If we start playing out from the back any more than we already do then we're going to be looking for a new manager by Christmas.

Or we'll be buying two to three centre backs, at 20m or so. Likely we'll play a bit more possession football against the 'smaller teams', who'll probably be playing defensively against us anyhow.

But as a rule, we're better when we don't dominate possession, and managers that have a 'fancy football philosophy' don't last at Palace.

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
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Plus played out of position for parts of the last 4 seasons. Plus put in a great shift against a few of the best premier league players last season (Sanchez and Hazard), plus broke his nose and continued to play that game and the next.

I realize he's not a great back, but he does well with Zaha on the right, and Townsend and him even started playing better together. His passing can be poor, but he also had a sweet pass across field to Zaha that set up a great goal.

And honestly, I think he brings some class to the locker room, the other players really seem to like him.

So all in all, I don't think this is the number 1 position to improve upon. Personally I think it's the 10 position. Punch hasn't scored in a year + and really not in 2. His defence came on at the end of last year, but he still isn't good enough.

You have to say Damo & Dann and the absent left back were our weakest links last season. I don't get the continual drop Punch line. We scored plenty of goals last year and defence was not Punch's primary role. Lacking a left back and defensive mid and out-of-form/ancient centre halves was our main problem until Alardyce sorted things out. Spend the money on Centre half, back up for the front 3 and then, if any money left over maybe a number 10, or a right back or goalie or another up & down midfielder.
Of course if a fantastic bargain to upgrade anybody at all in the team comes up then is sensible business to take it.

agreed. steady player. however, still definitely needs stiff competition. there really has been none in the last few years.

Last year our problem was keeping the center backs fit and on the pitch. When they were fit we didn't have a problem.The top 6 teams seem to have a wealth of talent at the back, the rest of us make do.

I feel, and this is only my opinion, now Dann and Tomkins are fine with Kelly as back up. We are now strengthening in these positions so hopefully we do not have the same issues as last season.

Unfortunately Delaney will be the one that moves on and he has been fantastic for us for many years. Jesus if you were in the trenches you would want him by your side. Two seasons ago against Chelsea he totally bossed Costa for the whole game, he was brilliant. I don't think there have been many defenders that have done that....

Some Chelsea friends of mine said " Costa didn't fancy it, he bottled it more or less"

Delaney has been brilliant and on a FREE too, you couldn't make it up...