Ambition - where's the evidence?

[NickG]

If we do have ambition, we have to demonstrate it in the way that Brighton and Poyet have clearly done to Mackail-Smith, so, where's the evidence?

 

is ambition in management generally seen as selling your two best players and buying a player playing a league below?

[southamptonfc]

I'm no professor, what is a 'marquee' signing? The most relevant definition I can see on wiki is "Australian soccer A-League whose salary is exempt from capping"

[Window Cleaner]

is ambition in management generally seen as selling your two best players and buying a player playing a league below?

 

Don't understand what you're getting at there, Murray was out of contract and wanted to move on and CMS is from the same level.

 

Anyway I don't really see any lack of ambition at SMS just a solid confidence in the players we already have,at least until it can be seen how they perform one level up.

[NickG]

Norwich didn't show much ambition last close season - biggest name Surman? How did they do?

 

someone's post a few pages back prompted me to look at Norwich's activity from last year. Stats are from wiki but may be of interest to some.

 

Date---------------Pos- Name--------------From----------------------Fee

21 May 2010------MF- Andrew Crofts -----Brighton & Hove Albion -£300,000[4][5]

4 June 2010-------MF- David Fox ---------Colchester United --------Undisclosed[6]

22 June 2010------MF- Andrew Surman --Wolverhampton ----------Undisclosed[7]

1 July 2010--------DF- Elliott Ward -------Coventry City -------------Free[8]

1 July 2010--------DF- Steven Smith -----Rangers -------------------Free[9]

5 July 2010--------GK- John Ruddy -------Everton ------------------Undisclosed[10]

15 July 2010-------FW- Simeon Jackson --Gillingham ---------------Undisclosed[11]

26 August 2010----DF- Leon Barnett -----West Bromwich Albion ---Loan[20]

22 November 2010-MF- Henri Lansbury --Arsenal -------------------Loan[21]

 

add to that, the fact that the held on to their first team from the season before.

[hypochondriac]

Who exactly has said both?

 

It's a regular refrain from posters. Check the original cms thread or the one about sharp. posters always say there is better available. I hope for our sake it's true.

[COMEONYOUREDS]

another thread full of hysterical nonsense.

 

where's the ambition? how about turning down 10million for a 17 year old in january

[hypochondriac]

another thread full of hysterical nonsense.

 

where's the ambition? how about turning down 10million for a 17 year old in january

 

Reportedly. Also its not ambitious if you are planning to sell him the following summer. Just saying... (also unfortunate that you couldn't make your point without referring to hysterical nonsense which only serves to give your opinion less impact.)

[wild-saint]

Completely disagree with Prof.....

 

In the way he has assumed it is about lacking ambition.....

 

I just have a nagging concern that he has identified a lack of activity but has given it the wrong tag-line.

 

I get the feeling that we may actually be waiting for money to become available rather than lacking ambition. My personal view is that it seems that we need to sell to buy. No clear evidence for that of course, a smattering of occassional mumbles and grumbles is matched with a plethora of positive PR statements.

 

If you remove the ambition line and then speculate that maybe the "Family" have not released "a budget" YET for this coming season then the effect could be the same.

 

Think we will discover that this is about a mixture. I may have a part of it, reluctance to sign may be a part of it. Also, again MANY on here have forgotten that we have a structure where NA is NOT the man pursuing players - he will have identified areas he wants to strengthen and then given that "position list" to The back-office team led by Les Read to go find him suitable candidates.

I will stick with the I'm a bit twitchy as to whether we have the funds in place (TODAY) for the next season side of the fence. I think the ambition line is the wrong take on it.

 

That bit is bullshyte. I know someone who works with Les Read closely and whilst they wont divulge any information on signings etc it is clear that NA makes the decisions on who to sign based on budgets available. Others have an input but NA calls the shots.

 

They did hint that there is a vibe around the cub at the moment that things are starting to happen. Again when pressed the NC silence police threat meant lips were sealed much to my frustration.

[saint1977]

As I posted yesterday, I think the strategy is to go for a smaller number (maybe 3) of higher quality players that if fit and not totally out of form will be near automatic first XI picks. These players are much coveted and often the selling club is more reluctant to part company and the agents play more games. So patience may be needed.

