competition for places

[stainrodisalegend]

For the first time in ages we have real strength in depth, with the possible exception of the two problem areas we all know about. In the close season Buz and Stewart were among those who came across as a little full of themselves in interviews, both saying words to the effect of "it would be nice to play in the Premiership with QPR but if not I will do so with another club." Now neither of them are guaranteed a start - indeed, in Stewart's case my hunch is he is slipping quite a long way down the pecking order. It will be v interesting to see how they respond. Has it been too easy for them up until now? Will Buz, say, suddenly look at Watson and think: "if I don't start performing I'm no longer going to be the main man here"? Alternatively, if we don't really push on and start climbing the table will players left on the side lines start creating a tricky atmosphere? I know fans/ managers always say "the next few games are crucial" but this is genuinely one of those times when we are going to see what some of our players have - or haven't - got. Should be interesting...

[Stanley]

Should be interesting...

It certainly should be. For my money I'd have Faurlin as quarter-back with Buzz and Watson pulling the strings in midfield, taking turns over their forward runs. Or, depending on the opposition or if we're home or away, play Watson and Faurlin as the holding players with Buzz in the hole (wasnt Gigi the only manager to have ever played him there and with good success?).

As for Stewart I see him as able back-up to Connors and Gorkks.

[oldhoop]

I'm expecting a real buzz (no pun intended) around LR on Sat. With expectation high due to Watson Simpson etc. What crowd we expecting around 14k again?

[qprdad]

I'm expecting a real buzz (no pun intended) around LR on Sat. With expectation high due to Watson Simpson etc. What crowd we expecting around 14k again?

Agreed...... I think we, and the squad believe that someone's due for a really good hyding soon.

[Captain Clunge]

We have "strength in depth" in the midfield. Nowhere else. We've had one of the easiest starts to the season in years, yet havent put away these "weaker" teams.

[stainrodisalegend]

Disagree with you there captain, at centre half and goal keeper we now have excellent options. I'm still not as sold on Ramage as some seem to be - is that simply because he claps them after a match BTW? - and left back is an obvious weakness but even up front where we all agree we are under-powered, if we start with Simpson and Tarabt that would still leave Vine and Helguson on the bench - which this time last year would have seemed very profligate.

[sirpiechucker]

I agree there are areas were we have obvious strength and areas where we have obvious weakness. As long as the powers that be know where the weaknesses are then we don't have a problem. If rumours that we tried to sign Bale and Hooper are true then it's positive for the future. Magilton has a job on his hands keeping those areas of strength happy. With so many players in midfield battling for 4/5 places it means we have another 4/5 missing out - if they aren't kept happy the strength in depth will soon disappear.

I would hope that Magilton is allowed to bring in a permanent keeper in January whether it be Heaton or someone else to keep the pressure on Cerny. We can make loan signings before then so hopefully JM and GP will look at who may be available and who is match fit. It's all very well signing someone like Bale but if he isn't fit then what is the point.

[Youvebeenrangered]

Agreed...... I think we, and the squad believe that someone's due for a really good hyding soon.

Agree someones gonna get a tonking soon.

[Mutley]

GK-only temporary cover (short loan)
FBs - serious lack of cover and dubious quality in what we have.
CB - with Hall injured, its any 2 from 3. Hardly strength in depth.
MID - Enough players for 6 teams.
ATT- The unmagnificent 7.

Pretty much agree with Clungey.