OK, i know it's a bot corny leaping in with opinions from a couple of pre seasons and a couple of games on telly.....but have been reading all the reports (thanks all, and Dave and Rich especially as ever) and the arguments.
I've been a bit disappointed at the apparent lack of, not so much ambition, but ability to get that inspirational signing or two. It does seem like we've been in for one or two decent players but been thwarted in those attempts. Apart from that, I wasn't so sure.....We had a pretty good squad last season that was almost or just about good enough to get into Prem. (I think we have a psychological problem as much as a defensive one that stalled us?). How much improvement did we need? I would take Snoddy and Max over what any other team has to offer. I thought Schmeical was OK, thought had some weaknesses...losing him looked possibly questionable...., centre mid coped but seemed could do with something (especially as we usually had an extra man in there). Kilkenny and Johnson have gone, and I never completely rated either. KK had some ability but didn't command or show up always, credit to Johnson for making the most of his limited qualities but hoped we could do better. Up front....difficult one. bechhio is a donkey BUT not only scores the goals (which is good enough on its own) but makes things happen, unsettles opposition and energises the crowd. Somma looked an exciting, underused talent. Great goals ratio too. Paynter and McCormack I'm less convinced by. I do think Billy could have been the required target man, BUT he needs confidence and I don't think we can afford to give him the chance, I love McCormacks movement, how he changes the shape of what's opening up for the midfield, but he doesn't really deliver when on the ball. I was at Doncaster last season when he and Somma linked up really well. So, yes, I'd like a striker, but at our level, what is available? I think experimental loans would have to be the answer there. The obvious problem was the back line. I don't think anyone convinced. Especially at centre back experience counts for a lot, but at our level, decent experienced centrebacks are only available as their physical powers are waning. Other options are bound to have their weaknesses, limitations or inexperience. Again,probably loans or punts on the O Dea's probably as good as can be brought in? So, without West Ham or Leicester type of cash, what or who would I have liked/wanted SG or KB to bring in??? We got: Transfers. Keepers. Early days but sounds like we have done well. Schmikel sent off yesterday for two petulant yellows tells a story too. Saw Stockdale let in 7 yesterday but looked excellent! Trust our guy is as good or better. Brown. Good call I'd say. On paper a big improvement on Johnson (except for the occasisional left foot rocket). Sounds like he's done OK. He plays a role that doesn't need to be noticed (as we all know by trying to explain the world class that Batty was). Loans. Keogh impressed me today. I'd describe him as a better quality Bechhio. Returnees: we all have great hopes for Knis, probably not much better around in our league? Nunez looks a real treat - suspect he might do a Max, hope so. The developing youth. Early days but Clayton seems sensational. I thought he did the job of both Kilkenny, Johnson, Livermore and perhaps Doyle all at once. I remeber Delph bossing League One, I can see Clayton taking hold of this league's midfield. How great will that be!!!!! (btw I thought Howson played a great supporting role alongside him today). Is Lees another Woodgate/Kilgallon...you are all writing him up. If so, we have a strong CB pairing and a strong (if headless) spine. Aidy White looks OK (sorry but Parker imo is poor). So...we were almost there last year, and seem imo to be better off this year. And Loans still to come. we easily outplayed Newcastle. More objective reports suggest Sthmptn were good, their goals unusually hot and we were NOT so bad! Boro was not lost for football, rather discipline reasons. Bradford, typical underdogs, played out of their skins, woke us up, but we did, came back and won. Hull result may have papered over some cracks but a deserved win - and a rare margin for us), and I thought we matched "Prem quality" west Ham away brilliantly today in football (great passing) and in spirit. I predict we'll go through a dozen more defenders this season - hope one or two fit the bill (remember Naylor and Sodje). And a striker or two..(though looking at the potency of our midfield I'd consider playing 4-6-0. Sorry for going on so long. Nif. _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman-new.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email leedslist-unsubscr...@gn.apc.org MARCHING ON TOGETHER (There's it)
