shurlock Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 (edited) From interviews, you get the impression that it will be more a case of quality than quantity - letting this season's momentum carry us and not disrupting a good team spirit. As such its quite conceivable we'll be looking at one or two premiership or thereabouts-type players. Only position that is close to a dead-cert is a pacy LM- N'guessan was brought in for the Puncheon who can now be sold and Lee Holmes will probably be released. Edited 8 May, 2011 by shurlock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Billy Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 It will be interesting to see what prem players become available with the annual clearout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StVince1966 Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 michael owen on a free will accept pay as you play deal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lighthouse Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 he played 4 games from season start (in Lamberts absence) before being injured himself. after several weeks he returned and came off the bench 3 times scoring once. He then sustained a more serious injury and was out for several months. When he returned he made 3 (very short sub apps,) and scored once, and finally came into the side after Barnard was injured....played 4 games from the start and scored twice, and was unfortunate not to score another, (as was seen) when he beat the (Plymouth ?) goalie all ends up... but hit the bar from a long way out. Some argue he is injury-prone and (at 33) he certainly has had his share, but he is in another class to all others in the squad. For me, like Pahars, I'd keep him as long as he could still run, because IF he stayed fit... I'd consider 15-20 goals in the CCC to be quite possible, aside from his obvious influence on the pitch as a role model for younger players. In total for season: started 8 games, came on as sub,(very short apps.) 6 times = 4 goals. Not Bad, eh? 4 goals in a season for a striker isn't bad? It's irrelevant WHY he only scored 4 goals. It's still only 4 goals. A 1-1 draw is a 1-1 draw. It doesn't say "1-1, but Southampton win because Connolly scored and he's different class." As for 15-20 in a season, you have got to be winding me up on that one? Connolly's last 5 years: 4 goals in 18 apps 7 goals in 23 apps 0 goals in 5 apps 13 goals in 39 apps 7 goals in 27 apps Hasn't reached double figures since 06/07 and you think he's suddenly going to get fit and start banging 'em in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkSFC Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 I'm hoping for 4 quality "first XI" players and one or two "up and coming" youngsters. I would expect a few sales/releases, Mills, Puncheon, Holmes, Forecast and Davis OR Bart. INS GK: Either someone very experienced like shay Given for a couple of years or a Joe Lewis type. CB: Someone in the mould of RJ, someone like Newton of Forest perhaps. CM: This is possibly the most important signing. I think we need a real ball winner who can dictate the game. Many have mentioned Jack Cork and he would be great. Mind you the way Morgan played for about 40 mins on Sat - after the first 15-20 - we may already have him. Even so we need someone better than we have. CF: Its vital that we get someone in better than we have. I don't think we lack a Ricky back-up as I think both Forte and Guly could "do a job" if needed. I would love is to sign CMS or Danny Graham. It would also be good to sign Dale Jennings as someone who is still developing and has huge potential and would be good back-up for Lallana. Its going to be an exciting summer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 if we had had Joe Lewis this season, and Peterborough had Kelvin - it would be them celebrating promotion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintandy666 Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 Midfield is great. Defence is largely fine: could perhaps do with another central defender(replace Jaidi if he is passed it? Though judging by recent performances, might not be necessary! Though I'm not entirely sure on Seabourne's quality yet... so central defender.) Up front: Could do with another addition, Connolly won't last another season and also just isn't good enough in my opinion, especially in the Championship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthportSaint Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 If the manager is going to be true to his "we're all on the bus" philosophy, then he will be loyal to the players who have got us this far, especially as the squad was assembled to play in the Championship. I think he will be mainly looking for the extra pace that we lack when AOC is missing. Not sure that we need another central midfielder, except maybe a squad player if we don't retain Stephens. I hope Butterfield is kept on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWD Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 if we had had Joe Lewis this season, and Peterborough had Kelvin - it would be them celebrating promotion This. Lewis is turd. Kelvin is God. