100% agree. I am happy with the full backs - Coker, White & O'Neill. Assuming Bentley leaves I would like to try Ted Smith in goal and if it's a bit early for him then get in a loan keeper 'til he is ready. Barrett I would like to retain as cover for injuries but get him in the coaching set up for the future as he is Southend through and through. The central defence requires two/three new faces who are tall, can mark tight and don't back peddle at the first sign of an attack. Bolger & Prosser seem to have all but left and Thompson is not good enough IMO. Currently Barnett is having to come back to defend on every set piece as there is no one else much over 6ft which just highlights the lack of height.
Spot on.
Poor old Barrett is being pulled all over the place trying to head the ball out, as he knows Thompson isn't the best in the air. More height to the back four is a must.
Having watched Leicester City's last two games, I was impressed with their defence. The way they organise themselves, the way they attack the ball and amount of ball they are able to head clear in their own area. Even if they are unable to cleanly win the ball they put enough pressure on the attacker so as to deny them a clean header. It also appears that almost every loose ball cleared by the defence is picked up by a Leicester player. It occurred to me that this commitment and organisation should be drummed into our own defence. The fact that Leicester have no big names in defence but are willing to perform the basics of defending should be applied to Southend
Spot on! The key point about Leicester is that they play it simple, no messing. Ranieri always plays with 4 at the back of which the two centre backs are key. It is important to note that neither player is blessed with speed and virtually the same players are kept in to develop the teamwork and consistency. They are also very well organised and it is very noticeable that MIDFIELD are just as essential to the defensive concept of keeping a clean sheet. They move up and down the pitch as a well organised unit, ensuring there are no GAPS between the back four and midfield. Leicester were scoring goals for fun earlier and Vardy has now reached 20. However they are now winning 1nil regularly as those partnerships in midfield and defence have developed. They are not fiddling about with systems every game or changing it. 3 times a during a match! Apart from Vardys clear skill, again much of this success is down to the consistency of playing 4-4-2 and not constantly tinkering.
So whilst we need strengthening at the back, it is imperative to consider the linked role of midfield and the importance of simplicity , organisation and consistency
That's pretty much a full set then!A new right back, a new captain and two new centre halves.