 

Also, we may be playing a "Norwich" strategy - they did this in 2003/4 and last year when there was a pause between wealthy clubs coming down and possibly going back up - none of last year's relegated clubs were capable of mounting a challenge. You can't say that this year with Big Sam at West Ham, McClaren at Forest and most of all Sven at Leicester. Perhaps we are going to have a bit of a go this year - aim top 10 and maybe creep into top 6 - but build 95% of a team that is hardened to be champions next year when those clubs have gone and we push the boat out then for the players that really enhance our chances and that can step up with less problems?

[Chez]

Just to help explain what would count as a marquee signing - Mackail-Smith a marquee signing for Brighton. Nolan, a marquee signing for West Ham. Factors are international status, performance, transfer fee. I'm not suggesting Saints need a marquee signing to show ambition, just a couple of players of recognised quality and immediate first IX selections would do it. I am saying that Jack Cork, who seems to have been our most likely incomer, whilst he has quality and like Lallana has made the England u-21 squad, is not at the marquee level and so far he's still not here anyway.

 

not too many current England U-21 international ply their trade outside the top flight.

[saintscottofthenortham]

Completely disagree with Prof.....

 

In the way he has assumed it is about lacking ambition.....

 

I just have a nagging concern that he has identified a lack of activity but has given it the wrong tag-line.

 

I get the feeling that we may actually be waiting for money to become available rather than lacking ambition. My personal view is that it seems that we need to sell to buy. No clear evidence for that of course, a smattering of occassional mumbles and grumbles is matched with a plethora of positive PR statements.

 

If you remove the ambition line and then speculate that maybe the "Family" have not released "a budget" YET for this coming season then the effect could be the same.

 

Think we will discover that this is about a mixture. I may have a part of it, reluctance to sign may be a part of it. Also, again MANY on here have forgotten that we have a structure where NA is NOT the man pursuing players - he will have identified areas he wants to strengthen and then given that "position list" to The back-office team led by Les Read to go find him suitable candidates.

 

I will stick with the I'm a bit twitchy as to whether we have the funds in place (TODAY) for the next season side of the fence. I think the ambition line is the wrong take on it.

 

so you, along with prof, have decided to ignore Adkins when he said that the owners have put money on the table and he will spend t when and where they feel it is right?

[Chez]

Big f**k-off LOLage at how contract extensions are being announced with fanfares by the club.

Depends who's signing them. The Lallana contract announcement was one of the best bits of news I've read on the OS in years.

[Raging Bull]

Completely disagree with Prof.....

 

In the way he has assumed it is about lacking ambition.....

 

I just have a nagging concern that he has identified a lack of activity but has given it the wrong tag-line.

 

I get the feeling that we may actually be waiting for money to become available rather than lacking ambition. My personal view is that it seems that we need to sell to buy. No clear evidence for that of course, a smattering of occassional mumbles and grumbles is matched with a plethora of positive PR statements.

 

If you remove the ambition line and then speculate that maybe the "Family" have not released "a budget" YET for this coming season then the effect could be the same.

 

Think we will discover that this is about a mixture. I may have a part of it, reluctance to sign may be a part of it. Also, again MANY on here have forgotten that we have a structure where NA is NOT the man pursuing players - he will have identified areas he wants to strengthen and then given that "position list" to The back-office team led by Les Read to go find him suitable candidates.

 

I will stick with the I'm a bit twitchy as to whether we have the funds in place (TODAY) for the next season side of the fence. I think the ambition line is the wrong take on it.

 

Bidding £3M+ for Sharp would suggest we don't need to sell to buy, IMO what the club's doing is correct, you shouldn't disrupt (too much) a winning side

[NickG]

It's quite amusing when some say what a great player someone is and as soon as they sign for someone else it's what a waste of money they are and how there is better available. Make up your minds!

 

tbf on the Maynard / Sharp / CMS there were many saying they didn't think we should bid for CMS and he was the 3rd choice out of those.

[NickG]

agree.

 

Anyone who has seen them play will be very pleased at the extensions for Lallana, Lambert and Martin - all players who would be snapped up at this level

[Johnny Shearer]

Completely agree with you, Prof.

 

Doesnt matter who we miss out on, some on here will spin that into good news.

 

Big f**k-off LOLage at how contract extensions are being announced with fanfares by the club.

 

I don't understand Mr Alpine.

 

When Saints were lagging behind the likes of Huddersfield in the L1 promotion race you wanted Saints to concentrate on the play-offs instead of automatic promotion.

 

Where was the ambition there...........

[Chez]

Norwich didn't show much ambition last close season - biggest name Surman? How did they do?