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 God no! Bentley boys and foreign mercenaries? No thanks. We will not get out of the Championship without players with Premier League experience Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobM Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 I really don't think we need to replace Kelvin. He has another couple of good seasons in him and Bart is ready and waiting to take his place. I'd personally stick with KD for the next season and use every opportunity to get Bart in, when sensible to do so, with a view to those positions being swapped the year after. If we get to the Prem in one season, that's the only time I'd consider changing keepers. There will be many teams competing against us next season that would love to take KD off of our hands. Or Bart, for that matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobM Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 We will not get out of the Championship without players with Premier League experience Absolutely. Not necessarily an entire squad, but Prem experience in key positions. You get out of the CCC by being better than all the other teams. The other teams have CCC players, so we need to match and better that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dellman Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Someone says its going to be an exciting summer but Nigel says the squad doesn't need much change, I'll back Nigel. Our new club is not a selling club and it's not going to be a big buying club it's going to set a realistic business model and be an example of what's required in all football, and we'll win matches as well because the players will be secure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobM Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 I think it will be a dull summer. A few people leaving, only a two or three joining, no rumours, no drama, simple times. Oh, let's not forget the launch of a new kit... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 We will not get out of the Championship without players with Premier League experience What do Davis, BUtterfield, Jaidi, Chaplow & Connolly all have in common? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambol2K9 Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Dean Hammond will be a great squad player for us next year but i think we need a top quality CM with prem experience, someone that can really pull the strings. I'd rather see us bring in 2 or 3 quality players in select positions then a whole collection of squad players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasoneuelllfanclub Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 connolly is class and should be kept on as back up. need a right back. richardson doesnt inspire me. need a pacey CB, even fonte lacks genuine pace. a creative midfielder to provide competition with lallana and ox. it is proven with out lallana we are nowhere near as effective. cms would be a good signing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patred44 Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Clayton Donaldson of Crewe (30 goals this season) is refusing to sign a new contract. HCDAGJFU Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 connolly is class and should be kept on as back up. need a right back. richardson doesnt inspire me. need a pacey CB, even fonte lacks genuine pace. a creative midfielder to provide competition with lallana and ox. it is proven with out lallana we are nowhere near as effective. cms would be a good signing. What exactly is genuine pace? Johnno Quick pace in a centre back is very very rare, in fact i cant think of a single centre back that been known for their pace since Des Walker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eurosaint Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 I think we need a 'headline' signing first of all ( Michael Owen type or someone with huge respect in the game ?) as this would encourage other potential targets and show that we are seriously making a push for the big time ! Knowing NC and NA though it will probably all be very low key, but my suggestion does send out a message about our intenetions ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 (edited) connolly is class and should be kept on as back up. need a right back. richardson doesnt inspire me. need a pacey CB, even fonte lacks genuine pace. a creative midfielder to provide competition with lallana and ox. it is proven with out lallana we are nowhere near as effective. cms would be a good signing. this. I cant understand why anybody would think we ought to ditch him, he has been so effective even when not fully fit and coming off the bench, and tbf I dont think we would have cruised through the promotion run-in without him. Really excellent player. What exactly is genuine pace? Johnno Quick pace in a centre back is very very rare, in fact i cant think of a single centre back that been known for their pace since Des Walker. Agree with this as well. And fwiw I think Jaidi will do just fine in the NPC. Cant see NA making too many changes in the window myself. He has obviously been building a team to compete in a league above, and wholesale changes wouldnt help the cohesion we have now. Edited 9 May, 2011 by scotty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 We could go in for players released by the promoted teams - some good ones in QPR for example. For the most part though I think as others have said, Adkins will not want to disrupt the spirit of the side and we do have some good players here already that don't on the team sheet every week. There are goals in this team and I also reckon that the NPC will suit our style more than