In a perfect world we would strengthen in the majority of positions, but it’s just not realistic. My preference would be a number 9. Ideally one that has more pace than the current bunch, capable of running in behind and stretching defences. Similar to Jermaine Beckford ?, yes please. If not a speedster, then one who is a real aerial threat and knocks defenders about, makes things happen for other players, a Lee Chapman?, yes please. Ideally we’d find someone with all the above attributes, but if not at least a couple because the current lot offer none of the above between the four of them. A loan would be ideal, because a centre forward capable of stepping up to the Premier League would cost big bucks and may not be available to buy at the moment. Also, buying someone just to get us over the line this season with the aim of upgrading him next season is not ideal. The problem may be we need to move at least one bigger earner out, we all know who he is, and whether he would be prepared to move on. As for Schmidt, just had a look at his history/stats and he’s classed as a right footer who prefers left back ?? Now call me old fashioned, but I prefer a left back to be left footed for very obvious reasons. We already have a surplus of right footers playing down the left hand side, and I think it causes us real problems to be honest. If there’s one criticism I have of us as a team it’s that we can look unbalanced a lot of the time. I think we’ve prospered despite it.

Buendia might be leaving Villa this month.. Emery says they need to offload some fringe players (of which he’s one).. watching with interest

would be lovely but can't see it

Serious question here and not having a go (for once)! How many of our acclaimed youth signings over the last 2 or 3 years have made it in the first team? We were all in awe of the likes of Geldhart, Perkins, Greenwood, Cresswell, Gyabi and I`m sure there`s more. Yet none of those above have progressed with only Archie Gray who has now left and possibly Charlie Crew who should make it along with Joseph maybe. Have I missed others? And are these players we sign not getting coached properly?

Our academy system has been underperforming for years. It's only just getting back to anything like with the Niners putting good money in and good coaches but it will take time. Previous successive owners ran it into the ground.. one of my best mates, his lad is at Man U academy (He's 12, just signed for another 2 years and been with them since age eight) was telling me when his lad went to Man U he had the pick of loads of clubs and Leeds was one of them but the academy was really badly run (he's a big Leeds fan too so it was a horrible decision to make) so he chose Manchester to give his lad best coaching and set up etc.. he says Leeds have been well behind the big clubs in England for a long time.

Interesting that Trebor and hopefully things will start to improve. It does seem a shame that those I mentioned and I`m sure there`s others were all deemed the next best thing.