Every Chance we will lose Bolassie and possibly Sako to AFCON

Relying on a youngster after 1st and 2nd choice is a recipe for failure. If you listen to any ex player he'll say you ideally need your 1st 2 and then 1 who's pushing and 1 who's either in his twilight years and happy to sit it out or 1 who's coming through. That's why Brede wasn't such a bad stand in, but we were lucky to only use 3 at CB.

I'd be happy to see Sako and/or Chungy go and bring in Townsend and a number 10 and def mid. You'd then have Wilf, Yala, Andros and Punch if required as wingers. Punch and a new number 10 or Cabaye as number 10's, and Jimmac, Cabaye and a new def mid. A bit of interchanging with decent players in all positions rather than Championship players and others being uncomfortable being shifted about around them.

COYP

Really? can you back that up with statistics? Assist mainly!

I've never been fully convinced by Townsend but I think this signing is another that would fully improve the squad.

Also since he made his Newcastle debut his position in the squad:
2nd for goals, 1st for assists, 1st for chances created, 1st for shots on target, 1st for successful crosses, 4th for tackles, 3rd for number of successful dribbles and 2nd for shooting accuracy.

Source: [Link]

I know it's only Newcastle but that's still pretty good

Edited by andyg (22 Apr 2016 6.32pm)

Townsend and Mitrovic please. Mitrovic is bullying defenders, good in the air and have a ruthlessness about him we need. Those two, a cb and a rb will do..

I think the lad would be well suited to our set up. Good pace, likes to take the ball forward at his feet but seems more keen (and more able?) to shoot.

If we did still have Zaha and Bolasie next season and Townsend was added, that would be very healthy competition and opportunity for all as Bolasie will be off to the ACN next January.