Is this the same as last year?

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Remember that point last year when we had 3 relatively easy games which would've eased us up into contention, we were all saying that we needed to strengthen the squad right then...we didn't, we then got beaten by relatively easy teams...charlton and everton if i remember correctly and that was the end of our season....

We're kind of at a similar crossroads now...in a reasonable position and with some serious midfield strengthening we could really challenge for a top 6 spot, i'm praying that we invest some cash now or even broker a promising loan deal cos I think we'll fall off if we don't....

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001

Answers

Answers please?

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001

Agreed, but it's also the time of year when, should first-team regulars become 'tired' or pick up knocks, I'd like to see one or two young un's coming through and giving the side some fresh impetus by doing as well as Ameobi did when he first got his chance. There doesn't seem much prospect of that at the moment, Bernard seeming the likeliest, while it's all gone a bit quiet on the Ameobi, McClen, Caldwell front. And am I the only one who thinks LLL is overrated?

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001

But Dyer's resumed training and should be available within a fortnight. Totally agree with Gav, and the central midfield situation is the vulnerable spot, but overall we should be in a better position than last year looking forward - less injuries, more stability of team selection, especially at the back, better squad (just having Robert and Bellamy) and more inconsistency from the other teams challenging for top six places. LAst season we lost Dyer to injury and had to blood a young Ameobi. This year we have had Shearer playing regularly, Bellamy instead of someone like Cordone, Robert instead of...well Glass if he was ever played, and Dyer on the verge of making a comeback. If I remember correctly, Dyer was no small part responsible for the strong start we made last year.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001

There's still time to send a note to Santa.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001

I think we are indeed at a similar point Gav. While the squad overall looks somewhat stronger than last season, we have to date been relatively free from new injuries, are weak in m/f, and imo still in need of some judicious squad restructuring and strengthening.

Unless we get a quality central m/f player in, or if we start running into new injury problems, our season could easily go down the toilet - again.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001



I really hope Dyer can make a big impact when he returns and i'm crossing my fingers that he will stay clear of injuries, though i have a feeling that he won't. What we really need is a holding midfielder ala' Vieira who can hold the team together and defend properly. If we can get that sort of quality in the middle i think we can stay among the best.

When it comes to Luax2, i think he has a future in this club. But i would prefer him as a winger and not a typical striker.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001


The Christmas period will be hugely important for us in deciding where we're going to finish this season. I'm not foolish enough to say that we're bound to pick up a few points against Charlton, Ipswich and Blackburn (I've been a Mag for far too long) but we should be hoping to remain at the right end of the table after those 3 games. Then we've got Arsenal away, Leeds away, Boro at home, Chelsea at home, Man United away & Leeds at home. Couldn't be much tougher really!! If we could win those home games and pick up a point of two in the away games then we'd be in a fantastic position to push for Europe. Equally, we could easily end up with just a couple of points (or worse) which would put us right back to square one. I would love us to go in for De La Pena if he's available on the cheap, he could be just the man to bolster the midfield & give us a little bit more depth.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001

I hope we get 7 from the 9 pts available at Charlton, and home to Ipswich and Blackburn, 'cos the it's Arsenal away and Leeds. Mind, we did take Leeds to the cleaners last season...perhaps Fowler will crock himself just in time :-)

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2001

I hope I am as wrong as I normally am, however, to all of you expecting Dyer to make an impact, do not hold your breath.

Think of the circumstances. He is coming back after 2 separate injuries, the length of time without playing, we have changed our style and most importantly of the lot, where is he playing.

Out wide? How much better is he than Solano? In the middle? Too lightweight as he has shown before.

I am not saying he is not good, we all know that. However we have to have at least 1 good holding midfielder, (Lee, Speed or Acuna) for him to play in the middle behind Bellamy and Shearer. He will win us some games, but he will not win us the league. He cannot dominate a game like a Viera, Keane and Beckham.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2001


Hopefully, Dyer will play alongside/in behind maybe Cort or Shola in a year or so (fitness and improved experience prevailing). I always though he looked more dangerous nearer the front of our attack than any midfield wizzardry. And he's not a winger (although he can play a bit on the wing), just a right handful to mark and defend against.

The real concern that doesn't seem to have been addressed since last year is the right back position. Barton seems to be nearing the end of his useful life in a B&W shirt, Griffin is either injured or out of favour, leaving Aaron (centre half) or O'Brien (centre half) to fill in. This has a knock on effect on Solano, who seems to lack confidence in being the all out attacker he is, when he knows there's a part-timer in behind to clear up / overlap / plug the gap.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2001



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