ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Pace at the Back

How times have changed. Was it two seasons ago when Stubbs and Weir were the centre back combination. Combined age of 70 + and the pace to match.

It would seem that we could have a line up of Big Jo and Jag next season (with Lescott at LB), in what could be the fastest centre back pairing in the Premiership.

And, again, Moyes has brought down the average age of the squad by signing an England hopeful who is only 24.

I know it has been five years since he took over (and the rest) but bearing in mind the state of Smith's squad - Ginola, Gough, Gazza, Blomquist - he has been true to his word in reducing the age and increasing the potential of his team. What is more, the team now has re-sale value, whereas Smith could barely have given away some of his signings. A point in hand being the best price we got for Naysmith, a player we have just taken a 750,000 loss on despite the current inflation, for domestic footballers in particular.

Now...all we need is (at least) two midfielders and we can have a run at the UEFA cup.....hopefully....
John Williams, London Posted 06/07/2007 at 08:50:47

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Comments

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Mike Emm
1 Posted 06/07/2007 at 11:14:38

Agree with your general sentiment about progress and the lowering of the squads age profile.

I do think Stubbs still has something to offer this season though - Cant sprint like the young-uns but he was still making his performances count.

ian kearney
2 Posted 06/07/2007 at 11:16:38

well said john, the average age would seem to be pretty respectable, depending on who you consider to be members of the first team squad i suppose. moyes comes in for a bit of stick for the size of our squad. but the way i see it is thats just a product of having to overhaul an ageing squad on a tiny budget. its a real balancing act, overhauling a team with these restrictions without all the advantages the spainish david brent has over the park (and he still seems to make more excuses than moyes). bit harsh lumping gough in there though, he was certainly getting on in years, but still a top player.

Paul Clays
3 Posted 06/07/2007 at 13:07:58

I am sure there were rumors last summer of Naysmith leaving for around 3 milllion. I am sure his sale price is due to him only having 1 year left on his contract.