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Our weakness this season.


Pilchards

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I believe we have the strongest attacking force in this division and it could get even better with another coming in.

The problem we will have this season is our defence, although it showed on paper as being the best last season the team sometimes got over run by some lesser teams.

The defence is not just about the back five but also the offence players form part of it, however I really hope that the club get another CB and a true loud mouth leader too.

IMHO we need to dominate more this season and if so I see us knocking on the playoffs door.

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I believe we have the strongest attacking force in this division and it could get even better with another coming in.

The problem we will have this season is our defence, although it showed on paper as being the best last season the team sometimes got over run by some lesser teams.

The defence is not just about the back five but also the offence players form part of it, however I really hope that the club get another CB and a true loud mouth leader too.

IMHO we need to dominate more this season and if so I see us knocking on the playoffs door.

 

No, sorry, just don't agree with that. We have two strikers in Lambert and Barnard who, despite their obvious qualities, have rarely/never played at this level. Connolly has proved he will score goals at this level, but not at a hugely prodigous rate (1 in 3).

 

There's a very good reason NA is looking to shell out £3M plus on a striker, and IMO it really isn't because we already have the best strikeforce in the division.

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No, sorry, just don't agree with that. We have two strikers in Lambert and Barnard who, despite their obvious qualities, have rarely/never played at this level. Connolly has proved he will score goals at this level, but not at a hugely prodigous rate (1 in 3).

There's a very good reason NA is looking to shell out £3M plus on a striker, and IMO it really isn't because we already have the best strikeforce in the division.

 

This^^ we have a good strike force I think they'll do alright in the championship, if the likes of Holt and Jackson can I think Lambert and Barnard can too............. but best in the division I doubt it.

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No, sorry, just don't agree with that. We have two strikers in Lambert and Barnard who, despite their obvious qualities, have rarely/never played at this level. Connolly has proved he will score goals at this level, but not at a hugely prodigous rate (1 in 3).

 

There's a very good reason NA is looking to shell out £3M plus on a striker, and IMO it really isn't because we already have the best strikeforce in the division.

 

But Pilchards didn't mention Lambert and Barnard, he said that we have the best attacking force in this division. And that includes Chamberlain, Lallana and Guly, Connolly and others who can score goals. We will not just be relying on two players to score goals, or at least I hope not.

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But Pilchards didn't mention Lambert and Barnard, he said that we have the best attacking force in this division. And that includes Chamberlain, Lallana and Guly, Connolly and others who can score goals. We will not just be relying on two players to score goals, or at least I hope not.

 

I'm well aware of that thank you, and I still disagree. And again, you're talking about 2 players in Lallana and AOC who have rarely/never played at this level, plus Guly is still a largely unknown quantity. Potentially they could be great, but it's a massive assumption to make surrounding 6 players, 4 of whom have played the majority of their football at a lower level.

 

I think we have a good squad; but I just find the attitude by some people on this board to how good we actually are to be a little bit over the mark; I personally believe this division will be a lot harder than a lot of people imagine. We have a good squad, and a good basis to improve, but I don't concur with the OP as I've stated.

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But Pilchards didn't mention Lambert and Barnard, he said that we have the best attacking force in this division. And that includes Chamberlain, Lallana and Guly, Connolly and others who can score goals. We will not just be relying on two players to score goals, or at least I hope not.

 

Correct Wes, I'm glad none of the above are managers if they think attacking force is 2 people ;-)

 

Indeed attacking is wing backs, midfielder runners, wingers and attackers. yes I believe we have the best because Lallana and Oxy will rip full backs all day long.

 

Now let's get back to the defence! I see Harding has been linked elsewhere?

Dickson IMHO is not strong enough as a defending left back but great as a wing back who tear's forward.

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I personally believe this division will be a lot harder than a lot of people imagine.

 

I do believe it would help us more in this league as an attacking force because we would have less 'parking the bus' however a few teams last season hit us hard on the break and I know the quality will be better coming at us.

