Great to have some actual signing chat, been quiet since Pennington. Good pedigree by the sounds, but seems a surprising move based on priorities, we lost star AM and striker and instead go for a centre back who sounds like he could command a decent wage.
The three at the back shouts might be onto it. Of McGarry, Sutton, Fenton and Elliot I wouldn’t say any are really proper fullbacks (Sutton closest as he’s not a converted winger), so wingbacks would suit them better.
If he’s still sold on the 4-2-2-2, would be interesting to see what would happen with Payne, as Talay doesn’t really rotate, Devere and Taylor played pretty much every game first season and only injuries forced it last year, until Taylor came back, then there was none. There was talk of Payne still being seen as a fullback, but then one of Elliot or Fenton will be third choice and won’t even see the bench unless there’s injuries.
The three at the back shouts might be onto it. Of McGarry, Sutton, Fenton and Elliot I wouldn’t say any are really proper fullbacks (Sutton closest as he’s not a converted winger), so wingbacks would suit them better.
If he’s still sold on the 4-2-2-2, would be interesting to see what would happen with Payne, as Talay doesn’t really rotate, Devere and Taylor played pretty much every game first season and only injuries forced it last year, until Taylor came back, then there was none. There was talk of Payne still being seen as a fullback, but then one of Elliot or Fenton will be third choice and won’t even see the bench unless there’s injuries.
I can see why we wanted an additional CB as we're a little thin there with McGing & TAHW released, but I'm very hopeful we'll also get an Uli replacement with a visa spot - still plenty of time before the season begins.
I do expect Payne to be pushed to RB and compete with Elliot/Fenton, as well as serving as first drop CB. Wonder if Uffie thinks he may be able to play holding midfield also given he has history there (albeit at lower levels).