i dunno where i read it from but once u got urself a reliable defence, then only ur attacking players will be able to attack without worrying much on helping the team to defence.

take a look at the way steve bruce's sunderland + mark hughes's blackburn back then. both will priortise on strengthening their defense, and then move on to the midfield and strikers.

for u guys, get rid of the dead wood, slowly build a team post carra and gerard. both of 'em ain't young anymore.

just my 0.02