We’ve diagnosed the problems, identified the targets and given our recommendations... now it’s your turn.
There’s nothing every football fans loves more than to speculate on where their team needs to strengthen, how much to spend and who to buy. Our team-by-team analysis of what needs to be done is the perfect chance for just that.
We have pinpointed the weak spots and given our suggestion for who should be the number one priority as well as a handful of alternatives.
Will Phil Brown heed our advice? Have we missed a trick? Is our budget unrealistic? Who would YOU sign? Don’t be shy in letting us know by dropping us a comment at the foot of the page. Let the debate commence.....
Centre Back - Zurab Khizanishvilli (Blackburn): It’s no embarrassment when you can’t force either Ryan Nelsen or Chris Samba out of a team. The Georgia national team captain, no less, is a tidy little player so long as he’s paired alongside more of a strapping brute of a centre back (Michael Turner). A big improvement on Kamil Zayatte, that’s for sure.
Right Midfield - Jermaine Pennant (Portsmouth): Not so long ago he was the solution to Liverpool’s lack of width. Now he can’t even get a game for Pompey. He’s out of contract this summer and Brown could do a lot worse than add his pace and trickery to a depleted midfield.
Alternative: Carlos Edwards (Sunderland)
Centre Midfield - Andy Reid (Sunderland): There’s a high chance that The Tigers’ main/only creative force, Geovanni, is going to be shipped out this year so Brown is going to need some imagination from somewhere. Reid might look a bit like a pub player but would certainly improve what’s currently on offer at The KC.
Alternative: Joey Barton (Newcastle), Giles Barnes (Derby)
Left Midfield - Damien Duff (Newcastle): Some people would have you believe he’s totally past it but, although he is most certainly not the player of his Blackburn and Chelsea days, Premier League quality he definitely is. Brown has next to no quality wide players so Duff would be a welcome addition if he could be persuaded to make such a move.
Alternative: Kris Commons (Derby), Chris Brunt (West Brom)
Striker – Djibril Cisse (Marseille): Now, we’d be the first to admit that this man isn’t exactly the most cultured of footballers. But, saying that, he’s ridiculously rapid, knows The Premier League and scored 11 goals in a rubbish Sunderland side. Plus, anything’s an improvement when your current options include the likes of Craig Fagan, Daniel Cousin, and Manucho. If that wasn't enough, get your chops round this for a sign...Hull have been caught offside more times (141) than any other Premier League team this season, while Cisse has the same dubious honour for a player (61). A match made in heaven.
Alternative: Marc-Antoine Fortune (Nancy)