L1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasoneuelllfanclub Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 What exactly is genuine pace? Johnno Quick pace in a centre back is very very rare, in fact i cant think of a single centre back that been known for their pace since Des Walker. dont have be usain bolt but we are most vulrenable when we are up against pace. Example Peterborough away and even at sms against them they had quite a few chances due to their pace upfront. Jaidi will be fine against a big strong target man but we need a good pacey option at the back as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxstone Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 If Swansea don't go up then I would love us to make a cheeky bid for Pratley who is out of contract in the summer of course.. Great CCC player with the potential to cut it in the Prem too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerceSaint28 Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 IMO Release - Jaidi - free Connolly - free Holmes - free Seabourne - £200k Stephens - from loan N'Guessan - from loan Additions - Centre Back - one from Mancienne/ Kelvin Wilson/ Wes Morgan/ Matthew Mills/ Bikey/ Ashley Williams/ Emerson Boyce Right Back - one from Nathanial Clyne/ Tyrone Mears Left Back - Ryan Bertrand (loan) Centre Mid - one from Marvin Elliott/ Neil Danns/ Darren Pratley/ Jack Cork/ Andy King/ Hendry Thomas Wingers - Dale Jennings/ Jimmy Kebe/ Chris Eagles/ Wade Elliott/ Victor Moses/ Matt Phillips/ Max Gradel Strikers - one from James Vaughan/ CMS/ Steve Morrison/ Danny Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 What do Davis, BUtterfield, Jaidi, Chaplow & Connolly all have in common? Other tha Jaidi the rest are "failed" premier league players. My initial point was that it is pointless for people to keep listing other league one players as potential targets we should be concentrating on fringe Premier league players Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 We newd quality wide Midfield Guly is a great option but is not a grind out results Wide Right midfielder. We have to expect that AOC will be gone, let's face it it is all about the deal for him now. So again we are back to needing that option off the bench - maybe that would be Forte but I think we need a quality experienced RMF in that role Hammond & Chaplow are similar cover the miles players but we need someone BETTER than them to come in, having them as cover with MS gives us a decent MF. We still need that striker, but can we find someone BETTER than Rickie or DC? Finding a better quality player than Barnard is more easy BUT Barnard has those different strengths to defend from the front. So up front is the only place I see we need to add "cover" rather than quality. So 2 quality MF players and a cover striker, then it comes down to what the management believe Jaidi can do next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Other tha Jaidi the rest are "failed" premier league players. My initial point was that it is pointless for people to keep listing other league one players as potential targets we should be concentrating on fringe Premier league players Fringe Premier league players? Would they not also fit the "failed" premier league players category? I agree though, silly looking at L1 players unless they are the very best ones capable of player at a higher level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 IMO Release - Jaidi - free Connolly - free Holmes - free Seabourne - £200k Stephens - from loan N'Guessan - from loan Additions - Centre Back - one from Mancienne/ Kelvin Wilson/ Wes Morgan/ Matthew Mills/ Bikey/ Ashley Williams/ Emerson Boyce Right Back - one from Nathanial Clyne/ Tyrone Mears Left Back - Ryan Bertrand (loan) Centre Mid - one from Marvin Elliott/ Neil Danns/ Darren Pratley/ Jack Cork/ Andy King/ Hendry Thomas Wingers - Dale Jennings/ Jimmy Kebe/ Chris Eagles/ Wade Elliott/ Victor Moses/ Matt Phillips/ Max Gradel Strikers - one from James Vaughan/ CMS/ Steve Morrison/ Danny Graham So basically a new team then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmick Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Scott Parker center of midield and Mcail Smith playing just behind Ricky. That would do nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Scott Parker center of midield and Mcail Smith playing just behind Ricky. That would do nicely. I take it Scott Parker is a joke? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmick Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 I take it Scott Parker is a joke? Yeh, but a dominant playmaker like him is what we need. Danns is mentioned a lot but I've not seen him play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerceSaint28 Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 I take it you can't read where it says one from "one from".... We need about 5-6 players IMO...the group we had did very well but we need to improve in a few areas and add quality. Forgot to say Puncheon out BTW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Yeh, but a dominant playmaker like him is what we need. Danns is mentioned a lot but I've not seen him play. thank god for that, i hoped no one would seriously be mad enough to think England International and FWA footballer of the year, wanted by Tottenham in january would join Saints ahead of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithd Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 speed is what you need. i had the misfortune to watch leeds p*mpey earlier in the season and noticed the difference was how fast they played. both teams would have beaten us on the day and unless we improve on that score we will be lower mid table at best. i hate to say it but rickie lambert will struggle against quick strong defenders, and the target man might work at the 3rd tier but not higher. