Where are all these signings then ?

[West End Saint]

Since the new owners came in you don't get to hear about transfers until they are done which whilst annoying when we are desperate for a bit of news is a good thing.

 

I remain confident that we will get 2 or 3 signings it is obvious that we need a right back a centre midfielder and some cover for Lambo I am sure that we are in discussions to get players in for these positions. I also think/hope we will get Antonio back in on loan.

 

The best bit of business we can do this summer is to hang on to the 1st team squad we have got they are good enough to win this league imho.

 

As they say no news is good news and paitence is a virtue

[Chez]

the fact we have signed Dickson, and if the rumours are true got to the medical stage with Calderon, makes it quite clear that the club targeted two of the best out of contract players League 1 had to offer. So they have been active in the early market. For all we know the club may have spoken to other decent out of contract players like Albert Adomah and they have yet to decide where they are going. I have little doubt other players have been spoken to. These thigns take time. I'd rather wait for a Jahdi then rush into a Wayne Thomas (and I'm not talking about their respective pace and size).

[Alejam]

Sorry, my bad. We signed a 4th LB.

 

Not sure if this has been mentioned before, but Dickson is listed on the Saints, player profile page as a midfielder, not a defender.

[The Kraken]

Not sure if this has been mentioned before, but Dickson is listed on the Saints, player profile page as a midfielder, not a defender.

 

I wouldn't pay too much attention; Lallana is down as a striker and they even list Pulis as a footballer, so not 100% accurate....

[Scudamore]

The smaller clubs like yourselves have to wait till the big clubs have signed who they want so you can have the dergs

 

Dergs are bad...mmmkay?

[alpine_saint]

FFS .... by your own immission you state contracts run out by end of June & then rant on why we have not signed anyone in the first 10 hours of July..... unbelievable !

 

is there an ignore option on this new forum ?

 

Do grow up.

 

When I previously expressed impatience in early June through a desperate desire to see us hit the ground running in August, I was told the club was working on it now but could not seal anything until the window opened on July 1st.

 

Its open now, so what is the excuse now ?

[Saints foreva]

I personally think Pardew spent the majority of the summer budget in January.

 

We really need a couple of signings a good 3 weeks before the season imo, at the moment Sheffield Wednesday, Peterborough and Huddersfield have teams either on the same level as us or a higher level.

[hutch]

The smaller clubs like yourselves have to wait till the big clubs have signed who they want so you can have the dergs

And the clubs with an embargo like yourselves have to wait until the smaller clubs have signed all the dergs

Edited 1 July, 2010 by hutch

[david in sweden]

patience, Alpine. It's only the first day of the transfer window.

As I recall, the majority of signings take place in the last 2 weeks before the season starts.

I suspect that most players are still on holiday until next week anyway.

 

It's become obvious that NC doesn't feel he has to consult everyone before deals are made, and though you may find it annoying, I rather like the element of surprise and he must be a good poker player. Many fans seem to prefer the " ** the cat is on the roof " approach... rather than a surprise signing.

 

 

** doesn't make much sense unless you 've seen ...Capricorn One.

[SteveBish]

I agree that it is frustrating having to wait and that we want the signings as soon as possible so that they can gel in to the team prior to the begining of the season but I don't think we need to start getting upset about it yet, would feel a little different if we have not signed anyone else in a couple of weeks

[BARCELONASAINT]

Alpine were you by any chance deported from the U.K. for being a typical Victor Melrose type (the most miserable git) or are you at a foreign boarding school? You have to be the most negative person I have ever come across.

[dune]

This thread is missing something, ah yes - sadoldgit hasn't seen it yet.

[CanadaSaint]

Yes, I'm mildly concerned.

 

I'm hoping that the lack of news/rumour is down to the number of column inches devoted to the World Cup.

 

However, a fear I've expressed before is that if NC really wanted to ditch AP last season but backed off because of fan and media pressure, he might not fully back him at the start of this season.

 

Instead, he'd hold back some - perhaps much - of the transfer budget because he expects to fire Pardew after a disappointing start and wants to save the budget for the new guy.

