no forwards.....

[modern matron]

and then there was one..........

[modern matron]

.......why no loanee???

[WATERSIDEIFASAINT]

Who else is really worried by the fact we supposedly have wanted a back up striker all summer and then meant to be getting a loan and still no sign of one arriving!!!

 

Are we skint? Does no one want to join us? Surely there must be some decent strikers out there who could do a job for us.

 

If we don't get this sorted soon this could seriously derail our starting recovery.One fit striker for a team that wants to go places this season is unbelievable and I can't believe how long it is taking to sort out.We don't even know if they are prioritising getting a striker in as they never talk to the fans these days

[Saint Fan CaM]

Have to say that with the Barnard incident looming large, we are looking extremely lightweight and especially with Lambert not firing on six. There's Doble, who is a 1st team listed player and a lad with an international call up, however I cannot believe he is the answer. As De Prado came on as a striker in the Cherries game (i.e. being played out of position), it tends to suggest to me that there is no intention to bring in a new player.

 

It is quite disappointing that there is seemingly very little spoken about the 1st team make-up by the club, including intentions regarding new players. The 'round-up' section on Saintsplayer could quite easily provide some more info if someone had the gumption to do it.

[NickG]

not sure what Guly's best position is, some reports from overseas put him as a forward

[david in sweden]

except Rickie, Connelly out, Barnard needs an op for a hernia! Poor old Nigel has been left with a very empty squad hopefully NC will back him in the loan market quickly. Surely we can't afford to wait with 3 games in a week next week......

 

well I don't think we're likely to pick up a seasoned striker on a free or even a loan at this stage of the season, but I enjoyed the days ..way back in the 1960's when (in a generation with only one sub.on the bench) ...players had to assume another role in an emergency and playing with 10 men.

 

I can recall full back Stuart Wiliams being injured in a derby clash at the Dell with Po*pey , coming back on the field with a bandaged head - and scoring from a subsequent corner kick. Jimmy Gabriel (ex Everton) was surely one of the most versatile players ever to don a Saints shirt, actually played in SIX diff. positions one season, including a spell at centre forward. As did Bobby Stokes and Paul Gilchrist who initially were midfielders.

 

Left back David Peach played some useful games as a striker in the mid 1970's, and also still holds the League record for goals (mostly pens.) from a full back. Some of that generation of fans will also recall the " super sub legend " that grew up around players like Tony Funnell and later. the very young Steve Moran. Although Moran made the grade, Funnel could not repeat those goalscoring feats whenever he was picked from the start.

Dave Puckett and Craig Maskell (both rattled in dozens of goals for Dave Merringtons Reserves sides,) and were useful replacements in the mid 80's period...then came Le Tiss. and the unforgettable Nicky Banger came off the bench to score in three successive games in our first Prem season 92-93) and later Jo Tessem, press-ganged into any number of positions in emegencies, often popped-up with point-saving /winning goals.

 

So who do we have to turn to now?. Well we have quite a few big defenders available, and so Butterfield (prev Palace hat-trick star) is surely worth a shout, and as long as we have a good central defence ..so why not try Fonte up front for a game or two - as support for Lambert?. Certainly we must have a good solution for the rest of the season depending on the Barnard affair, and the injury situation with Connolly and Lallana.

 

MY only real question is : WHO " wasn't concerned enough" to sign extra strike cover during the summer ..AP ..or NC ?

Edited 7 October, 2010 by david in sweden