If We Do Go Up, And It Is Still A Reasonably Big If

[Mr Popodopolous]

Apologies if this topic has already been done but if we do go up and it is a reasonably big if, in which areas do we think we would need to strengthen next year?

Because many neutrals say that if we or Stoke or Hull went up, we would be worse than Derby. Pundits also fear that most of the sides may do a Derby, except for WBA due to their attacking prowess.

So I ask, which players have we got that could cope with the apparent best League in the world and which areas would need strengthening?

I think we have three shoeins:

1) Basso

2) Carey

3) Elliott

As for the rest, I think Orr has scope to step up, perhaps Sproule, McIndoe, maybe Brooker, but these areas still need to be strengthened. Sproule does have pace though and that is very important in the Premier League, but would need to be more consistent. Adebola a little too old maybe, Murray too, many others sold or loaned out (Russell, Trundle, Byfield perhaps, Betsy and others not up to it at the top level or too old).

[garlicbread]

Apologies if this topic has already been done but if we do go up and it is a massive IF, in which areas do we think we would need to strengthen next year?

Because many neutrals say that if we or Stoke or Hull went up, we would be worse than Derby. Pundits also fear that most of the sides may do a Derby, except for WBA due to their attacking prowess.

So I ask, which players have we got that could cope with the apparent best League in the world and which areas woudl need urgent strengthening?

Not even thinking about it unless it happens.

[JudgeRed]

Apologies if this topic has already been done but if we do go up and it is a massive IF, in which areas do we think we would need to strengthen next year?

Because many neutrals say that if we or Stoke or Hull went up, we would be worse than Derby. Pundits also fear that most of the sides may do a Derby, except for WBA due to their attacking prowess.

So I ask, which players have we got that could cope with the apparent best League in the world and which areas woudl need urgent strengthening?

I was just thinking the same thing.

Now! my thoughts are with Sproule!?!?! what has happend to him?!? He is not the same Sproule we had at the start of the season.

[bh_red]

as already said, refuse to think about it unless it happens,

however IF......Carey (maybe) Basso, that's it.

Elliott a few months back, maybe, maybe even mcindoe/LJ, but that's it, apart from them, I think it will be almost a total rebuild job.

[beau45]

Why is it a "massive" if when we are top with 5 games to go?

[Mr Popodopolous]

No idea why I said a big if really, must still think of us as underdogs for some reason, but I remember the year in League One where we won 11 on the spin and still finished 3rd so ever since then I'm ultra cautious about promotion prospects.

[downendcity]

Don't bother strengthening at all. We've seen what a load of moaners our championship rivals have been . Can you imagine just how p155ed off the prem clubs would be if we made a decent fist of it with a championship squad?

[Mr Popodopolous]

I was just thinking the same thing.

Now! my thoughts are with Sproule!?!?! what has happend to him?!? He is not the same Sproule we had at the start of the season.

Absolutely. I remember when he came on vs Man City in the Carling Cup and put them on the backfoot somewhat with his pace and I thought "wow, what a player we've got ourselves here." And that goal vs Southampton as well when he ran about 3/4 of the length of the pitch cut inside and scored, set up goals vs Sheff Utd and Norwich in October. I thought he was definitely ready for the Premier League at that point, more recently his goal vs Colchester at Ashton Gate but he's gone downhill since then.

[megansdad]

Like last year add a few and let the rest show they can do it at prem level - many doubted they could compete in the championship but we have and this group of players deserves the chance to compete at the top.

[Guest Ixion]

Apologies if this topic has already been done but if we do go up and it is a reasonably big if, in which areas do we think we would need to strengthen next year?

Because many neutrals say that if we or Stoke or Hull went up, we would be worse than Derby. Pundits also fear that most of the sides may do a Derby, except for WBA due to their attacking prowess.

So I ask, which players have we got that could cope with the apparent best League in the world and which areas would need strengthening?

I think we have three shoeins:

1) Basso

2) Carey

3) Elliott

As for the rest, I think Orr has scope to step up, perhaps Sproule, McIndoe, maybe Brooker, but these areas still need to be strengthened. Sproule does have pace though and that is very important in the Premier League, but would need to be more consistent. Adebola a little too old maybe, Murray too, many others sold or loaned out (Russell, Trundle, Byfield perhaps, Betsy and others not up to it at the top level or too old).

I'm the same as GB - not even going there until it's in the bag then I'll let GJ do the worrying!

[dezgimed]

I think we should be wary about getting rid of the promotion winning team.

I wouldnt want to come back to this level in a years time and see all our favorite players playing for other teams, with us left with a load of Billy big bullocks on a massive wage.

[garlicbread]

Why is it a "massive" if when we are top with 5 games to go?

I would say it's a medium sized if, because...

A) We aren't playing very well

B) There are teams below in better form

C) We have some toughies against teams who have things to play for

D) We are Bristol City, so anything is possible

[Mr Popodopolous]

True, this has been a great season with many memorable contributions from the whole side.

But a bit of tinkering round the edges to supplement our best players could work.

In defence, Konchesky, or Gabbidon perhaps both.

In midfield, maybe Gera could be tempted to leave if WBA stay down. Bullard as well if Fulham go down, he's Premier League quality IMO.

Up front, I don't know, Jason Roberts perhaps, maybe somebody like Darren Bent to supplement Adebola/Brooker or as a lone striker

And of course some depth for when injuries and suspensions would inevitably come about.

[downendcity]

One thing any team needs to compete in the prem is pace pretty well throughout the side, and all the more so if you can't compete with the skill levels that many prem sides have.

I think we would particualrly struggle for pace at the back and up front. A fit Marvin might be Ok and Mcindoe and Sproule would be Ok ( although Sproule's pace without any gumption would be a waste)

I don't think we have enough pace at our current level so would have to do something about it if we take a step up.

[Rednready]

We have to win against Saints, Sheffield Utd and Preston. That means a loss and draw against either Stoke and Wolves. Thats 10 points for a total of 80. No use saying which game is vital, all 5 games are vital

[MATT BCFC]

We would need atleast 2 strikers cant seen any we have being good enough although brooker and adebola might be handy impact players.

Id say a right winger Sproule to inconsistant for me.

Another centre midfielder. Someone with a bit of Premier League experience.

A pacy central defender. Seem to lack a bit of pace at the back at times.

Then some squad players. As others have said though I would like it if we gave a few of the current squad a chance as wouldnt be surprised if a few of them were good enough.

[Guest walshy-shuffle-carl-shutt]

I think the way that GJ operates he would stick by most of the current squad to begin with because how can you tell the boys that got you there they no longer have a future after they have fought so hard all season long. All right i agree that we may struggle but a few signings here and there GJ is a canny manager and he will know what we need and how to apply that without upsetting the team spirit because without that we will struggle. Derby have no fight and havent beleived they would stay up all season.

Worst case senario we buy 5 quality players mostly for foriegn leagues who are hungry to prove themselves in the best league in the world and 1 or 2 established top flight players. If we don't survive the first season in the Prem WHEN we get there so be it but we must hold on to GJ Basso LJ Elliott Mccombe and the like.

[Mr Popodopolous]

I would also add McIndoe to the list on the strength of the last two games and I now think we are certainly starting to see the quality of Carle and arguably Trundle too, at least Trundle as a squad player if nothing else.