Who should we get in as Lambert's back up?

[modern matron]

Just as a change of subject anyone agree that we need a backup for Rickie?After the first 2 games it seems to me Barnard and Connelly are interchangeable but not good enough to replace Rickie or start together. A Rob Hulse/ Steve Howard type player maybe on loan? Ideas anyone?

[Professor]

Agree, having seen both make some nice touches and layoffs against Plymouth but they just don't seem to work as a pairing. We do have Ryan Doble, who came on for Connolly in the Reading game. Although it doesn't seem clear whether his best position is MF or striker, he does appear to be genuine prospect and at 19 could be ready for his chance as Rickie's understudy.

[saintmonkey1979]

A back up to Rickie should be another player with a physical prescence who other teams will double up on when marking, able to unsettle defenders, strong, good in the air and know where the goal is. Although nowhere near as prolific, I think that Jon Parkin would fit the bill for this role. This league, IMO, would suit him. Not sure he would come here to warm the bench but I reckon he'd be well worth a shout.

[Ivan Katalinic's 'tache]

I'd go for Marcus Bent. Different type of striker in that he's more about pace and power (& ignoring that fact he probably wouldn't want to be here just as Rickie's back-up!) but still about 6ft 1, so should also have some physical presence in the air too. Would also give us the option to play him with Rickie, without leaving us with 2 identical strikers on the pitch, which would limit the way we can play.

[St. Jason]

Just as a change of subject anyone agree that we need a backup for Rickie?After the first 2 games it seems to me Barnard and Connelly are interchangeable but not good enough to replace Rickie or start together. A Rob Hulse/ Steve Howard type player maybe on loan? Ideas anyone?

 

I've been saying for months I'd love to see Beattie back here, how realistic that is I don't know but, he looks like he's heading for Rangers so he's obviously given up on England FC and is happy playing Championship football! Could he be talked into playing for an ambitious club looking for promotion and a return to the premiership, a city where his wife and her family come from, a club he regularly turns out for charity games, come on NC what a signing and boost to the club that would be???

[Thedelldays]

I've been saying for months I'd love to see Beattie back here, how realistic that is I don't know but, he looks like he's heading for Rangers so he's obviously given up on England FC and is happy playing Championship football! Could he be talked into playing for an ambitious club looking for promotion and a return to the premiership, a city where his wife and her family come from, a club he regularly turns out for charity games, come on NC what a signing and boost to the club that would be???

beattie was never a hope in hell this year IMO

[VectisSaint]

I've been saying for months I'd love to see Beattie back here, how realistic that is I don't know but, he looks like he's heading for Rangers so he's obviously given up on England FC and is happy playing Championship football! Could he be talked into playing for an ambitious club looking for promotion and a return to the premiership, a city where his wife and her family come from, a club he regularly turns out for charity games, come on NC what a signing and boost to the club that would be???

No, he's already signed for Rangers, 2 year deal with option for 3rd

[St. Jason]

No, he's already signed for Rangers, 2 year deal with option for 3rd

 

Oh pooooooo!

 

That's the end of that dream then, he would of been a great signing though, all in my opinion, obviously!!

 

I'm lost now then, for me it'd need to be a high profile striker, with pedigree, I'm all for up and coming players like Oxslade etc but I'd just love a signing that excites!!!

[dune]

We need someone to play alongside Rickie if truth be told.

[Turkish]

some of you are mental, Beattie had the option of Rangers where he will probably win at least one trophy every season and champions league football or Blackburn, his first team and the one he supports. Why on earth would he drop down two leagues to sit on the bench as cover for Rickie Lambert and please dont say if we offered him enough money he'd do it, because it'll be the stick you will use to beat ANY player with if they dont play like Maradona every game.

[Deppo]

This might seem a little 'out there' but what about James Beattie? He is unsettled and won't get a game at Stoke this season, from what I have heard. Might enjoy the chance to come back.

[Deppo]

Or someone else mentioned Zoltan Liptak. He came once, why not again?

[Thedelldays]

This might seem a little 'out there' but what about James Beattie? He is unsettled and won't get a game at Stoke this season, from what I have heard. Might enjoy the chance to come back.

 

good shout

[saints_is_the_south]

Brett Pittman would be a good shout imo.

