players. Goals win games - and always will, being solid and well organised only gets you so far. QPR last season were solid, but they combined solidity with reak attacking flair - as did all the top sides in the division. Someone earlier said we should judge the t'fer policy in August and I agree - however, at the moment the balance is wrong - I am not sure how you could disagree with that.
Babylon Posted 23 July 2011 Posted 23 July 2011 You and I must watch a different game if you think we have enough players of the requisite quality in midfield and upfront. I could not disagree with you more. Of course we needed defenders, I have never argued otherwise, but the balance has been too heavily skewed towards defensive players rather than attacking players. Goals win games - and always will, being solid and well organised only gets you so far. QPR last season were solid, but they combined solidity with reak attacking flair - as did all the top sides in the division. Someone earlier said we should judge the t'fer policy in August and I agree - however, at the moment the balance is wrong - I am not sure how you could disagree with that. You obviously missed out on the fact we scored more goals last year than we have in a long long time. And to that we've added goals in danns, Nugent and the new striker whoever that is. The balance is skewed because our major problem last year was defending not finding the back of the net unless you didn't notice.
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