07 Aug 2018 13:08:00
Unpopular opinion alert- After all of the money we've wasted on players who either can't make the grade or just don't fit in with the way we want to play, I don't want us just signing A. N. Other at centre back just for the sake of it. (I don't care about the money itself, it's just that it's hard to get rid of players who are on overinflated wages, as we've found out this summer) .

Rather than sign the next Per Kroldup or a foreign Titus Bramble for £45m it would be better to work with what we've got, as I'd certainly rather buy quality than just anyone available because we are running out of time (with the exception of loan deals) .

In that vein, I agree with a poster below who mentioned that Keane may be worth persevering with. As mentioned he spent much of last season in between Martina and Williams, with a decidedly lazy Schneiderlin in front of him. Add to that a new club, 3 different managers, being in and out of the team and with different defensive partners every few weeks it's little wonder that he has looked so poor.

Another issue is that he is now partnered with Jagielka. For me, Jagielka has always worked best with a powerful and quick player next to him (Lescott, Distin) . Keane is perhaps a bit too similar to Jags for that partnership to flourish. Despite Jags undoubted quality, his pace has completely gone. Keane knows this and probably lacks a bit of confidence in Jags for it, especially seeing as Keane isn't the quickest himself.

If we can't find at least one good CB (and I really hope we can) then Marco will have to find a way to make it work, be that by giving time for Holgate and Keane to forge a partnership, or sorting out the defensive mids to give Jags and Keane adequate support.

1.) 07 Aug 2018
07 Aug 2018 15:13:05
How many times has jags been wrote off for being slow and his legs gone.
The same jags as last year who's legs had gone when he set up the goal against Liverpool after beating 20 other players.
Once he's fit he's still pretty quick, in his head and his legs.

2.) 07 Aug 2018
07 Aug 2018 16:47:08
I wasn't writing him off, it's just that I don't think that him and Keane compliment each other's skills. I still think Jags has a lot to offer, but moving forward maybe it may benefit to persevere with Keane and a new CB partner than to stick with Jags every week, as he only has a couple of seasons left at the top level at best.

3.) 07 Aug 2018
07 Aug 2018 21:07:43
I'm struggling with Keane, is he going to come good?

{Ed025's Note - unfortunately no mate..

4.) 07 Aug 2018
07 Aug 2018 21:28:12
I have to agree Ed. He's had enough time now and he doesn't look any better than whe he signed.