Quote Originally Posted by Bumble View Post
that is a good point - 3 clubs all with issues doesn't mean we aren't out of a top 4 place. although I don't feel Emery has it in him to when it really counts to make the team step up.

I would actually though add Leicester to that as an outside who could potentially mix it with the top 6. they have some really good young players and also seem to be able to keep hold of mcguire and chilwell for now.

I would let Kos go even for free. free up wages and it is a sad state where a 34yo defender with a poor recent injury record is so vital to the defence.

If we can really do a £60m type deal then scrap the Zaha one and spend it all on the defence, let the youngsters fill the gaps in the attacking positions. Why have a youth set up if you don't use it ever.
I think he did well enough to get us back in the mix largely using the same squad as the season before, when we were way off. He needs some backing this summer and if so we have as good as chance as Utd/Chavs at getting top four. I don’t believe the effort for Zaha was real and if it was, we won’t go higher than we have as Palace want a large chunk of it upfront.

The gap between 6th and those down to 9th has stayed pretty much the same over the past few years. What those teams lack are goals. They’re a good 15-20 off the pace and that takes a lot of money to cover. I don’t see any of those guys troubling the top 6. As we saw last season, having a good strike force can cover up a lot of issues and I don’t think they will be able to cover up their flaws.