 

I'm not sure I agree with the phrase `not showing much ambition'. Perhaps, `didn't spend mega bucks' might be more appropriate.

 

Norwich signed some decent players (Surman signing feels very like the potential Cork signing to me) from all manor of levels, and they continued to do so throughout the season. At this point in time the difference between the two appears to be that Adkins has said we will bring in just 2 players, whilst Lambert made a lot of changes beforre and over the course of the season (14 in 14 out). I guess we might bring in two now and then lots of loanees throughout the season.

[Prince Jazzbo]

What about if we turn this around. Who in our current regular 1st team squad, is not capable of competing in the Championship?

[Chez]

Bidding £3M+ for Sharp would suggest we don't need to sell to buy, IMO what the club's doing is correct, you shouldn't disrupt (too much) a winning side

 

I know its not quite the same, but are you saying the same thing about QPR?

[Chez]

What about if we turn this around. Who in our current regular 1st team squad, is not capable of competing in the Championship?

 

very good question/point. The flip side of this though, is which players might expect to get in an NPC team of the year at the end of the season (impossible to say I know) as we are going to need players to not just compete but shine if we are to go well this season.

 

I guess expectations come into play here. I think we all hope we challenge for top six, but do we expect to be there?

[Raging Bull]

I know its not quite the same, but are you saying the same thing about QPR?

 

 

I see your point but no, the difference between L1 & champ is not the same as champ & prem. If I were a QPR fan I'd be waiting for a battering pretty much every other week

 

I think Warnock will walk before sept too

[NickG]

I'm not sure I agree with the phrase `not showing much ambition'. Perhaps, `didn't spend mega bucks' might be more appropriate.

 

Norwich signed some decent players (Surman signing feels very like the potential Cork signing to me) from all manor of levels, and they continued to do so throughout the season. At this point in time the difference between the two appears to be that Adkins has said we will bring in just 2 players, whilst Lambert made a lot of changes beforre and over the course of the season (14 in 14 out). I guess we might bring in two now and then lots of loanees throughout the season.

 

I was being sarcastic due to the child-like other thread that we are not showing ambition by signing names the professor has heard of.

[dubai_phil]

so you, along with prof, have decided to ignore Adkins when he said that the owners have put money on the table and he will spend t when and where they feel it is right?

 

Nope haven't ignored NA at all.

 

I will believe we have money on the table when we see evidence of it. There are plenty of ways that "Spin" can say one thing and mean something else.

 

A simple "off the top of head" interpretation - We bid 3mil for Billy Sharp. How? Did we bid 3mil cash? did we bid 300k with huge add-ons? Did we bid 3 mil with payments over the length of his contract at say 1 mil a season? Many many tranfers are deals done in this manner, the headline says 3mil bid. OK that may mean we had 3mil on the table there and then, equally it MAY have meant we only had a 500k downpayment on the table in the bid as CASH.

 

(Cash FLOW in the NPC - makes a 3mil bid easy to finance over more than one season)

 

Another Spin COULD be - we look like we will get something close to 8 mil in one go for AOC. Here you go Nige, you can spend 3 mil of that - that also can be spun to mean "Money on the table"

 

or Hey Nige you can have all the ST Income to spend on players once we get over 7,000 tickets sold....

 

Each version of those can mean Money on the Table, in exactly the SAME way that it can mean a pot of 3mil sitting on the table

 

Interpretation on the lack of spending, there are a lot of different ways of looking at it.

 

1) Prof - no ambition

2) D_P - maybe not the simplistic view of having a pile of cash in used tenners

 

There is also one other point that again we overlook.

 

We have a very successful and close knit TEAM from the end of last season. Psychology & the dynamics of "TEAM" is a massive area of Science and luck. NA identifies a certain position he wants a player, but the backroom staff HAVE to take all the "fitting in" factors into account. Does our team really NEED a disruptive superstar? Hell no - we're trying to get rid of Puncheon so the lack of signings can be down to the fact that the right MENTAL approach from a player is missing.

 

NA has said he wants to add to the TEAM. I take that as being very sensible - TEAM players not prima-donnas.

 

Anyway like I said it is simply an interpretation.

 

I don't believe what anyone anywhere ever says, I wait to see what they deliver.

[Prince Jazzbo]

I guess expectations come into play here. I think we all hope we challenge for top six, but do we expect to be there?

 

To be honest I dont, but its not impossible, teams like Swansea, Bristol City did well when they first got promoted from league one, and I dont recall them spending shedloads in their first season.

