Originally Posted by kundalini

He decided to quit playing for England so it is possible that he will make a similarly unexpected decision and make a final move to Oldham for a season or two. It is very difficult to predict how things will develop in central midfield but it is not unreasonable to assume that Anderson will the main man in the near future; that might come as early as next season.

Some players want to play. Others are prepared to sit on the bench for long spells. Anyone know which category Paul fits in? He's been out injured for months but I'm struggling to remember times when he's been fit yet not in the side.

As for the massive hole his departure would create, I don't think that's the case. The strange thing about our 5 central midfield players this season is they have almost been on a par with each other. Last season Scholes was hugely influential but this season he's just an option, with strengths and weaknesses, more suited to some games than others. Anderson played at Arsenal and at Liverpool, looking comfortable at that level.