 | News
Comment | Saints To Face Sport Republic's French Side Valenciennes FC
at 16:41:25
Given the fact that there is a obvious difference in the standard that the clubs play in, such a match " behind closed doors " would be a good solution. Valenciennes are a part of the SR group and shouldn't be ostracised because of their "lower status" and would surely be impressed by the Staplewood set-up and the possibility of a better career in England.
There are often good talents in every club (as we have seen in the young Kayi Sanda in the past few months). There may be others who would benefit from spending a loan season with Saints, and perhaps even one or two of our Academy prospects who would benefit from regular game time in another league. A good idea all round. |
| News
Comment | Southampton Will Still Look To Shop At Manchester City This Summer
at 12:11:40
City have always had a good selection of youngsters to pick from, but as we see from our own experiences, whilst some make the grade whereas others.." just 'aint got what it takes " to break into a squad already filled with world-class players.
If Will decides he wants this lad ? ..then it might be a good deal, or just BAHd news (!).
This may be just another "paper story"( I've counted more than 20 in the last month) but I still expect a lot of the present crop to move on / be loaned out before the season start.
|
| News
Comment | Spors and Co Should Switch Focus To Sales
at 16:45:01
Aaron Ramsdale ..? why should we have to SELL him, when he has a contract till 2029 ?There are a dozen clubs who would want to loan him, and perhaps carry his salary.
IF he succeeds elsewhere in the Prem. they would want to buy him and we could name our price, and if not we'd still have an excellent keeper on the books for several years ahead. |
| News
Comment | Adam Lallana Likely To Be Offered Coaching Role At Southampton
at 16:38:56
IF TRUE?..why wait until Monday morning. Get it done. ASAP.
A player who played for England, and won about everything that his generation can offer. YES.. it was with Liverpool (for those who still anger at his departure) but he would have got no further without the obvious move to a club who were capable of winning things.
A quick viewing of his CV should convince anyone. A player who spent half of his playing career with Saints and helped them survive on several occasions and doesn't need much convincing of how nice it is to live on the South Coast. What's to think about.
If nothing else our fledgling managerial / coaching staff will need all the help they can get.
|
| News
Comment | Spors and Co Should Switch Focus To Sales
at 08:33:57
I don't think a "switch from buying to selling" is quite the right phrase in this instance.
There are half-a dozen well-paid players who will surely leave in the next month, and move to pastures new. KWP has gone already, and (if the press is to be believed) the likes of; Ramsdale, THB, Sugawara, Onuachu, Aribo, Fernandes, Bednarek and ABK are all likely to go and that removes half of the first team squad, and still (?'s) about Adam Armstrong, and BBD, not to mention the "Dibling Saga" may also finally play out its final part.
Many of those departures will lighten the debt-burden of high-end salaries to make way,
which means at least 5 or 6 experienced /capable "top quality" men to bring in, if we are to make a serious promotion challenge in our first season down in the Championship.
We will get Edozie, Edwards and Shea Charles back from loans, (unless they also depart) but I still see the need for some big names signings - even if they come on free transfers.
I think most of those named will disappear (one way or another) and so the inevitable need to buy in "fresh blood" is equally important - if not more so. |
| News
Comment | Saints Get Two Managers Off The Payroll In A Week
at 10:46:56
It's always down to managers, players and systems. RM managed the highest % possession rate in our Championship season, but we lacked the extra striker to be really convincing. In the end we had to beat Leeds 3 times in order to get promotion, but the squad that remained clearly wasn't good enough for the Prem. with a predictable outcome. If RM can raise the standard at Rangers then it may work OK, but Celtic are formidable opposition.
to be fair, Juric was on a hiding to nothing, (as he was unemployed at the time so wasn't going to refuse) when no other experienced manager would touch us with a bargepole.
He did try to change the set-up and attack more, but it was tough without a big goalscorer up front and he was unlucky in several games where we lost points in the last 10 minutes.
Like Ipswich and Leicester, our squads just weren't good enough for the top tier, and we paid the price. I don't think Juric was devoid of ideas, and if he makes a success of it at Atalanta (not a bad club) then he was just another victim of that terrible season.
