Jack Cork

[ksrclaret]

"Right now though, I'd rather have James McArthur out of two of them. I think he'd suit us better than Cork would."

We need both

I think we definitely need two midfielders, but along with Westwood we'd have 3 very similar players. I hoped we'd be after a more attacking and dynamic player alongside one of those two.

[Right_winger]

Jack Cork would be a very good signing and certainly the type of player we should be targeting. Would prefer Sigurdson but we won't pay for a player like that.

[agreenwood]

If it were a choice between the two, McArthur wins for me.

[Vegas Claret]

That Swansea forum thread is frightening.

Let's hope he's better than they say.

Regardless of ability every club needs a player that supporters can bash. He may well look crap compared to Siggurdsssssssssson

[claretspice]

Two good links today with McArthur and Cork. Cprk is still only 28, and I make it that he's played almost 200 Premier League games.

I think that of the two, McCarthur is the more robust player, but Cork's pretty handy. I sort of see the argument he's a bit similar to Westwood, but I think if anything Westwood has the greater range of passing whereas Cork is a bit more comfortable going box to box and Cork is also better in the air. Also often forgotten that Cork's played a bit of football at full back, and certainly in his Burnley days he was pretty comfortable moving into the right sided channel.

We know Dyche tends to want two central midfielders to stay behind the ball, so I could see Cork and Westwood working together, but certainly you could also see either of them working with Hendrick. Same goes for McArthur. If we can bring one of them in, that'd be really good business to replace Barton.

[ablueclaret]

Cork or McArthur, but then one play maker,although I know we don't do those nowadays.

[ClaretTony]

Two good links today with McArthur and Cork. Cprk is still only 28, and I make it that he's played almost 200 Premier League games.

I think that of the two, McCarthur is the more robust player, but Cork's pretty handy. I sort of see the argument he's a bit similar to Westwood, but I think if anything Westwood has the greater range of passing whereas Cork is a bit more comfortable going box to box and Cork is also better in the air. Also often forgotten that Cork's played a bit of football at full back, and certainly in his Burnley days he was pretty comfortable moving into the right sided channel.

We know Dyche tends to want two central midfielders to stay behind the ball, so I could see Cork and Westwood working together, but certainly you could also see either of them working with Hendrick. Same goes for McArthur. If we can bring one of them in, that'd be really good business to replace Barton.

He's played quite a lot in the Premier League - 131 starts and 29 sub

[CBT]

Ideally Hendrick and defour to start games against the so called lesser teams if defour stays and gets his act together
Then if in the lead bring on Westwood and cork to tighten things up.
Easy this management malarkey

[tiger76]

We definitely need midfield reinforcements, Marney won't play this season, there is question marks over Defour lasting 90 minutes even when he does get a start, if Mcarthur and Cork are deemed not good enough having been regular premier league starters over several seasons, who realistically do people expect us to sign.

[claretspice]

He's played quite a lot in the Premier League - 131 starts and 29 sub

Pretty good record that then. Done it under about 5 different managers I think as well (even excluding Bradley, who didn't have time to choose). Can't be a mug - and we know he isn't because we know what a promising player he was when he was with us.

[FactualFrank]

"Right now though, I'd rather have James McArthur out of two of them. I think he'd suit us better than Cork would."

We need both

We're on the same page. For me, we're too weak in central midfield. I don't just want us to have a strong first 11, I want a super strong bench too, filled with players who can help change a game. Cork can control and pass a football, which is something we've lacked a bit.

[claretspice]

We're on the same page. For me, we're too weak in central midfield. I don't just want us to have a strong first 11, I want a super strong bench too, filled with players who can help change a game. Cork can control and pass a football, which is something we've lacked a bit.

Bit harsh on Westwood in particular, but also Hendrick. They're both pretty good at controlling and passing the ball. I think one more established name to compliment them would be fine - and if Defour goes, perhaps there's scope to look for one more who is a slightly different ilk.

