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Opinion: Do We Need Another Striker?

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Just 5 days ago, our editor Tom ran a poll asking which part of the squad we think should be increased in the January transfer window. In this poll, 63% of you decided that it was in fact the attack that was lacking and that we needed to improve in order to fit Zola’s style of play as well as to pull ourselves up the league table. Only 7% suggested that we needed to improve the midfield but yet Gardner has been brought back to the club since then. I think he brings quality but did we really need to invest in this area of the team?

We have Tesche, Kieftenbeld, Gleeson and Davis all doing well in that position with Brown, Arthur and Fabbrini pushing on a bit further up the field. So was the inclusion of Gardner just to win the fans back after the whole Rowett saga? I don’t like to look at things cynically but I do believe that this is part of the truth. Either way, I am not complaining, he is a good addition to the squad. As we all know with his previous spell at the club, he does find the net from midfield which is a huge bonus. A skill often overlooked in midfield but it is certainly a great thing to have when attackers are not firing on all cylinders.

Recently, I have seen a lot of fans on social media saying that we need to invest in a new attacker this transfer window. Now, I’d firstly just say that most clubs are reluctant to sell in January so it often means less deals can be struck than in Summer (other than loans). This is because a player usually isn’t at the end of the contract so a pay out will be made. So it is hard to revamp a squad at the current time. But there may be a chance to get a striker and Zola may well take it although I am not too sure that he should.

If all of the current attacking options are fit, then we have Donaldson, Adams, Lukas and maybe Stewart but he is preferred out wide. If we are playing 1 up front like Rowett used to prefer, then we have a decent squad for this. Any one of those three could do that role as long as there was a number 10 to support. Even now, this could work if Fabbrini sat behind. They can also play well together. Che has good pace and strength which compliments Lukas and Donaldson who are both better in the air. All 3 are at Championship level and so it’s not like we have someone just there to collect a wage and not give much on the field. I have heard reports that Rhodes is looking for a loan move. Considering how potent he was for Blackburn when he played there, I would love it if we could bring him in on loan but if a striker that is unproven is bought, then I think they could become surplus to requirements.

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