Son of Bob Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 Just an interesting thought but would bringing new players in in January be a positive or negative thing? We seem to be doing very well as we are so would new faces upset the current balance we have? We have fought hard to get this nice run of form going so you have to ask, do we need to change anything? Bear in mind here I'm not talking about players we may bring in in support roles, I'm talking the likes of Beckford or Hoolahan, someone who would demand instant inclusion in the squad.
Thedelldays Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 Did signing new players earlier in the season upset the balance?
JustMike Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 Did signing new players earlier in the season upset the balance? it did to start with when they were settling in.
Matthew Le God Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 Did signing new players earlier in the season upset the balance? It did initially but then worked out better long term. Makes far more sense to spend in January than in the Summer. These new players may help get Saints to Championship this season and if they don't will be more prepared for an automatic push next season.
Son of Bob Posted 28 December, 2009 Author Posted 28 December, 2009 No DD, but we were playing like crap then so that's not really the point I'm trying to make is it?
St Landrew Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 If the club has decided to have a go at the playoffs, given that they are within touching distance of them, then I think it is imperative that Saints strengthen in January.
Toadhall Saint Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 If we sign anyone they must be better than what we have got already. If we do then the balance will be ok as we will not be making wholesale changes IMHO as was required at the start of the season.
Thedelldays Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 No DD, but we were playing like crap then so that's not really the point I'm trying to make is it? Ok did singing Antonio upset the team ?
Son of Bob Posted 28 December, 2009 Author Posted 28 December, 2009 Ok did singing Antonio upset the team ? No, but he's hardly demanded a starting place in the line up each week has he? I'd say he fits in the 'support player' category.
Crab Lungs Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 In my personal opinion, we are a couple of places short in the squad that would provide us real depth. I don't know what Moritz Volz is up to these days, but he'd be a sensational right back to have in L1, assuming he would drop down to this level and we can afford him. I'd also compliment Lambert with another striker - maybe someone in the Jon Parkin/Steve Howard/Darius Henderson mould to give big Rickie a rest when he needs one - or someone who would at least attract the attention away from Rickie in games. I don't think having another big, burly centre-forward would do us any harm at all - we're mobile enough as a team to work around Rickie and ANother's deft touches and hold up play to score from anywhere on the pitch. And of course, we've still got the mobility and different blend of Connolly/Waigo/Lallana if need be. Does anyone know what happened to that Plymouth striker we have/had on trial? It's an old saying but I don't believe that any strengthening would upset the side whatsoever - as long as we strengthen in the EXACT places we need to.
Toomer Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 If the right players are available and will improve the side I say get them in AP will not bring in players or allow new players upset the balance of the side.
Thedelldays Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 No, but he's hardly demanded a starting place in the line up each week has he? I'd say he fits in the 'support player' category. Then you may have answered your own question
Son of Bob Posted 28 December, 2009 Author Posted 28 December, 2009 Bear in mind here I'm not talking about players we may bring in in support roles, I'm talking the likes of Beckford or Hoolahan, someone who would demand instant inclusion in the squad. Not really!
gaz Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 I think it depends on the personalities signed. I can't think of many players coming here with big ego reputations (Nigel Quashie maybe), those Saints players who turned out to be a bit prima donna gained them while they were here TBH (Beatts), for various reasons, managers etc. I don't think AP will be signing massive names next month.
JustMike Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 Ok did singing Antonio upset the team ? no, and signing him didnt either ;-)
.comsaint Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 If we're deadly serious about making the play-offs THIS season - instead of next - then I'd like us to sign Simeone Jackson from Gillingham at whatever cost - a quality RB - and a pacey left-sided winger.
saint1977 Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 In my personal opinion, we are a couple of places short in the squad that would provide us real depth. I don't know what Moritz Volz is up to these days, but he'd be a sensational right back to have in L1, assuming he would drop down to this level and we can afford him. I'd also compliment Lambert with another striker - maybe someone in the Jon Parkin/Steve Howard/Darius Henderson mould to give big Rickie a rest when he needs one - or someone who would at least attract the attention away from Rickie in games. I don't think having another big, burly centre-forward would do us any harm at all - we're mobile enough as a team to work around Rickie and ANother's deft touches and hold up play to score from anywhere on the pitch. And of course, we've still got the mobility and different blend of Connolly/Waigo/Lallana if need be. Does anyone know what happened to that Plymouth striker we have/had on trial? It's an old saying but I don't believe that any strengthening would upset the side whatsoever - as long as we strengthen in the EXACT places we need to. Spot on in what you have said but I would go further if Trotman does have to go back to PNE and they can't be tempted to sell. We will need bare minimum another 2 CBs in that scenario - Thomas doesn't seem to be rated by Pardew and Jaidi (whilst having done very well for us) and Perry are 35 and 38 respectively. Throwing Martin in would be a big risk. Jaidi will still be first choice with a new partner but Perry is emergency only really. Agree with you that we need another RB - I think James should be pushing Hammond for a CM berth - and a CF with height as we are very reliant on Lambert and he can look a bit stale occasionally.
saint1977 Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 If we're deadly serious about making the play-offs THIS season - instead of next - then I'd like us to sign Simeone Jackson from Gillingham at whatever cost - a quality RB - and a pacey left-sided winger. We are up against the latter today in Hackney from Colchester. Well regarded by both Colchester and Carlisle fans and has destroyed many RBs this year. Hope Lloyd has a good game today as he did against Exeter as he will need to.