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I do believe it would help us more in this league as an attacking force because we would have less 'parking the bus' however a few teams last season hit us hard on the break and I know the quality will be better coming at us.

 

Also it will be very interesting to see just how much effect Richardson/Butterfield and Harding/Dickson have in bombing forward and providing opportunities. Last season they almost had free reign to get forward at every opportunity; that will be much more restricted this year.

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Home form, as always, will be key.

 

Provided we can dominate possession at home in most matches and we take our chances we will win most home games. Our defence is good enough, particularly when we retain the ball.

 

Look at our defence the last time we were in the NPC.

 

James

Pearce

Saijs

Surman

 

None of them would get in the current back 4. We were gash, but we were still competitive. Our current defence is a complete step-change up from that one. It will be fine in most games.

 

If we can impose our pattern on the away team when we play at home, and beat the weaker teams away, we are easily good enough to make the top 6.

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I think Jack Cork will help defensively we need another centre back Jaidi was quality last season & will do a great job when up against a big lump but will struggle against pace so we do need a partner for Fonte.

 

We have got very good attacking options & a lot of players scored for us I do think we need another quality striker Barny will be spending some time away shame we didnt get makailsmith

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I believe we have the strongest attacking force in this division and it could get even better with another coming in.

The problem we will have this season is our defence, although it showed on paper as being the best last season the team sometimes got over run by some lesser teams.

The defence is not just about the back five but also the offence players form part of it, however I really hope that the club get another CB and a true loud mouth leader too.

IMHO we need to dominate more this season and if so I see us knocking on the playoffs door.

 

 

For this, I will get slaughtered, ( as per usual ), but talking in terms of the Higher Quality demanded of the CCC, I think Davis in goal will prove to be a weakness

 

 

(Please allow me a few minutes to get my flak jacket on )

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I believe we have the strongest attacking force in this division and it could get even better with another coming in.

The problem we will have this season is our defence, although it showed on paper as being the best last season the team sometimes got over run by some lesser teams.

The defence is not just about the back five but also the offence players form part of it, however I really hope that the club get another CB and a true loud mouth leader too.

IMHO we need to dominate more this season and if so I see us knocking on the playoffs door.

 

Please explain the basis for this. When we have only one player up front who has played regularly at this level before and he has struggled for fitness for most of the last 3 season.

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Home form, as always, will be key.

 

Provided we can dominate possession at home in most matches and we take our chances we will win most home games. Our defence is good enough, particularly when we retain the ball.

 

Look at our defence the last time we were in the NPC.

 

James

Pearce

Saijs

Surman

 

None of them would get in the current back 4. We were gash, but we were still competitive. Our current defence is a complete step-change up from that one. It will be fine in most games.

 

If we can impose our pattern on the away team when we play at home, and beat the weaker teams away, we are easily good enough to make the top 6.

 

Check this defence - Ostlund, Bennett, Makin, Vignal - Started against Palace at home, 1-4.

 

Now when you start a season with that it's time to worry, but really we've got nothing to worry about at the moment.

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Think a lot depends on the formation that NA uses.

 

His 4-2-3-1 style (with RL dropping back) meant most often that MS was playing the DM type role with Hammond or Chaplow (both of which were "supposed" to be labelled as box to box midfielders).

 

Now we have a CM (Cork) who is also a CB cover, that to me spells - useful DM who may be able to tackle cleanly.

 

Will this mean we now play 4-1-3-1-1 or 4-1-2-3?

 

Will MS now have the freedom to play further up the pitch and use his passing skills to unlock defences instead of "long raking passes" out of defence (that often went wrong annoyong some fans)

 

It's an interesting signing and will be interesting to watch the shape we line up in the friendlies for any hints of the season to come.

Heck, maybe we might even play 4-4-2 again getting RL more into the box than last year

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Saints squad currently has

 

2 decent keepers.

 

Four fullbacks

 

Four centre halves.

 

Four central midfielders

 

Two wide midfielders plus others who can fill in.

 

Four strikers.

