Antonio on extended loan

[notnowcato]

Good signing. Pleased with that.

[Fowllyd]

I know its early days but will we sign a quaility new player for keeps? or will everyone coming in just be loans again?

 

I know what you mean, what with Harding, Murty, Lambert, Jaidi, Hammond and Connolly... If only we'd signed just one of those for keeps, eh.

[Graffito]

I think he has potential as demonstrated at BR but he reminds me of a riderless horse. Down to the coaching staff to develop him.

[Chez]

not excited at all as it was always on the cards, but I am pleased though as when coming off the bench he has been tremendous in my book, changing games for us such as at Leyton Orient.

 

For those that can't stand him try to put to one side the less than top notch first touch and focus on his confidence and powerful running to the byeline. We've needed and pretty much all called for someone to run to the byeline for about 8 years now and at last we have one. Yes sometimes the cross is terrible, sometimes average and sometimes cut out, but at least he makes their fullback work.

[Huntingdon]

I notice many fans are disappointed that Antonio's staying

 

Clearly AP thinks he's a better player than McLaggon or Thomson

[beatlesaint]

I notice many fans are disappointed that Antonio's staying

 

Clearly AP thinks he's a better player than McLaggon or Thomson

 

He is certainly better than Thomson. Will reserve judgement on McLaggon until he is fit again.

 

I think its a good signing. Antonio is a typical winger - when he is good he is very good, when he is bad, oh dear ?

 

And he is only 19.....

[The9]

He's been erratic, but he's been very good at times (not on Saturday though, he was utter guff then).

 

People seem to think he's limited, but I've seen him beat people, cross consistently and score a very decent goal at Bristol Rovers so he certainly has potential and is nearer the right standard than Thomson at the moment.

 

I'd actually go so far as to say we should sign him permanently if we could get him for £400k or less, and see if McLaggon is good enough to unseat him.

[beatlesaint]

I'd actually go so far as to say we should sign him permanently if we could get him for £400k or less, and see if McLaggon is good enough to unseat him.

 

I agree, we should, but his contract is up at the end of the season so he wouldn't cost us anything.

[The9]

I agree, we should, but his contract is up at the end of the season so he wouldn't cost us anything.

 

Oh yeah, forgot that. Well, that explains not signing him now, nor pre-negotiating.

[Matthew Le God]

"Raw" could be a good way to describe him. Abit like Kenwyne Jones was a rough diamond when he joined Saints.

 

He hasn't had professional coaching until the age of 18 so I think there is still plenty of room for improvement with Pardew/Wilkins/Downes helping him. Some people in this thread have forgotten he is still very young and missed years of professional coaching having joined Reading late on from non league football. He has many good attributes such as pace and power. With good coaching he could be a real asset. His decision making is sometimes very poor but that can be coached.

 

Would start Papa Waigo ahead of Antonio but worth Pardew having a good look before the summer and working some magic.

Edited 5 January, 2010 by Matthew Le God

[Bailey]

I've come to the conlcusion that Antonio is a bad player that has good games. Don't get me wrong, he has plenty of potential; his directness, pace and power are refreshing to see, but it's all about getting him to perform consistently.

 

Antonio clearly has ability, he's shown that in glimpses, but at times, he's also looked like a fish out of water. If Pardew and the rest of the management team can work closely with him, then he could be a decent player for us in the long-term. He does have age on his side too, so there is plenty of time for him to develop into a good player at this level.

 

Antonio is well worth keeping hold of until the end of the season, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Pards offer him a permanent contract in the summer.

[Andy_Porter]

Antonio just needs some coaching and reserve games. I am one of his biggest fans but he really shouldn't be starting games at this level and stage in his development. Let him play the last 20 minutes if we need a goal and let him do his business.

 

He seems to either be one of the very best players on the pitch or one of the worst. Recently he's been terrible, Colchester was one of the worst individual performances i've seen in a long time but even then you could see the potential, he still had the confidence to run at players and get to the byline which is rare in football.

