AllSorts

I'm glad people are pleased for Sam. A contract is two way. Southampton FC makes promises too. Surely as a Southampton FC supporter you can be glad that the club will likely gain from the contract. A likely higher return on their investment and therefore the potential to replace Sam should they or he decide to part company. It can work both ways. I think the business done works for both parties so both parties should be able to celebrate. Will Sam move on by moving upwards? Well surely that depends upon his performance. If he doesn't perform then he could well stay on or even be moved down in which case surely Southampton FC fans should celebrate to be shot of a poor performer. The club has successfully graduated another of the class of 2003. All hail the club (and the scouts who found them too!)

Cheers guys. I will pass on your congrats. His mum and me are still pinching ourselves as everything has happened so fast. We always believed he had the abilility and everyone at the academy always said so. We just weren't sure how he would respond mentally to the challenge. He has surprised us with his composure and authority on the pitch even in front of 50,000+ mostly opposing fans such as in the Ethiad and Emirates. Believe me the academy staff from kit guys, kitchen staff, media trainers, coaches, physics (especially the physios) are so positive and eager for the lads coming through to do well. It's not a lie when they talk of the family atmosphere among the local staff. The years with Ronald just lost something of that. It's a tough business I'm sure but caring for people goes a long way in any business. Dog eat dog may succeed but I wouldn't want to work in that sort of atmosphere. Southampton FC has something special about it for now. Thanks again for the compliments.

Sam and the club are in the 14th year of a relationship. Surely that counts for something. Football is not all about contracts. Sam has given a large part of his life to the Saints and he was close to giving up on his dream. He has been dealt a wonderful hand last minute and is very grateful. Thanks for those that are happy for him. For those that can't seem to wait to be sarcastic or cynical I hope your life demonstrates the loyalty and determination you seem to demand of others. Go out and do something good. You'll feel better for it. COYR

Sam had a Mercedes GLA 200 or something not an Audi. Its now a Range Rover.

Via Newcastle as well?

There will be more people at this game than an U23/U21 league/cup match because there is more interest than those. I'm going to support the youth. I don't understand league 1/2 players/coaches that knock this. If they are confident and want to win the trophy then show it. Playing weak teams against the youth teams suggests to me they're more scared of being found out that they're crap.

I wonder what the players themselves think? Do we know the personal rewards/bonuses they receive for progress out of the groups? Do they want to try and win a Europa Cup medal or a premier league medal? Which is more within their grasp?

Sam was regularly played as striker by Martin Hunter in the U21s when he was 19/20. He also played left wing right wing and in the hole. He started life at saints as a left back converted to winger when Luke Shaw was advised to move to left back to get into the first team. At Southend he had his debut as a centre mid. He then played in the hole, as a roving single winger, right back and left midfield. Phil Brown didn't know where to play him. His favourite position was right wing as he likes to come in on his left foot to shoot. He would have loved to have been given more time playing number 10. He's really enjoying the learning process of playing left wing back but seriously would love to be allowed to be in the box for corners. He has an excellent understanding of the game and is extremely observant. He will keep learning as long as he feels challenged. This is what Koeman didn't allow for, or maybe he didn't realise but then he never talked to Sam to find out.

No he's training with the first team players that didn't start last night.

Touch down in Milan!!!

Just didn't want to go to Kazakhstan I reckon.

Had it on good authority that this is top speed stats and that over 5m and 20m Charlie Austin is fastest at Saints currently. Hard to believe I know.

I suspect the gate at the U23s home game v Crawley FC will be the lowest but does it count?

The echo article said 52. A nice touch from CUFC was a poster at the away end congratulating the Saints fans would travelled the 153 miles to the stadium. http://m.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/14781713.Colchester_1_2_Southampton_Under_23s__Olomola_secures_Trophy_win/?ref=mac

It looked to me that he was struggling to find motivation. Dipped in and out. Knocked off the ball and passes going astray. Couple of weak shots. Towards the end as it got tense he stepped up and seemed to become more motivated and broke up play like he can. He also held up the ball in those vital last 5 minutes, but overall not one of his best performances. I suspect his confidence was affected negatively. He's bounced back once though so should be able to work through it. He's a talented player with a good football brain IMHO.

They were waiting in the airport. Just heard they're boarding now. Been at airport since at least 11:00am BST.

Team are delayed a few hours because of the dignitaries leaving from the same airport. Can't be good for the preparation for Sunday.

Doddsy was a motivator. He got the lads to play and train their best but he was not a tactician so couldn't change a losing game. The best coach Saints academy had was Steve Moss. BTW So pleased for Dom Gape. His goal was scored with composure.

You don't need one. You can register without one. I did.

Sorry but I believe he will already have been on at least 25k already. The contracts often have a sliding scale based on appearances and 25k would easily have been met by his 90 odd appearances for Saints. If he was negotiating a new contract he would have been offered 40-50k especially with his England caps and potential future ahead of him.

Dom Gape has joined Wycombe on loan till January. Good luck to him. Been with club since he was 8 alongside likes of Shaw, Ward-Prowse, Chambers, Reed and McQueen. Think he will make a reasonable L1-2 player.

I can tell you for a fact some of the saints young players were really appreciative of the experience and felt they were in a competitive game against pros. Charlton players were pretty physical and surprisingly didn't go long ball all the time. Taking the penalties in a competitive sense is I think really important. Nerves were clearly present. But of course they want better and some are seeking to leave (on loan or sold) to get better. Some on the other hand are not being allowed to go due to the first team fixture list up to Christmas and the potential frailties of some of the first teamers injury wise.

I thought a team can demonstrate They had 5 1st teamers by playing them in the match after the cup game, not just before?

McQueen, Hesketh, Reed and Stephens not in squad v Sunderland. Corrections. First post has spelt McQueen wrong.

It's official