Summer transfer rumours, speculation and out-and-out b*ll*cks.

[Greg N'Ash]

It is rather baffling. Petrov has been breathing out his arse after 60 minutes since MON's time so you'd hope we'd have some plan B. or better still use him as a sub.

[Maradona10]

Everyone agree then Petrov should be dropped, I think he's okay in a 3 but as a 2 he should be nowhere near.

[Concrete John]

Didn't do Barry any harm. Clarke is a talented player and playing in different positions will only aid his development.

Barry established himself in the side on the left of three centre halfs, and then started being moved around the side.  With Clark, he hasn't had that chance to settle into regular 1st team football in a set position as Barry did. 

[Concrete John]

Everyone agree then Petrov should be dropped, I think he's okay in a 3 but as a 2 he should be nowhere near.

I don't.  I agree he's better in a 3, but I'd still play him.  What we have to do those is keep a close eye on him and not be afraid to sub our captain if/when he starts struggling.

[Nastylee]

I agree we need to be watchful of Petrov rather than bin him. His return to the team towards the end of the season steadied the ship and until we buy an able replacement his experience is needed. I don't see anyone else stepping up to the plate. Although not dynamic he does keep the ball well but does need some younger legs around him.

[PaulTheVillan]

I would also play Petrov at the moment. He was very good in the last 10 games of the season.

[Mazrim]

I can see the team seeting up thusly, with alternates in brackets:

                                  Given
                                (Guzan)

Young            Collins             Dunne         Warnock
(Lichaj)         (Cuellar)       (Clark, Baker)     (Lowry)


           Makoun            Petrov             Delph
          (Herd)         (Hogg, Gardner)    (Bannan)


                 Ireland                          N'Zogbia
          (Albrighton, Johnson)        (Gabby, Burke)

                                     
                                     Bent
                       (Fonz, Heskey, Weimann)

A few players cover other positions than depicted, naturally.
Gabby up front as an alternative to Bent, Young and Lichaj playing either full back position, Clark being a possibilty for defensive midfield etc. If Cuellar is sold then replace him with whoever we get in. I think Beye might go (hopefully).
And I still expect a loan deal or two regardless.

I would still hope for a player like Mahamadou Diarra in Petrov's place but I'm happy with that line up, if not ecstatic.
There is at least lots of ability on the ball and passing range so we could expect to see some decent football.

[Chris Smith]

Didn't do Barry any harm. Clarke is a talented player and playing in different positions will only aid his development.

Barry established himself in the side on the left of three centre halfs, and then started being moved around the side.  With Clark, he hasn't had that chance to settle into regular 1st team football in a set position as Barry did. 

I don't see how that makes any difference. He can do a job in a number of positions and it should be utilised. I don't think he's ready for the responsibility of first choice centre half.

[Concrete John]

Didn't do Barry any harm. Clarke is a talented player and playing in different positions will only aid his development.

Barry established himself in the side on the left of three centre halfs, and then started being moved around the side.  With Clark, he hasn't had that chance to settle into regular 1st team football in a set position as Barry did. 

I don't see how that makes any difference. He can do a job in a number of positions and it should be utilised. I don't think he's ready for the responsibility of first choice centre half.

Just making the point that Barry didn't establish himself and get used to 1st team football as a utility player, so comparisons to Clark in that regard are a little misleading.

Personally, I think he's a good CB, but a relatively poor midfielder.  I'd use him as defensive cover and hope he can force his way into the side as the season progresses.  Bit like I'd hope Delpg does in the midfield and eventually displaces Petrov. 

[Greg N'Ash]

I can see the team seeting up thusly, with alternates in brackets:

                                  Given
                                (Guzan)

Young            Collins             Dunne         Warnock
(Lichaj)         (Cuellar)       (Clark, Baker)     (Lowry)


           Makoun            Petrov             Delph
          (Herd)         (Hogg, Gardner)    (Bannan)


                 Ireland                          N'Zogbia
          (Albrighton, Johnson)        (Gabby, Burke)

                                     
                                     Bent
                       (Fonz, Heskey, Weimann)

A few players cover other positions than depicted, naturally.
Gabby up front as an alternative to Bent, Young and Lichaj playing either full back position, Clark being a possibilty for defensive midfield etc. If Cuellar is sold then replace him with whoever we get in. I think Beye might go (hopefully).
And I still expect a loan deal or two regardless.

I would still hope for a player like Mahamadou Diarra in Petrov's place but I'm happy with that line up, if not ecstatic.
There is at least lots of ability on the ball and passing range so we could expect to see some decent football.

So just the 12 youth players in the squad then Maz? :0). I know you have a high regard for their ability but relying that much on them for cover worries me

[pauliewalnuts]

I can see the team seeting up thusly, with alternates in brackets:

                                  Given
                                (Guzan)

Young            Collins             Dunne         Warnock
(Lichaj)         (Cuellar)       (Clark, Baker)     (Lowry)


           Makoun            Petrov             Delph
          (Herd)         (Hogg, Gardner)    (Bannan)


                 Ireland                          N'Zogbia
          (Albrighton, Johnson)        (Gabby, Burke)

                                     
                                     Bent
                       (Fonz, Heskey, Weimann)

A few players cover other positions than depicted, naturally.
Gabby up front as an alternative to Bent, Young and Lichaj playing either full back position, Clark being a possibilty for defensive midfield etc. If Cuellar is sold then replace him with whoever we get in. I think Beye might go (hopefully).
And I still expect a loan deal or two regardless.

I would still hope for a player like Mahamadou Diarra in Petrov's place but I'm happy with that line up, if not ecstatic.
There is at least lots of ability on the ball and passing range so we could expect to see some decent football.

Once you get past the starting 11, there's a notable lack of experience in that squad. Two or three injuries and we've got a midfield of Hogg, Herd and Bannan.

[Mazrim]

Barry made his debut as a midfielder as I recall. He was considered versatile at the time and a possible midfielder before settling in defence for a while. I do see the Barry comparisons with Clark.
I think Clark did O.K in midfield last season when called upon. There is scope to do it again if we dont get a specialist in for that position. He's good on the ball and gets forward to score goals too.
He started off as a striker I believe.

I still see him as a centre half but I've no problems with using him in different positions. I think he's up to it.

[Mazrim]

I understand worrying about the youngsters but you can look at it as an opportunity too.
We do lack experience past the first XI but we're investing in the youngsters and giving them their chance so bring it on. A gamble, but a worthwhile one.

[Concrete John]

Barry made his debut in midfield aginst Arsenal on the last day of the season (late 90s - 1999?), but then moved to CB when Ugo got sent off.  He then started the following season as a CB ans stayed there for quite a while as I recall. 

[citizenDJ]

I can see the team seeting up thusly, with alternates in brackets:

                                  Given
                                (Guzan)

Young            Collins             Dunne         Warnock
(Lichaj)         (Cuellar)       (Clark, Baker)     (Lowry)


           Makoun            Petrov             Delph
          (Herd)         (Hogg, Gardner)    (Bannan)


                 Ireland                          N'Zogbia
          (Albrighton, Johnson)        (Gabby, Burke)

                                     
                                     Bent
                       (Fonz, Heskey, Weimann)

A few players cover other positions than depicted, naturally.
Gabby up front as an alternative to Bent, Young and Lichaj playing either full back position, Clark being a possibilty for defensive midfield etc. If Cuellar is sold then replace him with whoever we get in. I think Beye might go (hopefully).
And I still expect a loan deal or two regardless.

I would still hope for a player like Mahamadou Diarra in Petrov's place but I'm happy with that line up, if not ecstatic.
There is at least lots of ability on the ball and passing range so we could expect to see some decent football.

That looks OK to me, but it would rely on Petrov playing the holding role very rigidly, as I don't think his stamina is up to much more. Not that there is anything wrong with that role, in fact I think it's the best way to utilise him these days - but I still think Makoun would do it better. However the two of them together could work, but would be VERY defensive.....so it could be up McLeish's street.

               Given

Young Collins Dunne Warnock

        Makoun Petrov

               Delph

Albrighton         N'Zogbia

              Bent

Maybe Ireland for Delph, or Bannan too from time to time. It's crucial for us to link defence and attack smoothly, something we haven't done for years. Makoun is central to achieving that, I think.