By Darryl
August 11 2006

Ok, an off the wall bit now. How do you see the new season going? I’m excited, and the Mrs is away so I got you lot to vent my frustrations on. Ok, an off the wall bit now.

How do you see the new season going?

I’m excited, and the Mrs is away so I got you lot to vent my frustrations on.

We’ve lost Henchoz, Thompson, Francis, Bullard and Roberts.

Out of that lot I would say Bullard, Roberts and to a lesser degree Henchoz were major players last season for Wigan. Of the 3 I’d say Bullard will be the most difficult to replace and I think Fulham have got a good player. Bullard, although the not most skilful player in the world had so much energy it was untrue. I think E-numbers have played a major part in his development. It was almost like having 12 people on the pitch, and though he was much maligned I reckon he was one in a million and will be difficult to replace. Is it a coincidence that Wigan’s race up the tables began when he joined?

Jason Roberts scored within 34 seconds (off the top of my head) of his debut and was a class player for Wigan. The last couple of months he seemed to lose his focus but he was a good servant for Wigan and though he didn’t leave on the best terms I hope he does well (though obviously not against Wigan). The thing that annoyed me with Roberts was he was always arguing with the Ref and picked up cards for nothing (well not nothing, arguing). I’m not too sure how he’ll get on at Blackburn though, they seem to have invested in strikers.

Henchoz. I always got the impression he was going to give away a penalty. Good defender who’d put his body on the line but I think leverage was a big part of his game. I was surprised he got released. I’d have kept him on, if only for back up. He’d have been worth it if only for the shots he blocked.

I liked Francis, good midfielder but used to disappear during games. Having said that when he got dropped we seemed to lose our way.

I think Thompson should have been offered another year to prove himself. Good player but it seemed he’d try to do the difficult things when something simple was on. That free kick at the Arse was class though.

We’ve gained Heskey, Kirkland, Landzaat, One Size, Boycey, Valencia and Cwyka.

Heskey on his day is class and with the Jewellster giving him the right motivation will be class next season. I’m of the same mind as Paul Jewell. Hesk is still young and can more than replace Roberts next season. I’m hoping for big things from Hesk next season.

Kirkland is another class signing. It wasn’t that long ago he was in the England squad and providing he stays injury free I see no reason why we shouldn’t sign him permanent when his loan runs out.

Landzaat. People are saying he’s the replacement for Bullard but from what I’ve seen of him he is a totally different player. He’s comfortable on the ball and doesn’t run around like a headless chicken. Landzaat excites me, ooer. He’s got it all from what I’ve seen. He keeps his cool and I like that.

One-size, a quick centre back. Something we’ve been missing since, hmm, have we ever had a quick centre back. I looked on the Palace chat sites when we signed him and they seemed glad to be shot of him. I’ve not really seen him so I can’t really comment on him, but The Jewellster signed him and he’s a quick, no nonsense centre back and that’ll do for me.

Boycey was voted Palace’s supporter player of the season last season. He gives his all every game and you can’t ask more than that. If the Palace fans love him then he must be good.

Cwyka has been described as one for the future. I saw him play on Eurosport in the under whatever championships. He looked pretty good. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was a regular the end of the season. Him and Landzaat in the middle of the park would be pretty good in my opinion.

Valencia on the right wing. A lot of people moan about Tealey and maybe Valencia is the man to replace him. In Tealey’s defence he covers a lot of ground and on his day is unstoppable. The thing with Tealey is he’s unpredictable. I’ve only seen Valencia at the World Cup and he looked pretty good, but is he more consistent? Maybe that’s the thing with Tealey. I go to a game and I think if Teale has a good game we can win it but more often than not he doesn’t.

So then, who to have on the back of my shirt next season Heskey, Landzaat or Baines?