RobM

Surely the right time is when the deal is done? I want to see signings too, don't get me wrong, I also see the importance of strengthening key positions quickly. But let's not forget it's the 2nd Jan, we have a game today which follows a game for us and everyone else in the last 2-3 days. Before that was Christmas, with another couple of games thrown into the mix and the time it takes to prepare for those games. That doesn't leave a lot of time for negotiations with other clubs or for players coming down to talk to us. After today things get back to normal and everyone has more time. You can't expect any team to let their better players (who we are no doubt aiming for) to leave their pre-game preparations at such a busy time of the season.

You've listed the negatives of starting negotiations at the end of the month, not making signings at the end of the month. The two are not necessarily the same. The club has already said they are working hard behind the scenes, so I don't see where the confusion about that comes from?

I think it's a pointless argument to fuss over how a deal is done. No two deals will be the same, every club, player and agent will have their own take on things. Sometimes it will be really simple and quick, other times it will take longer as it's more complex. There is no right or wrong, so long as we get the right player at the right deal. But of course, that doesn't allow for sniping at our fellow fans opinions and causing arguments, so as you were...

I think our passing game will take care of that. Their lack of experience as a team might struggle to contain us passing around them... in fact, DC's inclusion would suggest we're going to play a direct passing game rather than exploit the wings, he isn't famed for getting on the end of crosses.

You could say that about every single game we play, this is no different.

That's my take on it too. It's a good lineup, as Lallana and DC always seem to link-up well together. Similar footballing brains.

There is nothing wrong with a loan, especially in Jan where transfer prices are massively inflated. There is always the chance of a loan for a player ordinarily out of our reach, who is perhaps being left out of their team and wants first team football. It's win-win, as we get a good player with low risk, the player gets the chance to play regular competitive games. Even for players we could ordinarily sign, it's still a low risk option if it's tied in with an option to buy. To start complaining about players we've missed out on already is very premature though. It's the 2nd Jan and NA claimed most business is done at the end of the window. Plus, unlike some clubs, we're not desperate so don't have to panic buy.

He is a leader, but I wouldn't rank him as a quality player. His hot head could work for us today though, with a few gentle digs in the heel... play them at their own game!

This. Get him fit and make him the first name on the bench every week. The sort of calm head, physical presence and experience that can calm us down when we need it. In those games we just need to kill off, he would be an asset.

You're enjoying this 'as I predicted' doom and gloom lark a bit too much.

That will only be true when he starts waving his season ticket at other fans.

Martin being the first choice to cover Fonte tonight would suggest that mate down the pub is worth listening to!

At the start of the season your assessment was spot-on, but he has found his form of late and has shown a noticeable improvement.

Thank goodness you don't run our club, that would leave us with no defensive cover at all and Forecast as our reserve 'keeper!

I can't see Barnard leaving, I think the club will show some loyalty there.

Forte seems the obvious choice. Ryan Dickson too perhaps? If we're lucky it will also be Jason Puncheon and Tommy Forecast too.

If not NC, who concluded this deal with Fonte and signed the commitment? I see this as positive news, so praise should go to everyone involved. Given there are only a couple of comments about NC in the two articles about this deal, I think you're going a bit OTT.

I hope you don't get shot as it's a very reasonable concern. Let's hope that this isn't a risk, but a sign that we will back our own chances of success and invest to make that happen. It starts with getting the foundations in place (all key players signed up) and hopefully continues with strengthening the first team to help us progress. Or, perhaps, my half-full glass is now overflowing...

Great news for many reasons. It shows our best players want to be here long-term, it shows the club is looking to the future, it shows us impatient fans that things really do happen behind the scenes (not all deals are done in the press!), assuming this new deal was at a better wage it shows we're sound financially and it shows that NC and NA are doing what's best for the club now and in the future. Good times.

I will never boo a Saints player, nor will I do anything negative towards them while playing for my team, I will support Saints players because they play for Saints. But I do not want JP back. Even if he apologises and starts playing well, I fear he is one good spell away from getting his ego and arrogance back and starting this cycle again. We have money, we're in a great position and we're a week away from the Jan transfer window. If we need to fill a position, this is the ideal time to do so.

So on one hand it's wrong to focus attention on your posts and pick you out for them, but on the other hand anybody who agrees is personally supporting you and is worthy of your appreciation? Make your mind up.

Given how daft Jan transfer window prices get, I don't think £3m is a bad starting price. I very much doubt we will get anyone close to Sharp's ability for a significant saving over that.

Can't we just learn a way of playing to the strengths of the players available if Lambert is out? Let's say we sign just the one striker and then Lambert gets injured (god forbid), why would we continue to play as if he were still in the team? Surely Adkins can adapt his tactics to the players available?

I have to agree, I thought at the time we usually manage to clear forwards or at least sideways, rather than conceding corners. It's something we've been very good at this season so it was a shame to give this one away.

It should be a priority, IMO. While I don't think he had a terrible game, there were more than a few chances that passed Guly by that you just know Lambert would have stuck away. We need somebody like DC but younger and fitter, somebody with great movement and an eye for goal, somebody who can make the most of Lamberts link-up play and Lallana's creativity.