ratio_decidendi

Wouldn't renting be more appropriate?

Bar being sold, he has every opportunity to shine this season! I think a common held opinion is that it's not that Ramirez is a bad player per se, but that his progression was slowed owing to Lallana's performance last season (and Poch's preference for Adam). I don't see why that would be wrong because, as you say, he's been quite good pre season. Fingers crossed.

My gut feeling is that we will score a few more from set pieces this season, but that's completely unfounded upon any kind of evidence. My hope is that Pelle and Tadic adapt quickly while Ramirez steps up and bangs in a decent amount.

They'd be the perfect way to develop up and coming trolls! Give them some viable competition and that...!

I'd heard about that but didn't actually see the thread in question until now. The length some people will go for attention (no matter how inconsequential) is remarkable.

Don't bother - the guy is either a troll or retarded.

I'm disappointed for him, but feel that the role he is expected to fulfil has never been 'primary' but 'backup' striker. What exactly do Liverpool fans think he'll be delivering this season? Some of their OTT reactions put various members of this board to shame.

Where should we be aiming? As high as possible. "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." ...hopefully those are Premier League and not Championship stars.

Does the lack of signings at the moment mean we'll actually have an interesting/exciting transfer deadline day for once?

So that's what keeps bothering me when I read one of your posts. Thanks for the insight!

If you were being paid thousands upon thousands of pounds per week, would you really care about a handful of vocal fans (who would be no different no matter which team you eventually joined)? Also, I'll think you'll find that there are quite a few of us on here that are consistently positive

That's assuming that the club see Gallagher as ready to provide support to Pelle up until Rodriguez returns. Much better to give him someone to compete against like Samaras on a short term contract. It gives the opportunity to either player to step up and challenge for a position in the team - win-win with little risk. It also gives the squad depth in case Pelle were to get injured. It's comparable to the Bertrand/Targett situation except minus the loan aspect. The only way I can see Samaras being a waste of time is if a) Gallagher is ready to step up without the competition (judging on his performance, I doubt this), or b) the club decides to buy another big name striker like Hernandez (again, how likely is this?). It's not meant to be. Samaras is hardly a superstar player, but if we give him the chance he might turn out to be a valuable (and cheap) asset for the team.

Taking into account our striker set up at the moment, I'd take Samaras on a free to improve squad depth. Is he going to start every game? I doubt it. Is he actually any good? Good enough to get the odd goal and provide competition for Sam Gallagher. The guy will give options off the bench and we need that right now.

Not necessarily. Would the same apply for a top team that takes on loans, like say Atletico Madrid and Courtois? A lot depends on the context and I'm not entirely sure that Saints are banking in loans as a precaution against relegation. Rather, I'm under the impression that the main reason we've only loaned one player so far (!) is to provide competition for the youth and give them a route into the first team. Edit: That isn't to say that I disagree with your post, by the way, just that I don't think it applies to Southampton.

As with the Bertrand loan, I wouldn't be surprised if there's another signing that just flies in completely under the radar. Doesn't mean we definitely won't get the already touted targets - it seems like this Schelotto guy is a dead cert.

Because everyone knew about Bertrand on this board beforehand, right? Even the Saints press officer boasted about how well they kept him under wraps!

Here we go...

Great Scott!

Why not the infamous Stetson Sombrero?

Stetson: Loose reference to the Wild West and Mexico which means that Hernandez is signing

Absolutely. Different teams require different players, and a fringe player who doesn't get a look in at a bigger club might be perfect for Southampton. Despite his injury issues Rodwell might turn out to be an excellent investment for Saints both long and short term.

I feel like an unpopular opinion at the moment is not just that Southampton will avoid relegation next year, but that they'll also do well at the same time. I'm being very optimistic moving into the new season. It's going to be difficult to surpass eighth, but I very much doubt we'll be fighting it out at the bottom against the likes of Burnley and Leicester.

Exactly. I get the impression Schelotto might be used to offer competition to Isgrove on the wings. It's maximising benefit really. If Isgrove is better than Schelotto, then we can be rid of the loanee and invest in Isgrove. If it's the other way round, at least we have 'decent' back up. I'm glad that the club, as opposed to just importing a high-wage high-fee player for every position, are willing to promote the youth and give them a good shot at claiming a place in the starting XI.

Except it isn't.

The thing is that Southampton fans aren't any different from the fans of other teams. Although I don't condone some of the behaviour, it's hardly a disincentive for millionaire players looking for another big pay day (nor are their friends or agents going to say anything differently - they know the reality of the business they operate in).