[doddisalegend]

agree.

 

Anyone who has seen them play will be very pleased at the extensions for Lallana, Lambert and Martin - all players who would be snapped up at this level

 

As they has never played above league 1 I think you might be over egging the pudding that somewhat. I like both of them and are glad there here for the forseeable buts lets no make out other clubs are rushing to sign them eh?

[NickG]

you maybe right, but I would be stunned if they were free agents and went lower than this league

[BUCKINGHAMSAINT]

IF CMS is as highly-rated as some might suggest then why has he only joined Brighton? A goalscoring striker is a sought-after player, so why don't the football people fancy him? Or taking a punt on him?

 

At last we are starting to build foundations, something we have all wanted for a long time, both on and off the pitch. Lallana signing was a fabulous show of 'intent' + Lambert and Martin.

 

NA said that he did not expect us to sign anyone before the end of July, maybe start of August. Listen to the man.

 

Lowe sanctioned the signing a number of players so we had quantity, not quality.

 

I've read on this board how NC, when he was spoken to, has backed the 'team ethos' of togtherness, plus add his desire to want us to do well and the 'quality' that will achieve that then it all adds up!

 

I'm unsure why people are't seeing this?

 

Jack Cork is on a break after being on U21 duty - maybe there is no big panic?

 

Plus teams won't let someone go unless they bring someone in!

 

Keep the faith my Saints family! :-)

[Lord Duckhunter]

I can't believe the lack of ambition at the club and amongst our supporters. Surely we should be signing loads of players on high paying long term contracts, after all it worked before with Rasiak, Skacel,II and Saganowski.

 

Talking of Saganowski, do you remember how we spent some long summer days urging the board to make his signing permanent, to show some ambition and sign him? What about Skacel, how many pages did his transfer take up, but luckily we got him in the end..................

[Chez]

To be honest I dont, but its not impossible, teams like Swansea, Bristol City did well when they first got promoted from league one, and I dont recall them spending shedloads in their first season.

 

fair enough, but I get the feeling, and this is how I feel, that fans have seen Norwich go through the league so we half expect us to do the same and a 15th place finish will be seen as a failure. My expectations have risen hugely due to Norwich, Leeds and Millwall all fairing well, but really I should be thinking about how Forest barely survived on their first season up.

[Thedelldays]

fair enough, but I get the feeling, and this is how I feel, that fans have seen Norwich go through the league so we half expect us to do the same and a 15th place finish will be seen as a failure. My expectations have risen hugely due to Norwich, Leeds and Millwall all fairing well, but really I should be thinking about how Forest barely survived on their first season up.

 

norwich have a freak season was the worst possible thing for us.....

[Chez]

IF CMS is as highly-rated as some might suggest then why has he only joined Brighton? A goalscoring striker is a sought-after player, so why don't the football people fancy him? Or taking a punt on him?

 

Warnock agreed to sign him two weeks ago for Premiership QPR (if you believe Barry Fry), but his owners withheld the chequebook. Brighton have a very rich Chairman (just spent £90 on the stadium) and are going places. Don't underestimate them. They were a very good side last year as the league showed and we saw first hand when they took us to pieces at SMS in the second half. Losing Bennet is a big loss, but I can see them beating a lot of Championship sides next season.

[shurlock]

If you look back the last decade, over half of the teams that get promoted from L1 finish in the top half of the championship and many in the playoffs or better.

[Chez]

norwich have a freak season was the worst possible thing for us.....

 

aha, they have raised the bar for promoted clubs, but promoted sides have often faired well. I wonder what the key is to keeping that momentum the existing players have created whilst at the same time improving the quality with new players. A great start must rank highly...which is worrying.

[Chez]

If you look back the last decade, over half of the teams that get promoted from L1 finish in the top half of the championship and many in the playoffs or better.

 

can you give any insight into the size of teams that didn't? I mean was it nearly always clubs the size of scunny that struggled and those with big budgets (Leeds, Man City etc) that faired well?

[Thedelldays]

aha, they have raised the bar for promoted clubs, but promoted sides have often faired well. I wonder what the key is to keeping that momentum the existing players have created whilst at the same time improving the quality with new players. A great start must rank highly...which is worrying.

 

it was a one-off...yeah clubs from league 1 generally make a good fist of it..but norwich were that surprise club last season...added to the fact the the 3 teams that came down from the prem were....eeer, poor...pompey ffs...