[saintmonkey1979]

This might seem a little 'out there' but what about James Beattie? He is unsettled and won't get a game at Stoke this season, from what I have heard. Might enjoy the chance to come back.

 

Is this tongue in cheek?

[Deppo]

Brett Pittman would be a good shout imo.

 

But would he take a wage-cut?

[Matthew Le God]

This might seem a little 'out there' but what about James Beattie? He is unsettled and won't get a game at Stoke this season, from what I have heard. Might enjoy the chance to come back.

 

Are you joking? He signed for Glasgow Rangers yesterday.

[goso]

What about Jonathan Obika (Spurs) or Fabio Borini (Chelsea) ?

[Turkish]

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is available as Man City want him, he fits the bill as a big strong striker and only wants £500k a week if the mirror is to be believed. I know its a little 'out there' but surely he would rather play in league one and the JPT than the champions league, La Liga, Serie A or the Premier league. Might enjoy the chance to play for an ambitious club like us.

[SaintRichmond]

Just as a change of subject anyone agree that we need a backup for Rickie?After the first 2 games it seems to me Barnard and Connelly are interchangeable but not good enough to replace Rickie or start together. A Rob Hulse/ Steve Howard type player maybe on loan? Ideas anyone?

 

The question to ask yourself is

 

Who would want to come as BACKUP ????

 

Answer .... No-one

 

Every player wants First Team Football

[Deppo]

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is available as Man City want him, he fits the bill as a big strong striker and only wants £500k a week if the mirror is to be believed. I know its a little 'out there' but surely he would rather play in league one and the JPT than the champions league, La Liga, Serie A or the Premier league. Might enjoy the chance to play for an ambitious club like us.

 

No Chancw!!!

[rooney]

Too many TSW Fan have high hopes. We will not get a player in his prime as he will not wish to sit on the bench each week and only have a bit part to play. Steve Howard would be admirable. He bullied us out of the play-offs against Derby a few years ago. Obviously past his best for the big time, but for a third division side with our purpose-ideal.

[Turkish]

Too many TSW Fan have high hopes. We will not get a player in his prime as he will not wish to sit on the bench each week and only have a bit part to play. Steve Howard would be admirable. He bullied us out of the play-offs against Derby a few years ago. Obviously past his best for the big time, but for a third division side with our purpose-ideal.

 

Spot on, people seem to forget we are a league one club and any player worth their salt wants to play and play at the highest level they can. Some comments on here that we can sign whoever we want are laughable and for anyone to seriously think we could sign Beattie or Craig Bellamy like some suggested, they seriously need their head testing.

[Give it to Ron]

Rowan Vine.

 

Also why does he have to be a back up....why cant we play 2 big lumps up front in some games?

[Turkish]

No Chancw!!!

 

No, No, i seriously think we can get him.

[Deppo]

No, No, i seriously think we can get him.

 

Oh yeah right, so we can sign Ibrahimavic from Barca but we are too small to sign Beattie and Bellamy!

 

Hypo, add him to your mentalist files!

[RonManager]

No Chancw!!!

 

No Chancw?

NO CHANCW?

You come on here spouting No Chancw and expect to get away with it?

 

Disgraceful beehiveour

[St. Jason]

Spot on, people seem to forget we are a league one club and any player worth their salt wants to play and play at the highest level they can. Some comments on here that we can sign whoever we want are laughable and for anyone to seriously think we could sign Beattie or Craig Bellamy like some suggested, they seriously need their head testing.

 

Yea quite right, next thing people will start linking Sol Campbell with Nott's................................oh **** yea!

 

Bellamy, of course not, not a chance, even if we were Championship but Beattie, why not? Obviously i don't mean as back up for Lambert, more a partnership with the added bonus that if 1 was injured you'd still have a big man coupled with Connelly!

 

You are right Blackburn is his home town club but this is where his wife comes from, a footballers wife's life is a lonely one and many players move clubs so they can either be A. Close to the family and training ground or B. The wife is close to her family and friends!

 

Personally I think any player that signs for either Celtic or Rangers are showing their intent on retirement and would say it's probably harder to win the JPT with Saints than the SPL with Rangers!

