I'm hearing a new tendency towards a fire-sale in recent comments. When a team is on a bad run the temptation is just to start selling players off... but I still think this would be a mistake. I wouldn't gut this team. I'd keep Downing as he is very capable and just needs to work on his final ball. I'd keep Carroll and Hendo as squad players for development... but I'd be tempted to sell Adam as a failed experiment (and only a 7 mil gamble). I'd get Gerrard further up the pitch to play with Suarez. I'd probably flog Kuyt and Maxi on because they are aging and limited players despite the odd goals. With a playmaker, a winger, and a potential 30 goal marksman this team could start clicking.
Downing and Henderson for me stay. Purely because they're both English, Downing is worth another season and Henderson has got to learn from Stevie and f*cking fast! Because every year that goes by, another mile comes of Stevie. He's coming to the end, whichever way we look at it and Henderson should be taking the bull by the horns now. Shelvey for me is the natural replacement for Gerrard, but one thing both Shelvey and Henderson have, are the legs, the legs that are slowly but surely giving up on Gerrard.
Carroll, the jury is out. I personally would keep him, if he is going to be used and pushed on to get anywhere near his Newcastle form firstly. If not, then there is no other option. I personally feel he is a gonna anyway, I don't think Kenny fancies him, if he did, he'd be starting games and faith would be put into him, more so than the other players. The fact that he has now become consistently on the bench, for 5-10 minute cameos, tells me his days are numbered. Which for me is a shame, he was so promising at Newcastle, a totally different player.
He has never got into a flow with us, simply because he is never given a flow, to flow.
Adam, the little said about him the better, OUT OUT OUT OUT! If we can re-coup £5million for this bum will be a miracle, out and then replaced with genuine quality that delivers.
Maxi I feel will be of, not used at all, even after that run he went on!
Kuyt I also feel will be of.
I think we need 5 quality signings, players from the youth team being promoted next season....AND replacing those players that leave in the summer, with better.
But will it happen? I doubt it!
Charlie Adam will still be playing in the middle of the park for us next season!
