If we're all honest, no one has great expectations for the season ahead. I think this put's us in a position where we can take a gamble on a few young players. Case example would be Watford last season, Marvin Sordell etc. What I would say is that if for example we play a 3 man centre midfield, my preferred formation, with bigi, thomas and clingan, we might struggle for the first few games, maybe even 10-15 games. But..young players can improve rapidly if given an opportunity. Very few young players come through at this level without the aid of injuries to the rest of the squad or general lack of quality in the squad (i.e. us). Using another example I would say Crystal Palace.
Though I would agree having to play untried, untested youth players is far from ideal, but Gunnarsson during his first season was nothing short of superb and he'd played 1 professional game. I saw bigiramana against leamington, granted it is only leamington, however judging him around his coventry peers, he was head and shoulders above. Every single player looked to him. From a totally different aspect for me he looks the part, sounds very shallow, but he has an air of arrogance, or confidence about him, his hairstyle is different and allows him to stand out (very reminiscent of another Brazilian high profile youngerster..).
He may not do the business for us and if he doesn't, then that's okay, we'll give him and the other's time, they're only 17...18. However gael alone has managed for another year to fill me full of 'false' optimism and actually excite me for the start of the season. So for that alone, thanks.
PUSB