This squad compared to

kermode · 15th September 2011, 10:55 AM

Since our return to the Premier League, where would you rank the current squad? I've always felt we've progressed with the signings we've made, season on season, and this has been reflected in our improving league position. For the first time, rather than even standing still, I feel like we've regressed quite significantly. Apart from the additions of O'Shea and Brown, none of the players we've bought have improved on what we had last season, or even seasons before that (most significantly in the striker department).

However, its the midfield that worries me. We have plenty of options, but they're all either too similarly mediocre, don't fit together and crucially lack pace. Its why we'll struggle this season.

Mackemansj1 · 15th September 2011, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kermode

Since our return to the Premier League, where would you rank the current squad? I've always felt we've progressed with the signings we've made, season on season, and this has been reflected in our improving league position. For the first time, rather than even standing still, I feel like we've regressed quite significantly. Apart from the additions of O'Shea and Brown, none of the players we've bought have improved on what we had last season, or even seasons before that (most significantly in the striker department).

However, its the midfield that worries me. We have plenty of options, but they're all either too similarly mediocre, don't fit together and crucially lack pace. Its why we'll struggle this season.

Take oshea and brown out we are well back on where we started last season imho.

hoolio · 15th September 2011, 01:21 PM

Far weaker than 12 months ago

naughtynose · 15th September 2011, 01:25 PM

Three things you need in your side at this level; pace, power and creativity

We have NONE of those things

rocky · 15th September 2011, 01:26 PM

Last seasons squad was stronger however we had far to many loan signings in it.

Sgt Pepper · 15th September 2011, 01:29 PM

Looks a million miles stronger than the McShane and Halford team of a few years ago, but compared to 18 months ago it looks about on par on paper. Only back then we had a goalscorer and seemingly better team spirit.

Ch1982 · 15th September 2011, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocky

Last seasons squad was stronger however we had far to many loan signings in it.

First XI was better last season, the squad looks to have more depth this season (perhaps crucially not up front though).

Tokyo Optician · 15th September 2011, 01:31 PM

Forgetting the Loan strikers (Welbeck and Bendtner) which could be like for like, and looking at the players owned, now own.

We've gone from Jones and Bent, to Bent and Gyan, to Ji And Wickham.

Far weaker and going backwards IMHO. Espescially as Bruce won't start with either to give them a chance.

Must go for Bendtner and Ji against Stoke.

gyanclan · 15th September 2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ch1982

First XI was better last season, the squad looks to have more depth this season (perhaps crucially not up front tthhough).

This

Maxie · 15th September 2011, 01:35 PM

there's been threads on this earlier this week, so i wont copy n paste the entire parts about where loads of posters have listed the player list/starting XI as of 31-08-10....but basically, this current team is a lot weaker.

Less experience, less creativity, less pace and massively less attacking options.

I think the only improvement is in defence, where we have replaced numbers with equal numbers who are better.

we certainly havent improved the squad at all!!!!