Next priority?

[Blue Wiz]

Ok, with the signing of Baines we've sorted out our defence quite nicely for, hopefully, years to come.

Now we need to look at the other parts of the team. If you where in Moyes place where would you strengthen and what player would be on the top of your list of realistic targets to fill that position?

I'd look for a creative, attacking midfielder... and I'd consider Fernandes on loan for a season with an option to buy if I could negotiate that fee to about £10M or less.

 

[TX Bill]

Attacking mid as you have said or an out and out striker who's first thought is to shoot on goal.

We're set at GK.
We're set at the defense. (I thought we were set before Baines but hey..)
We're set at defensive midfielders.

We need to add more bite to the attack.

Do this and we're gonna look pretty darn good.

 

[teppic]

defence is looking great as you say. although moyes always is on the lookout for a defender so don't be surprised if we strenghten further at the back.

a striker and attacking midfielder seem to be most important now. argie and barca guy. perhaps?

 

[FCConnecticut]

I think we still need another winger (right or left?? I forget at this point).

 

[teppic]

yes an upgrade on VDM would be fantastic business. but i can't see anyone buying him. he is only 26. washed up and no mistake. what a waste.

 

[Namdrater]

We need an attacking midfielder or a striker at the moment. We should definitly get one, probably a striker since we seem to be short on those numbers.

 

[TX Bill]

yes an upgrade on VDM would be fantastic business. but i can't see anyone buying him. he is only 26. washed up and no mistake. what a waste.

I'd like to see him surprise everyone by staying fit and contributing this year.

It would be like adding a new player and one that's more attack minded.

*TX Bill holding breath*

 

[micknick]

Attacking mid as you have said or an out and out striker who's first thought is to shoot on goal.

We're set at GK.
We're set at the defense. (I thought we were set before Baines but hey..)
We're set at defensive midfielders.

We need to add more bite to the attack.

Do this and we're gonna look pretty darn good.

I disagree slightly- in that I dont believe we are completely sorted for a keeper I would be extremely worried if Howard got injured. Turner and Ruddy have shown great promise, but this is the Premier League- the best league in the world with the best strikers in the world- I think we need a bit of experience involved as well.

I personally think we need a complete midfielder by complete I mean someone how can tackle, pass, shoot and take players on- every top team has one and I think that is one thing that we lack. Scholes for United, Gerrard for the [Poor language removed], Fabregas for Arse, Essien/Lampard for Chelski and so on. Fernandes looked like he could cut it but it looks like its not to be- so who next?

Also another forward- even an ageing stop gap of proven ability would suit me- its just a case of who?!

 

[Keith_Shabs12345]

We have Neville,Hibbert,Lescott,Yobo,Stubbs,Baines and Valente as enough cover at the back and that is a pretty top defense.

As for midfield. Arteta, Osman, Jagielka, Carsley, Cahill, Anderson, VDM, Mcfadden and Pienaar. Depending on how Pienaar does, if we get him permanently then we could be set for the wings. If Cahill stays crocked then we might need to look for a new attacking midfielder too.

And then its our attack that lets us down. Johnson,Vic and Vaughan. One striker is required for me as Mcfadden is better as a winger. I think for this season, we need a new striker, then we can see how Pienaar, Cahill and VDM fair, then we can make a decision in January or next summer.

But for now, a striker is all thats required, Vassell or another cheap, experienced, different option like him would be ideal.

 

[Tennessee Blue Mike]

Rocky holding his breath too.

Lets see what we have accomplished.

We have strengthend at the back with Baines and Jags. Very necessary because Hibbert & Valente had a rough go of time lost last year. Mainly we have strengthend our Left side with a more pacy Baines which can make us push up more and not be as concerned with Lescott and Yobo as cover.

Here is the big if. Pienaar, he had a down year last year but if he could capture some of his early promise and especially on the left side then I think we are sorted for the short term. This would give Arteta more of a attacking role behind AJ and I like his chances to spring him more don't you.

My main concern at the moment is our aging Carsley I wish a Vogel or someone close could be picked up. Jags could fill in or Neville but it would be nice to add a body here to not be as thin in such a pivitol position.

Overall, BT had chances upon chances and couldn't do it. Nice fella but not really what we needed at present. Very surprised Smudger didn't come our way. Especially with Moyes being a big fan. I really believe our mystery signing
before the window closes will be a forward. I think we have been working overtime to get this type of body in.

But if it all ends now we diffently have better quality personel than we have had in the past few years at our club. So onward and forward.

 

[neonleon]

Think its great that we've got someone with the potential and current ability of Baines - a progressive upgrade of the dwindling talents of Pistone and the always dubious ones of Naysmith.

I'd still like to see alot more, but I am happy with the standard we are aiming at.

I think somekind of keeper on loan, in case Howard gets injured and Turner fails to step up.

Cover at the centre. We have Lescott, Yobo and Stubbs and Yobo will be summoned to the African Nations so we need cover especially should injury take its toll in this position.

We shouldn't be spending alot of money on this area though - again a loan deal or small amount to secure someone half decent.

i think Vaughan and Anichebe are going to be good strikers, although it would be nice to spend some money on a striker now.

However I'd prefer to secure someone like Gonzalez or Manny and in addition Vogel to really cement our midfield and provide more creativity.

The best striker in the world will be curtailed by a lack of creativity in midfield. Imagine Gonzalez, Arteta and Pienaar pulling the strings for Cahill, Vaughan and Aj to bang them in.

Enough to make your heart go wooooohhhhhh....

 

[chicoazul]

It makes me erect, Im that excited.

There room for one more big money signing yet, if this Gonzalez cat doesnt come. Expect Fernandes to.

 

[FCConnecticut]

Bring in Paddy Kenny and Mark Bradley!

 

[Blue Wiz]

It makes me erect, Im that excited.

Hurry.. HIDE YOUR DOGS! CHICO IS ON THE LOOSE!!!

 

[TX Bill]

http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_2645570,00.html

For those of you thinking a target man would be needed to pair with AJ, this guy might fill the bill.

MickNick,

My response saying we were "set" at GK simply meant that there were other areas we need to spend money on right now. I agree that if Howard were to somehow get injured for a lengthy spell, that Ruddy and Turner might not be up to par yet with the demands of EPL football.

But I certainly wouldn't want Moyes spending funds for that position right now when we have a glaring lack of depth in the attack.