Taking Stock

Goalkeepers;
- Sander Westerveld
- Jamie Ashdown
- Kostas Chalkias
- Andrea Guatelli

No problems here. Admittedly the top three have been known to be error prone on occasion but Westerveld is very experienced at the highest level and could be a great signing.
VERDICT: No new signings needed

Right back;
- Andy Griffin
- Aliou Cissé

As long as Griff can stay free of injuries then he's a solid and capable performer. Despite it not being his natural position, Cissé has shown he can play very well in this capability (even though he does have the tendency to get ridiculously over complicated when being closed down in his own six yard box). Linvoy of course can also play here if things get dodgy.
VERDICT: No new signings needed

Left back;
- Matthew Taylor
- Gregory Vignal

Both competent defenders, especially Taylor who has come on leaps and bounds. Dejan can also play here if injuries and suspensions come into play so there's plenty of decent cover.
VERDICT: No new signings needed

Centre back;
- Dejan Stefanovic
- Arjan De Zeeuw
- Andy O'Brien
- Linvoy Primus

A lot of experience to fill two slots, and a fair amount of class too. The only worry is that three of them are over 30 but that's not an instant concern. Karadas can play here if the worst comes to the worst.
VERDICT: In the long term, a young centre back needs to be brought in. In the meantime we're ok.

Left midfield;
- Laurent Robert

It seems a bit thin on the ground but Taylor and Vignal can both step up into this position if the need arises. No doubt with Robert's trickery at some point he will get munched but I'm sure we'd all love to see Taylor bombing down the wing again so it shouldn't be a problem.
VERDICT: No new signings needed

Right midfield;
- John Viafara

Aah, the problem position. Whilst both Viafara and also O'Neil have been pencilled in as the players to fill Steve Stone's absence, neither of them are really genuine wingers. They've been working on it but by putting them out there you really lose their ability in the centre of the park, so if there was one signing I'd really like to see it would be someone down here.
VERDICT: Oh go on. Please.

Centre midfield;
- Richard Hughes
- Giannias Skopelitis
- Gary O'Neil

As well as those mentioned above Cissé, Viafara, Robert and even Vignal can play here if need be. The problem is that whilst there are plenty of players who can fit in, they're all much of a muchness. Hughes, Skopelitis, Cissé and Vignal all play the similar defensive role without doing much special, just holding the team together. O'Neil and Viafara are both attacking type players and although it's too early to say about the Colombian, O'Neil still hasn't quite the knack for a killer pass. Robert can play in the middle but will no doubt spend the season on the wing so he's not really an option, but if there's one thing I'd love to see it's just that little touch of class in midfield (I don't ask for much do I)? A lot of people think Francis is the answer but I'm not so sure personally. I don't think we will get anyone else in and it'll fall to those currently in the squad to raise their game, but midfield does seem to be a question of quantity over quality.
VERDICT: I'd love a big signing here (possibly with the potential to play right mid, killing two birds with one stone) but I can't see it.

Strikers;
- Lomana LuaLua
- Azar Karadas
- Collins Mbesuma
- Ivica Mornar
- Svetoslav Todorov
- Ricardo Fuller
- Alexsander Rodic
- Vincent Pericard
- James Keene

You know, I think we might just about be ok on this one. Even if they get three goals each (which I doubt they will, but stick with me here) that'll stick do us rather nicely.
VERDICT: No new signings needed

FINAL VERDICT: Right wing is a must. Centre mid would be nice. In the long term we need a young pretender to the throne at centre back but we can survive for now. As they say in dubious exam papers; "Discuss".