 

next season is shaping up to be much tougher...IMO

[COMEONYOUREDS]

Reportedly. Also its not ambitious if you are planning to sell him the following summer. Just saying... (also unfortunate that you couldn't make your point without referring to hysterical nonsense which only serves to give your opinion less impact.)

 

your username is so appropriate!

 

unlike you im not looking to make an 'impact' on this forum. my opinion is what it is... im not going to start panicing just yet, we havent even started preseason and we haven't lost anyone... gobern was never going to make it with us so no loss. The fact we had a 3 million plus bid for sharp accepted makes it pretty obvious there is money to spend. Why dont you go and enjoy the sunshine or something and stop stressing out over stuff that clearly is no biggie

[Avenue Saint]

I would not moan about a top 10 finish next season!

[egreog]

Its early days.....some players are still on hols. I'm sure there are deals "in the pipeline". Far too soon to be pressing the panic button!

[westofshannonsaint]

As they has never played above league 1 I think you might be over egging the pudding that somewhat. I like both of them and are glad there here for the forseeable buts lets no make out other clubs are rushing to sign them eh?

 

Lambert = 87 goals and 39 assists in the last 3 seasons. (154 starts)

League one's top scorer in 2 seasons prior to last and 3rd top scorer last year.

 

he's not ready to step up to the next level*rollyeyes*

[View From The Top]

This thread is further evidence that a very large number of Saints fans are clueless mongs.

[hypochondriac]

your username is so appropriate!

 

unlike you im not looking to make an 'impact' on this forum. my opinion is what it is... im not going to start panicing just yet, we havent even started preseason and we haven't lost anyone... gobern was never going to make it with us so no loss. The fact we had a 3 million plus bid for sharp accepted makes it pretty obvious there is money to spend. Why dont you go and enjoy the sunshine or something and stop stressing out over stuff that clearly is no biggie

 

By expressing your opinion on an internet forum, by definition you are stating your opinion in order for it to impact upon others. Why else would you be posting on here?

 

I'm not stressing, simply giving my opinion at this moment. I'll also comment a week from now and at the end of the window where it is entirely possible for my opinion to have changed. It would be very dull if we weren't allowed to comment and give opinion over a period of time and as things change. I'm totally aware that there is time for the situation to change and if we have spent money or got in proven Quality without having to sell then I will post and say so. Will you do similar if our summer acquisitions are underwhelming? I can already predict what the likes of nickg will be saying.

[NickG]

what will I say?

[shurlock]

can you give any insight into the size of teams that didn't? I mean was it nearly always clubs the size of scunny that struggled and those with big budgets (Leeds, Man City etc) that faired well?

 

Below is historical data on how newly promoted L1 teams have done in the championship. As you can see, there is quite a spread: 15 out of 36 teams have finished in the top ten; 7 made the playoffs or were automatically promoted; while only 5 were relegated. On the whole, there is scope for optimism. If I had more time, I could the standings by attendance as a proxy for size - you can see that the larger teams have tended to do well (or if they had a poor first season like Forest quickly established themselves in the following years).

 

L1 2009/10 -championship position following year

 

Norwich -2 promoted

Leeds -7

Millwall -9

 

L1 2008/09

 

Leicester -6 went out on pens to Cardiff in playoff semi final

P'boro -24 (relegated)

Sc*nthorpe -20

 

L1 2007/08

 

Swansea -8 and finished 7th and playoff winners the next two seasons

N'Forest -19 but finished 3rd and 6th the next two seasons

Doncaster- 14

 

L1 2006/07

 

Sc*nthope -23 (relegated)

Bristol City -4 lost in the playoff final

Blackpool- 19

 

L1 2005/06

 

Southend -22 (relegated)

Colchester -10

Barnsley -20

 

L1 2004/05

 

Luton- 10

Hull- 18

Sheff Weds- 19

 

L1 2003/04

 

Plymouth - 17

QPR- 11

Brighton- 20

 

L1 2002/03

 

Wigan –7 promoted following season

Crewe -18

Cardiff -13

 

L1 2001/2002

 

Brighton -23 (relegated)

Reading -4 (lost in playoff semis)

Stoke City -21

 

L1 2000/2001

 

Millwall -4 (lost in the playoff semis)

Rotherham -19

Walsall- 21

 

L1 1999/2000

 

PNE -4 (lost in the playoff final)

Burnley -7

Gillingham -13

 

L1 1998/1999

 

Fulham -9 champions following season

Walsall -22 (relegated)

Man City -2 promoted

[Professor]

sounds like last year? umm...what followed? Promotion. Think that answers your concerns.