 

Really hope we can sign him in the summer, if Dyer was worth 400k then I'd say anything 300k or below would be a fair price for him.

[Window Cleaner]

Not really fussed about Antonio either way.However to progress and best use the talents of our midfield and strikeforce we need better players than he.

[once_bitterne]

I notice many fans are disappointed that Antonio's staying

 

Clearly AP thinks he's a better player than McLaggon or Thomson

 

He may well be, the problem tho is that Pardew thinks he is a better player than Papa Waigo.

[krissyboy31]

"Raw" could be a good way to describe him. Abit like Kenwyne Jones was a rough diamond when he joined Saints.

 

He hasn't had professional coaching until the age of 18 so I think there is still plenty of room for improvement with Pardew/Wilkins/Downes helping him. Would start Papa Waigo ahead of him still.

 

Agree with all that. I think he has potential to be a good player though and I guess AP thinks the same.

[Seaford Saint]

Pleased he has signed. He has gone off the boil as an out and out winger, but he tracks back well and certainly puts himself around.

 

I rate him and I am not sure that an out and out winger is his best position.

[Matthew Le God]

Agree with all that. I think he has potential to be a good player though and I guess AP thinks the same.

 

Yep, I have no problem with Pardew sticking with him and trying to improve him as Antonio has good attributes and age on his side.

 

However Papa Waigo atm is a much better player than Antonio.

[krissyboy31]

Yep, I have no problem with Pardew sticking with him and trying to improve him as Antonio has good attributes and age on his side.

 

However Papa Waigo atm is a much better player than Antonio.

 

I don't think AP see's Papa as a proper wide player and probably plays Antonio ahead of him for balance reasons rather than seeing him as a better player. I think if Connolly isn't fit Saturday, we may see 442 with Papa up front with Lambert.

[red&white56]

After watching him turn several promising attacks into nothing at Colcchester I have to say that I'm disappointed. But I trust AP and assume that he knows what he's doing......

[doggface]

Give him a break he has alot of raw potential physique, pace, power skill. His goal at rovers IMO was our best this season - no other player on the pitch could have scored that.

Yes he has had some shockers too but at 19 yo loan now and free in the summer with potential is an absolute no brainer - it's up to him

[Charlie2008]

Change the thread title to "loan extension" rather than "signing"? cheers!

 

Just what I was going to post.

 

Makes some of us speculators look somewhat foolish methinks.

 

:confused:

[Joesaint]

he is very young still, I this he is great and then I see the finishing!!!

[SFC goalmachine]

Possibly the worst analogy ever...?!

 

We really know how to start laying into a player if we don't like him don't we... quality 'support' for a potential Saints player that is.

 

He's raw and young and despite what some seem to think, he has qualities. If he signs, it's down to AP to improve him, so quite what beenfit there is in making such harsh sweeping judgements about him now I don't know.

 

 

Totally agree!!

I bet not one of you slagging Antonio off cheered or jumped around like hyenas on speed when he scored that goal against Bristol Rovers!

You are so quick to slag a player just because he doesn't have a 10/10 match every time he plays.

He is young pacey strong and will do a job in this league.

If he's good enough for AP, then right now that is all that should matter.

Get off the guys back and let him show us what he can do with a good coach giving him the encouragement he needs.

COYR...................................Song for Antonio anyone???

[Clifford Nelson]

He may well be, the problem tho is that Pardew thinks he is a better player than Papa Waigo.

 

How true! It has really gotten to me that AP fancies him ahead of a genuine talent like Waigo, or as against LUton making PW run the left wing, where he has already shown to be uncomfortable.

 

I'm equally befuddled by the amount of supporters who think they see talent and potential when MA plays.

[modern matron]

Totally agree!!

I bet not one of you slagging Antonio off cheered or jumped around like hyenas on speed when he scored that goal against Bristol Rovers!

