absolutely agree, we have to have an improved defensive set-up for the first game against Huddersfield, this is a six pointer game and one we must win, if do not improve the squad before then I can only see us struggling with the existing back line.

Predicted 11- (with no signings against Huddersfield)

Hennessy, ward,dann,Tomkins,schlupp,Cabaye,puncheon, Luka, Zaha,Townsend and Benteke.

The actual 11 that played against wba last season

Hennessy, ward, Delaney,Dann ,soaure,jedinak,puncheon , Townsend, chungy , Zaha and wickham.

In terms of comparing the two, these a vast improvement, unfortunately for us we seem to be players plan b options and have to wait, until the last 2 weeks of the window. Which is frustrating but I think we should trust Steve parish, wether by luck or judgment. He hasn't overseen a relegation as chairman. It does seem to take time by the right outcome, has come to most of the times.

Another Damien Diagonal - Total Football

What I'm trying to point out. I'm as frustrated as anyone regards to our transfer activity but if that team I named started against Huddersfield. I don't see a massive problem. Yes in an ideal world, we'd love all our transfer activity done and preaseason under their belts but it never happens and doubt it ever will. We haven't got the money that Man City have got to blow teams out the water. I guess we just have to be patient. I'm sure Steve and frank knows where to strengthen and as fans we have to trust them.

Another Damien Diagonal - Total Football

We have come a long, long way in the last 3 years, but I dont think we are quite ready to spend 30 million quid on a defender. Parish is not mentally ready to do that. I happen to think thats a mistake, there is a real sense of energy about Sakho at the club. Signing Sakho would be a massive, massive boost to the whole side. His signing would actually be greater than the sum of its parts, so its absolutely worth it. FDB may just not think Sakho is the be all and end all though.

And I agree that we cannot have the usual dithering from the chairman here, lets get the new players in asap.

Trump lost. Badly. Hahahahahahaha.

Hi Alan, of course it is only true mathematically three points on the day but as I suspect Huddersfield will be one of those teams around us this season it will be one of those theoretical six pointers that if we win will be so important come next April. What concerns me is that the current defence (Tomkins if he is fit excepted) look absolutely hapless without Sakho and Tomkins playing, so we will definitely need to address this with better defensive players who can distribute as well as defend. Our record at the end of last season without these key players was abysmal, just look how Man City & Utd (Youngsters) made us look very ordinary as did Burnley. FdB can be the best manager in the world but without the right tools he will not be able to do the job.

Out of interest, which other sides ?

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