Quantity Over Quality

Dougie has done his business quickly so far this season we have certainly been one of the fastest out of the gate but has it been more a case of quantity not quality.

Looking at our 5 new signings and you could argue only one would get in our best team. It was universally popular when Danns was confirmed for next season his energy and work rate certainly is something required in the championship and he is undoubtedly a good addition, however we did see the on the final day that Danns can have moments where technically he is let down. Fans will be hoping the Birmingham performance was not a sign of things to come now he has signed permanently.

Then we have Feeney who did well in the short period we had him he was direct and kept things simple. He got the ball, he beat a man, he found a cross. It was clear that he is an impact player and this impact dwindled towards the end of his short spell although the long throw option will certainly benefit us. Chong Yong Lee has come in for criticism since the injury which is justified but in nearly every area he is a better option than Feeney. Best case scenario would be for Chong Yong Lee to light up the World Cup and restore some value and generate interest, but if he is still here for next season Feeney will only play a bit part.

Liam Trotter is a player for whom found critics easy to come by at the beginning. This was down to two reasons mainly his early performances and secondly the fact we didn`t need another midfielder. To his credit his performances improved over time developing the nickname of ‘Yaya’ in the North Stand. But the quality or quantity argument is still there. Does he get in the first team? The answer is no. Spearing, Medo, and Davies all would start ahead of Trotter and with Vela, Andrews, and Robinson (Also signed this summer but probably will be mainly for the development squad) we certainly have quantity in that area.

Finally Dervite, he can only be judged once the season starts. It is encouraging the Charlton fans seem disappointed to see him go which can’t be said for the other four signings. He has been signed by some illustrious clubs which shows he had/has potential. However he is a left footed ball playing centre back, we have another ball playing left centre back that was voted our player of the year last season and has just signed a new contract. So where does Dervite fit in? For me he could nail down a first team place if Ream is our left back but otherwise is he another to warm the bench?

The concerning thing is of the 5 players signed only one should trouble our best 11. You do need a squad and that is now stronger but for a team who never troubled the top half of the table it would suggest better players than what we already had needed to be signed.

What can we expect from the rest of the window?

It is clear the main man is the ‘Juke’ a 1 million pound figure has been quoted and much like Spearing last season this could go on through August. A Left back is required as Tierney seems to have fallen off the face of the earth. Moxey or Parr both released from Palace would be favourites to come in. After this I worry it will much depend on outgoings.

Written by KCRuss.

Mr Ecky sends his best to the Vital Bolton community, he’s currently not well, he’ll be back as soon as possible and in the meantime, he’s got a staff writer to fill in for him.

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