Leicestersaint Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 We are not quite good enough yet so some stengthening would be welcome.
Saint Without a Halo Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 We need strengthening! whether they upset or help the team depends on who they are and how they fit in obviously! however without strengthening I fear we are in this league for a year more! so I would go for it as "needs must"
The Godfather Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 We are well short in quality in terms of squad depth. Depending in what happens to the loan players we need a minimum of four players aswell as trying to keep or change the existing loanees. Relying on young Mills as cover for Lallana isn't going to work, no real cover for Lambert or at centre half or right wing if we don't keep Antonio. It would upset the balance if we don't strengthen in most positions.
ALWAYS_SFC Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 We shall all find out soon enough as we will sign players in January as has been stated by Cortese and Pardew..
Glasgow_Saint Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 I've said elsewhere that the team/squad we already have should be good enough - will signing other good players help?
aintforever Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 It's vital we get back up for Lambert., if he gets injured it's season over.
alpine_saint Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 Reckon the answer to this one is clear now, especially for the defence.
Panda Posted 28 December, 2009 Posted 28 December, 2009 But there has to be changes in January, we will almost certainly lose three players who will return to their clubs at the end of their loans. In addition, the chances of Murty really making a contribution in the second half of the season is remote. Which ever way you look at there will be new faces, a couple of permanent signings and a couple of new loans. This will have minimal impact on team morale, who knows, it could even improve it.
mattyd Posted 30 December, 2009 Posted 30 December, 2009 We need another striker, central defender and right back ASAP. Adding three or four names would give the squad a boost not upset it. I think several fringe players will be gone.
david in sweden Posted 30 December, 2009 Posted 30 December, 2009 Just an interesting thought but would bringing new players in in January be a positive or negative thing? We seem to be doing very well as we are so would new faces upset the current balance we have? We have fought hard to get this nice run of form going so you have to ask, do we need to change anything? Bear in mind here I'm not talking about players we may bring in in support roles, I'm talking the likes of Beckford or Hoolahan, someone who would demand instant inclusion in the squad. I don't think I'd say that we were totally " IN balance" as a team. Yes we've got good strikers, but I'd like to see at least ONE more striker as cover.The midfield seems to be lacking a good defensive partner for Hammond and we certainly need extra cover for central defence - in case of long term injuries (like Murty's).
SaintRichmond Posted 30 December, 2009 Posted 30 December, 2009 Just an interesting thought but would bringing new players in in January be a positive or negative thing? We seem to be doing very well as we are so would new faces upset the current balance we have? We have fought hard to get this nice run of form going so you have to ask, do we need to change anything? Bear in mind here I'm not talking about players we may bring in in support roles, I'm talking the likes of Beckford or Hoolahan, someone who would demand instant inclusion in the squad. IMHO, our "Star" players WILL be bought by "Bigger" Teams, so at the very least, Pardew will have to Buy to stand still so to speak I am well aware that the grass is not always greener, but YOU try telling that to a Young Starlet:D
Upton72 Posted 30 December, 2009 Posted 30 December, 2009 Gaz makes an interesting point about "personalities" and I'm assuming he means it in the sense of "character" rather than a big name. We have a team, (see photographs of penalty shoot out with Norwich) and disruption to that ethic will be costly. Do footballer job inteviews include psychometric testing, they ought to. This is AP's big task in January, yes, the squad needs strengthening, but he's got to find people who will not only add quality to the team but also fit in as people. I'm a fan of AP and this month he'll earn his money if he gets it right. Wrong and we'll wallow in mid table.
suewhistle Posted 30 December, 2009 Posted 30 December, 2009 The midfield seems to be lacking a good defensive partner for Hammond and we certainly need extra cover for central defence - in case of long term injuries (like Murty's). Having just looked at the Colchester goals on the BBC player I'd say we need a little more pace in that central area. Not something we didn't know already, but the goals rather underlined the point.