Some contributions go beyond complacent to the realms of utter silliness on the planet Silly. This quote from an Adkins admirer is saying that Adkins is wrong. He is wrong to want 2 or 3 quality players in order to make a genuine challenge in the NpC and should be expected to win promotion with the squad from last year, unchanged.

[Steeleye Saint]

it might be better using this year to gauge who's up for it then strengthen as and when it's needed in preparation for next season.

 

Talking sense here - I'm not expecting immediate promotion - a season, or a half season to judge how far we can go with the current squad is logical to me.

[Secret Site Agent]

i actually think saints are do the right thing. they are rewarding the players that have contributed to oursuccess last year by offering long term contracts. this is good man management. most people like to be recognised for doing a good job as opposed to doing a good job then seeing a load of new people coming in to do your job. team spirit and strong team ethics is priceless and will lead us in good stead next year. from a business point of view saints will not pay over inflated prices especially if the player in question qaulity doesnt justify paying over the odds. of course they will be sounding out potential targets now to determine player interest but will bide their time to get the right deal for the club. also not only will they look at player's qaulity but also how they will contrinute to team morale and spirit. last thing any team needs is a bad apple which could jepordise all the hard work of lat season. this is part reason why puncheon hasnt travelled with squad as he is potentially has a negative impact on team morale.

 

i am confident saints are doing it the right way. there will be 2-3 signings who will make a difference but not at the expense of team spirit which is invaluable to any team sport.

 

 

This

[Steeleye Saint]

 

That must be some stadium!

[Professor]

what will I say?

This is such a good game it almost demands a thread of its own, and in fairness to Nick, his contributions add greatly to the fun of the forum. Anyway, lets see:-

 

No signings at all: NickG - great decision by NA and NC - showing confidence in the present squad

One signing of squad player: NickG - great decision by NA and NC - just the little extra support to come in handy

One signing of a quality player: NickG - was always going to happen and a great decision by NA and NC

Two signings: NickG - was always going to happen and a great decision by NA and NC

Three signings: NickG - was always going to happen and a great decision by NA and NC

1st September, Saints in bottom 6, NA sacked: NickG - NA was never up to it at this level and a great decision by NC.

[COMEONYOUREDS]

By expressing your opinion on an internet forum, by definition you are stating your opinion in order for it to impact upon others. Why else would you be posting on here?

 

I'm not stressing, simply giving my opinion at this moment. I'll also comment a week from now and at the end of the window where it is entirely possible for my opinion to have changed. It would be very dull if we weren't allowed to comment and give opinion over a period of time and as things change. I'm totally aware that there is time for the situation to change and if we have spent money or got in proven Quality without having to sell then I will post and say so. Will you do similar if our summer acquisitions are underwhelming? I can already predict what the likes of nickg will be saying.

 

 

blah blah blah i cannot even be bothered. you really are a pathetic excuse of an individual. I mean seriously, read that back to yourself and ask 'do i sound like a ****'?

 

Opinion, yeh great. We have differing opinions... i just offered mine, you are offering yours. Like I said, im not panicing yety as we haven't even started preseason. It is impossible to say how I will feel when the transfer window ends as I have no idea what will happen between now and then. So stop wetting yourself because there are still 2 months left to sign players, you hysterical tart

Edited 5 July, 2011 by COMEONYOUREDS

[up and away]

Originally Posted by Professor

The late signings in 2009 were because we had no owner and no manager until the end of July and what followed was a poor start to the season so that even without the -10 we were not in the promotion frame.

Corek is hardly a marquee signing and he seems very reluctant to agree to come. Sharp preferred not to come. Will prospective players see failed bids as evidence of ambition or a sign that other players are not convinced that Southampton is a good place to be?

 

now you are on a wind up...how would craig mackail-smith be a marquee signing and cork not...?

again, where was brightons ambition when losing their star striker to a crap team and rivals in palace...

they have just stood still..

 

It's even worse at Brighton. They lost the equivalent of Lallana and Lambert, only to bring in CMS. As much as I want players in early, it's costly and not practical if you are going for quality. We have an international scout now and far better bargains are to be had on the continent. For some of the real quality players we may have to wait until the window is about to close but there is no way anyone can doubt Saints ambition when you see what has been ploughed into the club and the intentions in the transfer market. We will get very good players for that sort of money if we are patient.