Squad Report – Wanted: Quality Over Quantity

Blues’ squad is in need of a few improvements but isn’t a million miles off being capable of genuine play-off push. Gary Rowett’s transfer business will be about quality over quantity. Here, Rob Wildey assesses the current squad and looks at areas in need of improvement.

GOALKEEPER

With Tomasz Kuszczak and Adam Legzdins being backed up by youngster Connal Trueman, Blues are relatively strong between the sticks. Kuszczak will be the first choice ‘keeper and at 34, still has a few years left in him.

RIGHT BACK

After the release of Neal Eardley, Paul Caddis only has Jonathan Spector as back-up. The American is versatile and can be used anywhere across the back or in central midfield. Caddis, although not the best defender in the world, does a job and Gary Rowett will not see the need to bring in a right back, especially if Ryan Shotton signs permanently from Derby County – he can also play there if need be.

LEFT BACK

Injecting competition on the left side of defence is needed. Mitch Hancox has been released but wasn`t really breathing down Jonathan Grounds` neck for a first team place. Grounds, like his opposite number Caddis, isn`t the best footballer in the world and is prone to the odd mistake. However, he is usually steady. But Rowett may (and should) opt to bring in a left back.

CENTRE BACK

Michael Morrison is the first name on Rowett`s team sheet and mainstay in the heart of the defence. His partner is up for debate. Spector and veteran Paul Robinson have played there and had good games and indifferent games. Shotton was deployed there later on in the campaign and did very well. Whether he is the answer permanently remains to be seen. But a centre back is a vital requirement this summer.

RIGHT AND LEFT MIDFIELD

Out wide is where Blues are their strongest. David Cotterill, Jacques Maghoma and Viv Solomon-Otabor are all vying for the starting line-up. But with Will Buckley returning to Sunderland, Rowett may want extra cover in this area – could Koby Arthur provide that?

CENTRE MIDFIELD

Stephen Gleeson, Maikel Kieftenbeld and David Davis are all tried and trusted in the centre of the park. However, in this instance, three isn`t a crowd. Rowett wants cover and a player to offer ‘something different`. Charlee Adams can be the ‘cover` but Rowett will be in the market for the player who can offer something different. Reece Brown certainly has potential but is raw and virtually untested at Championship level.

THE NUMBER TEN

Diego Fabbrini and Andrew Shinnie will battle it out to support the striker when Blues play the 4-2-3-1 formation. Hopefully, the loss of Jon Toral will be minimised if Fabbrini can make an impact.

STRIKER

Clayton Donaldson will continue to do his thing and unselfishly put a shift in – James Vaughan will be a pacey alternative assuming he can get a full pre-season under his belt and remain fit. But Blues need a poacher, someone who can score goals. The rumour mill is in overdrive with names of potential striker targets. As for back-up, Nicolai Brock-Madsen, Alex Jones and Denny Johnstone may be in the manager`s thoughts.