 

I'm willing to be a little more patient, but the longer this goes on the more likely that scenario becomes.

[doggface]

Extreme impatience shown by a few IMO.

[dune]

Instead, he'd hold back some - perhaps much - of the transfer budget because he expects to fire Pardew after a disappointing start and wants to save the budget for the new guy.

 

I hope you've got a tin hat at the ready if you're going to make comments like that. As it goes I do agree that AP is on borrowed time here. NC could easily have ended the speculation about AP before and he chose to ignore it. When he did eventually back AP the very fact he'd been so hesitant spoke volumes to me.

[CanadaSaint]

I hope you've got a tin hat at the ready if you're going to make comments like that. As it goes I do agree that AP is on borrowed time here. NC could easily have ended the speculation about AP before and he chose to ignore it. When he did eventually back AP the very fact he'd been so hesitant spoke volumes to me.

 

I'm ready for the inbound, dune.

 

I did say "If", and it's only an opinion, but it's been a fear of mine for months - that we'd live in a void with Cortese backing Pardew but not really backing him.

 

The status quo, squad-wise, could produce an "okay" start to the season (comfortable top eight) but not a solid automatic promotion spot.

 

Then what do we do?

 

The only thing that makes me lean away from that view is the question "If NC is keeping a tight rein on AP's transfer activity, why would he let him sign yet another LB?"

[NickG]

Its July 1st, and supposedly every contract in english football has ended or been dissolved. The World Cup, that other great block to trasnfer activity in the third Division of the English Football League, is almost over. The domestic game has been ended long enough for players and managers alike to buy and bring home their straw donkeys, kiss-me-quick hats and crap paintings of flamenco dancers.

 

So all of those huge inconveniences to NC and AP bringing new players in, according to many of you, are gone.

 

Whats your new excuses ????????

 

The world cup isn't over, we were always looking at players from the better teams, players from teams already knocked out quite simple are not good enough - I saw Rooney over the last 4 games - he is no Rickie!

[Scummer]

The status quo, squad-wise, could produce an "okay" start to the season (comfortable top eight) but not a solid automatic promotion spot.

 

The current team produced automatic promotion form for three quarters of last season. All we seem to have lost from that team so far is the right back (who wasn't all that good anyway) and a couple of subs.

[CanadaSaint]

You don't think the current squad could get into the top 2 at the start of the season?

 

You don't need a massive squad for a good start, and we'll be putting out a very good team. why would davis, harding, jaidi, fonte, murty, puncheon, scheiderlin, hammon, lallana, lambert, barnard not be able to get top 2?

 

From darned near everything I've read on these boards, the two problem positions that prevented us from succeeding last year (RB and CM) have not seen any strengthening, and we appear to have lost two key components for vital width - Papa Waigo and Antonio.

 

Without seeing the team play (I will in September) I'd say that without any strengthening we shouldn't expect much more than top eight. Don't forget how competitive this division was last year, and that's likely to still be the case this year.

[doddisalegend]

hardly been a flurry of activity elsewhere either......

 

Really one look at the BBC website suggests otherwise a lot of teams have been bringing in players for weeks. Not that I'm paincking just yet I'll wait a couple more weeks before that. I am however suprised at our lack of activity compared to our league one rivals. So far we've added another left back the one area (along with GK) I wasn't concerened about.

[Micky]

I want signings and I want them now, any signings....!

[Secret Site Agent]

I just wonder why Alpine doesn't start ALL his threads with 'I don't bloody BELIEVE it......' In a tired scottish accent.

[Bourno]

club have tweeted that there will be an announcement on os in 10 minutes....could it be a new signing?

[jasoneuelllfanclub]

maybe danny butterfield from palace who could not match offer from another club?

[doddisalegend]

The current team produced automatic promotion form for three quarters of last season. All we seem to have lost from that team so far is the right back (who wasn't all that good anyway) and a couple of subs.

 

without Papa /or/and Antonio we're missing a lot of pace in the team those to subs changed many games last season whose going to come off the bench and do that this season?