It will give Saints' CFO a relaxing morning, to release us from the burden of those huge compensation payments that may have stretched out another year ..or more, had they not found new clubs to manage. Additionally, if RM and Ivan also take their assistant staffs with them, we will also be free of their compensation payments.
|
| News
Comment | Will Russell Martin Break Rangers Transfer Record In Southampton Raid
at 10:19:43
Downes...he made more of an impression with RM than with some of the fanbase, but if we can have a "money-back guarantee" and recover the cost of our purchase from WHam, then it would be a win-win situation. RM sold him a package he was happy with whereas right now he/we don't know what Will is likely to demand of him.
Captain Jack..yes he (somehow) ..has one year left on contract so again he'd suit RM's style and at least we could claim a £ milliom for his services..(otherwise he'd he might go back at Plymouth to help their L1 recovery). Whilst he's at it... RM might want Manning and /or Aribo as they were the mainstay of his first squad.
|
| News
Comment | Returning Goztepe Loanee Might Save Southampton Millions
at 10:50:06
Despite those who complain about SR's handling of things with Saints, the idea of being a partner in the group is positive when we buy in players on free, or for a small fee and then let them out on loan. Assuming we accept that Valenciennes and Gotzepe are more-or-less " feeder clubs " and playing at lower levels than the English game. It's players like Kayi-Sanda and Juan, who have shown up well with the other clubs who are perhaps worth a chance at the Championship level.
We bought in Welington and kept him, whilst the club was going through the trauma of last season, and despite the challenges of the Prem. he didn't look like the worst full back we've ever signed. Players who come into SR system, may eventually find a club that suits them - regardless of which country they end up playing in - and hopefully we will get the best of the bunch without paying out huge fees. Win-Win.
|
| News
Comment | Southampton Squad Should They Stay Or Should They Go ! Part 2
at 16:45:57
The priority is surely to get out of the Championship ASAP. Both Bree and Taylor had good reputations as "best FB in the Championship " and can be first choice to stay and DAJFU.
It was a tough introduction to the Prem. for the younger Sugawara and Welington, but I'd rate them both to take over / cover their respective FB spots at this lower level.
Larios is still somewhat of an unknown quantity and has suffered a long injury journey, but has regained fitness with the U21's. A regular starter in the Championship?.. Doubtful and so maybe a loan period away may bring him upto standard.
If RM wants to come and get Manning for his new task in SPL ?.. I wouldn't be unhappy, as there are one or two up-and-coming talents in U21's who might get onto the bench.
|
| News
Comment | Rangers Supporters Are Not Enthused By The Appointment Of Russell Martin
at 16:30:52
There's a lot more " rough and tumble " in the SPL, and the Gers fans are fed-up finishing second place to Celtic all the time, so RM must surely find away to freshen up the rigid formation he used with us for 60-odd games. I don't wish him ill, but his tenure might be short-lived if he doesn't start getting results from Day 1.
The upside for Saints maybe we won't need to continue paying "compensation" to him now that he's been re-employed? , and that he might come back to get his "followers" like Wood, Manning ...and even try to get Downes to follow him...? Time will tell. |
| News
Comment | Saints In Talks With Ex Brighton Assistant Manager To Join Coaching Staff
at 16:52:09
Speaking of " former Brighton staff " does anyone know what will happen to Adam Lallana in the future (?).. as his player contract will go out in June. One would assume that his playing days are finally over, but his coaching skills are much vaunted by several sources. |
| News
Comment | Southampton Happy To Let Aaron Ramsdale Leave St Mary's
at 16:46:54
Ramsdale is not the worst keeper to have played for England and does have quality and many of the goals we conceded were down to poor service from those in front of him.
No-one should want to blame him from playing in the Prem. and he deserves the chance.
From Saints' viewpoint they are not going to make any profit as they probably haven't paid Arsenal the whole amount yet, and likely have sell-on clause which will cost us and we'll end up with +/- nothing. The only good factor will be getting his 100K /week salary off the books, as we have a very large number of younger / lower-paid players, but they still add-up to a lot of ..."smaller salaries" that need to be paid out. |
| News
Comment | Southampton Squad Should They Stay Or Should They Go !
at 14:07:15
young keepers always take time to develop, and those who have had a successful career when young - and then lasted the course - can be counted on one hand. Which leads me to think that a (?) still hangs over Bazunu. Good at times, but he was clearly at error on multiple occasions in his first season, and for someone who looks to be his country's keeper, the bar must be raised even higher in order to become a permanent fixture.
