Looking Ahead

[supermac]

I'm not sure why it is, but I'm more a fan of big picture discussions (how many points in the next how many games, future transfer targets, etc.)...just wired that way I suppose (much to the chagrin of those in my personal life, at times)...I'm still choosing to believe that we survive this relegation battle (otherwise, this all becomes moot) and

***Pause****

Yes, I know I use parentheses often when I write, but it's the best way to capture the internal monologue that consistently presents itself in my mind

***Unpause***

and once we do, we'll begin focusing on the next campaign, which surely must be brighter than the one we're currently engaged in.

Accordingly (his dissertation continues), what are the thoughts on the squad for next year...I'm not talking about what players we need to bring in, but who are the untouchables on this roster, as far as you're concerned? I'm not suggesting that there's not a price for everyone (as we've witnessed by the decline in Tiote's value over the past 18 months), but, barring an offer too good to turn down, who are the players whom you would be up in arms about if they weren't with the club next year? Similarly, who'll be the folks that, if still around next year, means we didn't do enough to upgrade?

I'm not asking anyone to do something similar, but I'm going to go through the squad (as presently constructed on the official team site) and, 1 thru 10, rank how disappointed I'd be if they weren't in our stripes next year (10 being the most disappointed).

Goalkeepers
Krul: 7
Elliot: 6
Harper: 1

Defense
Coloccini: 2...though most of this is borne out of resignation that he's good as gone, anyway
Santon: 7
Simpson: 2...same as Colo
Williamson: 1? 0? Negative 30?
Yanga-Mbiwa: 8...really a huge fan of this guy
Perch: 7...sounds crazy, but he's a very functional utility guy who can step up in many different roles
Raylor: No score...this poor kid and his injuries
Haidara: 7
Debuchy: 8...although he hasn't been quite as advertised...
Saylor: 9
Ferguson: 6
Tavernier: 2

Midfielders
Cabaye: 9
Sissoko: 10
Anita: 7
Ben Arfa: 5...what to do with Benny...when he's healthy and engaged, he's one of the most entertaining players in the BPL...but there are just so many other questions about him and whether he'll fulfill his potential at all, let alone at NUFC
Gosling: 1
Amalfitano: 3
Jonas: 4
Bigirimana: 8...just something about this kid that I really like
Marveaux: 7...what a turn around from the beginning of the season for him
Tiote: 4
Obertan: 1
Vuckic: 5
Abeid: 4

Forwards
Cisse: 7
Gouffran: 8
Shameobi: 5
Sameobi: 6

What have I learned? To me, there still seem to be a lot of movable/interchangeable pieces...the only folks I have at an 8 or higher are:

Yanga-Mbiwa, Saylor, Debuchy, Cabaye, Sissoko, Gouffran, and Bigirimana

I'm sure I'm undervaluing some guys and over-valuing others, but, well, I'm FoS, anyway...thoughts?

[Fairscup]

SM -This is proving to be quite a challenge and may well take some time but I am certainly looking forward to peoples' opinions on this one.

[Blue Star Broon]

Nice one Mac.........gonna chew on it a bit. I agree with your view on Perchino and would lump Jonus in because they are inter-changeable parts for when someone goes down. Would not start Jonus anymore.........and he certainly canno play twice a week anymore, (that won't be a problem next season). You left one off here though looking at next year and that would be Gaffer!

[Captain Marvel]

Apr 18, 2013 13:56:03 GMT 1 supermac said:

I'm not sure why it is, but I'm more a fan of big picture discussions (how many points in the next how many games, future transfer targets, etc.)...just wired that way I suppose (much to the chagrin of those in my personal life, at times)...I'm still choosing to believe that we survive this relegation battle (otherwise, this all becomes moot) and

***Pause****

Yes, I know I use parentheses often when I write, but it's the best way to capture the internal monologue that consistently presents itself in my mind

Super post SM reminiscent of CWL have you been taking lessons!?
ATB

***Unpause***

and once we do, we'll begin focusing on the next campaign, which surely must be brighter than the one we're currently engaged in.

Accordingly (his dissertation continues), what are the thoughts on the squad for next year...I'm not talking about what players we need to bring in, but who are the untouchables on this roster, as far as you're concerned? I'm not suggesting that there's not a price for everyone (as we've witnessed by the decline in Tiote's value over the past 18 months), but, barring an offer too good to turn down, who are the players whom you would be up in arms about if they weren't with the club next year? Similarly, who'll be the folks that, if still around next year, means we didn't do enough to upgrade?

I'm not asking anyone to do something similar, but I'm going to go through the squad (as presently constructed on the official team site) and, 1 thru 10, rank how disappointed I'd be if they weren't in our stripes next year (10 being the most disappointed).

