austsaint

Arguable that the starting 11 in two weeks will be a tiny notch up on the play-off final team. Sugawara may turn out to be a very good player for Saints, but at this stage he can't be ranked the equal of KWP. Fraser, from memory, played an hour or so in a left wing-back role and did very well - remains to be seen whether Taylor slots straight in as effectively. I'll give you BBD as a step up, and I suppose its possible there will be new signings in the next week who may be ready on August 17, but at this stage it's hard to say we'll be a stronger team in two weeks - and we probably need to be.

Yes, of course it matters that 2 weeks away from our return to Prem action Saints turn in a performance like that. Oxford United passed the ball better; moved the ball quicker; were quicker on the counter attack and looked more dangerous in attacking areas. In my mind it also matters that players like Bree, Manning, McCarthy and Mara are getting game time, and our likely starting line up at Newcastle is likely to be weaker than the side who beat Leeds in the play off final.

Stands out at the moment. Our best eleven as things stand is not an improvement on last season, and two weeks out from a trip to Tyneside that's something to worry about. There is an urgent need for a better GK, one or two better midfielders (Charles is not good enough for a defensive midfield role and Smallbone is not good enough to be a regular starting attacking midfielder) and a striker in addition to BBD.

It's the one big worry I have with RM. He seems to have too much faith in players like Manning, Stephens, McCarthy.

And that does count for something. Martin does seem to be assembling a group of likeable characters who play for the shirt and each other. You can't discount BBD's performances for Chile either, alongside the likes of Vidal and Sanchez - he hasn't looked out of place.

Given the threadbare striker cupboard, this would be a good signing.

Flynn Downes doesn't do "take it easy" pre-season does he - all-action,committed 45 minutes from him. Airibo and Dibling the other bright sparks.

I was going to cough up the five quid but this facebook video is working well. Thanks Patches.

I agree that Smallbone, along with others like Arma and Airibo have earned the chance, or another chance to prove themselves at Prem level - but there is a very strong chance they won't be quite good enough. That's why relying on them to be first choice starters, if that's what RM has in mind, is a risky strategy. Re Smallbone - he is a technically adept player, but it's a stretch to call him athletic. He covers plenty of ground, but at a loping pace. He was regularly outstripped for pace last season, especially when played in a defensive midfield role.

Sulemana has looked pretty sharp today to my eye. Who is the 25? Looks an impressive youngster.

He's been a bright spark along with SAA. A little disappointed with Charly so far.

I could only see THB lining up against Newcastle from that 1st half line-up. Seems pointless watching players like Bree, Manning and Mara - they are nowhere near good enough; even as squad players.

Wishing you well with the parenting of twins! Brings back good memories.....not completely easy at the time! Rodriguez is a long shot, but just what we need. I also hope that RM has the wisdom to give Alcaraz a clean slate - he was disappointing last season but we've seen enough of him at Prem level to know he can play, and we need attacking mids who can run at defences with the ball.

Like the sound (and the look) of Camara. Let's hope the Saint's interest is genuine - after all, our last young, attacking Senegalese signing turned out alright! The reported Barcelona interest is a worry though.

Let’s hope it’s Larios and Manning leaving. Manning because he wouldn’t measure up at the level and Larios because while he may have the ability, how long do you persevere in the hope he delivers? Can see Meghoma developing rapidly, based on his age and the glimpses he showed last season. Already has the pace and athleticism needed while the defensive side of his game can be developed.

Have spent massive amounts on their defence; possess an impressive strike force, and dictate play by denying territory to their opposition.

Touche!

The three words at the end of your post are crucial. Until it's apparent McCarthy is the back up keeper - and not to Baz - there's reason to worry about next season.

You make a fair point. As things stand, only three players from our promotion squad are likely Prem quality. KWP certainly; THB highly likely and Flynn Downes very likely - maybe you can include Ryan Fraser as just about up-to-standard. Downes isn't our player yet and KWP is not certain to extend his contract. You could argue that players like AA, Aribo, Smallbone, Bednarek, Stephens, Adams have earned the chance to measure up, yet there are real doubts that they will. This is the immediate challenge for RM and SR. How do they balance the temptation to keep a successful squad together in an infinitely tougher league? How ruthless, and realistic are they prepared to be.

Yes, it's not so much that he signed the Liverpool shirts; got his big move and ended up writing weasel words in the Daily Echo - none of which would bother me if he was bringing something of value back to the Club after all these years. But what is the case for bringing Lallana back to the fold? What's he going to deliver? A bit part role on the pitch at 36; an experienced voice in the dressing room and a coaching role with the academy lads!

Yes, who can forget the (Boruc) goal conceded against Stoke on that windy day. A howler in every sense of the word.

Agree with that. AM's performances in the play offs were impressive but it should't obscure the many sub-standard Prem performances he has handed in featuring near post goals, fumbles and poor kicking. Apart from Boruc we haven't had a goalkeeper to inspire confidence since Niemi, and it's definitely time the Club aimed higher.

Watching the lead up to the goal for the umpteenth time I realise what a great pass Downes provided to Smallbone who then, in turn produces the sublime assist for AA. Downes would be/will be such an important signing for Saints.

You only have to recall ABK's first 6-8 games in the Prem, prior to the shoulder injury to know that he could be a big asset to Saints again at CB with someone like THB alongside. Dependent on his fitness; his mentality and a return to that early form. Big "ifs" of course.

Let's hope he does; immense again today, and for most of the season. With THB "in-the-bag", it only remains for KWP to extend for our best players of the season (along with AA) to provide a good start to piecing together a competitive Prem side. What a memorable day that was. Every Saints player gave something to the cause. THB, Bednarek, AA, KWP and Downes the stand outs but how good was Fraser in the LWB role, defending well and dangerous on the counter attack. Smallbone has played well in the last month and was solid and creative today - the assist for Armstrong was sublime and he has earned another opportunity at the highest level. Airibo, ran, tackled, harassed and got involved for the full 104 minutes - who thought he could run out a game like that? And McCarthy with the low down, left-handed save and the commanding punches clear has left a legacy over the last few games if today was indeed his last for the Club. Well done to R.M., he set the team up perfectly to counter the Leeds attacking strengths - forsaking high possession for defensive structure, astute counter attack and a pragmatic "get at them" approach. He and his coaching staff have shown great tactical nous in the play off games and the flexibility to tweak the style of play and personnel to counter WBA and Leeds. He has certainly earned the right to lead Saints back to the Prem. What a day it must have been for those at the ground. Great day for the Club and the city of Southampton.