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 speed is what you need. i had the misfortune to watch leeds p*mpey earlier in the season and noticed the difference was how fast they played. both teams would have beaten us on the day and unless we improve on that score we will be lower mid table at best. i hate to say it but rickie lambert will struggle against quick strong defenders, and the target man might work at the 3rd tier but not higher. In that case we should get all the players out there chasing chickens pre season, it worked for Rocky Balboa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxstone Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 speed is what you need. i had the misfortune to watch leeds p*mpey earlier in the season and noticed the difference was how fast they played. both teams would have beaten us on the day and unless we improve on that score we will be lower mid table at best. i hate to say it but rickie lambert will struggle against quick strong defenders, and the target man might work at the 3rd tier but not higher. Disagree - Grant Holt has done a blinding job for Norwich this season and he is no more mobile than Rickie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithd Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Disagree - Grant Holt has done a blinding job for Norwich this season and he is no more mobile than Rickie. thats a fair point! An exception proving the rule Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintsmike25 Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 The only players we have a chance of signing on that list are... Bikey Clyne Danns Cork Jennings Elliot Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmel Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Out of contract players ARSENAL Manuel Almunia ASTON VILLA Brad Friedel Andy Marshall Eric Lichaj Luke Young Isaiah Osbourne Robert Pires Nigel Reo-Coker Moustapha Salifou John Carew BIRMINGHAM Colin Doyle Maik Taylor Stephen Carr Martin Jiranek David Murphy Stuart Parnaby Lee Bowyer Sebastian Larsson James McFadden Jordon Mutch Kevin Phillips BLACKBURN Pascal Chimbonda Michel Salgado Benjani Mwaruwari Jason Roberts BLACKPOOL Matthew Gilks Mark Halstead Richard Kingson Paul Rachubka Stephen Crainey Neal Eardley Rob Edwards Ian Evatt Dekel Keinan David Carney Jason Euel Malaury Martin Keith Southern David Vaughan Billy Clarke Brett Ormerod Gary Taylor-Fletcher BOLTON Adam Bogdan Jlloyd Samuel Gretar Steinsson Tamir Cohen Ricardo Gardner Joey O’Brien Mustapha Riga Robbie Blake Johan Elmander CHELSEA Henrique Hilario Jose Bosingwa EVERTON Iain Turner Seamus Coleman Victor Anichebe FULHAM Neil Etheridge Matthew Briggs John Pantsil Zoltan Gera Danny Murphy Eddie Johnson Diomansy Kamara LIVERPOOL Sotirios Kyrgiakos MANCHESTER CITY Shaleum Logan Patrick Vieira MANCHESTER UNITED Edwin van der Sar Gary Neville Ryan Giggs Owen Hargreaves Paul Scholes Michael Owen NEWCASTLE Sol Campbell Kazenga LuaLua STOKE Carlo Nash Thomas Sorensen Abdoulaye Faye Rory Delap Ricardo Fuller Eidur Gudjohnsen SUNDERLAND John Mensah David Meyler Boudewijn Zenden TOTTENHAM Carlo Cudicini William Gallas Jonathan Woodgate WEST BROM Dean Kiely Marek Cech Abdoulaye Meite Jonas Olsson Giles Barnes Simon Cox WEST HAM Robert Green Daniel Gabbidon Lars Jacobsen Jonathan Spector Matthew Upson Kieron Dyer Zavon Hines Victor Obinna WIGAN Mike Pollitt Stephen Caldwell Piscu Daniel De Ridder WOLVES Marcus Hahnemann Jody Craddock David Jones Michael Kightl Barnsley Martin Devaney Andy Gray Matt Hill Garry O'Connor David Preece Bristol City Louis Carey Lee Johnson Ivan Sproule Stephen Henderson John Akinde Pat Hoban Jimmy Keohane Joe Edwards Danny Ball Burnley Wade Elliott Chris McCann Steven Thompson Kevin McDonald Remco van der Schaaf Cardiff Jay Bothroyd Chris Burke Adam Matthews Gavin Rae Coventry Nathan Cameron Lee Carsley Jordan Clarke Aron Gunnarsson Danny Ireland Marlon King Michael McIndoe Stephen O'Halloran Isaac Osbourne Kieren W******d Connor Grogan Shaun Jeffers Michael Quirke Crystal Palace Neil Danns Claude Davis Steffen Iversen Derby Michael Boulding Saul Deeney Chris Porter Doncaster Steve Brooker James Chambers Paul Keegan Dean Shiels Dennis Souza Neill Sullivan Wayne Thomas Ryan Burge Byron Webster Hull Nick Barmby Matt Duke Craig Fagan Richard García Mark Oxley Nolberto Solano Kevin Kilbane Anthony Gardner Will Atkinson Ipswich Troy Brown Damien Delaney Tom Eastman Carlos Edwards Colin Healy Conor Hourihane Luke Hyam Arran Lee-Barrett Gareth McAuley Brian Murphy David Norris Alan Quinn Kevin Lisbie Pablo Counago Leeds Shane Higgs Bradley Johnson Neil Kilkenny Patrick Kisnorbo Richard Naylor Zac Thompson Will Hatfield Leicester Ricardo Aleksandar Tunchev Darius Vassell Middlesbrough Julio Arca Danny Coyne Willo Flood Andrew Taylor Millwall Shaun Batt Danny Schofield Marc Laird Andy Frampton John Sullivan Norwich Jens Berthel Askou Matthew Gill Josh Dawkin Sam Habergham Matthew Ball Nottingham Forest Dele Adebola Julian Bennett Robert Earnshaw Guy Moussi Zannetos Mytides Nialle Rodney Portsmouth Michael Brown Nadir