Tarks

[Steve1956]

Our success this season is built on a solid defence with Keane and Mee being solid as a rock,if as expected Keane leaves in the summer,is Tarkowski the answer? just how good is he,we haven't seen much of him,I think to continue our progress a solid defence is essential,I think we might have to look elsewhere for a partner for Ben Mee.

[Bin Ont Turf]

We'll have to look elsewhere if Keane leaves anyway, because we'll need another centre back.

Tarky may indeed partner Mee.

[ElectroClaret]

All departments will require strengthening next season.

Central defence included.

[ksrclaret]

It's the Sean Dyche way that Tarkowski will be given his chance if and when Michael Keane leaves us. He's been biding his time for a year and a half now and seems to have shown exactly the right attitude and commitment during that period. I'd expect him to start next season alongside Mee where hopefully the time spent working with us will see him slot in relatively easily, but we can't expect him to be as good as Keane is straight away, if ever.

From the little we've seen of him, he obviously looks very composed and comfortable on the ball and looks to have the physicality required. I suspect he's quite a bit slower than Keane though.

[Sutton-Claret]

What about the lad from Hull - Robertson. We were linked with him at Christmas I think - if Hull go down and all that ??

[Longside4evr]

We will need to get in a replacement if the inevitable happens but my only worry is I hope we can keep the nucleus of our first team and not leave ourselves to much building in the Summer
In saying that, if we get to many out goings we will need to fill what ever voids and also need to strengthen in 4 or five other areas we could end up with too much to do
out going rumored Gray Keane Arfield Barton (possible lengthy ban) Heaton I think will stay but you never know Boyd Contract Not sure if its been sorted may have
That would be a big hit on the team and strengthening would be manic

[No Ney Never]

Tarks fitted in seamlessly when Keano was out early last season (I think), so no doubt from me about his ability to step into his rightful position next season.
It's his understudy that we'll be looking to sign in the summer.

[ClaretMoffitt]

I think when Keane leaves in the summer, we will be looking to replace tarks, not Keane.

[Sidney1st]

What about the lad from Hull - Robertson. We were linked with him at Christmas I think - if Hull go down and all that ??

Left back I believe, so he can challenge Ward.

[claretspice]

I imagine Tarks will get his chance at the beginning of next season, but I would hope that the player we're looking to sign is very much of the calibre to step straight in if we need him to.

It struck me last night watching Keane mop up over and over again how much we will miss his pace next season. Fine player that Tarks is, he's nowhere near as quick and so that will require an adjustment to the way we play.

[Colburn_Claret]

Last night's result gives us an extra 2 months window shopping.
The first port of call for me is to target those going down.
I don't fancy anyone from Boro except maybe Gibson, but there is bound to be competition for him.
Nobody from Sunderland.
Roberton or Maguire from Hull, again there could be competition.
Narsingh at Swansea looks just like we were hoping to get in January, shame he chose them.

Re Tarks, I have no doubts he will be first choice should Keane leave.

[Giftonsnoidea]

Last night's result gives us an extra 2 months window shopping.
The first port of call for me is to target those going down.
I don't fancy anyone from Boro except maybe Gibson, but there is bound to be competition for him.
Nobody from Sunderland.
Roberton or Maguire from Hull, again there could be competition.
Narsingh at Swansea looks just like we were hoping to get in January, shame he chose them.

Re Tarks, I have no doubts he will be first choice should Keane leave.

I'd take Defoe from Sunderland no problem, even with those wages.

Robertson would be great, we have no left back cover as it stands as Mee is not comfortable there, been lucky ward hasn't been injured this season.

[CleggHall]

Yes Ward is a vital component, we missed him a lot in the Lincoln cup tie, genuine left footed left backs are hard to find, remember Emlyn Hughes!?

[Frenchclaret]

I thought Tarkowski did a good job when he came on last night. When they brought on Peter Crouch he was winning some knock-downs and creating some danger. SD made a good substitution (for a change?) and Tarks stood in front of Crouch and won the ball or put him off sufficiently for it to drop harmlessly. He can also send a good dummy when he has the ball. He has been unfortunate not to have more games this season but he will be fine when his time comes.