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

[Maradona10]

I agree Petrov will be okay in a 3 but as a two, would rather see mobile CM's would love to see Gardner and Delph given a run, but hey thats the future.

[Percy McCarthy]

If we're ever going to find out about these kids it might as well be now while we've got no money. Necessity is the mother of invention. Or summat.

[pauliewalnuts]

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.

Last year we had to play lots of the youngsters - to rely on them too much - and the results were piss poor.

I understand we've got to bring them on, but not at the risk of another season around the relegation places - that's what worries me.

[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.

Last year we had to play lots of the youngsters - to rely on them too much - and the results were piss poor.

I understand we've got to bring them on, but not at the risk of another season around the relegation places - that's what worries me.

And often the youngsters didn't let us down, the senior players did.
We need a mix of both and they all have to perform. The senior players look a lot more up for it this season and so hopefully the youngsters will be less exposed.

[Greg N'Ash]

well like it or not we're going to find out if the kids are any good by the looks of it. We need a big season from delpth for one

[JUAN PABLO]

We struggled big time last season when we had a few injuries and that was with Downing and Young being mostly fit , it will be a hard season if we start getting a few injuries .. 

[Concrete John]

The problem with the youngsters last season was too many of them had to be used at once, and then they were coming into a struggling side.  You'd have to imagine our injury problems would not be as bad this season, so if there's just one or two playing at a time in a better organised and motivated side, then I won't be too worried.

[pauliewalnuts]

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.

Last year we had to play lots of the youngsters - to rely on them too much - and the results were piss poor.

I understand we've got to bring them on, but not at the risk of another season around the relegation places - that's what worries me.

And often the youngsters didn't let us down, the senior players did.
We need a mix of both and they all have to perform. The senior players look a lot more up for it this season and so hopefully the youngsters will be less exposed.

I don't think they let us down - I think we asked too much of them - I'm certainly not apportioning any blame to them.

It worries me to see names like Burke and Johnson so close to having to cover for us. Not because I think they're shit or they won't make it, but because they have no experience.

Blooding kids is one thing, blooding too many of them, and too young, is very possibly damaging both to the club and the kids.

[Greg N'Ash]

The problem with the youngsters last season was too many of them had to be used at once, and then they were coming into a struggling side.  You'd have to imagine our injury problems would not be as bad this season, so if there's just one or two playing at a time in a better organised and motivated side, then I won't be too worried.

true but its not like it would take a horrendous injury list this season is it? We've let go so many.  As Paulie said, a couple of players crocked in midfield and the kids are all we have.

[Mark H]

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.

Would never argue with you Maz but in my mind Barry started as a left back when we bought him from Brighton then moved to the left of 3 centre backs before being tried in Midfield - but then time does strange things to my mind !

I do agree that Clarke could be Barry ike in his ability to play in differant postions - he just has to be careful not become the jack of all and the master of none

[Mazrim]

Getting the balance of youth and experience on the pitch at any given time is important, yes.

Mark, as I recall Barry was used in all sorts of positions in the youth team including central midfield before making his debut as a midfielder against Arsenal.
Then he went to left of three centre halves, then left back, then left midfield, then central midfield.

[Merv]

The likelihood is that we'll be playing a few of the kids together again this season, though. That's more or less a certainty unless we're blessed with almost zero injuries this season.

I'd like to see Clark established at CB, personally, but I think he's strong enough to play CM if needed and I think he will be needed there at some point. He's good on the ball, quick enough, composed if he gets a chance in front of goal. But then again, I can see at LB too, and I don't mind him there, either. Important for him to play as much football as possible this season - I'd want him as one of our regular CBs in a year.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

The likelihood is that we'll be playing a few of the kids together again this season, though. That's more or less a certainty unless we're blessed with almost zero injuries this season.

I'd like to see Clark established at CB, personally, but I think he's strong enough to play CM if needed and I think he will be needed there at some point. He's good on the ball, quick enough, composed if he gets a chance in front of goal. But then again, I can see at LB too, and I don't mind him there, either. Important for him to play as much football as possible this season - I'd want him as one of our regular CBs in a year.

Couldn't agree more Merv!
He's a real talent and we need to give him experience to develop his game...he's not really a kid anymore and needs to start to establish himself like other young players in other teams seem to do. He could be a giant for us in the future (before we sell him?).
I also agree with what Maradona said earlier - give Delph a decent run and let's give Gardner the chance to show what he can do...he looked pretty good in the Chelsea game when we were playing poorly.

[Mazrim]

I already consider Delph a starter and not a kid anymore, despite his age. Gardner is just a question of when, not if he makes a starting place his own by my reckoning.

I would be concerned if what was coming through wasn't exciting, but it is.
But I understand the concerns and feeling of vulnerability this season.
However, I dont anticipate the injury situation we had last season (who could?) and I still think McLeish will get a couple more players in, even if they are loans.
Those should be experienced players and compensate somewhat.

[brontebilly]

The likelihood is that we'll be playing a few of the kids together again this season, though. That's more or less a certainty unless we're blessed with almost zero injuries this season.

I'd like to see Clark established at CB, personally, but I think he's strong enough to play CM if needed and I think he will be needed there at some point. He's good on the ball, quick enough, composed if he gets a chance in front of goal. But then again, I can see at LB too, and I don't mind him there, either. Important for him to play as much football as possible this season - I'd want him as one of our regular CBs in a year.

clark has no speed on the turn unfortunately. the majority of his yellow cards last season were where he got turned, caught flat footed and forced to foul. Dunne for all his faults always had good recovery speed to get him out of tight situations. Lichaj and Walker do too. Think Clark if he makes it as a top centre half will have to be exceptionally good at reading the game like Terry used to be but also be partnered by a very quick centre half. We dont have that luxury at present. When sides play against us with one up front though it would be useful having him at the back ahead of Collins as he is very decent on the ball.

Really think like Gareth Barry his best position will be in midfield. He just needs more experience there.