[FactualFrank]

I don't think it's harsh - I don't think Westwood and Hendrick in midfield is strong enough and I'd like us to bring in more competition for places. You'd be an easy going manager, whereas I'd be constantly striving for better.

Defour, I'm treating as a bonus, as it's quite clear he's not exactly settling down in Burnley for life, so from the outside looking in, I'm not taking him as a permanent fixture.

[ablueclaret]

You can have too many similar player, somewhere along the line you need a player with a spark we haven't got 1.

[FactualFrank]

Well, Defour does have a spark, but I don't see how we can plan anything around him, unless he's had an omelette recently and had a heart to heart with the boss. Because before this season starts, I'd want to know one way or the other.

[DCWat]

Defour aside, I don't yet see anyone who really plays those killer balls, drives us forward and offers a goal threat.

Hendrick had a decent first season in the division but I'm not sure he's the one to link the attack to midfield (admittedly he was somewhat hampered by needing to show more of his defensive attributes).

Solidity is fine and I'm in no way disputing that we need that. I just don't see where the attacking threat and creativity is improving (Walters aside) as yet.

[FactualFrank]

I think we all as fans know what we need - someone who gets the ball and has superb control, passing and vision - knows where Gray is and knows how to provide him with several decent chances per game. If only it was that easy, eh! I bet it's a very difficult game in the market looking for that sort of player - because they play for the likes of Chelsea and Man City.

[Blackrod]

There are creative players that can find a killer pass that done play for Chelsea or City. It's accommodating them in the system.

[ksrclaret]

Someone like Tom Cairney would have been a good fit for for us, but not him because he's just signed a deal at Fulham.

Someone quite fast and with an eye for goal, but capable of dropping behind Vokes when we don't have the ball. Those players are our there and available, but they'll likely cost us the most money.

[FactualFrank]

Blackrod, I think it's more about finding them. You can easily slot a footballer who can find space for the ball, control it, see where the likes of Gray are going, before passing it, regardless of 'system' (which I think is an overplayed word). You can have one of those as a standard central midfielder... it's finding them.

[pureclaret]

I thought Westwood was improving at the end of the season, and Hendricks also will benefit from a proper pre season

[Silkyskills1]

Ideally Hendrick and defour to start games against the so called lesser teams if defour stays and gets his act together
Then if in the lead bring on Westwood and cork to tighten things up.
Easy this management malarkey

Who are these 'lesser teams'? Lincoln were the only one I remember from last season.

[Bin Ont Turf]

Defour aside, I don't yet see anyone who really plays those killer balls, drives us forward and offers a goal threat.

Hendrick had a decent first season in the division but I'm not sure he's the one to link the attack to midfield (admittedly he was somewhat hampered by needing to show more of his defensive attributes).

Solidity is fine and I'm in no way disputing that we need that. I just don't see where the attacking threat and creativity is improving (Walters aside) as yet.

I think that Hendrick can do that and did do that at times last season.

We'll see an even better Jeff this season.

[ClaretTony]

I thought Westwood was improving at the end of the season, and Hendricks also will benefit from a proper pre season

I thought Westwood was excellent when he came in for Joey and I though Hendrick had a good season.

[CBT]

Hull 'boro and Sunderland were certainly lesser teams

[FactualFrank]

I think 4 + Defour would be nice in CM. Defour, Westwood, Hendrick, + 2.
But, I can't see us buying 2 because we have Walters who can play anywhere across midfield. I expect us to bring in 1 more midfielder.

[BFC88]

We definitely need 2 CMs as I cannot see Defour staying with us. Both McArthur and Cork would be excellent signings for Burnley

[FactualFrank]

I agree BFC88, but something tells me that Dyche is using Walters as a player that can cover that. That's why I think if we sign a CM it'll be 1 through the door.

[KefkaClaret]

I have doubts over Westwood and Hendrick as a midfield pairing as I don't think they offer enough protection for the defence from the small time they played together. That could of have been down to Long and Tarkowski being at the back but who knows.

