Mowgli

Fonte back- no thanks. His legs had gone even beofre he went to WHU. And that was years ago. Boufal back - no thanks. Show pony who would simply not be capable of taking part in RH's high tempo training sessions. Sims and Reed back - yes please. Sims would suit our style of play perfectly. Reed more a a squad type player but still useful. Can see Gabbi going. But the the others will struggle to find a smaller club (or a bigger one!) to meet their wages.

Although I quietly agree with you I think it is too early to absolutely sure we have the right man. That said, the article actually says he would do the honourable thing and fall on his sword which is slightly different than 'wanting' to leave. So yes, assuming a huge improvement and a clear sign we are building in the right direction I am sure the board, fans and players would support him. My own view is that if he is half as good as we think he is we should be safe by March. Relegation would be a surprise to me for sure.

Bck to the 70s with you! There's not a club above Division 1 (probably not even that) that would survive under such a strategy

I stand corrected although as VectisSaint mentioned Charlie was called up for England. Similarly Jake was called up to the U18s under RK. The point was made by Les and the original quote was accurate. He went on to say that recruitment to the academy was no longer based on 'will they be good enough to make the first team' (an easier target when we were in Div 1) but will they be good enough to regularly represent their country at international level. Our current academy includes more players at international development level than most academies in the country (apart from Chelsea and Man City where the strategy is different). We're also recruiting a wider range of players to academy level so the future does indeed look bright both in terms of strengthening the first team and making good returns on sales.

Name one first team player who has not represented his country at some level then.

To be fair if you sacked someone every time a poor signing was mad who would be left at any club?

I’m looking forward to hearing his excuse for not going easy on Everton and playing them off the park.

Where do you get your this ‘one place’ from? We always knew he could play left back or wing back. We also were pretty sure he could play in front of Bertie to interchange down the left side. Now we know he can also play on the right - FB, wingback or in front of defender. That makes 6 places. Only on the basis of last night, I would question whether McQueen is as effective on the right but that makes Matt one our most versatile players.

Surely he would have to take a massive drop in wages or be by far the highest paid player at St Marys. Why would he do that? Not that I want him to seriously consider it anyway.

Are you guys blind? Do you not watch the videos?? Les is still here working hard but keeping a lower profile cos he’s cheesed off with the obsessed on here.

I've been a defender of Les when he has received vitriole from fans these last few years and in an attempt to be a bit consistent I think we should temper the praise. Threse players we've signed have all been tracked for a number of years by a team of professionals at the club. Credit goes to the set up at Saints not to any one individual - albeit it that he is part of the tewm so deserves to share the credit. Personally I dont see any problem in making money out of players using us as a stepping stone. We do seem to buy low and sell high. I like the turnover - as much as I like the loyal players who stay with us for the full length of their contract.

Probably the same buffoon who managed the help us sign the likes of VVD, Mane, Schneiderlin and Wanyama before making massive profits on their sale. For every Osvaldo or Carrillo there will always be gems like Romeu, Bertrand, Hojberg or Lemina. Same as there will always be fans demanding a signing - any signing - then play the blame game when it goes pear shaped. It’s always a rollercoaster following Saints but I always enjoy the ride

Getting a run of games for any player will do them good so I wouldn’t dismiss the theory. However, Sam is not there yet. I simply meant he had decent loan spells atBlackburn and Birmingham to take him back close to the level he was at when he first broke in to our first team. He had to work quite hard for his six goals at Birmingham - working under Harry Redknapp, being dropped, played in different positions all for a crap side that gave him poor service. As a developing player he’s done well but still has a way to go. The fact that he outshone Gabbi the other day just shows how much he’s fallen way from his early form

Based on exceptionally good loan spells at Blackburn and Birmingham. He looked streets ahead of Gabbi yesterday.

LEDS are reliable in that they don’t blow like a traditional bulb but the quality of light deteriorates over time and need replacing

Another one blinded by all this high finance talk from experts ?. Boro have now signed Aden Flint I believe so that paves the way for Gibson to leave. However, Everton are offering a couple of decent players which could tempt both club and player.

Of course it is beyond the control of the club but commercially it makes sense as people who bought the home kit will have got over the initial expense and can afford an away kit when the season starts. We need to remember this is the most lucrative kit deal in the clubs history. The other manufacturers certainly have some decent designs but but didnt Adidas palm us off with some box standard kits while we were with them?

Nor me. The mockups I've seen bear little resemblance to the teaser on the web site.

Saints history is littered with established players engaging in power struggles with new managers. The new managers always win (remember Lawrie and Terry Paine?). The difference with Fonte is that whilst I agree with most of what you say you omit the rumour his head was turned by the Man Utd interest. He was offered an extended contract with a pay rise but he objected to the short term nature and the chance to build up his pension with an even bigger pay packet. West Ham (and then China) obliged.

Good grief. Is it even a question. I've supported Saints through thick and thin for over 50 years. Not stopping now!

I'm excited by the prospect of him turning the season around. Loyalty works two ways and whether you like it or not he is still our NEW manager. He's already won the same number of games Lawrie Mac won in his first season (which ended in relegation) and he still has 14 games left (and a cup run). You have to wonder if Lawrie would have survived had social media been around in those days.

Was in the team when I first stsrted wathcing Saints. Good player but always the brunt of abuse from some fans (nothing changes really....) who did not understand how important he was to the midfield. It's funny how many really good midfield players keep a play going with a couple of square passes and then get knocked by the fans for not being forward thinking...

Thank you Victor Meldrew...

It takes longer to get to P*mp@y because of all the caravans on the road. That's a Derby.

Oi - It's £80m if you don't mind ;-)