 

If Saints keep Chamberlain i think we only need maybe one wide pacy player, otherwise the squad looks quite strong. We also might have promising youngsters coming through as well.

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I believe we have the strongest attacking force in this division and it could get even better with another coming in.

The problem we will have this season is our defence, although it showed on paper as being the best last season the team sometimes got over run by some lesser teams.

The defence is not just about the back five but also the offence players form part of it, however I really hope that the club get another CB and a true loud mouth leader too.

IMHO we need to dominate more this season and if so I see us knocking on the playoffs door.

 

That's what Martin has got and has shown. I'd be surprised if another CB comes in but if that's the case then Seaborne's days are numbered.

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I was thinking of the midfield options and trying to assess the difference between Morgan and JC. For someone who is supposedly defensive minded, Cork got forward quite a bit for Burnley, has a nose for goal and is a better passer of the ball than Morgan IMO. But they are quite similar in overall style I think and coupled with that, I think NA will want the experience of either Hammond or Chaplow alongside one of them.

 

In terms of the OP, I would suggest that it's both in defence AND attack where we'll be exposed just in terms of a lack of pace. If we don't sign a defender then I can see the RB/LB positions not getting forward as much. In terms of attack, I think Barnie and Connolly could possibly do the job IF they stay hyper-fit and stay out of clink.

 

Of course, there are options up-front for NA too with Forte and Guly hopefully benefitting from a full pre-season with NA and the squad. Both these players have some pace and flair.

Edited by Saint Fan CaM
Forgetfulness!
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Please explain the basis for this. When we have only one player up front who has played regularly at this level before and he has struggled for fitness for most of the last 3 season.

 

You need to read the thread again Turkish.

 

Attacking/Offence/Attacking half/Opposition's half/Going forward.......Whatever people what to call it - We have the best force IMHO as it's exciting and not predictable as Oxy goes either flank and inside out, Lallana will twist you all day, Lambert great free kick, knock downs, hold ups, poachers etc.....I could go on with Guly, Barnard, Connolly, Chaplow, Spider, Hammond and Cork.

 

Just remember we held our own against Premiership opposition last season during our cup run so that does suggest they can mix it in this league at least.

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Check this defence - Ostlund, Bennett, Makin, Vignal - Started against Palace at home, 1-4.

 

Now when you start a season with that it's time to worry, but really we've got nothing to worry about at the moment.

 

 

Although people are pointing out our weak defence last time we played in this division, I don't think the standards of players was that great back then.

Today the defence needs to be good as I believe the championship is the strongest it's ever been now.

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For this, I will get slaughtered, ( as per usual ), but talking in terms of the Higher Quality demanded of the CCC, I think Davis in goal will prove to be a weakness

 

 

(Please allow me a few minutes to get my flak jacket on )

 

I have always said Davis is a weakness until the last part of the season where he was superb.

He needs to be pushed more by the Bart as I would hate to see those below standard performances again from Kelvin.

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We dont have the best attacking force, we dont know how good they'll be yet. Looks great though.

 

Defensively I still think were gunna struggle against pace. And there are some quick players in the Championship. Hopefully we can get a Jaidi that runs really fast.

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That's what Martin has got and has shown. I'd be surprised if another CB comes in but if that's the case then Seaborne's days are numbered.

I think then you'll be surrised then. A new CB to eventually relace Jaidi is almost a certaintly at some point, even if its in January. We would be mad to go into a season with only 4 CBs (even if Cork could slot in there). You have to cover injury and suspensions, Seaborne has also been linked elsewhere. Jaidi was given a 1 year contract extension because we need his experience as much as anything, by the end of season I am certain he will not be first choice, and I don't go with Martin being ready yet, but will be soon. We are also still short up front, and given we don't know if Barnard will be available, we will strengthen there as well, I have n doubt that RL can perform at this level and we know DC can, but more options are needed. I think there will be another wide MF as well, probably another loanee from Serie A/B.

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I believe we have the strongest attacking force in this division and it could get even better with another coming in.

The problem we will have this season is our defence, although it showed on paper as being the best last season the team sometimes got over run by some lesser teams.