[claretspice]

Defour aside, I don't yet see anyone who really plays those killer balls, drives us forward and offers a goal threat.

Hendrick had a decent first season in the division but I'm not sure he's the one to link the attack to midfield (admittedly he was somewhat hampered by needing to show more of his defensive attributes).

Solidity is fine and I'm in no way disputing that we need that. I just don't see where the attacking threat and creativity is improving (Walters aside) as yet.

I think if we play 4-5-1, we'll certainly need a greater goalscoring threat from midfield and I would have thought that Hendrick is most likely to provide it. Dyche likes efficient, solid players in his central midfield roles, and he'll get his creativity and goal threat from his wide midfielders, full backs and perhaps his second striker.

I think most people would observe that (leaving Defour out of the equation - I agree he might well go) we probably need a 4th option in the centre of midfield (at least), but I think the main reason why I disagree with Factual Frank's argument we need both McArthur and Cork, is that this 4th option needs to be that slightly different sort of player - perhaps capable of playing wide and adding more creativity from out wide, and also capable of slotting into the centre of midfield to provide an alternative option or cover for unavailability. The sort of player I have in mind is Sam Clucas. I don't think our budget will stretch to 2 extra "specialist" central midfielders without compromising elsewhere, so adding some more flexibility to the squad is a big factor.

If we can do that, with the sort of creativity we have out wide, we'll be in a decent position.

[jedi_master]

Cork was great for us and is highly experienced at this level. The signings we are making and being linked with say to me that Dyche is very keen to recruit the personnel nedded to allow a change from 4-4-2 if the situation might be needed.

Walters allows us the option of playing him as a wide forward on the right, Brady on the left and one of Vokes/Gray/Barnes (Assombalonga?) up top with, I would guess, Hendrick playing the more advanced of a midfield three with two of Westwood/McArthur/Cork (if rumours are to be believed) sat deeper.

Of course, I see that as a contingency as obviously Dyche is a firmly 4-4-2 man, but it gives us options for sure.

[FactualFrank]

and he'll get his creativity and goal threat from his wide midfielders, full backs and perhaps his second striker.

That's very 1-dimensional though and we don't exactly create a lot from our wide midfielders anyway, so not sure how that's suddenly going to change. Creativity through the middle (on the ground) is exactly what I think we do need.

The reason why I'd want both (or 2 x other CM) is because at present I really don't see us as strong enough to cope with 90% of Premier League sides in central midfield. We're simply not good enough in that department. Westwood and Hendrick isn't enough in my book and I'd be going for somebody better to partner one or the other, depending on the opposition. This is another thing - we don't have to have a central partnership for every game, it can chop and change depending on how the game is going or who we're up against.

The downside to signing both? Morale. We might get one who becomes upset as they aren't getting enough football - part and parcel of Dyche's job of course, but something he'll no doubt be keeping in mind.

[Sidney1st]

We are in the process of upgrading our wingers though, if it helps.

[Vegas Claret]

at least we are looking at PL experienced players now and not Dale Stephens !

[CoolClaret]

He was class when he was with us - can't believe what I'm reading on half the posts!!

Can you not remember after being completely obliterated by half time off City - with possibly the worst 2 man midfield partnership you could have with regards to box to box ability (Kev Mac & Grezza), Cork came on and ran the show in the second half!

[CBT]

We are in the process of upgrading our wingers though, if it helps.

I firmly believe we'll spend the most money on a winger even if we sign Britt and especially if we get 10-15 mil for gray

[FactualFrank]

at least we are looking at PL experienced players now and not Dale Stephens !

Well we've signed probably the best left back in the Championship from last season. But I know where you're coming from.

[FactualFrank]

I firmly believe we'll spend the most money on a winger even if we sign Britt and especially if we get 10-15 mil for gray

I really hope we don't lose Gray. Because I don't think we can replace him.

[Reecey1987]

We are in the process of upgrading our wingers though, if it helps.

Who are we upgrading them with ?