Ciftci Darryl Flahavan Hermann Hreidarsson Richard Hughes David Nugent Danny Webber Peter Gregory Tom Kilbey Preston Andreas Arestidou Chris Brown Darren Carter Jamie Douglas Billy Jones Neal Trotman QPR Radek Cerny Heidar Helguson Peter Ramage Martin Rowlands Danny s**ttu Georgios Tofas Gavin Mahon Reading Brynjar Gunnarsson Ivar Ingimarsson Hal Robson-Kanu S****horpe United David Mirfin Joe Murphy Eddie Nolan Sam Slocombe Josh Wright Paris Cowan-Hall Ian Morris Sheffield United Ryan France Rob Kozluk Swansea Ferrie Bodde Thomas Butler Dorus de Vries Yves Ma-Kalambay Darren Pratley Angel Rangel Albert Serran Cederic Van der Gun Gorka Pintado Watford Dale Bennett Don Cowie Matt Whichelow Nathan Ellington Rob Kiernan Mat Sadler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a1ex2001 Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 thats a fair point! An exception proving the rule The Chamionship is full of big lumps playing upfront, just about every side has one be it Hiedur Helgusson or Jay Bothroyd last time we were in the champ the most common complaint on here was that we didn't have a massive out house of a centre back capable of dealing with all the big lumps we cam up against. I think Rickie will be pretty effective in the Championship especially against some of the lower ability teams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 FFS - Rickie is not a target man, though. He wins a few headers but he loses far more than you would expect from a 'big lump'. He's a big lad but is much better when the ball is played his feet and he's dropping deep and picking out passes- he's a converted AM. Arguably Barnard holds up the ball better RL. As to the targetmen in the NPC, you're more likely to find that big lumps are a bit more mobile and athletic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyb1 Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 I'm hoping for 4 quality "first XI" players and one or two "up and coming" youngsters. I would expect a few sales/releases, Mills, Puncheon, Holmes, Forecast and Davis OR Bart. INS GK: Either someone very experienced like shay Given for a couple of years or a Joe Lewis type. CB: Someone in the mould of RJ, someone like Newton of Forest perhaps. CM: This is possibly the most important signing. I think we need a real ball winner who can dictate the game. Many have mentioned Jack Cork and he would be great. Mind you the way Morgan played for about 40 mins on Sat - after the first 15-20 - we may already have him. Even so we need someone better than we have. CF: Its vital that we get someone in better than we have. I don't think we lack a Ricky back-up as I think both Forte and Guly could "do a job" if needed. I would love is to sign CMS or Danny Graham. It would also be good to sign Dale Jennings as someone who is still developing and has huge potential and would be good back-up for Lallana. Its going to be an exciting summer! Shay Given??????? He'll be at Arsenal or Utd next season... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 (edited) 4 goals in a season for a striker isn't bad? It's irrelevant WHY he only scored 4 goals. It's still only 4 goals. A 1-1 draw is a 1-1 draw. It doesn't say "1-1, but Southampton win because Connolly scored and he's different class." As for 15-20 in a season, you have got to be winding me up on that one? Connolly's last 5 years: 4 goals in 18 apps 7 goals in 23 apps 0 goals in 5 apps 13 goals in 39 apps 7 goals in 27 apps Hasn't reached double figures since 06/07 and you think he's suddenly going to get fit and start banging 'em in? I would have thought everyone realised he'd been out injured for most of the season, but the fact that he managed those 4 goals in 8 starts and a couple of short sub. apps. does show that he can still cut it. Besides, being a striker isn't just about scoring yourself. Brett Ormerod (recognised by many as a good pairing with James Beattie (who did score goals ) only managed 11 goals from 98 apps. in over 4 seasons with Saints. Your own stats. show that Connolly hasn't played full season - or even half seasons, but he can still put in good performances. I'd like to think (and I'm sure you would also ) ...see him fully fit, available for selection and scoring goals next season. Edited 9 May, 2011 by david in sweden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alanh Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 FFS - Rickie is not a target man, though. He wins a few headers but he loses far more than you would expect from a 'big lump'. He's a big lad but is much better when the ball is played his feet and he's dropping deep and picking out passes- he's a converted AM. Arguably Barnard holds up the ball better RL. As to the targetmen in the NPC, you're more likely to find that big lumps are a bit more mobile and athletic. Football is all about opinions but I would say that the one thing that LB can't do is hold the ball up with his back to goal. Any long ball played into him invariably bounces off and his second touch needs to be a tackle. He's great at other things, gets shots away and has a poachers instinct, but for me he'll struggle in the Championship and is the main reason why we need another striker. RL is excellent with the ball at his feet. He has great close control and can pick out a great pass. He might not have too much pace but that's what we will need to buy in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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