Players needed next season - strikers and defenders

[Salopian 1]

We scored more goals than any other team in the Championship - the product of our attacking policy, and the quality of our creative midfielders.We also had more attempts at goal. This suggests that creating many chances will continue, but we could have a problem with chances missed.

Next season we shall face better defences, in terms of skill, pace and organisation. The conclusion must be that we must convert a higher percentage of chances.

We shall also face better attacks, with pace and skill. The Diamond formation, which tends to leave the backline, sometimes only 3 of them if one has gone forward, exposed. We have to adopt some other formation and be less attacking.

CONCLUSION:

EITHER Our present attacking creativity will need to be butressed by new defensive signings. The new players will have to be quick, and not prone to silly mistakes.

OR We must play more defensively with two lines of four facing opponents, creating fewer chances but converting a higher proportion.

On the day it may depend on the opponents, but to adapt we shall need two more efficient strikers and two defenders with pace.It is also arguable that with Lansbury and Pacheco gone, we shall need some power/skill to back up the main midfield of Hooly, Surman, Crofts and Fox, especially if we have a long-term injury among them. Lappin and Korey will do their best, but...

[Lets be aving you! 0]

No need to drop the Diamong & adopt a different formation purely by virtue of being in a different division.

Nor will becoming more defensive be likely given Lambert''s approach to winning games.

The next step will be to identify and get rid of the deadwood (Gill, OTJ, Hughes, etc etc) and use (most of) the Premier League bonanza on decent replacements who can challenge the current incumbents.

[kellybrook 0]

Thanks for the essay.  The reality is we need to invest across the team.  The midfield is as good as the defence and the attack.  None of these are in reality good enough to survive with what we have.Midfielders are bigger, quicker and more skilfull that in the Championship.  Remember when Arsenal came last time we were up there?  Massive players, great balance and physical presence.  Our midget midfield will get brushed aside as it stands.Our real priority is not attack or defence, it is a couple of midfielders who can cope.

[kellybrook 0]

You reckon Martin and Tierney will be able to get forward then do you?  Seems highly unlikely to me.  I bet you a million quid we do not play the diamond next season if Martin and Tierney start.[quote user="CambsCanary"]No need to drop the Diamong & adopt a different formation purely by virtue of being in a different division.

Nor will becoming more defensive be likely given Lambert''s approach to winning games.

The next step will be to identify and get rid of the deadwood (Gill, OTJ, Hughes, etc etc) and use (most of) the Premier League bonanza on decent replacements who can challenge the current incumbents.[/quote]

[William Darby 0]

[quote user="kellybrook"]You reckon Martin and Tierney will be able to get forward then do you?  Seems highly unlikely to me.  I bet you a million quid we do not play the diamond next season if Martin and Tierney start.[quote user="CambsCanary"]No need to drop the Diamong & adopt a different formation purely by virtue of being in a different division.

Nor will becoming more defensive be likely given Lambert''s approach to winning games.

The next step will be to identify and get rid of the deadwood (Gill, OTJ, Hughes, etc etc) and use (most of) the Premier League bonanza on decent replacements who can challenge the current incumbents.[/quote][/quote]There is no way on God''s Earth that Lambert will abandon the diamond.  We had this debate last year.  Some said Lambert won''t do the diamond in the Championship but obviously we did.Why the hell would he change now?