Curious George

So Geraint (George) Williams is the new man in charge. It felt a bit like pulling teeth at times waiting for an appointment. The CUFC message board was awash with rumours and conjecture about who the new gaffer would be.

Everyone from Sven Goran Eriksson to Alan Curbishley was mentioned. But let`s be realistic… who`d employ Sven? Word is his ‘live-in-lover`, Tord Grip, is trying to buy him Aston Villa as a new train set to play with!

But after all that to`ing and fro`ing it was George that came out on top of the exhaustive interview process – and it leaves some key questions to be answered.

Will it be “Geraint Williams` blue and white army!” or “George Williams`?” decisions, decisions.

Then there`s always the problem of adding new players to the squad.

Who will George be bringing in? The delay in his appointment, the imminent closing of the transfer window and the usual restrictions on funding will make his task all the more difficult.

The clearest indication of where we`re short is to pick your first eleven and then look at the bench.

Whether it`s Aidan Davison or Dean Gerken as number one pick this term you`d be happy with either on the bench. Despite losing Liam Chilvers, Garry Richards came on leaps and bounds last season so offers cover in central defence.

At fullback, we`re looking light. John White is versatile enough to play on either flank, likewise Karl Duguid. Greg can play there but that reigns him in a bit. George Elokobi can play at leftback but he got himself rather rashly sent-off in pre-season so already the cover is stretched. Lawrie Wilson got himself in the team photo and has looked sharp, perhaps by the time you read this he`ll have signed?

Midfield looks similarly bare. If Kemi Izzet is on the bench as our “closer” again that`s hardly enough depth to cover your toes, let alone your back.

And God forbid Cureton or ‘Big Chris` pick up a knock or suspension. I`m a big fan of Jamie Guy`s but to go from Cambridge United to playing against Leeds United is a lot to ask of anyone, let alone a teenager.

It`s going to be an interesting few weeks ’til that window shuts. I`ll be curious to see if George can unearth another Fagan or Danns. I`m sure I`m not alone when I say, I bloomin` hope so! Up the U`s!

You can see more from Carbon Dioxide in the U’s Matchday magazine – available at every home game for £3 for 84 pages