Our right hand side.

[SoccerHQ]

Anyone have a clue what's been going on there the last six months? It seems a very weird experiment in what we can get away with.

So we sign a very highly rated young FB from Serbia who starts for them every game and already played in CL yet he can't even get on the bench when Cash is injured and ahead of Bogarde who's really a CB.

We wanted to sign Geertruida but couldn't do that unless we sold a CB and then there was no backup alternative even on loan once that didn't happen.

So we've just had to go back to last season's options which are solid but limited v some opponents.

Then ahead we've had Bailey massive fall off his level from 12 months ago. Diaby was also sold and not replaced with player of similar experience.

Watching Jaden on that really decent counter we had, does he even believe he's good enough for the prem. Dosen't pass, dosen't shoot and just loses the ball so easily when he could look up and see McGinn and Maatsen unmarked.

If our season is fizzling out it's due to neglecting this area. Some of it due to FFP but also were some gambles in the decision making but it's a really weak spot in the season currently.

[Cropley10]

The new year player list is growing:
RB ( still!)
CB
Right sided forward x2

[SoccerHQ]

The new year player list is growing:
RB ( still!)
CB
Right sided forward x2

We won't be signing much in January. Probably similar to last January, one player to come into first 11 and then more of a prospect signing.

Next summer we need to sort it and I would imagine that will mean selling Cash and probably Bailey aswell.

[Steve67]

I agree SHQ, the right side needs replacing or repairing.  Ned will come good but might need a loan to give him games.  As for Bailey, he looks really half arsed at the moment and shouldn't be starting.

[tomd2103]

I agree SHQ, the right side needs replacing or repairing.  Ned will come good but might need a loan to give him games.  As for Bailey, he looks really half arsed at the moment and shouldn't be starting.

Nedeljković doesn't look anywhere near ready for the Premier League yet.  I think a lot of it probably dies come down to the financial constraints in the summer and we were likely in a position where we had to sell Carlos to bring in another option either at RB or CB. 

[kippaxvilla2]

As someone else pointed out if money was that tight in the summer why not keep Moreno and Digne and use the money for right back instead. 

[OCD]

Where the logic in that falls down is that while on paper the £35m Maatsen and £20m Kellyman deals appeared seperate, I suspect they were actually linked. And £20m of pure profit meant not having to sell someone like Ramsey.

[Baldy]

As someone else pointed out if money was that tight in the summer why not keep Moreno and Digne and use the money for right back instead.

I'm guessing Moreno wanted out as he wants first team football. Without 100% commitment, Unai probaly had no choice but to let him go.

[Baldy]

Where the logic in that falls down is that while on paper the £35m Maatsen and £20m Kellyman deals appeared seperate, I suspect they were actually linked. And £20m of pure profit meant not having to sell someone like Ramsey.

I would be happy to sell Ramsey subject to a decent price. For me, Ramsey and Rogers are to similar and I would prefer we keep Rogers and put the money towards an 'out and out' left winger. Sane for example.

Strengthening our right back position is the main priority though.

[Mister E]

Nedeljković doesn't look anywhere near ready for the Premier League yet. 

It's a very definite statement, Tom. I'd say: he's an international fullback who tackles well and has pace; and we should give him gametime alongside Konsa at RCB.

[SoccerHQ]

As someone else pointed out if money was that tight in the summer why not keep Moreno and Digne and use the money for right back instead.

I'm guessing Moreno wanted out as he wants first team football. Without 100% commitment, Unai probaly had no choice but to let him go.

TBF both Moreno and Digne are in their 30s with 18 months or so left on their deals so we needed a younger LB sooner or later.

Could some of the 60m Diaby fee not gone on a RB option? I thought we just had to sell Luiz to meet the FFP requirements for this season.

[Richard E]

As anyone who used to stand on the old Holte End will tell you, the left side is always superior.

[Villa in Denmark]

As anyone who used to stand on the old Holte End will tell you, the left side is always superior.

Indeed.


I'd rather be a sausage than an egg.

[Mister E]

As anyone who used to stand on the old Holte End will tell you, the left side is always superior.

Indeed.
I'd rather be a sausage than an egg.

Tiswas!!

[VillaTim]

How much could we get for Cash £25m ? I'd be looking at that option and giving Monchi the funds to recycle on a quality RB like Dumfries