Shilton made it of course, and Joe Hart came good whilst young, but didn't improve as he might have. Countries who are outside of the top 50 in the FIFA ratings have it even harder and will gladly try anyone who can claim a grandmother to qualify them for the role. I'm still not sure of GB, but he doesn't fit my pic. of a Prem. keeper. McCarthy still has one year left (unsure?) but unless another club wants him on their bench he may see out his time with Saints - without getting another game.
I feel sorry for Joe Lumley, he wasn't the worst keeper we've had, but like the other options last season, he was also betrayed by his defenders on several occasions, which was no help in his career. I think he'd like to play regularly - even at L1 standard.
The rumour that Will Still might bring in Matt Ryan (?) sounds positive, I think he DAJF Brighton some years back and looked the part. Buying in keepers is always difficult.
|
| News
Comment | Returning Loan Players Could Be Crucial For Southampton
at 15:47:36
After the inevitable departures / defectors have gone, we may ask ourselves just how many new players we really need. Those you mentioned above (Nick) are already on a par with many Championship sides who have lots of youngsters and little money to buy with.
However, I feel another proven goalie and YET another CB are a real necessity.
At this level, I'd say we'd have half of a start side just from those you commented on.
Amid those you omitted, there is still Brereton-Diaz who is a proven goalscorer, and despite his " disruptive " season he may still be with us and either he, or Armstrong could be of value - if they are still here in August.
Dom Ballard and Joe O'Brien-Whitmarsh both had game time away with their loan clubs and might occasionally be on our bench. You can never have too many strikers and hopefully we will sign a couple more anyway.
Matsuki and Juan are only names to us, but have seemingly done well at Goztepe, and are both "officially" Saints players and might improve us further - merely by returning.
|
| News
Comment | Saints Linked To Kyle Walker Peters Replacement
at 16:56:31
Primarily we want a defender.. who can defend, but so often there is talk of having good wingbacks, and KWP was as good an attacking winger as you could find, but when tracking back.... to do the FB's job, he was often lacking when coming up against a speedy winger.
For someone who is " light of stature" he was responsible for several goals when trying to mark taller strikers at the far post when the opposition had corners.
Sugawara was good early season, showing attacking prowess and centering, but he too was lacking somewhat against stronger wingers, and sadly some of his errors were costly, but it was his first season in the Prem. and he wasn't alone in making mistakes.
Bree has a long career as a defender, and DAJFU in that role, but rarely got into the final third - if that is what we expected, yet managed two very respectable goals in Cup games. It's hard to judge Charlie Taylor on so few apps. but he looked good at the back against Arsenal and likewise is a defender who can defend, with so much chopping and changing few defenders at the back ever managed to show their best. |
| News
Comment | Everton Are Told By Southampton The Price For Tyler Dibling
at 17:00:15
Those who said Livramento's fee was "too much" can now see that Newcastle " made a real killing " in buying him for a measly £32 mill. as we now see he is already England material. Did we have a "sell-on clause " in that deal.. I wonder?
Perhaps a £55million fee for Dibling might only be seen as "openers" for someone who was already attracting attention from Top Six clubs in early season. If that is the case, then we ought to be looking for a good profit, and IF ..the 20 y.o. Fernandes also goes, then he shouldn't be allowed to go " cheaply" as he was well worthy as our Player of the Season, during such a disasterous period. We may be sorry to see them go, but the money (if well invested) will make the real difference in a new push for promotion.
|
| News
Comment | Southampton V Arsenal The Verdict
at 15:51:29
right until the end we saw yet another ALMOST game, but went away empty-handed. How many games have we lost in the final five, or in added time this season? ...maybe not enough to have survived, but we might not have finished last had we held out and got a point .or even three in so many games. Playing against yet another side that qualified for CL we looked better than v. Man. City, especially considering we fielded half-a-side who were only "occasionals", and Jay Robinson, who may become " the new Dibling" should TD leave during the inevitable summer exodus.
Why did Russell Martin ignore Charlie Taylor in favour of Ryan Manning for so long?, and though he struggled at times, Welington brings more to the team than Manning ever did.
Ross Stewart finally got a start, and a well-deserved goal from a tall CF who can score with his head (!), and put out himself about. Hopefully he will have a good season as a reward for those " two lost years" in rehab. Arteta will be glad that Arsenal didn't drop two points to a bottom side, but at least Simon Rusk may feel proud of the first 85 minutes.
