A ‘Big Man’ At Gresty Road?

Traditionally, up front, football teams like to play with a ‘target man’ as well as a smaller striker. You will have probably heard this partnership called different names; such as ‘Power and Pace’, ‘Strength and Speed’, ‘Target man and a poacher’; whatever you call it, it is proven as a successful combination. Over recent years however, with changing systems and styles in the beautiful game, we have seen wingers rather than wide midfielders and two smaller strikers introduced – in different teams with new, unique ideas. With Lowe and Dagnall standing only 5’10 and 5’8 respectively, Crewe Alexandra’s strike force is certainly not an example of ‘little and large’. This has caused issues occasionally this season, particularly against more physical sides, with the small strikers being ‘bullied’ out of the game. Davis today spoke about his desire to bring a ‘big striker’ to the club, and I have to admit I would also rather have a target man at Gresty Road than not.

‘We are lacking a big one up there if needs be. There isn’t one in the academy, so we would have to bring one in from the outside’ ‘It would be useful to have one in the squad but that is part of the future’ – source official club website; were the words of a rather reflective manager. This shows that Davis thinks a big man would be appreciated, as do I , however I also believe it would be difficult to acquire a target man midseason. Marquee signing Chris Dagnall took up most of the summers budget, but if there be funds available I believe making a move for a big man would be beneficial. Davis however admitted himself; ‘I am not particularly talking now or even January when the window opens, but it is something we have in mind going forward’ – source official club website. I think that is both a realistic and sensible decision by the manager, if he were to temporarily postpone the possible transfer, given the small (by modern day standards) available budget.

I believe, Lowe and Dagnall can and will see out this season as the main partnership with the option of Daniel Udoh as the acting target man, if needed. He isn’t the tallest but can jump well, hold the ball up, and is quite a physical player – these features are matching with those of a target man. Lowe admitted himself, pre-season, that at the age of 37 he couldn’t lead the line week in week out all campaign. I believe Udoh would be the perfect partner for Dagnall, if a new striker doesn’t arrive in January. If Daniel (Udoh) does get a break in the first team, he would need to contribute off the ball as well as holding it up. His pace shone out at me during pre-season and that could be a vital asset to the team, if passes were to be well weighted behind opposition defences, if a quick and physical striker who is a calm finisher is running at you – it spells danger. Udoh is young and hungry for game time, these would only benefit the 20 year old, if a first team chance were to arise – whether or not it will however is a different story.