What has Stan learned?

I also agree that a role in the hole would be good for Keane, but the fact is we haven't got the players to support him in such a role.

We absolutely have to make room in the midfield for players comfortable in posession that can look up and play football. The only two options in our case being A Reid and S Ireland, with Reid excelling in that central role for Charlton but like S Ireland requiring the back up of two central midfield grafters to carry them. Which is what we had for Ireland with Kilbane/Carsley.

Now Kevin Doyle is clearly the better option as the lone forward given what he offers. Keane has to start every game for me. To play him in the hole means putting Reid back in the middle and relegating one of the grafters to the bench. Neither Reid or Ireland have it in them to play Central in a flat midfeild four. To put Keane in the hole could also mean relegating Reid to the bench or push him out to the wing. Resulting in all the "football" having to be played through Keane. For me Keane is too erratic a performer to have the enitre team play through him. Keane has it in him to flank the lone forward and retreat to the wings if need be. He has done that for Spurs in a three pronged forward line, and done well albeit as a plan B. Plus the formation offers more flexibility in terms of interchangibility and capitalising on the players we have on offer.

In this team Finnan would play right full!!!

Stick with the back four as they are. Finnan is still a great player even when he plays on the left. Anb O'Shea has looked the part at right back in the last 2 games. A lot will happen between now and September. We might lose Carsley through age and Everton buying a new player in his position. A Duff move to Sunderland if they go up would be a big plus. And he is regaining his form anyway. Looks happier playing for Ireland now rather than Newcastle. We still need another target man in case Doyle isn't fit or loses form. (maybe Andy Keogh). Steven and Andy Reid both back and playing first team football for their clubs would I believe get us into 2nd place in this group. But don't be surprised if you see Douglas playing in the 2 away games if he is still in the championship.

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Originally Posted by Noelys Guitar

. A Duff move to Sunderland if they go up would be a big plus. .

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Gotta disagree with you there. I dont see how Duff going down the rankings in the Premiership can be good forh him , surely thats why he left Chelsea .