I'm actually quite impressed that we didn't get a striker, much as I wanted and we needed one. The bottom line is that decent quality strikers simply weren't available but quality was available in other positions so that's what we went for. In the end, the striker choice was either the likes of Walters, Oedemwingie, Jones, Long or Jelavic...wildly overpriced and none of them score much... or the likes of Rhodes or McCormack who may or may not make the grade but would be very expensive and are totally unproven in the Premiership. In either case, we'd have spent a lot of money for very little guaranteed return.

My guess is that with a stronger centre at the back (Dann, Hennessey, and Ward back at right back) combined with a shored up midfield (Ledley) and a player who can score from the middle of the park (Ince), Pulis is gambling that we'll create more for Jerome and Chamakh to latch on to and in the absence of anyone who would significantly improve on Jerome (who is playing his role very well and is clearly a part of the team), why disrupt things and risk a lot of money for uncertainty? Smart move...our new midfield will generate more goals, even without better forwards.

I would conclude three things. First, I don't think we'll turn over a lot of players in the summer, but I think a goalscoring centre forward (and a left back) will be our big target and use of budget. Second, yesterday's activity was a big vote of confidence for Jerome, who must be feeling rather good about himself this morning. I'll bet he's motivated to pay Pulis back for his faith. And third, I think Guediora may be the loser yesterday. Ledley's arrival to some extent relegates him to a role as a squad player.

Lastly, I hope Bannan moves on. I love the guy, think he's done brilliantly, and would pick him myself but if Pulis doesn't fancy him, he's far too good to be sitting at the wrong end of the bench and unselfishly, I'd like to see him somewhere he can make an impact.

Interestingly enough with the exception of Norwich all our relegation rivals signed strikers !
Cardiff - Kenwyne Jones, Fulham - Mitroglou, W.Ham - Borriello, Sunderland - Scocco, Stoke - Odemwingie, WBA - Bifouma, Hull - Jelavic & Long, Swansea - Emnes.

Edited by Willo (01 Feb 2014 10.39am)

I'm actually quite impressed that we didn't get a striker, much as I wanted and we needed one. The bottom line is that decent quality strikers simply weren't available but quality was available in other positions so that's what we went for. In the end, the striker choice was either the likes of Walters, Oedemwingie, Jones, Long or Jelavic...wildly overpriced and none of them score much... or the likes of Rhodes or McCormack who may or may not make the grade but would be very expensive and are totally unproven in the Premiership. In either case, we'd have spent a lot of money for very little guaranteed return.

My guess is that with a stronger centre at the back (Dann, Hennessey, and Ward back at right back) combined with a shored up midfield (Ledley) and a player who can score from the middle of the park (Ince), Pulis is gambling that we'll create more for Jerome and Chamakh to latch on to and in the absence of anyone who would significantly improve on Jerome (who is playing his role very well and is clearly a part of the team), why disrupt things and risk a lot of money for uncertainty? Smart move...our new midfield will generate more goals, even without better forwards.

I would conclude three things. First, I don't think we'll turn over a lot of players in the summer, but I think a goalscoring centre forward (and a left back) will be our big target and use of budget. Second, yesterday's activity was a big vote of confidence for Jerome, who must be feeling rather good about himself this morning. I'll bet he's motivated to pay Pulis back for his faith. And third, I think Guediora may be the loser yesterday. Ledley's arrival to some extent relegates him to a role as a squad player.

Lastly, I hope Bannan moves on. I love the guy, think he's done brilliantly, and would pick him myself but if Pulis doesn't fancy him, he's far too good to be sitting at the wrong end of the bench and unselfishly, I'd like to see him somewhere he can make an impact.