[Turkish]

Oh yeah right, so we can sign Ibrahimavic from Barca but we are too small to sign Beattie and Bellamy!

 

Hypo, add him to your mentalist files!

 

If rumours on here from a few weeks ago are true then Xavi is on his way too, i've love to see them both in a saints shirt before the end of the transfer window.

[Turkish]

Yea quite right, next thing people will start linking Sol Campbell with Nott's................................oh **** yea!

 

Bellamy, of course not, not a chance, even if we were Championship but Beattie, why not? Obviously i don't mean as back up for Lambert, more a partnership with the added bonus that if 1 was injured you'd still have a big man coupled with Connelly!

 

You are right Blackburn is his home town club but this is where his wife comes from, a footballers wife's life is a lonely one and many players move clubs so they can either be A. Close to the family and training ground or B. The wife is close to her family and friends!

 

Personally I think any player that signs for either Celtic or Rangers are showing their intent on retirement and would say it's probably harder to win the JPT with Saints than the SPL with Rangers!

 

Because the Sol Campbell thing worked out brilliantly didnt it. Where did he end up after ONE game for Notts County? If you seriously think Beattie would chose us a league one side over Rangers, one of the biggest teams in Britain and the chance of playing champions league football and winning at least one trophy if not more a season, then you are mad. Also can you say why would moving to the scottish league be seen as intent of retirement and dropping down two divisions, when you have the option of PL or champions league football, not be?

Edited 14 August, 2010 by Turkish

[RonManager]

If rumours on here from a few weeks ago are true then Xavi is on his way too, i've love to see them both in a saints shirt before the end of the transfer window.

 

Meh, I think we can do better.

[ohwhenthesaints]

Anyone seen this Tony Garrod guy play? Apparently he's a tall striker. We don't need someone necessarily good at scoring goals, just somebody who Barnard or Connolly could feed off as that's the way they like to play. A league 1 Emile Heskey, if you will.

[Thedelldays]

Because the Sol Campbell thing worked out brilliantly didnt it. Where did he end up after ONE game for Notts County? If you seriously think Beattie would chose us a league one side over Rangers, one of the biggest teams in Britain and the chance of playing champions league football and winning at least one trophy if not more a season, then you are mad. Also can you say why would moving to the scottish league be seen as intent of retirement and dropping down two divisions, when you have the option of PL or champions league football, not be?

 

beattie for saints.....LOL

[St. Jason]

Because the Sol Campbell thing worked out brilliantly didnt it. Where did he end up after ONE game for Notts County? If you seriously think Beattie would chose us a league one side over Rangers, one of the biggest teams in Britain and the chance of playing champions league football and winning at least one trophy if not more a season, then you are mad. Also can you say why would moving to the scottish league be seen as intent of retirement and dropping down two divisions, when you have the option of PL or champions league football not be?

 

What happened with Sol and Nott's County has no relevance to this conversation, the point is he SIGNED for County!!!

 

If Beattie signed for us he'd have the chance of winning at least 2 trophies, a championship and promotion all in 1 season! As for the Champions League,,,,,,,, do they even qualify by winning the SPL any more, do they not have to go through the qualifying rounds because the SPL is so weak now??

 

SPL, because that is dropping down at least 1 division, PL, that's a bit more difficult to argue against. I suppose it comes down to what they are offering, if they are offering a cameo role, warm the bench for league games with the chance of 10 mins here and there and play most Carling cup games against playing for a Championship winning team, a team returning to Wembley with massive ambition of rejoining the Premier League then I believe it starts to become a harder decision for James to make. Add family ties and location to it then yes, call me mad but I feel there is an argument FOR Saints!!

Edited 14 August, 2010 by St. Jason

[ChrisPY]

Glenn Murray (Brighton)

Kayode Odejayi (Colchester)

[Turkish]

What happened with Sol and Nott's County has no relevance to this conversation, the point is he SIGNED for County!!!

 

If Beattie signed for us he'd have the chance of winning at least 2 trophies, a championship and promotion all in 1 season! As for the Champions League,,,,,,,, do they even qualify by winning the SPL any more, do they not have to go through the qualifying rounds because the SPL is so weak now??

