There when Franny scored

You will enjoy this dated December 2014 - http://thepremierleagueowl.com/tim-sherwood-the-invention-of-value/

The last four games are the worst performances I can remember from us in years. I don't think it's a lack of fight at all; I just think we are woefully short of quality. We have been desperately let down in the transfer market and tactically by Koeman over the two legs. Martina, Targett, Yoshida and Ward-Prowse are not Premier League players. Fonte, Davis, Tadic and Rodriguez are totally off form. Why pick 8 defensive outfield players for a match in which we must score. Abysmal.

Interesting that Koeman has said we will go more direct to Pelle. Their manager also thought that's when we were at our most dangerous and he will play a high line to counter that. Let's hope Mane is fit! Jess Thorup keys to the central Jutland success • FC Midtjylland should above all have the courage to stick with it when you have it. Thorup expect periods a large Southampton pressure and FCM must break it up, do not lose the ball quickly. • Jess Thorup expects FC Midtjylland be up to score to progress, although it was 1-1 in England. Therefore, FC Midtjylland create more aggressively than we did in the first leg. • FC Midtjylland will play a higher defensive line than in England. Thorup felt that Southampton was dangerous when they hit the ball directly to Pelle. If guests again choose the solution, they are forced to do it further down on the pitch. http://jyllands-posten.dk/sport/ECE7968267/En-Southampton-skalp-kan-holde-FCM-profiler-p%C3%A5-heden/ By training before one of the biggest European games for FC Midtjylland's story was just doubt Erik Sviatchenko. Vice captain suffered a thigh injury against Esbjerg on weekends. But both he and Kristian Bak according Jess Thorup able to play tonight's match.

Yes, perhaps I've been unfair and it is so early to judge. Just based on the first two league games, I feel he's looked a bit shaky and is not quite as commanding as FF.

Also, I have to say that I'm very much in the glass half empty camp when it comes to JWP. I'm amazed to see him leading the MOTM poll. I don't know what his position is supposed to be or what he offers except a great attitude and excellent set pieces. He was fine tonight, like Targett, but neither are capable of performing at a high level in the PL over the course of a season. Personally, I'd be much happier to see JWP leave on loan that Reed.

I think our recruitment has been really suspect this summer. Still very early days but the signs aren't good. Feels like we've replaced quality with numbers - Cedric and Martina are a case in point. I think we are weaker at GK, RB, CB and CM. To me, it looks like half the team aren't good enough and the ones that are are not on great form. I'm astonished that Koeman is only going to sign one CB before the window closes. It's not always about money but we've been too conservative with our targets this season. A long season ahead I feel.

Strangely also follows Tim Sparv. Got to be some conspiracy in there.

The whole team are at the airport. That is a hell of a welcome for a new transfer! Must be someone decent.

Chris Rann ‏@crstig · 23 mins23 minutes ago Just seen Ronald Koeman at Southampton airport, looked like he was heading to Holland. Incoming Transfer? #saintsfc

And Gallagher?

Any idea why no Ramirez today?

Did he not travel to Holland?

Thanks for your input. It's nice not having to try to work out "Google Translate"!

I'm afraid I don't know any more CC. Here is the link to the full interview, but you have to subscribe to the premium service (and be able to read Portuguese). http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Internacional/inglaterra/interior_premium.aspx?content_id=961157

Alex Goring Crook ‏@alex_crook · 1 hr1 hour ago Interesting quotes from #saintsfc captain Jose Fonte in the Portuguese media saying club are close to 'two or thee quality signings.'

Think Marko Jovanovic of Wisla Krakow is one we have been looking at.

2.30

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/17/southampton-sign-cedric-soares-sporting-lisbon

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3126008/Southampton-unveil-Juanmi-snapping-Malaga-s-need-know-new-Saints-star.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

Fair point. I don't think I'd have brought him on against City or Arsenal (although that said, still a better option than Mayuka), but Villa away he'd also have been useful. Presumably, Saints can't justify a player on those wages being used so sparingly, but therein lies the problem. The big teams do justify players like that in their squads.

When you have Mayuka and Hesketh off the bench to change the game and an off-form Mane stays on for 90 minutes when he looks desperately short on confidence you are left to wonder why we let Ramirez go on loan. He's probably the most divisive player in our recent history, but he has made telling contributions in the past albeit inconsistently. As I understand it he is deemed not to fit into our attacking style of play, but where we are seeming less productive in the final third (due to form, fatigue or other factors) it may be that a change of style later in games together with a change of (effective) personnel could prove fruitful? Even those who are ardent critics of Ramirez would surely rather have him off the bench that Mayuka? Or was it the case that Ramirez wanted a starting place (which seems strange as he hasn't started at Hull either)?

Rooney fit - http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/dec/04/wayne-rooney-fit-manchester-united-southampton

Brilliant - thanks for that!

http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/southampton-agree-to-sale-for-just-4-8m-may-actually-get-less There doesn't seem to be any point in selling him for this price

Does his call-up make another part of the 16m transfer fee payable already?