[CharlieinNewMexico]

We sign McArthur we have to sign Ji Sung Park surely? Richard Harris's favorite midfield.

[Reecey1987]

I firmly believe we'll spend the most money on a winger even if we sign Britt and especially if we get 10-15 mil for gray

On who ?

[Top Claret]

God help us if we are signing the like of Jack Cork, he is a million miles off the quality we require to compete at this level

[Vegas Claret]

Well we've signed probably the best left back in the Championship from last season. But I know where you're coming from.

indeed but he has been brought in to compete with an international with plenty of PL experience. Cork I would expect to walk into the side.

[Reecey1987]

God help us if we are signing the like of Jack Cork, he is a million miles off the quality we require to compete at this level

Cant be that bad hes been playing in the premiership at lot longer than we have

[CBT]

I really hope we don't lose Gray. Because I don't think we can replace him.

Agree but it's down to the player seemingly
If he does go along with the Keane money we're still in a strong financial position to add 2 10mil plus signings along with cork and say Dawson or someone similar priced
Projected outgoings
Keane gray Boyd Arfield 35-38 mil
Projected incomings
Taylor Walters cork Britt centre back winger - 55-65mil
Which means board would be giving up 20-30mil on transfers which is alot but hopefully manageable

Gut instinct says defour will stay
Agyei out on loan
Darikwa sold/part ex
All equals 23 man squad?
This chairman malarkey is also easy

[claretspice]

That's very 1-dimensional though and we don't exactly create a lot from our wide midfielders anyway, so not sure how that's suddenly going to change. Creativity through the middle (on the ground) is exactly what I think we do need.

The reason why I'd want both (or 2 x other CM) is because at present I really don't see us as strong enough to cope with 90% of Premier League sides in central midfield. We're simply not good enough in that department. Westwood and Hendrick isn't enough in my book and I'd be going for somebody better to partner one or the other, depending on the opposition. This is another thing - we don't have to have a central partnership for every game, it can chop and change depending on how the game is going or who we're up against.

The downside to signing both? Morale. We might get one who becomes upset as they aren't getting enough football - part and parcel of Dyche's job of course, but something he'll no doubt be keeping in mind.

If you want more creativity from your central midfielders, then I don't see that you'll get this particularly from McArthur or Cork, so again I think it ought to be one plus someone who can do that. That said, I think the majority of teams these days pick 2 midfielders in the mould Dyche likes - efficient and solid, but not particularly creative, so I don't think we're especially unique in that regard.

As for creativity out wide - we could easily start next season with Taylor, Brady, Lowton and JBG in the wide slots. That's not too bad, for all I'd like to see us bring in someone who can add even more quality both there and in a central role, like Clucas.

I also think you're harsh on Westwood and Hendrick, but each to their own!

[Sidney1st]

Who are we upgrading them with ?

We've just let one go.

That leaves us with 3 recognized ones - JBG, Arfield and Brady.
Arfield - most will accept we need to upgrade.
JBG - I don't know his current fitness state.

Walters can play out there but its not his preferred place.

Now the transfer window is still open and I don't know who we will sign to replace Boyd yet, so I can't answer that question.

[FactualFrank]

Spice, I do acknowledge what you're saying, but this is a harsh business. We can't be pretending that Westwood and Hendrick are going to outdo most other Prem sides. They're not good enough. Against Huddersfield we might be ok, but look at the rest of the central midfields that other teams have - they're better and we need better.

Taylor, Brady, Lowton, JBG looks good on paper - assuming JBG plays a lot more and Taylor I bet has to wait his turn. He was given the number 3 shirt, but Dyche doesn't throw players out as a general rule straight away, meaning he'll have to wait his turn.

[Braindead]

God help us if we are signing the like of Jack Cork, he is a million miles off the quality we require to compete at this level

This the kind of wankpuffin cobblers that makes Burnley fans look ridiculous.
He's played consistently at a higher level than we have been at and he's not good enough?

Laughable.

[FactualFrank]

OK, I admit it...

I just Googled, wankpuffin.