 

Oh please, so why did you bring it up then? You were using it as a point that a 'top' player will drop down the leagues. However, Sol Campbell signed and quit after ONE game, because he realised it is a **** division he was playing in. If anything he is an advert as to why no top flight player should droop down a couple of leagues.

 

As for Rangers, well he has a great chance of winning two proper cups up there and the scottish title and play in the champions league and will play in front of 45,000 fantical fans every week and play in one of the biggest Derbies in world football 4 times a season. Regardless of if they have to qualify for the champions league or not he still has the chance to play in it, something he would never get if he joined L1 Saints! If you seriously think we are a better option than Rangers you are mental and i clearly have to much time on my hands trying to explain this!

[Turkish]

beattie for saints.....LOL

 

But Jamie, some people seriously believe he would pick us over Rangers.

[St. Jason]

Oh please, so why did you bring it up then? You were using it as a point that a 'top' player will drop down the leagues. However, Sol Campbell signed and quit after ONE game, because he realised it is a **** division he was playing in. If anything he is an advert as to why no top flight player should droop down a couple of leagues.

 

As for Rangers, well he has a great chance of winning two proper cups up there and the scottish title and play in the champions league and will play in front of 45,000 fantical fans every week and play in one of the biggest Derbies in world football 4 times a season. Regardless of if they have to qualify for the champions league or not he still has the chance to play in it, something he would never get if he joined L1 Saints! If you seriously think we are a better option than Rangers you are mental and i clearly have to much time on my hands trying to explain this!

 

My point with Sol is simply he did sign for a lower league club, what happens after that is irrelevant as he did sign (note I hate Sol, he is the sort of mercenary footballer I hate)

 

Yes, everything you say about Rangers is true, my initial point was why not Beattie? Yes when go up against a club like Rangers you'r going to struggle to compete but that's not to say that if we'd gone for him back in June when Rangers where still unable to sign players we could of pulled of a major coup!!

[Turkish]

My point with Sol is simply he did sign for a lower league club, what happens after that is irrelevant as he did sign (note I hate Sol, he is the sort of mercenary footballer I hate)

 

Yes, everything you say about Rangers is true, my initial point was why not Beattie? Yes when go up against a club like Rangers you'r going to struggle to compete but that's not to say that if we'd gone for him back in June when Rangers where still unable to sign players we could of pulled of a major coup!!

 

Yes he signed, for £50K + a week a believe. Then quit after one game as he knew he'd made a mistake. What would you think if that had happened to us?

 

Are you another one that just believes transfers happen over night? Do you not think Beattie knew about Rangers interest long before he signed or that they just made a bid one day and the next he joined? I dont want to p*ss on your parade so you carry on believing current premier league players are falling over themselves to join us.

[ART]

Third time lucky and Kevin Davis must be just at the right timing of his career to accept an opportunity tht Saints could offer him. He's big, rough and would be the perfect foil and back up of Ricky. I know some will think to his past record but Pardew's just the man to squeeze the very best out of him.

[Robsk II]

What about James Beattie?

[Kenilworthy]

>Third time lucky and Kevin Davis must be just at the right timing of his career

 

I can't image him dropping to L1, especially with the way things are going he might get picked for England. If we go up then I could see KD as a very realistic target next season. Steve Howard would work. However there are any number of big lump centre forwards out there in League 1 and 2 that none of us have ever heard of who would do a job. Until the FA Cup game, how many of us knew anything about Lambert?

[Turkish]

What happened with Sol and Nott's County has no relevance to this conversation, the point is he SIGNED for County!!!

 

If Beattie signed for us he'd have the chance of winning at least 2 trophies, a championship and promotion all in 1 season! As for the Champions League,,,,,,,, do they even qualify by winning the SPL any more, do they not have to go through the qualifying rounds because the SPL is so weak now??

 

SPL, because that is dropping down at least 1 division, PL, that's a bit more difficult to argue against. I suppose it comes down to what they are offering, if they are offering a cameo role, warm the bench for league games with the chance of 10 mins here and there and play most Carling cup games against playing for a Championship winning team, a team returning to Wembley with massive ambition of rejoining the Premier League then I believe it starts to become a harder decision for James to make. Add family ties and location to it then yes, call me mad but I feel there is an argument FOR Saints!!