Goalkeepers
Krul: 7
Elliot: 6
Harper: 1

Defense
Coloccini: 2...though most of this is borne out of resignation that he's good as gone, anyway
Santon: 7
Simpson: 2...same as Colo
Williamson: 1? 0? Negative 30?
Yanga-Mbiwa: 8...really a huge fan of this guy
Perch: 7...sounds crazy, but he's a very functional utility guy who can step up in many different roles
Raylor: No score...this poor kid and his injuries
Haidara: 7
Debuchy: 8...although he hasn't been quite as advertised...
Saylor: 9
Ferguson: 6
Tavernier: 2

Midfielders
Cabaye: 9
Sissoko: 10
Anita: 7
Ben Arfa: 5...what to do with Benny...when he's healthy and engaged, he's one of the most entertaining players in the BPL...but there are just so many other questions about him and whether he'll fulfill his potential at all, let alone at NUFC
Gosling: 1
Amalfitano: 3
Jonas: 4
Bigirimana: 8...just something about this kid that I really like
Marveaux: 7...what a turn around from the beginning of the season for him
Tiote: 4
Obertan: 1
Vuckic: 5
Abeid: 4

Forwards
Cisse: 7
Gouffran: 8
Shameobi: 5
Sameobi: 6

What have I learned? To me, there still seem to be a lot of movable/interchangeable pieces...the only folks I have at an 8 or higher are:

Yanga-Mbiwa, Saylor, Debuchy, Cabaye, Sissoko, Gouffran, and Bigirimana

I'm sure I'm undervaluing some guys and over-valuing others, but, well, I'm FoS, anyway...thoughts?

Super post SM reminiscent of CWL you been taking lessons from him!? ;D
ATB

[Captain Marvel]

Apr 18, 2013 13:56:03 GMT 1 supermac said:

I'm not sure why it is, but I'm more a fan of big picture discussions (how many points in the next how many games, future transfer targets, etc.)...just wired that way I suppose (much to the chagrin of those in my personal life, at times)...I'm still choosing to believe that we survive this relegation battle (otherwise, this all becomes moot) and

***Pause****

Yes, I know I use parentheses often when I write, but it's the best way to capture the internal monologue that consistently presents itself in my mind

***Unpause***

and once we do, we'll begin focusing on the next campaign, which surely must be brighter than the one we're currently engaged in.

Accordingly (his dissertation continues), what are the thoughts on the squad for next year...I'm not talking about what players we need to bring in, but who are the untouchables on this roster, as far as you're concerned? I'm not suggesting that there's not a price for everyone (as we've witnessed by the decline in Tiote's value over the past 18 months), but, barring an offer too good to turn down, who are the players whom you would be up in arms about if they weren't with the club next year? Similarly, who'll be the folks that, if still around next year, means we didn't do enough to upgrade?

I'm not asking anyone to do something similar, but I'm going to go through the squad (as presently constructed on the official team site) and, 1 thru 10, rank how disappointed I'd be if they weren't in our stripes next year (10 being the most disappointed).

Goalkeepers
Krul: 7
Elliot: 6
Harper: 1

Defense
Coloccini: 2...though most of this is borne out of resignation that he's good as gone, anyway
Santon: 7
Simpson: 2...same as Colo
Williamson: 1? 0? Negative 30?
Yanga-Mbiwa: 8...really a huge fan of this guy
Perch: 7...sounds crazy, but he's a very functional utility guy who can step up in many different roles
Raylor: No score...this poor kid and his injuries
Haidara: 7
Debuchy: 8...although he hasn't been quite as advertised...
Saylor: 9
Ferguson: 6
Tavernier: 2

Midfielders
Cabaye: 9
Sissoko: 10
Anita: 7
Ben Arfa: 5...what to do with Benny...when he's healthy and engaged, he's one of the most entertaining players in the BPL...but there are just so many other questions about him and whether he'll fulfill his potential at all, let alone at NUFC
Gosling: 1
Amalfitano: 3
Jonas: 4
Bigirimana: 8...just something about this kid that I really like
Marveaux: 7...what a turn around from the beginning of the season for him
Tiote: 4
Obertan: 1
Vuckic: 5
Abeid: 4

Forwards
Cisse: 7
Gouffran: 8
Shameobi: 5
Sameobi: 6

What have I learned? To me, there still seem to be a lot of movable/interchangeable pieces...the only folks I have at an 8 or higher are:

Yanga-Mbiwa, Saylor, Debuchy, Cabaye, Sissoko, Gouffran, and Bigirimana

I'm sure I'm undervaluing some guys and over-valuing others, but, well, I'm FoS, anyway...thoughts?

