I was just talking to my mate about this and I really don't know where a lot of some of Bobby's "major" signings fit into the first team.

Goalkeeper seems to be Given, Defence of Griffin, O'Brien, Dabizas/Hughes, Elliott (although Barton will probably still find his way into the defence) Midfield of Robert, Speed/Acuna/Bassedas/Dyer (2 of) Solano Up front I would assume Shearer and Cort.

Where does this leave £6m "worth" of Craig Bellamy? Where do the two dropped central midfielders fit in? I can't imagine any of Bassedas, Dyer, Speed or Acuna being too happy at warming the bench.

And I'd also assume that Bellamy, if not in the first XI would be at least 3rd choice striker otherwise we wouldn't have paid £6m for him. Where does this leave Ameobi and Lua Lua? I know they're not likely to move on but they will probably be expecting more football than last season.

I really don't want us to get into any of this "fashionable" squad rotation lark as I don't think we'll get anywhere with it.

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

Answers

Actual Problem?

(And what the f... is that "A with a hat on" before the £6m for?)

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

Hmmm strange, that funny character only appears when you are replying to the topic.

Maybe it was because I pressed shift and space.

TESTING £ £

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

Paul u r assuming Bobby Lee is past his sell by date i presume ?

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

ok well the best starting eleven ( which i believe will not once begin a game together ) should be .... Given Griffin Dabizas Hughes Solano Bassedas Bellamy Dyer Robert Shearer Cort . We'd give any of the top sides a game with that team ... and yes im playing three at the back .

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

4-4-2

Given Barton Hughes/O'Brien Dabizas Elliot Solano Speed Dyer Robert Shearer Cort

Though I expect Acuna and Bassedas to put pressure on Speed and this should be Griffins season at right back if he can get fit.

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

don't want us to get into any of this "fashionable" squad rotation lark as I don't think we'll get anywhere with it.

Why are you down on the SR system Paul? I know I feel that a player should be able to complete forty odd matches a season with no ill effects (as a boy I could do that every weekend!) but of course, players get injured/suspended/lose form etc.

I think the concept of a first XI is becoming quite old hat. For a start we're allowed to bring on 3 subs. Now, if the players are pushing themselves to their limit, it may well be that introducing 2 or 3 new players in the 2nd half will freshen things up a lot. So that makes it a 14 man game.

In addition, there are different formations to be played, 3 at the back plus wing backs, 4-4-2 etc. Specialist players will need to be drafted in to suit the chosen tactics for a particular game. So it is very much a squad game even ignoring the effect of injuries & suspensions.

Anyway, interesting thread - I won't add my own team pick but am interested in the ones supplied.

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2001

What the hell is our first choice XI?

I was having a similar discussion with mates yesterday and we considered the tactics and personnel we can play with. It is only an interesting discussion when we have fit and available players to talk about. At the present and for the near future we frankly have Jack Shit for the first team.( Solano & Speed now and the millions of others out)
This seems to happen to us all the time but we can’t moan, the only way to cope is to do the best with what we’ve got. This is the opposite of asking about the first XI and it's all about the quality of our squad and if we can manage to compete with a very difficult opening to the season.
It is the squad’s job to face the competition and keep us in with a fighting chance until quite a tasty team will develop.

I am putting blinkers on about a rotation strategy for the moment; just get Jack Shit out of the first team

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2001

I will just name my starting XI from players at the club.

Given Griffin Marcelino Hughes Solano Bassedas Acuna Robert Dyer Shearer Cort

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2001

The biggest problem last season was that we were forced to rotate, particularly at the back. Defences take time (seasons perhaps) to gel so I'd like us to choose a back four and stick with it. Unfortunately, it won't happen.

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2001

Sting, I was assuming that Rob Lee was on his way to Man City, that is why he was not included.

The idea of a first choice XI still exists at most clubs though, even those that rotate their squad. Man Utd only rotate it for weaker teams - unfortunately, there are no teams that we can consider weak compared to our team.

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2001