The point I'm making is that we need a different style centre half. Tomkins is too similar to Upson. Obviously he is a better centre half than Kovac, but it is about the unit (not ability) and Kovac has played CB for Czech Republic and is worth trying as we are pretty fragile no matter what pairing we've used so far.

I am not a Kovac fan, as I think his decision making and positioning in midfield is not the best, but he doesn't shirk a tackle and he must have something if CR play him (they're not too shoddy).

Fair enough article, but I think it is still clear that we are missing an aggressive centre half. I think Da Costa needs time to learn how to defend his six yard area. He is good in the air, reads the game well and is comfortable on the ball, but not up to speed (watched Villa v Spurs afterwards and Richard Dunne was excellent at defending this area).

In short, we have very similar centre halves, so my suggestion is to give Kovac a go in that position. He has played it at international level and I don't think you can question his aggression. It may not work, but it's worth a try as his midfield work is a bit haphazard, but not as bad as some make out.

As for top 6, admire your confidence, but realistically we are planting seeds that will bear fruit next season, although I think we'll finish mid-table obscurity this season à la Curbishley.