Message #452851

[DrillingCobbler]

Unlike at any other time in memory, our starting X1 would be difficult to improve without a significant investment in a player.

Not including the unfortunate Sid Nelson, I would argue that we have 15 players 'up to it' in regards to being in a promoted side. Unfortunately, players 12-15 are mainly defenders. I would say that Harriman, Dyche, Mills (should be fit soon) and Rose are all good back ups/plan B's. However beyond that, we struggle...and our lack of decent options in the creative department means we struggle to replace forwards late in games with adequate replacements.

So in simplistic terms, we need upgrades for players 16 downwards. Who could at least start if required, or come off of the bench and not weaken the team.

In an idealistic world, Id like to see 4 such players brought in. Loans or permanents, not bothered. I think that if we are sitting in a similar place in the league come January, we are more likely to be able to attract decent loan players than if we were say midtable or fighting relegation. For obvious reasons! Last time round, we got James Collins for example.

A striker, a creative midfielder, and a winger (for when we need goals) and a McCormack type (for when we need to see a game out) would be my preferences!

A few fantasy numbers. 26 weeks x 8 grand a week (between the 4 players) would cost the owners £208-000 on top of the current budget for this season. That number would obviously come down if we can off load any....

So the question is. Would that 'investment' potentially generate an ROI and would it be worthy of the associated risk? That's what it will probably come down to!

It isn't for me to say what I think. I do though hope that DB and KT take the view that if the team is in a good place, momentum builds and therefore presents an opportunity to increase sales revenues, whether that's through the turnstyles, sponsorship or additional tv money etc if we made it to league1!