You shouldn't worry about the pre-season, but...

[Salopian 1]

Is anyone concerned about the quality of the midfield? Jarrett, when he plays is a passable Championship player who will add a little "bite" to the midfield. Hughes is committed but.. Safri is injury-prone and in any case will be missing for several weeks during the coming season. Francis will be off, in the reserves or strolling around. Marney, if he comes, may provide pace and another route to goal.

Already we are playing a full back (Charlton) or academy players, or a striker on the wing (Henderson).

We need a midfield with commitment and energy, but also one which provides a first line of defence in front of a leaky back four as well as supporting the attack. At the moment quality and numbers are lacking! There are injuries, and we have not yet seen the best team perhaps, but the ease with which two (good) teams from a lower division have cut open the defence is a concern.

Given the attitude of Francis, and the likelihood of his departure, we need someone of stature and ability in the midfield, not another runner!

[ZLF 271]

I with the assessment in central midfield - a line up of

Hendo  Hughes   Charlie   Brennan

didnt frighten Colchester and wont frighten ANY champs side who will think they can get amongst us.  

The scary thing is the only current change would be Hux in for Brennan and while it makes us far more attack minded it still hardly scares our champs rivals.  More cover IS needed in central midfield (Jarrett and Safri are both prone to injury absences) and we are desperate for a wide right player.

The Damo issue is a distraction we dont need - until Pompey reach our valuation he stays, sidelined or otherwise for Worthy to decide, we MUST get two more midfielders into the squad (3 when damo goes).

 

OTBC