 | News
Comment | Depth Of Southampton Squad Is Will Still's Problem
at 16:50:32
This article makes a lot of good points. In fairness, I think THB, Aribo, Edozie and perhaps Armstrong were all expected to leave. This would explain Stephens contract and the purchase of Quarshie, Jander and Scienza. Given their experience it wasn't unreasonable for THB and Stephens to start but both seem unable to get past the disaster of last year. I really hope he sticks with the current back three and Charles and Jander I midfield. I think they will get better and are surely the future for Saints.
|
| News
Comment | Southampton At Hull City The Preview
at 13:18:33
Still has admitted that none of the strikers are particularly strong holding the ball up with their back to goal. In his press conference he talked about more incisive passing through midfield and better positions for crosses into the box that strikers and midfielders can run into. With Downes ill, it looks like Casper will partner Shea Charles which could be positive. I've a feeling Armstrong will replace Archer from the start given his work rate against the ball. |
| News
Comment | Two Outcasts Return To the Southampton First Team Squad
at 22:17:39
I'm sorry they are still here. Still has a massive squad and players in need of development will struggle for game time. THB/ Stephens will make progression difficult for Edwards, Wood and Quarshie. Similarly Aribo will block Sesay who looks really promising and a good back up to the three regulars - Downes, Charles and Jander. Similarly Edozie who didn't want to be here could block the development of Jay Robinson as a wide attacker. For young players to improve they have to play. |
| News
Comment | Will Still Says He Will Have Full Squad For Pompey Game
at 08:50:47
Big squad. Difficult to determine a definitive first eleven in merit from the first games. Everybody will have a different view of who is first choice across most positions especially with the new signings. Robinson and Fraser have been the best players for me but will either keep their lplace with the addition of two wide players, a new 10 and a returning Edozie. |
| News
Comment | So What Deals Did Southampton Do On Transfer Deadline Day
at 17:23:19
It was always going to be a very difficult window, but at least a lot of activity has taken place, with a couple of significant sales, a lot of wages off the books and some reinvestment to support Still. We still have five centre backs and four strikers on the books, none of whom have really demanded to be first choice. I hope Still goes back to a back four and sticks with it so that an organised defence can be established in the way that KWP, THE, Bednarek and Manning did two years ago on the. long unbeaten run. It looks like Archer is the first choice striker because of a couple of goals but nobody stands out as an obvious target man and goal scorer. Archer and Stewart play of the shoulder, Downs doesn't touch the ball and Armstrong is the new EFL Shane Long. Hopefully the attacking midfield of Azaz, Robinson, Frazer, Fellows, Matzuki and Scienza will compensate. If they can afford for Aribo to stay I won't be too disappointed as despite his crazy reported wages he can still support Charles, Downes and the new lad in midfield. |
| News
Comment | One In And Four Out Likely At Southampton On A Controversial Friday
at 17:50:17
So far it's 3 in and1 out with hopefully Scienza to come today or tomorrow. Sad to see Fernandes go regardless of any last minute media driven nonsense. However, squad feels more balanced. Interesting to see who is heading for the exit door now. Aribo and Edozie, perhaps Armstrong and Diaz and either Edwards or Smallbone. I'd really like Still to play Edwards tomorrow as a holding midfielder in front of a back four. I'm not sure that Smallbone is Still's sort of midfielder so maybe that will promote a move. Interesting few days but pretty good work to date. |
| News
Comment | Southampton V Stoke City The Verdict
at 12:14:01
Difficult and important week for Saints. So many issues appear to need addressing. I'm hoping that Still will eventually settle on a back four and move us on from the RM legacy. Up front, there are plenty of past Championship goals but will Diaz, Armstrong, Stewart or Archer ever find that form again - at the moment it doesn't look like it. To be fair this period was always going to be chaos and Leicester and Ipswich are similarly struggling. Not much change at teams like Stoke and Preston has meant they have got the ground running. Really hope that despite the financial challenges Will Still has a sensible sized squad after September that can be moulded into an effective team before he runs out of time. |
| News
Comment | Southampton V Stoke City The Preview
at 12:31:38