As for the match itself, yet another example of some dubious refereeing by ignoring bad fouls, yellow cards and the like for England players and club favourites...after all, Saints were already down so THEY didn't need the points - did they ?
Back to the Championship...and a life without VAR . |
| News
Comment | Will Still Appointed As Southampton Manager
at 10:25:59
it's done now, and we have to wait and see how things come together next season.
All those debates about inexperience in the English game, and Will's young age in the managerial world have been done over and over again. The one big plus for him will be that as soon as the dust has settled on the mass exodus of transfers out, and the final departure of those who are out of contract, Still will be the first Saints manager in a decade (10 years back to the Koeman era) to buy in a new squad of his own choosing, and we will have a lot of new faces to get accustomed to during the summer break.
Maybe the game needs some fresh blood and a departure from " old ideas" and a start over in the Championship will certainly be a jot easier than the challenge of the Prem.
We are not alone in that respect and it will be interesting to see how Leicester and Ipswich fare as they were "more than a bit better than us " in the season 2023-24.
So good luck Will, as we look forward to the next generation of SAINTS.
|
| News
Comment | Southampton Linked With Two Out Of Contract Strikers
at 16:12:05
to Chasser.....whilst you make a point about NOT re-signing Ings, such a deal looks attractive because there won't be a line of clubs willing to pay him a Prem. level wages, and likewise Saints wouldn't either. If nothing else is attractive to him, a return to SMS might be a win-win situation, even if he doesn't play 90+ min. games, he will get goals.
Buying Shankland on a free is surely a " no-brainer ". A man with his goal-scoring record has to be a good deal, and playing him alongside Ross Stewart could take us back to the days when he we had big strikers up front who could score goals.
Sadly I cannot go along with your comment about ..."refusing to bring back past players".
We've lost our best players to "bigger clubs" for over half-a-century and that's not likely to change any time soon. Players at Prem. level often have short careers, and need to get money to live on for the rest of their days. Imagine having your working career finish at 30 with no prospect of breaking into the job market with no other qualifications, and where the next injury could mean the end of everything ..tomorrow.
You sound like one of the anti-JWP club...who never rated him from Day 1..or...?
Given captaincy in over 40 England U23 games by a man who later went onto become the captain of the National side, and then blatantly ignored him and he was passed over by " lesser talents from big clubs ". Aside from his free-kick abilities, he was a good pro. who gave over 15 years of his career to our club and deserved a better deal than he got. I'd welcome him back when his contract at WHam runs out, if only to see him get past Beckham's record whilst wearing Saints colours. |
| News
Comment | Southampton Insult Supporters With Behaviour Message And Season Ticket Prices
at 09:05:40
I may sound like a Devil's Advocate, BUT there are differences between these two issues.
PITCH INVASION - even one drunk, or an overenthusiastic idiot could cause massive problems and even create a stampede onto the pitch. I'm sure 99% of the fanbase is law-abiding but Security cannot be everywhere and by the time "the offender(s)" have made it onto the pitch the damage is done. Clubs can be heavily fined, and even face dire restrictions on parts of the arena. I would imagine that clubs have been informed by the Prem./ FA on previous occasions and it would be foolish to ignore such obvious warnings.
You may not have liked the wording of the message, but surely everyone should be made aware of the consequences on the club of such behaviour.
TICKET PRICES : No-one likes price increases, but prices rarely go down, and the club will have a significant loss of income next season, in terms of reduced TV / media coverage and the obvious " drop off " in gate receipts. Whilst even in a bad season like this one, Saints quoted close to 30,000 in every match, the average attendance may drop by 20% or more for the Championship fixtures and that loss may be significant. We cannot afford to have more losses as there are still outstanding payments due on previous (bad) transfers, and I doubt if the " COVID bank loan " has been fully paid off yet either.(?)
The only + plus factor for the die-hard fans who do buy their ST, is that there will 23 home fixtures to watch as against the Premier League's measly 19 games.
NICK ..The other part of me - agrees with the logic in most of your argument anyway.
|
| | underweststand
|
Site Scores| Forum Votes: | 0 | | Comment Votes: | 2342 | | Prediction League: | 0 | | TOTAL: | 2342 |
|
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.