Turkish Posted 30 December, 2009 Posted 30 December, 2009 Just an interesting thought but would bringing new players in in January be a positive or negative thing? We seem to be doing very well as we are so would new faces upset the current balance we have? We have fought hard to get this nice run of form going so you have to ask, do we need to change anything? Bear in mind here I'm not talking about players we may bring in in support roles, I'm talking the likes of Beckford or Hoolahan, someone who would demand instant inclusion in the squad. What a silly question this is. Why on earth would signing a quaility proven player be a negative thing. do you think the top players are upset at Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man City or utd if they sign a player for £50m which is going to make a real difference to the team. Or should we just keep signing squad players, no better than we have so we end up with a big squad full of crap players, but hey, at least Paul Wooton will be happy. if a player doesn't like it when a club signs someone who is going to dramatically improve the first teams standards and ability to actually win something then he doesn't deserve to be here. If anything it should inspire those around to realise the club is going places and they need to maintain or improve their own performance if they want to stay a part of it. And if Paul Wooton, Matt Paterson and lee Molenyx dont like, they need to start looking at where Rochdale is as this is where they will end up
Andy_Porter Posted 30 December, 2009 Posted 30 December, 2009 Signing good players won't upset the team balance. Signing **** players will upset the team balance. Simples.
SaintRichmond Posted 30 December, 2009 Posted 30 December, 2009 Just an interesting thought but would bringing new players in in January be a positive or negative thing? We seem to be doing very well as we are so would new faces upset the current balance we have? We have fought hard to get this nice run of form going so you have to ask, do we need to change anything? Bear in mind here I'm not talking about players we may bring in in support roles, I'm talking the likes of Beckford or Hoolahan, someone who would demand instant inclusion in the squad. The stark reality is, we HAVE to go all out for the play offs, AND get promoted WHY ?????? Because IF we do not go up, we will LOSE a lot of the present Squad to Teams in the CCC or higher FACT :cool:
RonManager Posted 30 December, 2009 Posted 30 December, 2009 4-5 months have now passed since the takeover, things are settled concerning the running of the club, we are doing very well all things considered and AP and NC have had a good chance to sit down and decide exactly what they need, not only for the rest of this season, but for next as well. I expect there is a Plan A for promotion this season and another if not. Both would consist of buying good players on good contracts to cover both eventualities, to keep the continuity going and engender healthy competition for 1st team places. The difference may lie in whether they buy now or line up players for purchase in the summer. I think on that basis, with promotion still very much an attainable goal, January could well bring some high profile signings, but we shall see.
boxosponge Posted 30 December, 2009 Posted 30 December, 2009 I wonder how Andrew Davies is getting along. Loan with Sheffield United has just ended and he didn't seem to be wanted there. Stoke don't want him having signed loads of defenders. How about him and Hoofy Higginbotham from Stoke?
scotty Posted 31 December, 2009 Posted 31 December, 2009 Upsetting the balance is fair comment, but we have a few key players on loan deals. One or two expiring shortly........wouldnt hurt to strengthen a few areas imo, and as a few posters have already said, we could do with extra cover for Rickie L and David Connolly
scotty Posted 31 December, 2009 Posted 31 December, 2009 ^I mean the loan deals expiring, not the players
Saintandy666 Posted 31 December, 2009 Posted 31 December, 2009 I think a couple of new decent players can be good, inject a bit of excitment and freshness into the team.
CityRanger Posted 31 December, 2009 Posted 31 December, 2009 Buy,buy,buy,buy! That's at least 4 players Mr Pardew. If we make the play offs we'll bloody need them. Gotta keep improving imao.
Jimmy_D Posted 31 December, 2009 Posted 31 December, 2009 I can't help but hope that we've got some signings lined up for Friday to be announced and completely surprise us all.
scotty Posted 31 December, 2009 Posted 31 December, 2009 I can't help but hope that we've got some signings lined up for Friday to be announced and completely surprise us all. ...(looks round cautiously...whispers quietly....) maybe a disgruntled Leeds forward?? :confused:
TijuanaTim Posted 31 December, 2009 Posted 31 December, 2009 Good question SoB, have to say we haven't been through one of those 'injury crisises' yet and perceivably we still are slightly vulnerable too...so bring quality in. By that I mean quality 'people' that are also quality players.
1976_Child Posted 31 December, 2009 Posted 31 December, 2009 I'd definitely get rid of Rickie Lambert. He has been bloody useless all season.
Charlie Wayman Posted 31 December, 2009 Posted 31 December, 2009 Plenty of Skates players up for sale soon...
Charlie Wayman Posted 31 December, 2009 Posted 31 December, 2009 Upset what balance? We're as lopsided as a one-legged turkey with it's Rrse on fire!
1976_Child Posted 31 December, 2009 Posted 31 December, 2009 Plenty of Skates players up for sale soon... They wouldn't want to come work for us.. We pay our players on time!
adrian lord Posted 31 December, 2009 Posted 31 December, 2009 ...(looks round cautiously...whispers quietly....) maybe a disgruntled Leeds forward?? :confused: Beckford has the air of a dressing-room trouble-maker about him, I think if anyone could upset the team spirit it could be him. No thanks.
Matthew Le God Posted 31 December, 2009 Posted 31 December, 2009 Beckford is on his way to Newcastle.
Saint Without a Halo Posted 1 January, 2010 Posted 1 January, 2010 (edited) Plenty of Skates players up for sale soon... Not sure any of them really belong to the Skates though! If we paid for them we would probably find their real owners wanting them back! Edited 1 January, 2010 by Saint Without a Halo
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