You are so quick to slag a player just because he doesn't have a 10/10 match every time he plays.

He is young pacey strong and will do a job in this league.

If he's good enough for AP, then right now that is all that should matter.

Get off the guys back and let him show us what he can do with a good coach giving him the encouragement he needs.

COYR...................................Song for Antonio anyone???

 

Sorry still has a lot to prove!

 

He has no idea what he is doing in my book especially when his "kick and run" chase fails plus he cannot cross the ball. I agree he's willing and might improve but if he was anything at all Reading wouldn't have let him go so easily would they?

[RedWillie]

In AP we trust.....

 

Huge gamble in my opinion then who am I? I still think he's awful but hope to be proved wrong

[Matthew Le God]

Huge gamble in my opinion

 

Why is it a huge gamble taking a young player with low wages on loan?

[benjii]

Sorry still has a lot to prove!

 

He has no idea what he is doing in my book especially when his "kick and run" chase fails plus he cannot cross the ball. I agree he's willing and might improve but if he was anything at all Reading wouldn't have let him go so easily would they?

 

Well that's clearly a completely pointless question. Clubs frequently release players who prove to be perfectly good. As an example, we released Nile Ranger who plays for Newcastle. He will be at a Premier League club next year.

 

We stupidly got rid of Matt Mills on the cheap etc....

[John B]

In AP we trust.....

 

Huge gamble in my opinion then who am I? I still think he's awful but hope to be proved wrong

 

He is 19 years old give him a chance

[SNSUN]

Tons of January to go yet, so this isn't a bad thing. He's not impressed me much when I've seen him although according to my more observant missus, he was trying hard against Exeter on Boxing Day.

 

The snow will probably put paid to any more signings over the next few days, so start the sweepstake up again and I'd pick a date next week for the next signing.

[saint1977]

What we have we got to lose? He has pace for a start and can put in a decent cross sometimes - a bit like Heaney when he joined us from Arsenal. He is young and Pardew obviously sees potential and thinks Wilkins and Downes can develop him further.

[toofarnorth]

He's been erratic, but he's been very good at times (not on Saturday though, he was utter guff then).

 

People seem to think he's limited, but I've seen him beat people, cross consistently and score a very decent goal at Bristol Rovers so he certainly has potential and is nearer the right standard than Thomson at the moment.

 

I'd actually go so far as to say we should sign him permanently if we could get him for £400k or less, and see if McLaggon is good enough to unseat him.

 

Out of contract in summer so will be available on a free then if wanted.

[greg_hill]

As I've said before, I do wish fans would bear in mind that perhaps some players - especially young guys like Antonio - do read these forums. Think how they must feel after reading the abuse we give some of our own youngsters. No I'm not saying people shouldn't say how they feel, but just keep things sensible.

[Chez]

if you are reading this thread Antonio, let me just say that Lallana apart, I haven't enjoyed watching a player as much as as I have you for a very long time. I love your directness, love your pace, love the fact that you are willing to just kick it in front of you and chase after it - brilliantly simple and a tactic I've suggested countless times before, I love the `not quite under control but don't care I'll still keep charging in the right direction with defenders literaly bouncing off me' forward runs, and what I love most is seeing someone get to the byeline. Keep it up lad, the way you turned the game around at Leyton Orient was a joy to behold. The way you beat yourself and five MK Dons players without ever having the ball under control was the funniest thing I've seen at SMS for a long time. Tremendous effort and will to win. Keep working on your touch mate, the rest will look after itself.

[sotonjoe]

"Raw" could be a good way to describe him. Abit like Kenwyne Jones was a rough diamond when he joined Saints.

 

He hasn't had professional coaching until the age of 18 so I think there is still plenty of room for improvement with Pardew/Wilkins/Downes helping him. Some people in this thread have forgotten he is still very young and missed years of professional coaching having joined Reading late on from non league football. He has many good attributes such as pace and power. With good coaching he could be a real asset. His decision making is sometimes very poor but that can be coached.