 

Joining an SPL team is dropping down one league. What is joining a L1 side then? This is dropping down two leagues!! At the very best most optimistic case we will be a PL side in two years, absolute best, he'll be 34 by then, in reality it's probably going to take 3 years at least. In reality this is his last decent contract, if i were him i'd rather play champions league football and win scottish league titles in front of 45,000 fans at home than in L1 and the championship. There is no argument for Saints.

[Thedelldays]

Joining an SPL team is dropping down one league. What is joining a L1 side then? This is dropping down two leagues!! At the very best most optimistic case we will be a PL side in two years, absolute best, he'll be 34 by then, in reality it's probably going to take 3 years at least. In reality this is his last decent contract, if i were him i'd rather play champions league football and win scottish league titles in front of 45,000 fans at home than in L1 and the championship. There is no argument for Saints.

 

totally agree...I really do wonder if some people on here really get how massive rangers and celtic are....when they have a pop at players joining them

[Tac-tics]

Rowan Vine

Chris Woods

[redkeith]

Woods would be great, but I think he will play a big part for WBA this year.

 

John Macken is still available on a free. Big bruiser, doesn't score much but could mix it up a bit.

[St. Jason]

Yes he signed, for £50K + a week a believe. Then quit after one game as he knew he'd made a mistake. What would you think if that had happened to us?

 

Are you another one that just believes transfers happen over night? Do you not think Beattie knew about Rangers interest long before he signed or that they just made a bid one day and the next he joined? I dont want to p*ss on your parade so you carry on believing current premier league players are falling over themselves to join us.

 

We are just going round and round in circles here I think probably best just to agree to disagree dont you before in degenerates into name calling and other personal insults!

 

Just to round up -

 

1. of course I wouldn't be happy if a player signed then p1ssed of after 1 game but the point being made was would a current premier league player drop 2 divisions so, yes

2. No I don't think players sign overnight but I also know it usually doesn't take 4 months.

3. No I don't think there is a queue of Premiership players waiting to join us, but I do believe we are an attractive, ambitious up and coming club that can compete in the transfer front.

4. seeing as Beattie is the first signing Rangers have made in 2 years knowing they were interested and actually signing are completely different.

 

As I say, lets agree to disagree!

[St. Jason]

totally agree...I really do wonder if some people on here really get how massive rangers and celtic are....when they have a pop at players joining them

 

Massive football clubs, are they really Dell Days??

 

Yes they have massive following and the Derbies make Saints v Pompey look like friendlies but as FOOTBALL CLUBS are they massive? Can you see them competing in the Champions League, I dont mean playing actually competing? Can you see them competing in the transfer market with even Championship sides?? The league is so poor they play each other 4 times???

 

Yes us signing Beattie was a massive ask, but was/is it really that hard to see? Maybe it is, I don't know, maybe my expectations have been lifted but I do see us as an exciting prospect for players coming to the end of thier Premiership careers!

[Thedelldays]

Massive football clubs, are they really Dell Days??

 

Yes they have massive following and the Derbies make Saints v Pompey look like friendlies but as FOOTBALL CLUBS are they massive? Can you see them competing in the Champions League, I dont mean playing actually competing? Can you see them competing in the transfer market with even Championship sides?? The league is so poor they play each other 4 times???

 

Yes us signing Beattie was a massive ask, but was/is it really that hard to see? Maybe it is, I don't know, maybe my expectations have been lifted but I do see us as an exciting prospect for players coming to the end of thier Premiership careers!

yes..they are massive...glasgow is a huge city and pretty much all rangers and celtic....as is much of scotland..

I have been all over the world and you see as many rangers and celtic tops etc as you do man u/liverpool..

 

yes, they are in decline...but they are massive clubs

[St. Jason]

yes..they are massive...glasgow is a huge city and pretty much all rangers and celtic....as is much of scotland..

I have been all over the world and you see as many rangers and celtic tops etc as you do man u/liverpool..

 

yes, they are in decline...but they are massive clubs

 

I agree Dell Days, I said they have massive following and I know Glasgow is a massive 2 team city, but on a purely football basis they are nothing. They are and probably never will be Champions League contenders, they will never be signing Drogba, Ronaldo etc, massive clubs with massive following but pretty small on the footy map!