The defence is not just about the back five but also the offence players form part of it, however I really hope that the club get another CB and a true loud mouth leader too.

IMHO we need to dominate more this season and if so I see us knocking on the playoffs door.

 

We need a strong, skilled forward with pace to bring that attacking force into being, we don't need a striker having to slip back into midfield or the wings to contribute. Ricky can do a Fuller and be that player, but what he showed for the most of last season will not be good enough for Championship promotion. Connolley brought another dimension to the forward line at the end of last season to show what we had been missing and exposing Barnard and Lambert to the real need.

 

In midfield we desperately need the type of player that Jack Cork displays on some youtube clips and hopefully he is that player. Morgan needs to repeat what he only managed for about 7 games in the middle of last season at Championship level and we have the basis for a very good central midfield pairing. There is little need to mention the quality of Lallana and Oxo, with Guly having an important role to play as well.

 

Defence looks the weakest at present but it would not surprise me for players to step up to the mark and be counted. Martin could well be one of those players but that is a very big ask. The biggest concern will be Kelvin, where even the smallest minority could not be heard in wanting him to replace Richard Wright, an average CCC keeper at best.

 

A lot of these negatives can easily disappear by players stepping up to the mark and Adkins organising us as a team. I have great faith after what Adkins did last season and although it's possible to see flaws, you cannot argue with the end result. I am not sure how the season will pan out but I fully expect us to be there or there abouts with our home form being strong. In Guly we have someone skilled at moving that bus to allow our attacking options to capitalise. A fit, disciplined team with the skill we have could easily be a force away from home, just don't know until we see all the bits come together. I don't expect us to further off than mid table even possibly a lot better. If things are not working out I expect that to be addressed in the January window and being in or very close to the top six come the end of the season.

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I think then you'll be surrised then. A new CB to eventually relace Jaidi is almost a certaintly at some point, even if its in January. We would be mad to go into a season with only 4 CBs (even if Cork could slot in there). You have to cover injury and suspensions, Seaborne has also been linked elsewhere. Jaidi was given a 1 year contract extension because we need his experience as much as anything, by the end of season I am certain he will not be first choice, and I don't go with Martin being ready yet, but will be soon. We are also still short up front, and given we don't know if Barnard will be available, we will strengthen there as well, I have n doubt that RL can perform at this level and we know DC can, but more options are needed. I think there will be another wide MF as well, probably another loanee from Serie A/B.

 

Umm, we went into last season with four CB's so I don't get your point there. Also, if it's a fifth CB to play cover when Fonte or Jaidi aren't available, I cannot see many experienced players wanting to come for that plus I think it's not how Saints are recruiting, as the signing of Jack Cork has shown.

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We need a top champ centre back who is quick. We need some pace at the back or we'll concede a lot. Last year teams got quite a few chances when they got in behind, but difference this year will be that they are more deadly and will probably score. Send Martin out on loan, or get rid of Seaborne.

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We need a top champ centre back who is quick. We need some pace at the back or we'll concede a lot. Last year teams got quite a few chances when they got in behind, but difference this year will be that they are more deadly and will probably score. Send Martin out on loan, or get rid of Seaborne.

 

Absolutely. I think CB has to be our priority.

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I believe we have the strongest attacking force in this division and it could get even better with another coming in.

The problem we will have this season is our defence, although it showed on paper as being the best last season the team sometimes got over run by some lesser teams.

The defence is not just about the back five but also the offence players form part of it, however I really hope that the club get another CB and a true loud mouth leader too.

IMHO we need to dominate more this season and if so I see us knocking on the playoffs door.

 

I'd say our problem this season at the moment with the squad we have is a lack of pace up front, assuming Johnno Quick isn't in the starting line-up. Oxlade-Chamberlain, if he's still around, might be able to compensate for it, but other than those two, we look pretty pedestrian and will have trouble breaking down more organised defences if we can't turn them or ran at them with pace in the middle and make the defenders do things they don't want to do.

