Mark Brailsford pieces together a great team
As the transfer window slams shut this week you could be forgiven for issuing a sigh of relief. Albion have shed players rather than gained them and barring a sudden influx of major signings (at the time of writing), Albion look like a team not in a hurry to get promoted. This time last year Leo Ulloa came in and made a massive difference, helping Poyet’s Albion go on a fantastic run that propelled them into the play offs. Can it happen again?
With Albion stalwart Adam El Abd gone, Barnes off to Burnley and with Bridcutt looking at house prices in Sunderland (perhaps along with Buckley) the squad is beginning to look a little thin.
It’s all to do with the dreaded playing budget that Poyet was famous for moaning about. Whisper it quietly, but did he have a point, something that Oscar Garcia is also complaining about, albeit in a less dramatic manner? Oscar’s downbeat, understated manner means he won’t quite raise the hackles of the hierarchy in the manner of his predecessor, but his mutterings are not dissimilar to Poyet’s regarding having to stay within a certain budget.
“Bridcutt has been a fantastic player but they have a ready made replacement in Rohan Ince”
Would it be the let down that many predict if no more signings are forthcoming? Let’s assume for a moment that Mason and Conway (both Cardiff City players) are not going to sign, although in all probability at least one of those will join before 1st Feb, are Albion really down to the bare bones? Look at who went out. The Barnes detractors won’t be too upset at his departure and will say that is was time for an improved model to come in. Bridcutt has been a fantastic player for the Albion but they have a ready made replacement in Rohan Ince. El Abd was a fine squad player, Dunk is a good back up to Greer and Upson (who is playing magnificently well at the moment) and at a push, Ince can fill in when needed. Andrews has played well enough of late to also play the midfield anchor role. Will Buckley is a fantastic player when he’s flying but his injury record really does make you think it would be a good move for all concerned if he moved on to join Gus, at Sunderland. So, what’s missing?
The replacement for the missing striker, that’s what. Cue: Craig Mackail -Smith! He is close to returning and this will feel like a new signing which will give the squad a big boost. If we didn’t already have a player like him, the fans would be crying out for the club to sign someone similar. It will be fascinating to see how Oscar Garcia sees CMS’s role in the side when he comes back. He may be some way off match fitness, but CMS is the kind of player to come back raring to go and more likely to make an impact than Ulloa after his layoff, due to the contrasting nature of their styles of play. CMS can use his returning pace, Ulloa relies on timing and touch more, which is harder to reboot. Consider the effect this would have on Ulloa as well, a fast supporting striker would free up space for him to go on a goal spree himself if Oscar is bold enough to play them together. Also, let’s not forget the likes of Solly March who looks a fabulous young player and Kazenga LuaLua’s fine form.
It really isn’t that bad. So, regardless of who comes in (or not) during the transfer window, perhaps a little quiet optimism might not go amiss?
Qatar World Cup
If Albion are in the Premier League by then (which would be nice) then that puts either Christmas football out altogether (nooooo!) or means January is going to feel even longer than it does now. Although, it would put paid to this blasted transfer window. Hang on, that may not be such a bad idea after all. Get Sepp Blatter on the phone, now!
Photo: Paul Hazlewood
