without wanting to get too over-optimistic.....

....we are at least looking like we've got something that we haven't had in a very long time - something approaching a squad.

 

I agree, it's one of those that could go either way at the moment. We look good in theory and we all hope it transfers to the pitch.

 

To be honest, what we're still lacking IMHO is a couple of experienced pros who can hold the team together and keep the heads from dropping when things aren't going so well. Maybe Johnson will be able to do that, but I'm not sure as to what he's got left from a footballing point of view - we'll see. I was disappointed we didn't sign Arjan as much for that reason as for his defensive qualities. At least now with Lewin at the back we can afford to have someone playing alongside him who isn't quite on the pacey side. Such as Paul Reid (hmmmmm!)

 

You need every kind of personality in the dressing room to get it all to click, it gets much more difficult when people don't understand each other. This squad in my opinion, will need some time to settle, I hope people are prepared for that.

At least we have a centre back and not a centre half.

 

Agreed. Mid-table and some good football will represent a great season for me. Anything over and above that is a bonus. The top six as some people are talking about would be great, but realistically, steady and sensible building is the way forward. Still, am geniunely more than a little excited about the new season. It's got to beat watching Zenit anyway, even if they are second in the league.

 

mid table would be fantastic. A season without looking over our shoulders would make me very happy. We've had some very nervous seasons recently, I'd just be happy to focus my nerves on something else for a bit. Like armageddon. It's not raining yet btw. Just in case you wondered.

 

Hehehe. My wedding next week, all my friends are saying how they can't wait to get over to Russia for some warmth and sunshine, which is quite a strange concept!

 

we may even have some decent players to bring on of bench this year

 

I am afraid you are in for a big surprise, Nyatanga doesn't have any more pace than Reid does.