ince can't save the defense by himself (Paul Ince)

Member Name: simon murphy

Product:	Paul Ince
Date:	28/08/00 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: still the best defensive english midfielder

Disadvantages: getting to the end of his career

Bryan Robson has consistently made sound signings for Boro and has done so again with the signings of Boksic, Job, Karambeu and Okon. These are signings, which could take us at the least back to Wembley again. He has missed out on strengthening our weakest part of the team i.e. the defense, we can't expect Ince to save them every week

All Boro need to have a top six team is an improved defense. Having lost Ziege it is even more imperative that something is done to strengthen this section of the team. I realise that Dean Gordon may be fit in the near future and hopefully he will be as good a player as he was before that injury last year. That is not guaranteed though and from rumours it is unlikely to be the case.

If you look at the defenders at the club (at least the ones Robson appears likely to use) there is an obvious need to strengthen.

Pallister still a great player but is too injury prone now and we can not rely on him for a full season.
Vickers never a great player, good enough for division 1 but too many mistakes for the top flight.
Festa the best defender at the club and an example on how to look after yourself
Cooper must improve his passing if he is to last the season
Fleming good servant to the club shame he has no ball control at all should only be used when we need to man mark a player out of the game no one better at that.
O’Neill I know he is being played at wingback but this doesn’t make best use of him
Stockdale still not strong enough big season for him as he should make the right wing back slot his own if he is to progress
Craig Harrison just hope he gets back to old fitness levels
Jason Gavin cut out the mistakes and get a run in the team and he will go far
I know Okon and Karembeu can play in defense if necessary but we haven’t seen enough of them to comment.

Please Robbo buy a young top quality central defender (two preferably) and you could make
history for the club

Summary: