mil1lion
This is the place to be
- May 7, 2004
- 42,644
- 78,387
I think we're getting closer to 4th spot. I expect us to be in and around the top 6 this season, and in reaching distance of 4th spot. We might just nick it. But i think the gap between 4th spot has now drifted away from the top 3 this season. Which is why we really have a chance this season. But next season i expect Liverpool and City to strengthen. It will be up to us to try and compete.
Realistically, i think we're 3 world class players short of challenging with the top 3. However, it's virtually impossible for us to sign 3 world class players on our wage structure. If we had a King (a fully fit one), a Carrick and a Berbatov, we would be right up there. Our best hope is for the younger players to come good. But to expect say Modric, Lennon and Defoe to suddenly turn world class for next season is wishful thinking. And when our young players do turn world class, we'll struggle to keep them.
Unfortunately we're stuck in a circle at the moment. Realistically, top 6 is our best hope i think. We have a good squad for sure, but we still lack character. We still lack that winning formula that the top teams have. Next season i think we'll need to settle with 3 or 4 very good players. Our hope will be that we have a good enough squad and team spirit to challenge 4th spot again. But also do well in the Cups (including the Europa League, as i'm sure we'll be in it).
In the summer i would like a backup keeper solved. A centre back to replace Woodgate/King in the long run. A replacement for Jenas (someone with better character). A holding midfielder. And a partner for Defoe (someone of top quality). Something like, Loach, Cahill, , Parker, Sandro and Mandzukic. Those are our most realistic targets really. Unfortunately the likes of Liverpool and City could get world class players. Liverpool because of the size of their club, and wage structure. City because of their millions, and also their even bigger wages.
Realistically, i think we're 3 world class players short of challenging with the top 3. However, it's virtually impossible for us to sign 3 world class players on our wage structure. If we had a King (a fully fit one), a Carrick and a Berbatov, we would be right up there. Our best hope is for the younger players to come good. But to expect say Modric, Lennon and Defoe to suddenly turn world class for next season is wishful thinking. And when our young players do turn world class, we'll struggle to keep them.
Unfortunately we're stuck in a circle at the moment. Realistically, top 6 is our best hope i think. We have a good squad for sure, but we still lack character. We still lack that winning formula that the top teams have. Next season i think we'll need to settle with 3 or 4 very good players. Our hope will be that we have a good enough squad and team spirit to challenge 4th spot again. But also do well in the Cups (including the Europa League, as i'm sure we'll be in it).
In the summer i would like a backup keeper solved. A centre back to replace Woodgate/King in the long run. A replacement for Jenas (someone with better character). A holding midfielder. And a partner for Defoe (someone of top quality). Something like, Loach, Cahill, , Parker, Sandro and Mandzukic. Those are our most realistic targets really. Unfortunately the likes of Liverpool and City could get world class players. Liverpool because of the size of their club, and wage structure. City because of their millions, and also their even bigger wages.
