James

What a superb 24 hours…

It’s a balance though. It’s not like every youngster we’ve signed has turned out to be a Lavia - there are a number with a lot to prove. First two games have highlighted that, in addition to exciting youth talent, we need some savvy Championship operators if we are to get out of this league.

Think its more that there is almost deathly silence in terms of incomings and players that we thought we might be in for are now heavily linked with rival teams. It’s not the departures that are worrying in and of themselves its that, on the basis of last night’s performance, the in-house replacements are absolutely atrocious and it highlights the amount of work Wilcox and company have to do in a condensed period with the games coming thick and fast.

Slightly odd that he had positive things to say about so many of the players considering the overall performance was an absolute car crash. Not sure what Che did to warrant positive attention, he was anonymous. Early days but have a slight concern about Charles already - just not sure what he is, he’s neat and tidy but doesn’t seem to be particularly strong in the tackle nor does he appear to have a goal threat of any sort. Looks like another Smallbone type in my mind - if and when JWP departs I’m not sure he is really the replacement….

Puts us on the back foot if we are interested in some of those players - i.e., Aarons and Piroe. Would be nice to see us sign some proven quality rather than overpaying for the next Man City under 20.

Adams is one of those players who only plays well when we are playing well. When the going gets tough he hides. To seriously challenge the Top 2 we are going to need a striker that can get us a goal when things aren't going out way. That isn't Che.

Not even after Norwich, it's way too early. Tonight just shows how thin the squad is on quality. We changed all 11 players so it doesn't really have a bearing on momentum or the league but my god if we are relying on any of the players who started tonight in a meaningful away this season we will be miles off promotion. It was an insult performance by a set of players who have long under performed, are in some cases taking huge wages from the club and are a mile away from even Championship standard on this showing. How we thought some of these guys could keep us in the Prem is absolutely beyond me.

Issue is how do you clear out a load of salary stealers? Some of whom we only signed in January and have given new contracts to.

It's difficult to coach being taller and more physical...

Djenepo getting a new contract is a travesty.

This team should be good enough to beat a League 2 side. Some of these salary stealers need to take a look at themselves.

Oh dear Alex.

Bree has been terrible. Gives the ball away in seriously dangerous areas.

It's pretty clear McC, Bree, Lyanco Djenepo and Mara are nowhere near the standard required to trouble the top end of the Championship. If, at the very least, this game makes that clear to Martin and Wilcox then that's a positive.

Hardly rushing to judgement. Some of them have been sh*te for years.

Some of these lads are nowhere near good enough. Bree and Lyanco in particular.

Will only be disappointment if the players who are sold aren’t adequately replaced.

Yes, if it's a free then low risk and he had serious potential a few years back. Would have to be in addition rather than instead of Piroe or Stewart.

Think we need a more physical CB next to Jack. His confidence on the ball is perfect for the way RM wants to play though.

Agree that sorting the forward out is key, was the main concern for me along with the CB position (where I don't think we can have Bedders and Stephens, we need one of them alongside a more physical defender or we will get bullied at set pieces). If we lose Adams we need to get someone like Piroe or Ross Stewart who know where the net is at this level. As much as I admire his effort Adam Armstrong is not the answer.

As in winning games and looking dominant after years of being complete sh*te.

He was brilliant last night. Had their full back on toast and I thought it was a big sign of confidence that most of our attacks came down his side despite having Tella on the other flank. If he could sharpen his end product he will be brilliant for us.

Either there is no pleasing some Saints fans or this is a wind up. Last night was the best we've played in years.

Very encouraging. More cutting edge and we will be extremely good this season.

Yep. At what point do we just admit it isn't going to work out for him here...