Window Of Opportunity

With eight days until the transfer window slams shut it remains to be seen as to whether or not Alan C will be able to conduct any further dealings. As stated he is looking for another two additions to the squad with his targets allegedly being Marcus Bent and Lee Bowyer. Both would be very useful acquisitions indeed but both seem a very long way off and they are seemingly dependant on their current clubs, Everton and Newcastle Utd respectively, being able to make improvements to their own squads before releasing the players. In my opinion, both moves are highly unlikely to happen.

If this were the case would it be a bad thing. Well, in my opinion the signing of another midfielder is not exactly a necessity, although if Bowyer signed it would allow Smertin to replace Kish in the 'holding role' and give us a midfield two of Bowyer and Murphy; very tasty indeed. With Holland, Kish, Ambrose, Euell and Hughes as back up we'd look very strong indeed in this department. Without Bowyer we are still well served but perhaps lacking the 'bite' he would provide. If the Bent deal collapses though I think we could be in trouble. It seems as though the squad is best suited to the fluid system that, whichever form it takes, consists of a lone front man. With either Smertin or Kish protecting the back four we then operate with a midfield of two behind two wingers and the lone forward or a midfield of four behind the lone forward. The system is so fluid that it changes constantly throughout a game except in one crucial respect. Only one forward. The only forward we have who is able to play this role whilst still being able to score goals is Darren Bent. Whilst Lisbie and Bartlett can both try to do so they will always lack that vital ingredient; goals. Lisbie has pace, Bartlett is good in the air but neither are goal scorers.

Not that I necessarily think Marcus Bent is the answer, goal scoring isn't exactly his forte either, but he does at least combine the aerial ability of Bartlett with the pace of Lisbie and so, at a reasonable fee, would provide a more attractive option than either of the aforementioned. To rely on Darren Bent remaining fit could be a dangerous game to play.

Therefore, before the window shuts next Wednesday another striker is a necessity and if that means spending the Bowyer money as well and putting all our eggs in one basket as it were then that is what I feel we need to do. If so, a top eight finish is certainly an achievable aim in my opinion. An opportunity we can't afford to miss.