 

 

I agree with all this. A healthy dose of persective is needed by some of the naysayers.

[saint_stevo]

He has pace but his end product is, at best, frustrating....He also can only beat his man with pace, no trick or skill involved. Chip and charge.....Not convinced, but maybe being so young we can groom him into a decent player

[RonManager]

His inside of the boot flick to get him past the defender for his goal at BR was excellent.

[jam]

I think Papa is certainly the better footballer but it is pleasing to see Antonio getting better as he plays. His all round game is certainly better and experience will only do him good. It's just frustrating as he seems to make errors that Papa simply wouldn't.

 

Glad we've got him to the end of the season. Shame the PR dept. spoiled it by over hyping it on Twitter.

[John Smith]

For many years now, not since Walcott, and before that, err, nope, can;t recall, we haven't had a winger that literally scares the living daylights out of full backs! Put it into perspective, the lad may not have the most cultured touch, but the fact that he has blistering pace, means the defence cannot cope with him. Do they push up and try and catch him off side (difficult for a wide player) or do they drop deeper and try to stop him getting round the back? A real quandry for the defence, and if I was due to be playing full back against him, I know I would be in for a busy day and a lot of running backward!

 

He's 19 years old, he's enjoying his football, he will get better, he is fast and strong, we need him! Give him some flack and just think, rather thgan sitting in the stands moaning about him, you could be the left back that has to chase the greyhound! His pure inclusion in the side, changes their plans and pushes them back, this ios better for the team and that makes him a great option.

 

Lastly, it is good to see him competing with Papa, 2 very good players, offering different options but both with pace. First half, left back has to cope with Papa and his pace and trickery, then relief, we sub him, only for Antonio to come on with even more pace and power to burn, I feel an injury coming on!

 

Keep going Antonio, improve your touch and enjoy your time here, I hope we all improve together!

[Saint Fan CaM]

For many years now, not since Walcott, and before that, err, nope, can;t recall, we haven't had a winger that literally scares the living daylights out of full backs! Put it into perspective, the lad may not have the most cultured touch, but the fact that he has blistering pace, means the defence cannot cope with him. Do they push up and try and catch him off side (difficult for a wide player) or do they drop deeper and try to stop him getting round the back? A real quandry for the defence, and if I was due to be playing full back against him, I know I would be in for a busy day and a lot of running backward!

 

He's 19 years old, he's enjoying his football, he will get better, he is fast and strong, we need him! Give him some flack and just think, rather thgan sitting in the stands moaning about him, you could be the left back that has to chase the greyhound! His pure inclusion in the side, changes their plans and pushes them back, this ios better for the team and that makes him a great option.

 

Lastly, it is good to see him competing with Papa, 2 very good players, offering different options but both with pace. First half, left back has to cope with Papa and his pace and trickery, then relief, we sub him, only for Antonio to come on with even more pace and power to burn, I feel an injury coming on!

 

Keep going Antonio, improve your touch and enjoy your time here, I hope we all improve together!

 

 

Top, top post. You've said everything I wanted to say - considering this is just loan extension, keeping hold of this lad is a good move. If he keeps developing well at Saints, by the time he's 24 he will be a real handful.

[Gordon Mockles]

Personally think he is a decent squad player with little risk as his contract is out in the summer.

He has bags of pace & potential - just hoping he can lift his game a few more notches like he did against MK Dons at St Mary's earlier this season.

 

Exactly! I've seen forum bandwagoning before but the over zealous criticism of Antonio is completely unjust. I reckon half are just inhereting opinions from other members without even watching him at matches. Regardless, he is quick & strong & certainly could develop into a good player. Everyone banged on about Dave Mc Goldrick & how much potential he had. Personally, I thought he was gash with a strange attitude. League One was his level but his ego thought otherwise. I think Antonio has more potential. More to be realised anyway!