 

Too many good markers and headers at CB in this league for us to be still over-reliant on balls in the air.

 

We do need someone else at the back like Jaidi or Fonte, but who can play every game. Martin might be the solution if he can get a run and learn when not to wang it into the stands, and who knows, despite all the slating, Seaborne might be an option too.

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I agree with a number of these posters - we need two quick guys up front and at centre back. Teams often missed one-on-ones in League 1 or Kelvin had the opportunity to save, in the NPC more players will convert from those situations. Right back is a slight concern - Butterfield did very well last year but was being done for pace regularly 2 years ago at this level for Palace and Richardson struggled for Leeds at this level at times. Don't agree with the Dickson critics though - I think he will continue to improve and will take the step up well.

 

Pleased with the signing of Cork but pacy striker and CB a must. Is Jack Stephens right or left footed? If he's right footed then it might be worth sticking with Butterfield and Richardson until he is ready. Richardson needs a particularly tough pre-season after missing it last year, hopefully that will eliminate the obvious rustiness in last year's cameos. If NA can get him through unscathed I have a feeling he might start V Leeds in August.

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1. A real frontman with pace to lead the line and run behind defenders, not somebody who drops deep given the chance or prefers the role of creative foil. It is also the one area in the team-with the exception of the touch-and-go Connolly- we lack proven championship experience.

 

2. Finding a midfield combination that works - while Cork's addition will help, its still a case of finding a partnership that is complementary. At times, we've suffered from having too many similar players in the centre of the park. At others, the likes of Schneiderlin and Chaplow have been too inconsistent or injury-prone, making it difficult for the midfield to gel. I also think we lack power, especially when we play away: as much as I like Cork, the view is that he can be quite lightweight.

 

3. Flakey flanks - while the likes of AL and Oxo will provide plenty of attacking threat, we've been easy to get at down the flanks, heaping more pressure on the CMs and fullbacks. Its also the one area we lack decent cover if a player suffers poor form or injury. N'Guessan was a response to these problems; but didn't perform. Puncheon will be gone; and Guly is OK, though has defensive frailties

 

4. I disagree that our defense is the weakest part of the team- it was the bedrock to our success last season and will continue to be so this season; however, we urgently need a quality dominant CB as many others point out.

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As some others I am concerned about our defence, Fonte cannot do it alone and Jaidi is a little too slow now.

 

I am also concerned about the quality of ball from defence as we did resort at times last season to punting hopefull balls to the front men and 9 times out 10 losing possession.

 

I think Cork is a good signing and can only add to the quality of the side but I would like to see another forward who can compliment Lambert and a CB.

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As others have mentioned - Pace throughout the team will be an issue. I know we have clever players who will position themselves but overall it seems we do lack it.

 

A Maynard/CMS player would complement the front line whereas a younger version of Jaidi would be ideal.

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Umm, we went into last season with four CB's so I don't get your point there. Also, if it's a fifth CB to play cover when Fonte or Jaidi aren't available, I cannot see many experienced players wanting to come for that plus I think it's not how Saints are recruiting, as the signing of Jack Cork has shown.

I agree with this. If they sign a CB it will be a first choice player better than we have, with one of our established players (seeing all others have signed new contracts, probably Seaborne) being moved on.

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I agree with a number of these posters - we need two quick guys up front and at centre back. Teams often missed one-on-ones in League 1 or Kelvin had the opportunity to save, in the NPC more players will convert from those situations. Right back is a slight concern - Butterfield did very well last year but was being done for pace regularly 2 years ago at this level for Palace and Richardson struggled for Leeds at this level at times. Don't agree with the Dickson critics though - I think he will continue to improve and will take the step up well.

 

Pleased with the signing of Cork but pacy striker and CB a must. Is Jack Stephens right or left footed? If he's right footed then it might be worth sticking with Butterfield and Richardson until he is ready. Richardson needs a particularly tough pre-season after missing it last year, hopefully that will eliminate the obvious rustiness in last year's cameos. If NA can get him through unscathed I have a feeling he might start V Leeds in August.

