lambtiss

We won't know until we find out the identity of the next owners. Although, it is difficult to imagine owners with worse judgement than this lot.

Mara didn't, Downes didn't, Archer doesn't ..

Get ready for the unveiling of Graziano Pelle as the replacement striker, and then 6 weeks of videos of him in training getting up to full fitness. Followed by a horrific, 10 minute appearance as a substitute where he displays bad touch, lack of speed and inability to jump into the air. We willl then get a post match interview with Tonda where he explains that Pelle has only been playing 5 a side and can now only play that format and explains that this is why he has lost his ability to head the ball.

Onuachu's record as a player is 400 games played and 196 goals scored, which translates to almost a goal every other game and nearly always at a high level;FC Midtjylland, Genk, and Trabzonspor. The only time his goal output fell was for Southampton in the PL, when he was often used as a sub off the bench, played in a clusterfuck of a team in a league above their ability and which was never set up to take advantage of his abilities. I think he would have been a big threat in the Championship, certainly compared to Downes and Archer.

But, other than that?

I didn't know that, well beyond our price range, and he wouldn't be interested in us with higher suitors chasing him.

I am a Saints fan, disappointment is my default expectation

He has scored 6 goals in 62 matches across the last 2 seasons in the Championship. That's pretty poor.

What about Troy Parrot, still only 23 and doing well now in the Eredivisie and a good scoring record for Ireland

Very low bar that though

It seems he is a winger rather than the big number 9 that we are lacking. Also, his scoring stats over the last 2 season are woeful. So, probably got mileage in it.

The difference with Ballard is that he is still only 20 and his career is on the ascendant, that isn’t the case with Archer. I would like to have seen Ballard given another year to prove himself, especially as we had been relegated to the Championship. I still think we might regret this one.

I would like to see 2 CBs at the back but I can't believe Tonda won't tow the company line and go with 3 as he has in every League game. I would also have Arma over Archer

I agree, but my first message would be to compete and challenge for every ball in the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half. I think this team has forgotten that you have to win the right to dominate a match through effort and winning your 50-50s. Often, it appears that we think we can just pass a team to death without doing the hard yards, the dirty stuff.

OMG. Even if that is true, don't actually say it.