Four of our six centre backs have given up big chances so far but that is to be expected during the first games of the season. THB, Stephens, Edwards and Quarshie have all been guilty of over playing, missed passes, getting rolled etc. Woods did well against Northampton and Taylor has hardly played. They will all get better once things settle down and they get match fit. The question is which combinations will Still commit to after the window closes. Stephens and Quarshie presumably will stay because of their contracts. Taylor seems popular with Still. THB is on paper the best centre half and has been promoted twice but Wood and Edwards offer real potential and won't fancy another loan. Interesting dilemma - hope he makes the right choice. |
| News
Comment | Who Could Stay Or Go At St Mary's In The Last two Weeks Of The Transfer Window
at 21:48:34
I'm inclined to agree with SaintMark. Relegation comes with a cost. Last time we made £15O million in player sales and brought in loans to balance the books. It's the price of failure and last year was an abject failure. I'm sure some money will be reinvested but if Crystal Palace and West Ham come close to our asking price then Dibling and Fernandes will go. |
| News
Comment | Southampton At Ipswich Town The Preview
at 17:00:07
I really don't think Stephen's leadership is the major issue for WS to solve. He is leaning towards a back three because there are six championship level central defenders and either Flynn or Fernandes has been unavailable in midfield. I feel both Frazer and Robinson have done enough to start but with three at the back that leaves room for one striker.. Hopefully Stewart will start this time and actually lead the line as Armstrong, Downs, BBD and Archer have been very poor at holding the ball up and bringing others into play - let alone scoring - over the first two games. |
| News
Comment | Return To Southampton First Team Squad Down To Dibling Says Still
at 08:13:12
Despite the wrangling. These deals generally get done eventually and I'm expecting both Dibling and Fernandes to go. It's a shame because, if by some miracle, we were promoted they would be key players next year if surrounded by four or five new ones of PremierLeague l quality. |
| News
Comment | Will Still Confirms Harwood- Bellis Return But How Long Will he Be Here
at 15:02:03
I'd have thought Bournemouth would be interested and they certainly have the cash. Edwards will improve when fully fit but was dragged into a very physical battle on Saturday which isn't his game. I've a sneaking feeling THE will stay and it will be Wood that is sold. Could be that Stephens and Charlie Taylor will alternate as the experience in the back line. |
| News
Comment | Southampton Technical Director Defends Jack Stephens Contract
at 12:55:47
Successive managers felt our defensive unit was stronger with Jack in it. Unfortunately, our defensive unit hasn't been very strong for a while with the exception of the Bednarek, THB partnership under RM. My concern is the message it sends to the numerous other centre backs ie when Stephens is fit and not suspended there is only one position for Quashie, Edwards, Wood, Kayi-Sanda if THB goes. No problem if Stephens is only used as a utility sub off the bench but on current evidence he shouldn't be first choice. |
| News
Comment | Southampton Set For Yet Another Turkish Transfer Stand Off
at 17:23:07
Not sure how much we bought him for, £20 million presumably on a five year deal. He's been with us for three years with two left - so £8 million max if we can move him on this summer. If he goes on loan again his wages will be covered but he'll hang around next season to leave as a free agent. If we can get £6 million euros I'd definitely take it. |
| News
Comment | Southampton Go Into Championship Opening Weekend In Strong Position
at 12:59:51
The first five games until the window shuts will be interesting. If Still can manage the chaos, pick up points, progress in the cup and re-build a bit of confidence he will have done really well. During this time he will be continuing to work out a realistic competitive squad going forward and Nick's confidence will be well founded. Either way it's a new start and the season ticket sales are really positive. |
| News
Comment | Southampton Winger Set To Move To France
at 19:33:28
I'm guessing he was pushing to leave. Who wouldn't! Strasburg is a lovely place to live and enjoy the quality of life in France with friends Sam Amo and Sekou. Playing in the top league in France. No brainer. I think he would have been a bit part player here and Still needs to bring in a couple of his own. |
| News
Comment | West Ham Make Enquiry For Saints Midfielder But Get Knock Back
at 12:14:13
I fear, with Athletico Madrid interested as well that Fernandes will want to go and Saints will simply be negotiating for a decent fee. It's a real shame if it happens because in Edwards, Quashie, Charles, Fernandes and Dibling you have the potential basis of a Premier League team if we were actually promoted. |
| | Monksway
|
Site Scores| Prediction League: | 0 | | TOTAL: | 0 |
|
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.