[The Kraken]

club have tweeted that there will be an announcement on os in 10 minutes....could it be a new signing?

 

Overseas training camp announced.

 

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~2082520,00.html

[jasoneuelllfanclub]

Overseas training camp announced.

 

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~2082520,00.html

 

Exciting announcement lol

[NickG]

Really disappointed, thought club were going to sign new players and ask them to spend their summer with existing players families so they could bond over the summer. Guess left it too late.

[derry]

The real problem is the first team players left who can hold down a first team place provide a waifer thin squad. One goalkeeper, two left backs plus Mills, Four centre backs, two experienced, one young potential and a lad with potential, four midfielders plus Wotton, two strikers. Bialkowski may sign but he may not, Connolly again may sign or not but he really can't be relied on to stay fit. If Wotton is considered a starter we aren't good enough.

 

By my reckoning we need a goalkeeper, two right backs and again not including Murty who has nearly missed three seasons, four midfielders, two strikers. At the moment we only have fifteen first teamers including Wotton but including four centre backs and three left backs and no right back, that leaves a bench of say Seaborne, Martin and Mills and Wotton assuming that Harding would have to play right back.

 

A goalkeeper is essential plus two right backs, cover left and right midfield plus at least one decent central midfielder and two strikers including a like for like targetman to cover Lambert. The wide replacements for Waigo and Antonio are necessary so that we have a strong starting team and strengthening options from the bench. the existing players won't make the playoffs due to the weakening through the inevitable injuries even another experienced centreback wouldn't go amiss. Anything around 8/9 players need to be signed to do what Pardew and Cortese assume we are going to do. Anything less and we will have holes to fill entailing the usual square pegs in round holes we all know won't cut it.

 

We saw some of the youngsters last year in cameo appearances but while promising, they can in no way be deemed ready to be regulars.

[CHAZZA 92]

Surely signings will be announced before the training camp so the new signings can get ready for the season with the squad.

[NickG]

would be surprised if Pardew is after any where near that many

[Gorgiesaint]

Surely signings will be announced before the training camp so the new signings can get ready for the season with the squad.

 

You would expect that will be the case so potentially an exciting week ahead, or alternatively certain posters will be moaning even more this time next week!!

[the saint in winchester]

I'm disappointed .... I was hoping for an update on the garden gnomes.

[derry]

would be surprised if Pardew is after any where near that many

If he isn't, then he is relying on few injuries and probably in reality is sealing his fate. Only by strengthening the squad, replacing the pace, and having duplication to cover the injuries are we going to be able to play a strong side in 46 league matches plus anything up to 60 in total including the three cups.

[John B]

If he isn't, then he is relying on few injuries and probably in reality is sealing his fate. Only by strengthening the squad, replacing the pace, and having duplication to cover the injuries are we going to be able to play a strong side in 46 league matches plus anything up to 60 in total including the three cups.

 

I think 9 is probably over the top but at least 6 new players I would have thought

[The Kraken]

If he isn't, then he is relying on few injuries and probably in reality is sealing his fate. Only by strengthening the squad, replacing the pace, and having duplication to cover the injuries are we going to be able to play a strong side in 46 league matches plus anything up to 60 in total including the three cups.

 

I think you're overstating matters a touch there. While it would be fantastic for AP to bring in as many players as you have suggested, it's perhaps not practical (at least as new signings rather than loans).

 

I think Bart will sign, so there's the goalkeeping position sorted. We clearly need a starting right back; a backup would be nice but Harding has shown that he can cover in that poisition more than adequately. A new CM is a bit of a must for me, who will start if we play 451 and will also give some competition/options to Hammond and Schneiderlin. Also a new striker, somewhere in between the attributes of Ricky and Barnyard would be nice, and I would also like to think we will get Antonio back.

 

As far as signed players go, I think that's as far as we'll be looking. However, don't also forget the loan market (which is how we found Mellis, Waigo, Antonio, Semi....). Having a really big squad of top players is not always great for morale, so it may be that any injuries are covered by loans as and when we need them. As the season gets underway some Prem/Championship clubs may be looking to offload some of their young talent on a season long loan, so we may be able to pick up a complete gem from there (a la Tom Cleverley at Watford last year).

