Shroppie

Can't believe it was so simple.

Yep. The wages add over £13m for two years. How will he adapt to the PL?

I'll watch this one with interest. Must be costing a fortune in wages. My guess is the flop of the season.

The one star player idea is certainly not the way Saints do things, for good reason. It's a team game and single "star" players rarely work.

It's what he said. And Ralph would have decided if he started.

But he controls the purse strings. I'd hope that anyone coming in gas the potential to become a starter, but I think his clear meaning is that we won't be spending £20m+ on an established player.

Martin Semmens: ‘I think I would be surprised if we didn’t see someone coming into provide cover in that position (central-midfield).’ #saintsfc Cover. Not a starting replacement.

Martin Semmens specifically said the other day we don't need to sell before buying, but will only buy the right player for us at the right price. It's not going to be a DM starter but hopefully someone pushing to start before the season's out. Someone like Armstrong who had a slow start but is now integral.

Thanks for the update. It's been frustrating for everyone, and I'm sure for no-one more than you. Thanks for all your efforts.

We're not skint. No matter how hard he tries, Boufal doesn't fit into Ralph's mould. Keeping him would cost £6m at least with wages and we'd get nothing next year. The alternative is far better: £6m towards the DM backup that is more important. Trust in Armstrong, Redmond, Djenepo, Smallbone, maybe Sims and even Obafemi for the AM role

Agree that I'd be happier seeing a replacement for Hojbjerg (only backup to challenge Romeu, we won't be wasting money on a first choice). But Tella hasn't had a chance to show yet and Smallbone is very promising. Even if Boufal goes, we don't need to spend on a replacement.

I tend to agree. Maybe a loan, but then they'd want to play as much as possible and would need to be real competition for Romeu, but possibly an Armstrong type signing - older and with reasonable experience - who can offer an alternative to Smallbone etc off the bench or if we get injuries.

I'm happy with you not wanting to be part of this until things are back to normal, but we'll have to disagree on whether Covid is over. And does your grandson go out to school or work? Although the younger generation and unlikely to get very ill with it, they can transmit it to those who are more vulnerable. I normally go to games alone so no change for me. If I meet friends in the pub before, I'll do so maintaining social distancing. And I'll drive the 400 miles rather than using the train, even if it means stopping over.

They're not free to do whatever they like. There's a social and legal responsibility to make the ground as safe as possible. The point is there can be a gradual controlled return to crowds at games. And to answer Whelk, don't you need to realise that it can't just be a return to normal? And can't you accept a compromise in the interests of reducing risk? Or is meeting up with all your mates (which you could still do elsewhere) to go to the game together more important than public health?

Working well. Would be interested to know what's changed?

IMHO No. No. No.

I can't believe they're not working on it but am concerned by the lack of information. Would be sorry to see it die but that's inevitable if this carries on. Sotonians is offering a lot more at present.

I guess he'll have another shot at impressing and getting a big move, but as soon as that seems unlikely the apathy and mysterious injuries will kick in. Unless he somehow becomes a cult hero at Fulham I can't see him wanting to stay.

The deal was Fulham could have Reed if they took Lemina too. 🤣🤣

Totally unreasonable. He's pointing out that the new squad numbers have been widely publicised by the club, something you seem to have missed.

Main points of the update seem to be No season tickets issued yet. Individual tickets for those successful. Different entry arrangements: tickets on phones or print at home read by hand- held scanners. Will need to register social bubbles from at most two households. One way system Priority for tickets to "more frequent attenders", but all ST holders should get to some early games

Last night: ☹️☹️☹️ Today: 😀😀😀👍👍👍

Yes, you're right about Armstrong - missed that. And Forster is in with 44. I know he's very superstitious about that. Attributed his loss of form/confidence to switching to 1.

The 1-11 looks like a statement of our starting eleven, with the exception of Bednarek. Wonder why he's keeping 35?

Don't know if a problem has been resolved, but it's great today. 👍👍😀