Next Season Squad: Central defence

[Andy_Faber]

IMO we have a mighty pairing in the heart of defence in Langas and Clarke, with a more than capable
Sanderson as back up, and judging by the ongoing contract talks, a fourth choice in Batth who the manager trusts. BUT, do we maybe splash a bit of cash in this area to at least improve on Sanderson, to cover for inevitable injuries, suspensions, changes to three at the back and redeployment to full back in Langas' case?

So, for me:

Want: Langas, Clarke
Expect: Langas, Clarke with a new CH if we play 3/5 at the back
In reserve: Sanderson, Batth, new CH

All me previous musings/mutterings suggest to me at least that it is midfield and attack where the greatest uncertainties/changes lie

Anyone?

[MadAmster]

Langas Clarke Sanderson Batth is a good 2 for each role combo, IMO. We'd need a 5th. Can Fozzy still cut it as 5th choice cover? If he can I'd suggest we wouldn't need a new CH. If he can't then it's a question of who do we go for who is good enough to push Langas and Clarke for a starting role but wouldn't moan or get a bag on if they were permanent bench sitters? That leaves Batth pretty much where he was this season. Pure as cover. I would not be surprised to see Fozzy as the 5th CH, provided he can still cut it. He did this season. It's down to JE to decide if he still "has it", in sufficient quantity, for one more season. His decision and I'll happily go along with it.

[swaledale]

I guess its a question where do you spend the money? If we can pick up a decent Cb on afree then maybe, but Sanderson is more than good enough as cover or to play in a 3, Batth if signed provides cover and as as been said Fozzy can slot in if required. Perhaps there is an U21 player that can be brought on or a young promising CB can be acquired for a reasonable fee.

So for me its not an area where the transfer or wages pot needs to be used, we need good cover at LB/WB then midfield is the key area where we need quality and then a creative attacking mid/forward/ winger.

[ramAnag]

Agree with virtually all that’s already been said. Central defence is not a major priority for us, plus we also still have Nyambe who provides further cover. After a dodgy start I felt Batth did a very decent and brave job. He is also a leader and, I’m told, an excellent dressing room influence who takes responsibility for his own fitness very seriously.

Unless we’re going to be really flush with new money I’d suggest that central defence and goalkeeper are sorted and not areas in need of drastic attention.

[MadAmster]

Agree with virtually all that’s already been said. Central defence is not a major priority for us, plus we also still have Nyambe who provides further cover. After a dodgy start I felt Batth did a very decent and brave job. He is also a leader and, I’m told, an excellent dressing room influence who takes responsibility for his own fitness very seriously.

Unless we’re going to be really flush with new money I’d suggest that central defence and goalkeeper are sorted and not areas in need of drastic attention.

Idem ditto Sanderson