[thesaint sfc]

I'd rather hold onto Lambert and make no signings tbh.

[derry]

I think you're overstating matters a touch there. While it would be fantastic for AP to bring in as many players as you have suggested, it's perhaps not practical (at least as new signings rather than loans).

 

I think Bart will sign, so there's the goalkeeping position sorted. We clearly need a starting right back; a backup would be nice but Harding has shown that he can cover in that poisition more than adequately. A new CM is a bit of a must for me, who will start if we play 451 and will also give some competition/options to Hammond and Schneiderlin. Also a new striker, somewhere in between the attributes of Ricky and Barnyard would be nice, and I would also like to think we will get Antonio back.

 

As far as signed players go, I think that's as far as we'll be looking. However, don't also forget the loan market (which is how we found Mellis, Waigo, Antonio, Semi....). Having a really big squad of top players is not always great for morale, so it may be that any injuries are covered by loans as and when we need them. As the season gets underway some Prem/Championship clubs may be looking to offload some of their young talent on a season long loan, so we may be able to pick up a complete gem from there (a la Tom Cleverley at Watford last year).

 

I didn't specify what sort of signings. The numbers stack up and they would include all new players whether, bought, free transfers or loans. I am talking about a squad to fulfill the club's stated ambition, win the league, without strength in depth the injury crises we suffered at times last season will scupper that. We released 13 players with quite a few having played in the first team.

[CanadaSaint]

without strengthening we'd struggle over 46 games, but not the start IMO. With the strengthening that will surely happen, we should be far ahead of the pack.

 

I'm just questioning whether the strengthening will happen while Pardew's there if it hasn't started already. And that's just for problem positions - it doesn't even touch on the lost width and pace, or or derry's valid point about squad depth.

 

My biggest fear is that it won't happen while AP is there because NC still has big doubts about him - and, as usual, NC is convinced he's right and intends to prove it.

 

I hope like hell that I'm wrong, and I'd love to see a couple of big signings within the next week or so, but until then you can put me in the "very concerned" camp.

[derry]

I'm just questioning whether the strengthening will happen while Pardew's there if it hasn't started already. And that's just for problem positions - it doesn't even touch on the lost width and pace, or or derry's valid point about squad depth.

 

My biggest fear is that it won't happen while AP is there because NC still has big doubts about him - and, as usual, NC is convinced he's right and intends to prove it.

 

I hope like hell that I'm wrong, and I'd love to see a couple of big signings within the next week or so, but until then you can put me in the "very concerned" camp.

 

I hope this is not the case as it wouldn't be the smart move. It was either get rid of him in May or back him. Without new signings the stated expansive Southampton style is pie in the sky.

 

When are you over? we need the dates so we can set up a reunion. We had one in April with about 70% at short notice and set up for a proper sit down when you come over

Dicko says he will come down from Edinburgh. email me.

[Secret Site Agent]

Its July 1st, and supposedly every contract in english football has ended or been dissolved. The World Cup, that other great block to trasnfer activity in the third Division of the English Football League, is almost over. The domestic game has been ended long enough for players and managers alike to buy and bring home their straw donkeys, kiss-me-quick hats and crap paintings of flamenco dancers.

 

So all of those huge inconveniences to NC and AP bringing new players in, according to many of you, are gone.

 

Whats your new excuses ????????

 

Dear Alpine

 

I write in regard to your query as to where the new signings are.

 

From experience may i answer in the following manner.

 

Have you looked down the back of the sofa? I know when I can't find something this is the first place I look, and normally with good results, especially regarding my car keys and the TV remote.

 

However please do not be despondant. After 23 years I understand that Bono still hasn't found what he is looking for.

 

All my love

 

SSA

 

XXXX

[jamesfp1]

i agree with alpine, expected more transfer activity. the team fly out to start pre season in 7 days, i was hoping we'd get all our targets ready to start pre season together. too many points dropped in the gelling period of last season.

