The Loan Players

Too early to judge Smith I'm afraid, even now-and whats his best position, its as a central attacking midfielder isn't it, so he has had to make do with what we've "offered" him so far-but don't think RM is his best position, though it speaks volumes of Roeder that a player who didn't seem interested is now pushing himself and be noticed by his manager. All things considered, there must be a role here for him, as we are talking about taking him for the rest of the season.

Camara-I like him! He isn't spectacular, but he knows what he has to do, and seems able to do it well and without too much fuss-though I suspect its been a shock for him to have Hucks playing ahead of him! I hope he is one that we are looking to sign in January, he's great competition for Drury and "looks" like he might be a left sided version of Edworthy.

Tiny-I imagine the big stumbling block to us signing him is his wages. He was probably on a decent wedge at Blackburn so Birmingham must have improved upon that, a mid-Prem teams average weekly wage is what, 15k or so per week, that must be way out of our league. You get the feeling the "persuading" that Glenn has to do is not only to persuade our Board to cough up £1.5 Million or so for him, but also to "persuade" Tiny that wages aren't everything-and I think it might be juat out of our reach, sadly. Tiny reminds me of Jon Newsome (remember him?) -big, strong, "nasty" and vocal, also capable of getting a few goals. If we did sign him, potential captain material?

Pattison-he was playing on the left of the central midfield today, yes? Assume thats his best position. He does look a cut and dried signing and will be a welcome one. Industrous, puts himself about but van play a bit-harking back in time again, a bit of a Tim Sherwood maybe?

Ched-if only! The glimmer of hope is that Man City are being linked with players like Anelka and Michael Owen, as well as Crouch-I think their Thai owner wants big names at the club, raises its and his profile. It would be great to get him on loan to the end of the season, but I thinn that, if he does as well, continually, as he has started, then he'll get the attention of quite a few clubs and we'll be out of it-someone said "another Parker" on the Board earlier today, and I agree-best result to get him until May. They (Man City) MIGHT look to loan him out again next season, you never know-and if they do, and we look like challenging and going for the next level, we'll stand a good chance.

Thought it significant that Martin and Spillane were on the bench today-good management, they've obviously put the required effort in and been recognised for it.

Doesn't look so good for Dave, Murray, Brellier and Lappin though!

Posted By: Martin Peters, Dec 8, 23:09:35