 

You make some very good points about the defence, something I had not taken completely onboard in relation to their previous Championship experience. But just one stepping up and bringing in another can completely change the complexion of the defence. Our defence was more than adequate in League 1, but we are no longer in league 1 and the experience of our players in the Champinship does not bode well.

 

What we have really lacked over the years is a defensively minded counter attacking side that can go away from home and grind out a result. We don't need to play in that manner all the time, but the volume of games and commitment required from the Championship shows it to be winning football. For this to happen we need a single centre forward with pace, complimented by pace from one other position. A midfield that has the capability of shutting up shop and a defence not known for regularly handing out gifts. The midfield could well have that option now, but the rest of it will need to change either from inside or outside.

 

We only have to look at Brighton last season, where as individuals we had much the better players. As a team that was a completely different matter and they were ahead of us. Give Brighton similar resources to ourself for the coming season and I have little doubt which will be the most successful outcome.

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Really don't understand why so many of you continue to doubt Rickie's ability to do it at this level...

 

Because I've never seen him do it, mainly, but also because his form dipped last year not improved, and he's not the most mobile "big man" I've ever seen. He's a decent passer, but I want a striker to be in the box on the end of stuff, and he just doesn't do that often enough, partially because of his linking play, and partially his build/fitness.

 

In 2009/10 I'd have said Lambert was slightly better than Holt. Last season, no contest, Holt was well ahead.

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Some people seem to forget the season saints were last in the championship Davis was our best player saving penalties and performing heroics in front of a bunch of kids. He also apeared to be one of the few players who cared. This form resulted in the then premier league West Ham trying to sign him for their squad. He showed loyalty back then and should be shown some of the same from fans.

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Some people seem to forget the season saints were last in the championship Davis was our best player saving penalties and performing heroics in front of a bunch of kids. He also apeared to be one of the few players who cared. This form resulted in the then premier league West Ham trying to sign him for their squad. He showed loyalty back then and should be shown some of the same from fans.

 

 

Goalkeepers in struggling sides obviously have more to do in matches, so will get more opportunities to make saves.

 

I like Kelvin Davis. As you say, he was loyal to Saints and could have gone to West Ham, but he has a tendency to make glaring errors which cost us games, and he does not command his penalty area. As we strengthen the team elsewhere on the pitch, he will stand out more as a potential weak link IMO.

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our weakness this season will be keeping everyone fit and healthy. Lest we forget, the Championship is a grueling hard-playing league. The tackles will be going in hard and we are now squad size limited. That is the really challenge this season, keeping legs and ankles from getting hurt.

 

That and the pasties. The pasties always let the club down.

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lol

 

we didn't have it in the last one and we sure as hell dont have it in this one.

 

Correct, it should be adequet to good and if everything clicks then we could do very well like Norwich last year.

 

But when you consider West Ham have Carlton Cole, Scott Parker, Frederick Piquionne, Freddy Sears, Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble, that IMO is the best in the division

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Correct, it should be adequet to good and if everything clicks then we could do very well like Norwich last year.

 

But when you consider West Ham have Carlton Cole, Scott Parker, Frederick Piquionne, Freddy Sears, Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble, that IMO is the best in the division

 

Half of those will be gone soon.

 

The winning habit is what gives players the chance to be better than so called big names.

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Saints squad currently has

 

2 decent keepers.

 

Four fullbacks

 

Four centre halves.

 

Four central midfielders

 

Two wide midfielders plus others who can fill in.

 

Four strikers.

 

If Saints keep Chamberlain i think we only need maybe one wide pacy player, otherwise the squad looks quite strong. We also might have promising youngsters coming through as well.

 

 

Are you NickG in disguise?

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Biggest weakness is strength in depth at CB. If Fonte gets injured then we have Jaidi who cant be expected to play every game, Seabourne who im still not convinced about and that was in L1 and Martin who is inexperienced and may need a loan period at a L1 club. One more championship quality CB please Nigel!! Daniel Ayala who was on loan at Hull last season would be a great addition

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