 

not as ****ed off as him but it would have been nice. lets hope we get what we need in these next 7 days!

[hasper57saint]

I reckon we should sign the Fearless Truck/Digger driver in the Liebherr commercial on You tube- WWW.YouTube.com/watch or just type in Liebherr and see what you get. This guy is a Liebherr employee who takes the Digger right to the top just like Saints can this season.

[BadgerBadger]

Are you really worried or just bored/boring Alpine. Maybe the club can produce a complete intinery showing what will happen and when for the next 12 months and put him (and us) out of his misery

[Saint Billy]

I am not having a love in with Alpine but mock his opinions at your peril.

 

This is a genuine concern, other clubs in L1 have been rebuilding for a while. We have started the last few seasons (since loosing premiership status) half cooked at the start of every season for one reason or another, and left us us playing catchup on a regular basis.

 

Although we can put a squad together be it lacking in a couple of area's, after letting 13 players go, we are weak on cover. We were lucky with Lambert last season as far as injuries are concerned, but surely it is asking too much for Lambert to go another season without a dodgy injury. With both wing players gone we are short there too.

 

I am hoping that the reason we have not heard much is because our new owners and management are keeping a lid on everything, but underneath it all it would make me feel damn happier if I knew for sure that a team good enough to get us out of this league is pretty much in place and ready to get us off to a flying start.

[The Kraken]

I am not having a love in with Alpine but mock his opinions at your peril.

 

This is a genuine concern, other clubs in L1 have been rebuilding for a while. We have started the last few seasons (since loosing premiership status) half cooked at the start of every season for one reason or another, and left us us playing catchup on a regular basis.

 

Although we can put a squad together be it lacking in a couple of area's, after letting 13 players go, we are weak on cover. We were lucky with Lambert last season as far as injuries are concerned, but surely it is asking too much for Lambert to go another season without a dodgy injury. With both wing players gone we are short there too.

 

I am hoping that the reason we have not heard much is because our new owners and management are keeping a lid on everything, but underneath it all it would make me feel damn happier if I knew for sure that a team good enough to get us out of this league is pretty much in place and ready to get us off to a flying start.

 

That, we already have. We just don't have the squad for it right now.

 

We are light years ahead of where we were this time last year. Any players coming are are going to improve or backup what is already a proven, solid first team. Yes, we need players, and hopefully we'll start seeing some signings in the next few days and weeks. But getting ones knickers ina twist that it hasn't happended yet is fantastically premature.

 

I've said it before, if we get to August and we haven't made any signings then I'll start to worry. Right now, I'm sure the club are doing all they need to being in the players AP needs.

[alpine_saint]

You don't think the current squad could get into the top 2 at the start of the season?

 

 

You don't need a massive squad for a good start, and we'll be putting out a very good team. why would davis, harding, jaidi, fonte, murty, puncheon, scheiderlin, hammon, lallana, lambert, barnard not be able to get top 2?

 

If they are all fit and firing on all cylinders, yes. A couple of injuries, and we are in trouble.

[alpine_saint]

If he isn't, then he is relying on few injuries and probably in reality is sealing his fate. Only by strengthening the squad, replacing the pace, and having duplication to cover the injuries are we going to be able to play a strong side in 46 league matches plus anything up to 60 in total including the three cups.

 

Spot on. Surprised it seems like rocket science to so many..

[NickG]

Bart, RB, Seaborne, Martin, Dickson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wooton, Holmes, Mills, Connolly

 

Not bad back up for league 1.

 

Think we will see RB, forward and CM at least, probably then winger

[The Kraken]

Spot on. Surprised it seems like rocket science to so many..

 

And there you are polarising opinion again just to suit your argument.

 

Not one person on this thread has disagreed with the fact that we need a number of players to boost the squad. The majority just aren't quite as bed-wettingly uppity as you about the fact that they haven't been signed before we've actually played a pre-season game.

Edited 1 July, 2010 by The Kraken