The Numbers Game

by Beefy

At the moment we need to sign a centre back.

However, an already small squad will be decimated in January if the take over doesn't happen in time for the transfer window because Djemba-Djemba and Jlloyd Samuel will have to leave in order to get first team footy in readiness for the Africa nations and the world cup (if he wins his appeal and is allowed to play for Trinidad and Tobago). Hendrie has already said he wants out if he plays no part, UDLC has said he's off, Delaney and his agent are trying their best to get him a move and we can ignore Berger for the same reasons we can ignore Laursen.

If they all moved, which is very feasible indeed, we would then need cover for both full backs, a central midfielder, a left midfielder and a right midfielder. Bare in mind we already need a central defender and a central midfielder that would mean us signing six players with whatever dosh we get for the above, and that doesn't include replacing the two loan players. I would suggest Berson, Djemba-Djemba, Delaney and Hendrie would be a million each, Jlloyd maybe 2 mill and De La Cruz a freebie.

So six million quid for an absolute minimum of six proven top flight players is never, ever going to happen in a million years. What's daft is - WE ALREADY HAVE THOSE PLAYERS AND THEY WOULD ALL STAY IF PLAYING. Their replacements aren't setting the world on fire either.

It's basic maths and a very simple solution.

When money is at a premium and you are fortunate to have been given four million quid to sign two quality footballers - play the buggers. Don't loan one out and relegate one to the stiffs.