Magpie wrote:
If this is correct then its a big loss in two regards. Firstly hes a good player but also perhaps the only one who fits naturally into that position in the squad.
Secondly, I think it really affects our entire defensive line.
Im not keen on the Lewington/O'Hora/Norman back three. Its a bit ponderous although it does allow Lofthouse into the WB position which I think is our best option on that side
Im equally not keen on the Harvie/O'Hora/Tucker combo either. Harvie is not in the best of form and Tucker hasnt played for months, add to this Norman at WB, it just looks a mess.
Neither of those fill me with confidence.
I would rather Tucker/O'Hora/Norman with Harvie and Lofthouse as the WBs. Not ideal but the best of a difficult lot
Agreed, both wing back positions are the two areas we couldn't really afford to lose a player in, especially LWB.
Anywhere else on the pitch and we have reasonably good cover. I do feel the only solution is to play Harvie there. Lofthouse could move over, but then has he ever played that side before? It also means a significant change to the defence line, as you'd need to move Norman over and then bring in another CB.
I'm personally not against playing Lewington, I still think he's good enough. However, if isn't then I wonder if you could play Tucker - O'Hora - Norman as a back line? I suspect it wouldn't give us much balance and you rarely see a team not include a left footed player in a back three.