Is Our Squad Stronger Or Weaker Than Last Season

[Sniffer Dog (Admin)]

Interesting stuff.

I think most wanted a third striker in the window that just closed but now when the next window opens we are talking about a top striker to replace Grabban.

[ThePromisedLand]

Bit of an assumption Sniff.

[Sniffer Dog (Admin)]

Yes, I was just going on what Bad Dog and Widdow said on the previous page.

I wasn't speaking for everyone, sorry if it came across like that.

[wassy04]

Personally was happy to sign a striker to challenge Grabban as we could always play 2 up top if they both turned out to be good. Grabban missed another good chance last night in first half when he tried to take an extra touch for some reason. He does have a habit of scoring goals without really doing much though which is always welcome.

[wassy04]

For years the biggest concern has been the central midfield where we rarely seem to dominate games, from last night’s performance it continues to be a problem.

When we were at our best last season the central 3 were Carvalho ahead of the 2 defensive players, Colback and Guediora or Yacob. Carvalho is a miss at the moment, Silva doing some good things (best corner taker we have had in some time) but a LOT to learn, lost count of the misplaced passes last night. Gueddy and Colback were hardly dynamic but loads of nous and experience, rarely got bossed together.

Now we have 2 from Semedo, Watson, Sow, Bostock, I dont think Lamouchi knows the best combination yet himself. Watson puts a shift in but is well past his best and spends half the time trying to cover when the others have given the ball away. Semedo got 2 MOM awards, energy certainly but makes a lot of mistakes and couldnt pass water last night. Sow and Bostock Ive not seen enough of yet. People say we came into the game when Bostock came on, I thought it was more the opposition had run out of steam.

Are we stronger? We’ve had the opportunity to address it over the summer, we still have 9 central midfielders at the club. Only 3 can play. Im yet to be convinced we have quality not quantity.

Without labouring the point can’t help but feel we’d look a lot better with colback playing instead of Watson (or as well as). Wonder if there’s any chance Newcastle cancel his contract so we can sign him like stated on other thread

[Sausage Roll]

Really can't see that happening when we've got Sow and Bostock who could play instead of Watson now. Plus it'd be another massive wage back on a bill that's already in dire need of trimming.

[Widdow]

I think Watson is playing far better without colback there - I just don't think those 2 could play with each other

[Spangles]

Really can't see that happening when we've got Sow and Bostock who could play instead of Watson now. Plus it'd be another massive wage back on a bill that's already in dire need of trimming.

Watson seriously struggled with the tempo of the game first half ( although they all did to be fair ) and i think Sow or Bostock will both be better in his place , Sow looks really athletic , breaks things up and gives it simple whilst Bostock looks like he could make a very good deep sitting playmaker. I like the way he often looks to play the ball forward.
Although i really liked Colback i honestly don't think he's needed now.

[Salvatore Matrecano]

I dont think that will happen Wassy, although labouring the point myself, I would rather have signed just Colback or someone of his proven quality than 3 unknowns with probably the same combined wages.

[optimistic_red]

I have a feeling that by the end of the season we will all be thinking Colback who?

[TheGreenMan]

I have a feeling that by the end of the season we will all be thinking Colback who?

Me too. 

im not slating the lad he was my choice for player of the season last year, but it’s time to move on.

[McDurban]

I like Colback, good player, good professional.
But I've moved on.