I think Woods game suffered terribly under Aidy. His first ball was always the hoof, and invariablly it came straight back. He missed 5-6 fantastic chances from corners last year, usually heading well over, at least 4 of which he only needed to hit the target with and it was a goal. It also always seemed to be him making mistakes that led to goals-seriously, it was most weeks; he cost us at least half a dozen goals last season. His "best" one being the one when he just stopped and waited for a whistle whilst the injured Guy Moussi limped past him against Forest. CWR played it on Saturday in the pre-match show. Possibly the single worst bit of City defending I've ever seen!
However....this year, he looks like a completely different player. But then, there's nothing new in that; every single player in the squad went up about 3 gears when AT got the job last season. Wood barely played under him. This year, it looks like the AT magic has been worked on yet another player. He looks back to the powerful, committed, aerially dominant centre-back he was under Coleman and alongside McPake during the long unbeaten run.
Cranie was superb last season under AT at centre-back, and part of that was inevitably the change in style. He's suited to the passing game, more than Wood is perhaps. But I think Cranie and Keogh as a partnership are a bit lightweight, particularly in the air. Wood (or McPake, even Cameron) do compliment either of AT's original first choice pairing better in terms of attributes. And although I do rate Cranie highly, he has been a bit error prone. I also agree that Wood adds vital leadership and communication skills to the back four.
Wood's the man in possession, and Cranie's out for a while. This is why we need a squad. I'd keep Wood in the side as long as he's playing like he has in the past few games. Once Cranie (and McPake) are fully fit, we'll be in a position to consider moving Keogh to RB, or even give Hussey a breather for a few games with Cranie at LB. Ultimately, we've rarely been in a position where they're all fit, and in a long season, we'll need them all. Especially if SISU sell a few at Xmas. If they do, the smart move would possibly be to sell Cranie as his contract's up in the summer. Lets hope it doesn't come to that though!
