The need for an old head...

[hongkongfulham]

I wondered what everyone's thoughts were on the need to sign an older head to help bring everyone up to the required level to stay up this time around? I wouldn't expect them to play much, bar a few cameos, but more so to raise the levels in training and get in the ear of people who need it.

Looking at the squad, we are very short of players who have had extended time at this level, although it is worth noting that Scotty P could provide the same type of influence.

As long as they wouldn't hold us to ransom on wages and understand their role, players of this ilk I would consider are Zabaleta, Pedro (understand this is a big stretch), maybe Steven Defour?

Maybe the best options aren't available this time around having had a quick look, but this seemed like a popular strategy back in the day, do you think its still worthwhile?

[Arthur]

If we retain the services of Kevin McDonald (which, unless he asks to leave, I think we will), we shall have one player who is fit for the role you describe in your first paragraph, if not having the qualification you ask for in your second. And if the rumours of Ryan Babel's return turn out to be true, he would be a second such player in the fullest sense - though it could be expected, of course, he would have more than just a cameo role.

Perhaps the idea seems a good one until we find out who the player is: Branislav Ivanovic didn't appear to court too much popularity when his name came up a couple of weeks ago, but maybe his joining us would be seen differently if we were also to sign a younger centre-back whom supporters could expect to be ahead of Ivanovic in the pecking order.

[Hugh Gentry]

We have a Manager that played his entire career in the PL, a number of the team were there last time and should have learned, Knockhart has had a couple of seasons in the PL, Cav a couple of seasons etc. Sheffield United had very little experience, but a pragmatic coach who stuck to his guns. I think we will be OK

[hovewhite]

I expect we will survive the coming season.

[OldBrownShoe]

 :dft001: "Tosh" Chamberlain, funny and wise.

[filham]

We have a Manager that played his entire career in the PL, a number of the team were there last time and should have learned, Knockhart has had a couple of seasons in the PL, Cav a couple of seasons etc. Sheffield United had very little experience, but a pragmatic coach who stuck to his guns. I think we will be OK

That is right, it is raw pace and strength on the field that is needed. Scotty has the experience and can hold the dressing room together.

[Artful Dodger]

Totally agree. We need players with experience of the premier league - Smalling woudl be great, bring back Oliver Norwood after impressing at Sheff Utd last season, Ben Foster of Watford was in great form last season are just a few off the top of my head but definitely agree we need some experience of the premier league rather than the Fabri, Seri and Anguissa experiment of last time round.

[toshes mate]

If we retain the services of Kevin McDonald (which, unless he asks to leave, I think we will), we shall have one player who is fit for the role you describe in your first paragraph, if not having the qualification you ask for in your second.

I certainly believe Kevin McDonald is a good fit for the role as a driving force in the dressing room, in training and on match days.  He'd make a very good coach too, IMO.