Goalkeepers
Krul: 7
Elliot:7
Harper: 2

Defense
Coloccini: 2...though most of this is borne out of resignation that he's good as gone, anyway
Santon: 7
Simpson: 2...same as Colo
Williamson: 1? 0? Negative 30? Championship player at best
Yanga-Mbiwa: 9...really a huge fan of this guy
Perch: 7...sounds crazy, but he's a very functional utility guy who can step up in many different roles
Raylor: No score...this poor kid and his injuries
Haidara: 8
Debuchy: 8...although he hasn't been quite as advertised...
Saylor: 7 prone to make silly mistakes
Ferguson: 4
Tavernier: 2

Midfielders
Cabaye: 7 a shadow of his former self.
Sissoko: 8 still to impress over longer term
Anita: 8 good buy
Ben Arfa: 5...what to do with Benny...when he's healthy and engaged, he's one of the most entertaining players in the BPL...but there are just so many other questions about him and whether he'll fulfill his potential at all, let alone at NUFC agreed
Gosling: 1
Amalfitano: 3
Jonas: 4
Bigirimana: 8...just something about this kid that I really like
Marveaux: 8...what a turn around from the beginning of the season for him
Tiote: 4
Obertan: 1
Vuckic: 5
Abeid: 4

Forwards
Cisse: 8 needs a playmate like Ketsbaia
Gouffran: 8 needs to fin his shooting boots
Shameobi: 5 out of date
Sameobi: 6 not at this level

Read more: chroniclemembers.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=forthesupporters&thread=1390&page=1#ixzz2QqOrfO2p

[Blue Star Broon]

Capt...........what's Cisse' gonna do with a polish sausage? He likes goat meat anyway.............the guy need to stay onsides FFS!

[Blue Star Broon]

still trying to figure oot why those kids said you looked like a sausage with that kit on Capt

[Captain Marvel]

For the the life of me I dont understand either we're poles apart!!! ;D

[supermac]

Apr 18, 2013 20:14:02 GMT 1 Captain Marvel said:

Super post SM reminiscent of CWL you been taking lessons from him!? ;D
ATB

I've been told I was born to usurp anyone else's "well thought-out, but long-winded in an interesting way" throne.

The king is dead. Long live the king!

[supermac]

Apr 18, 2013 19:07:27 GMT 1 Blue Star Broon said:

Nice one Mac.........gonna chew on it a bit. I agree with your view on Perchino and would lump Jonus in because they are inter-changeable parts for when someone goes down. Would not start Jonus anymore.........and he certainly canno play twice a week anymore, (that won't be a problem next season). You left one off here though looking at next year and that would be Gaffer!

I'm torn in both directions on him...I generally like to give a manager time...but that could be the way I was weened on baseball, hockey, etc....I don't like that we've retreated like a turtle into our own shell since getting blasted at Wigan last year, though hard to say with all of the injuries...I'd be curious to see if we'd go back to a 4-3-3 if Benny was healthy...Gouffran, Cisse, Ben Arfa up front would have the chance to be pretty dynamic...and if you wanted all-out attack, go Sissoko, Cabaye, Marveaux in the midfield...we have a hard enough time keeping the ball out of our own net, we'd might as well make it miserable for opposing keepers as well.

All of that, and it's still much easier to say, I.A.P.F.!!

[supermac]

Apr 19, 2013 3:17:12 GMT 1 Blue Star Broon said:

Capt...........what's Cisse' gonna do with a polish sausage? He likes goat meat anyway.............the guy need to stay onsides FFS!

Probably not the best thing to joke about these days, but the best money we can spend in the transfer market would be on a handful of Assistant Referees...with the way Cisse plays in an offside position, those ARs have got to be worth 1 or 2 goals per game.

[Captain Marvel]

Apr 19, 2013 12:43:37 GMT 1 supermac said:

Apr 19, 2013 3:17:12 GMT 1 Blue Star Broon said:

Capt...........what's Cisse' gonna do with a polish sausage? He likes goat meat anyway.............the guy need to stay onsides FFS!

Probably not the best thing to joke about these days, but the best money we can spend in the transfer market would be on a handful of Assistant Referees...with the way Cisse plays in an offside position, those ARs have got to be worth 1 or 2 goals per game.

ATB
Nice to see you have upped your game SM the more posts the merrier!! ;D
ATB

[Deleted]

Supermac.....Son of Lites Oot.........I will give this fine effort my best attention on my next spare evening that my broken laptop works at home..............Nice to see some participation as Capn says.........My question is ....WTF is Harry?

[Blue Star Broon]

Apr 19, 2013 12:43:37 GMT 1 supermac said:

Apr 19, 2013 3:17:12 GMT 1 Blue Star Broon said:

Capt...........what's Cisse' gonna do with a polish sausage? He likes goat meat anyway.............the guy need to stay onsides FFS!

Probably not the best thing to joke about these days, but the best money we can spend in the transfer market would be on a handful of Assistant Referees...with the way Cisse plays in an offside position, those ARs have got to be worth 1 or 2 goals per game.

Mac, I understand why he positions himself where he does but when he gets caught off cause he's walking back.............peanuts chucked at the telly

[Blue Star Broon]

Apr 19, 2013 13:29:45 GMT 1 @cannyman said:

Supermac.....Son of Lites Oot.........I will give this fine effort my best attention on my next spare evening that my broken laptop works at home..............Nice to see some participation as Capn says.........My question is ....WTF is Harry?

FFS.....fix yer laptop, get some bloody food in yer shagpad refrig, a cork fer yer arse and stay away from Chinese. BTW rumor has it after the Mackem Match Harry Sp*ll went underground