Barton's a liability.
Smith, Nolan and Butt is more than enough quality in the middle for this league.
Honestly, I don't agree - I think with Guthrie back + maybe 1 more, we have BETTER quality. Having enough to me means 1 or 2 crocks or red cards and we are stuck putting LuaLua and Geremi in the center and will be overrun. We lack depth all across the pitch minus GK to be honest. Its blatantaly obvious that if a takeover happens, we need to bring in 2 strikers (Loven & Beckford would do perfectly well), 1 or 2 midfielders (A CM & Winger would do for me) and with Campbell coming in that would shore up the CB needs.
All IF we get the takeover...
Guthrie, Barton, Smith and Nolan leaves us with an embarrassment of riches in the middle of the park. For all people have slagged them off, the 4 of them are far too good for this league.I agree we need strenghening in other areas. Ameobi may hit 25-30 goals if he stays fit but he's always liable to get injured and then we're very short up front. If this takeover is sorted this week and we can get Beckford in and someone else on loan from the Prem, then that would be more than sufficient.
This. Smith has dominated in the midfield so far. Good level for Guthrie to develop as well.