So, tonight is Palace's first pre-season friendly, and our first game under new manager George Burley. It is expected that Palace are to play with a squad filled with trialists, and rumours going around on the BBS suggest that the likes of Dean Morgan, Liam Bridcutt, Lewis Price and Mark Randall are to play a part, with many more unknown as of yet. We are rumoured to be about to announce the signing of a goalkeeper, presumably Price, and a Premier League striker before the Chelsea game on Saturday, but how many new players do we actually need?
Goalkeepers
- Julian Speroni
- Charlie Mann
So, we have two goalkeepers. Darryl Flahaven was released this summer, but he was never really used anyway during his tenure at SE25, and during the latter stages of last term the inexperienced youth player Mann stepped in on the bench. He was unused, but could be one for the future. But what if Speroni gets injured? Mann isn't ready for the npower Championship yet - he has never played a professional game at any level - so maybe we should loan him out for experience. But that would mean getting in another 'keeper to cover Speroni. And besides, if we really do want to move up in the league and the pyramid, is not having a professional back-up 'keeper really a wise move.
My verdict: Really, we need a back-up keeper. As I mentioned in my opening paragraph, that will probably by Lewis Price, a 25 year old who played about a dozen games in the Premier League with Derby a few years back, and has a very good penalty-saving record.
Defenders
- Nathaniel Clyne
- David Wright
- Lee Hills
- Claude Davis
- Adam Barrett
- Paddy McCarthy
We currently have just 6 defenders. After the departures of Butterfield, Lawrence, Hill and Ertl last month we looked to be really struggling at the back with just 4 defenders, two of which were still under 20 and one was injured until December at least. However, in David Wright, George Burley has a full back capable of playing on either side, and in Adam Barrett an experienced defender and leader. But, really, we still need at least two defenders.
My verdict: We should aim to try and get two more defenders, ideally one more centre-back, or maybe use Alex Wynter if he is ready for the step up, and a left-back. We were linked with Stephen Jordan but it appears he is off to Pompey, so we will have to keep looking. Should Clyne go, though, we will need to look for another right-back.
Midfielders/Wingers
- Darren Ambrose
- Neil Danns
- Andy Dorman
- Sean Scannell
- Alasanne N'Diaye
- Kieron Djilali
It is clear we are more-or-less sorted in the attacking midfielders and wingers department - Ambrose got 20 last season, Danns oozes class, we have heard very good things about new midfielders Andy Dorman, and Scannell hopefully can kick on from his stalled growth as a player under Burley, while we have yet to see the true potential that Djilali possesses. However, under Burley, who is known to be good with youngsters, and started of Ambrose's career, all of these should flourish. However, maybe a back-up winger on the left is needed, although Ambrose can play there if Scannell is to occupy the right hand side. That list, though, shows how we are crying out for a defensive midfielder. Whether or not we will actually use one is yet to be seen, but nonetheless we need one in the squad. N'Diaye shows glimpses of class and skill, such as he great build-up play for the second goal at Hillsborough "that day" but as of yet hasn't been consistent, and has often been clumsy and late in his tackling. Derry and Ertl left, and we now have a void in that position.
My verdict: A defensive midfield should be one of our main priorites, followed by a left winger, although Danns can play there. We have been linked with James Harper, and have reportedly had bids turned down for Owen Garvan, who would be a great signing, not sure if a necessary one though.
Strikers
- Alan Lee
- Calvin Andrew
- Wilfred Zaha
Fans' favourite Alan Lee is now close to having God status at SE25, but like Calvin Andrew he is a ball winning striker, and what Palace need for him to thrive is a small, quick poacher who can run on to his flick ons. This may be Zaha, but we shouldn't be relying on him this season, we need to let him grow.
My verdict: Get a quick finisher to play alongside Lee or Andrew. Clinton Morrison was rumoured, and now has signed for Wednesday, and Simeon Jackson has also been mentioned. Whether a deal for the latter actually comes to fruition or not is still to be seen, but he is the kind of player we need right now if we are to be competitive in this league.
Really, we need a goalkeeper, a centre-back, a left-back, a defensive midfielder, a left-winger, and a striker. 6 players. Obviously, we could have a few back-ups on top, and none are completely necessary right now, but we will need depth and options if we are to make a play-off challenge and sustain it throughout the season.
Gibbo.
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