Before entering the January transfer window phase, boss Roberto Martinez announced his intentions to replace Darren Gibson and Arouna Kone - both of whom are to be sidelined for lengthy periods. With under a week to go before the window closes, it is evident that he has not succeeded in his pledge. The impressive Barry has filled Gibson's role for much of the season, and done a fine job at that. Lukaku too, until recently, has been one key highlight of our season netting 9 times in the League. However, we lack depth in all areas ofy the field bar maybe that of Goalkeeping. Speaking before our 4-0 thrashing of Stevenage Town in the F.A Cup, Martinez talked of his satisfaction over the purchases of Mcgeady and Traore, and concluded by saying that no new faces will be walking through the door - until the summer at least. Everton also confirmed via their official Twitter page that two enquiries had been made for contract rebel Heitinga. If he were to leave, surely Shane Duffy would be recalled from his loan spell at Yeovil Town. The young, and at times, vulnerable looking John Stones will be our only form of cover for Jagielka and Distin - both of whom have suffered from injuries this season already. Martinez clearly feels that in Lacina Troare, Romelu Lukaku and Apostolos Vellios, we have enough fire power up front. The 23 year old Traore was our 4th lonee of this season, which is as much as we are permitted. This would require Martinez to spend some money, of which he is cautious. I am a little worried that the money received for Jelavic and Fellaini - which accounts to over £30 million - will be put aside for the club's debts and not where it needs to be - bringing new talent to the club. If Martinez is able to deliver European football at the end of this campaign he will have done an excellent job, and without spending a bomb. If however he fails in this regard, then it will be harder to attract the more promising players out there who would be available for purchase in the summer.
Positives can be drawn from the two signings already made by the 40 year old Spainard. Having watched Aiden Mcgeady make his full 90 minute debut for the club the other night, it is fair to say we've picked up a good player. He tormented the Stevenage Town Left Back with his close-control and bursts of acceleration - however we must remember who our opposition was. Hopefully Troare will bring a competitive element which will help Lukaku return to his previous form. It would be nice also to see the 6ft 8 giant get game time and show us what he can do.
A real statement can be made with our next outing - away at Anfield for the derby. Moyes never won there in his tenure here, then again he didn't win at Old Trafford either, yet Martinez achieved that first time...
