ozzmeister

Controversial statement (and I love Ralph by the way). Was the change in formation Ralph's tactical genius to match the oppositions tactics, or was it forced out of the injury list? If we had a fully fit team would it be the standard tactics and if that was the case would we have done so well? Some have commented that we are predictable and easy to play against as Ralph never tends to deviate from his preferred formation. Yesterday he was forced to change it and the opponent straight away were on the ropes!

Anyone got a link to the press conference.

Some of that young talent looks interesting though - Jan shopping spree??

I firmly see him as an ideal replacement for Hendo when he finally retires (not that I want to see this happen).

When we got LeSaux weren't Chelsea paying a big part of his wages still??

Guessing Jobe Bellingham is Judes join her brother - wouldn’t be a stupid idea to get an early bid in for him - assuming he’s close to the same kind of level as his brother

I hope we dont coach out of him running at defenders and having a shot from out the box (like the type of goals in the compilation video). I remember when Gabi joined he was great for three games - but then started to try to play the ball into the net and his goals / unpredictability dried up!

A quote from a Blackburn fan on Armstrong - ‘Armstrong is quick, and when playing with confidence is a handful - very good at pressing, but he won’t replace Ings from a shot conversion rate unless he’s been working on his finishing over the summer’ sounds like another Che Adam’s to me.

Apologies if mentioned already but did we not used to 'market' ourselves to players as the club to play for to get in the shop window.We'd play attractive, expansive football and give players a chance to show what they can do - especially when the big big clubs werent willing to take a risk yet. I'm sure that was the case with Mane. Not sure that is part of our marketing strategy any more.

Two players I would love to see who Ralph also knows - Lookman and Sabitzer - the latter is class and if you believe the BBC gossip column available for around 15mill. Come on Saints - make it happen!

Should probably be in a HCDAJFU thread but how about Lookman - attacking winger, on loan from Leipzig so I suspect Ralph knows of him already.

Ings replacement for Aguero - decent player, at a decent cost to be second / third choice to come off the bench and nick a goal? Would suit Ing's injury situation not being the focal point, would make him a better prospect for Ings (just being at a top club sadly does) and will give him a few winners medals to finish his career. I could very much see this happened (similar to Lambert at Liverpool).

It seems to me that ever since we were top and ‘unfationable’ Southampton threatening the premier leagues established order, that results and marginal decisions have gone against us. Pundits / MOTD etc never seem to see as as nothing but making up the numbers or even deserving to be in the league. Do you think that there are forces against us pushing us back to our natural place so not to embarrass the big boys?

Used to be a big fan of Bearsey. I liked Alpine Saint as well!

Valery right wing whipping in crosses?

Hmmmmm makes me wonder is signing Salisu was somehow part of the deal - have a local boy in the squad!

I think it has been said in the past he is one of those who is good around the dressing room and supports the younger player. Whilst not a starter (and should only be on the fringes) that can be a massive bonus to team spirit and also be the difference to a few more points over a season. I remember when SKD was at the end of his career and not playing he still had a contract extension for his dressing room contribution.

Take Fernandes out the game then we have a chance. Would put JWP on him to essentially man mark and use a few of his 'dark arts' - like he has done with Zaha in the past.

Didn't Ranieri used to ring a bell when he wanted Leicester to counter? DILLY DING DILLY DONG

Similar to Mane when he was with us?

He should be a great asset - even as a profile to the youngsters "I cam ethrough the academy, I'm an example of what you can achieve". If his attitude is right, accepts being an impact sub, and embraces mentoring our academy prospects I cant then see a downside to this. Welcome back home Theo!

Do we see ourselves doing any business from Championship / League 1 clubs? Any good youngsters to poach, any decent free's??

Jacob Melias has signed for Gillingham i believe.

Wonder if there will be a focus on one of the returning loan players? Last year Boufal was featured very heavily, with also lots of articles and interviews singing his praises. This may have just been to get the supporters on side before the season starts. Maybe there will be a similar thing with someone like Lemina this year??

Winners: Liverpool Relegated: Fulham, WBA, Palace Top 4: Liverpool, City, United, Arsenal. Us: 10th, decent cup run. No 9-0 losses. Surprise good team: Leeds. Surprise shit team: Leicester. Signing of the season as it stands: Hojbjberg (I think he will be very good at Spurs) Shit signing of the season as it stands: Lallana. First sacking of the season: Hodgson The Managerial “get fed up with mediocrity” resignation - Mourinho.