Jobi McAnuff for left back?

[Cripple Creek]

It was widely acknowledged in the Championship that Ian Harte's pace was a bit of a liability and in the Premiership it will be even more so. A shame - great footballer, lovely man, likes Reading, great striker of the ball etc. etc. but I can't really see how to get around his lack of pace. It's not unusual for players reaching the twilight of their careers to change position. I'm sure I'll get dissed for this but I was genuinely wondering how Jobi would do as a left back with, maybe Danny Guthrie, moving to his position and giving us room for a five man midfield to play a 4-5-1 with Legs, Karacan, Guthrie, Kebe and, say, Koren (if he signs) or Pog playing just behind Le Fondre.

[Blakey's Right Peg]

Can't we just buy a new left-back?

[paultheroyal]

[peterroyal76]

It was widely acknowledged in the Championship that Ian Harte's pace was a bit of a liability and in the Premiership it will be even more so. A shame - great footballer, lovely man, likes Reading, great striker of the ball etc. etc. but I can't really see how to get around his lack of pace. It's not unusual for players reaching the twilight of their careers to change position. I'm sure I'll get dissed for this but I was genuinely wondering how Jobi would do as a left back with, maybe Danny Guthrie, moving to his position and giving us room for a five man midfield to play a 4-5-1 with Legs, Karacan, Guthrie, Kebe and, say, Koren (if he signs) or Pog playing just behind Le Fondre.

Oh Dear! Good night was it?

[moonwalklikebas]

Jobi didnt like tracking back last season, and his defending is awful, we would give away so many penalties!

[JimmytheJim]

The Pog would make a great centre back.

[Extended-Phenotype]

Human centipede the players and play everyone at left-back at once.

[Royals-lad14]

Put Jimmy in goal and we're sorted

[SCIAG]

So Hob Nob wants a back four of Karacan-Pearce-Gorkss-McAnuff?

McAnuff does his share of defensive work and covered for Harte's lack of pace on occasion (it wasn't uncommon for us to basically use a flat back five when defending for long periods, with McAnuff at left back and Harte more central), but for a whole season? McAnuff wasn't very defensively aware when he played right back last season, and we'd miss his contribution to the attack.

[Ian Royal]

snowball's was a much better idea, whilst still not being particularly good.

[ScottRFC]

Actually agree with this, i guarantee by the end of Jobi's career he will be a full back, just not for a few years yet. Too say he doesn't track back very well is rich. Best defense in the year last year stemmed from a team effort not just the back 4. People dont worry about positions yet the transfer window has just opened!!!!!!

[robbieroyal]

The thought of Premiership wingers attacking Jobi would be us committing relegation suicide. Sorry but this is a daft suggestion.

[marcusopp]

Jesus!
Why is everyone obsessed with pace?
Who would you rather have? Beckham in his hay day, or Walclott in his 'hay day'? Sherringham or Agbonglahor?

Just because Ian Harte is slow, doesn't mean he should be out of the side. He's been in the championship team of the year two years running, that surely means he's good enough for the premiership.
Having said that, it's worth having a pacey option (mills) for games when we're up against a quick side who look to isolate full backs.
I know most sides try to do that, but you know what i mean so no funny business....

[urz13]

Neuer looked pretty decent on defense tbf

[SCIAG]

. He's been in the championship team of the year two years running, that surely means he's good enough for the premiership.

He hasn't got in those sides for his defensive ability though, has he? He's got in because he has a reputation of being utterly beastly at free kicks.

[jazz]

Cold temperatures in Melbourne right now must have addled CC's brain.

IMO skids are under Jobie, sad though that is.

[LightwaterRoyal]

Anyone who thinks Harte should be replaced only needs to watch the all 70 goals this season video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-13CChjHwW0, I couldn't believe how many goals came directly from Harte be it a corner or free kick, I think we need him now more than ever, hes been there , done it and scored the goals. Guthrie will be permitted to take right footed set pieces but if he replaces Harte hes dead to me.

Fcuk off newbie etc.