Posted by neilw on May 6, 2008, 12:09 pm, in reply to "nuno staying. wessels goin... "
I would assume Rodwell and Gosling will get integrated more into the first team squad next season, though we can't really expect more than the odd late substitute / mickey mouse cup appearance from either they'll still provide as much as VdM and Gravesen have this season.
Up front we have a big question mark over Vaughan's fitness and ability to survive / contribute across a whole season. Yakubu only has 30 games a season in him and AJ is chronically short of confidence. Vic is strictly an occassional use option until he develops better link-up play. Another striker seems crucial and they may need to start 20 meaningful games. Won't be cheap!
Midfield is obviously the key based on what has gone wrong this season when Cahill and Arteta went down. We have to upgrade central midfield (size, strength, pace, goals). We also have to add creativity with Arteta fitful (unsettled) and Fernandes too high a risk in terms of attitude. This means we need at least 2 top quality additions. That will be pretty expensive for the "creative" talent but we may have more moderately priced options for the runner (Mbia, Bradley etc.)
At the back, we need a second-choice keeper with the hairy German set to depart. Ruddy has potential but he will probably be sold or go on loan again. Turner isn't the answer. I'm sure Moyes would love someone like Henessey but it is hard to see how spending £5.5m in this area is priority unless we somehow have £30+m to spend! Someone like Roy Carroll on the cheap seems more likely. Neville will presumably become full-time right back and Hibbert a squad player at best. I'd like a right back but don't see that we can afford one. A cheap makeover only! £
Responses: