Crab Lungs Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 im pretty sure who ever we sign......most on here will moan and be underwhelmed....some will say adkins cant attract players....then within 2 months most will be delighted about our new player Lol, so true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Right sider Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 One idea would be to think about next season, there will probably be a bit of work to do if we get to the PL. So bed a couple of reinforcements in now, carry that momentum on next season, and bed a couple more in the summer. Keeps continuity, helps with the fixture backlog in late season by improving the squad and also gives us a bit more competition for places. If Adkins can keep the balance that he does now. Then yes, add 2 or 3 in Jan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 People are naturally basing their judgement on whether we should sign players on the strengths and weaknesses of our own team. However, I believe it's more pertinent to look at where OTHER teams challenging for the title are already strong or looking to strengthen and aim to hijack players or deals from those teams. We shouldn't just be looking to strengthen our team but, where possible, weaken our rivals. Easier said than done of course... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sir_fred Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 We need to push on. There were plenty of eyebrows raised when we signed Fox as we already had two decent left backs. I think now we all agree that Fox has raised our game. 1-2 new players who are better than what we have is needed in January. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skintsaint Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 If we can keep near the top come the transfer window I think it would be a lot easier for Saints to purchase players than before the season started. Reckon we might bring in a random Euro striker and Jos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeBenali Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 All we need to do really (apart from sign Jos) is get a replacement for Connolly. Even then, he doesn't exactly need replacing asap, so I'd have thought we're best of waiting until the end of the season, that was [if]if[/i] we're promoted, the fact we're in the Premier League will give us a higher quality pool of players to choose from. I guess one possible loan signing (if needs be) could be someone like Mame Diouf at Man Utd, to add a bit of pace to the front line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cabrone Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 If we need short term direct cover for Rickie - and I believe we do - then BT could do a good job and he wouldn't break the bank. If we then ended up getting promoted we'd have to look for a more permanent replacement. Other than that I'd try and get Jos on board + take a serious look at a prem quality keeper. Kelv isn't getting any younger + a good GK is worth his weight in gold - just look at Green's performance for W.Ham yesterday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aintforever Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 (edited) I would buy Jos or another CB if we cant. I think it would be wise to get another striker as backup for Lambert. Striker is not a major concern now though because of how well Connolly and Guly have done. It would be great to be able to bring someone like Beattie on if Lambert is ****ged out or in a dip of form. It would be foolish to not strengthen just because we are top of the league, we would be kicking ourselves if a few injuries in March ruin our promotion chances when we have £12million sat in the bank. Edited 6 November, 2011 by aintforever Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rooney Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 I would buy Jos or another CB if we cant. I think it would be wise to get another striker as backup for Lambert. Striker is not a major concern now though because of how well Connolly and Guly have done. It would be great to be able to bring someone like Beattie on if Lambert is ****ged out or in a dip of form. It would be foolish to not strengthen just because we are top of the league, we would be kicking ourselves if a few injuries in March ruin our promotion chances when we have £12million sat in the bank. Exactly, we have no alike cover for Rickie if he is injured. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crouchi Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 complete new spine required if we are going to survive in the Premiership. Probably worth spending more on the defence because we always seem to concede soft goals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 CB - definitely, either with or in addition to Hoiveld. CF - the fact we pursued several options here until August - Sharp,Rodriguez, possibly Maynard - suggests to me that NA clearly thinks this is an area to improve upon. Although not essential to this season,we might see signings being made in order to build for next, possibly with the step up in mind. If so, then RB miht be an area to improve upon. Also agree the following as a long term option: A keeper. Super Kelv won't be around forever and Bart isn't up the level IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graffito Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Yes. The optimum time to strengthen a squad is when it's winning. Striker and centreback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supersubpuckett Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 CB, CM and a top class striker - we need someone else to take those chances, how many times have we heard that we should have scored many more than we did? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 If we can keep near the top come the transfer window I think it would be a lot easier for Saints to purchase players than before the season started. Reckon we might bring in a random Euro striker and Jos. Thought about that the other night when hearing Vossen - previously linked - had scored for Genk, as I expect their realistic involvement in the Champions League may be over by January. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Having said yes to bringing someone in, we have to trust NA in bringing the right temperament on to the bus,and not disrupt it. I remember other clubs leading the way to see signings come in and things rapidly going down the pan (Asprilla at Newcastle in the early 90's and Marsh going to Man City in the early 70's). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nexstar Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 CB, CM and a top class striker - we need someone else to take those chances, how many times have we heard that we should have scored many more than we did? Are Hammond, Morgan, Cork and Chaplow not enough in midfield? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 The only striker out of the plethora we've been linked with who'd offer a different option is in my opinion, Nicky Maynard. Additionally, he's done his apprenticeship at Champ level moreso than the others. I have to say though, if we're top come December it'd be nice to bring in 2-3 more players for the final push - players who won't need too much bedding in and whom will give us that extra depth for the remainder of the season. Though these players MUST have the scope to be able to step up to the Premier League. Maynard, once again, comes to mind. Though I like Sordell, I think he's a good year or two from being able to step up to the Premier League whilst Maynard seems to have the attributes to make the step up already. Aside from upfront, I'd like to see Jos and another CB signed and a possible Lambert alternative. Beatt's is the man for that job, and it'd be ideal if we can get him in before we play the DFSCB's - better so if it's a 6 month contract so that it if he's not up to scratch, he can be let go but equally if he is, he has the opportunity to earn himself a longer deal. If Beatt's isn't available, might be worth a short-term offer to Marlon Harewood, who is now plying his trade in China. Once again, a 6 month deal would be an ideal option for both parties. Crab Lungs Shopping List Jos Hooiveld Dekel Keinan Nicky Maynard James Beattie As for goalkeeper, it's probably best we tackle that oncoming problem in the summer, but let's send the scouts out now, just to have a look... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints-cris Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Jutkievics could be a decent shout again. Seems like he was decent yesterday (wasn't there, just going on what I've heard). He'd certainly fit the bill, young, something to prove and most important he's a Saints fan. Showed interest in him before too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weston Saint Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 We are at or near the top of the curve. We much make sure we try to climb to new heights and we must therefore re visit our business plan and set new challenging targets. We should not be looking for cover. We should look to bring in players (in some of the positions) that are better than what we have. The players they replace will be our cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 im pretty sure who ever we sign......most on here will moan and be underwhelmed....some will say adkins cant attract players....then within 2 months most will be delighted about our new player Really? Aside from Hooiveld (who has clearly proved a few people wrong) who else was this true for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintNeil90 Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Im suprised nobody has mentioned signing a new right back. I think Fraser is a weak link in the team to be honest and we could do much better. Hooiveld in permanently + a cb on loan if Seaborne isnt back + a pacey striker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Really? Aside from Hooiveld (who has clearly proved a few people wrong) who else was this true for? Crouch, Pahars, Marsden... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Crouch, Pahars, Marsden... Wow, 3 players in 12 years, we're a really unforgiving bunch aren't we? And none of those were under Adkins' stewardship, which was the point of the original comment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huntingdon Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Having said yes to bringing someone in, we have to trust NA in bringing the right temperament on to the bus,and not disrupt it. I remember other clubs leading the way to see signings come in and things rapidly going down the pan (Asprilla at Newcastle in the early 90's and Marsh going to Man City in the early 70's). That's true. Another example I remember was Aston Villa in 1990. They were 1 point clear of Liverpool with a game in hand, and only 11 matches left. They then spent big on Tony Cascarino just before the window closed, but had to slightly change their style to accomodate him. Needless to say, their title hopes went down the toilet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(not THE) Kevin Moore Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 im pretty sure who ever we sign......most on here will moan and be underwhelmed....some will say adkins cant attract players....then within 2 months most will be delighted about our new player This. If we sign anyone it's likely to be someone young who is likely to have the potential to improve to prem standards. It probably won't be someone overhyped and over valued Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Crouch, Pahars, Marsden... I don't think people were "underwhelmed" at the signing of Pahars,billed as the Latvian Michael Owen. More relieved to have him signed after the furore over a work permitand hope that he lived up to the billing. Im suprised nobody has mentioned signing a new right back. I think Fraser is a weak link in the team to be honest and we could do much better. Hooiveld in permanently + a cb on loan if Seaborne isnt back + a pacey striker. I have previously referred to this,and think you'll find someone previously suggested Clyne from Palace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobM Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 IMO, we're doing so well in the NPC because we brought in players early that were capable of playing in the league above. We did it in L1 with NPC ready players, which gave us time to build the team spirit and togetherness that not only won us promotion from L1, but seems to be working so well this season. So it stands to reason that to do well in the Prem, we should think now about bringing in players for next season... if we're serious and confident about promotion this season. If we don't, we risk losing this vital element of our success by needing to bring in too many players at the start of Prem life. Or, we risk not having a good enough squad to compete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sperm_john Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 i think another flair player/impact sub from the continent would be welcome, de ridder/papa waigo esque ....and he must have his own dance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Webby Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 If we get promoted, I don't think we will want to make too many signings in the summer; it's disruptive. So, I think we will definitely see a couple of players come in in January. These will only be players better than what we have or different to what we have, ie to give us other options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMike Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Jos on a perm and someone with pace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbb saint Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 On Solent after the 'boro game NA stated that teams promoted in the last 3 years had used about 30 players. Do the counting and he's answered the question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 On Solent after the 'boro game NA stated that teams promoted in the last 3 years had used about 30 players. Do the counting and he's answered the question. And to date we've used one of the least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints_is_the_south Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Jos and Maynard. Sorted +1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian the Red Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Our defence is a little bit leaky at times. Yesterday clearly showed that we need more cover. Jos to sign plus a utility defender, a a big goal scoring forward and a goalkeeper. When we are in the prem next season we will need a goalkeeper. Kelvin has be wonderful for us but unfortunately he is making too many mistakes for me and his passing is dreadful. He does not command the 6 yard box enough and that was probably the problem for the 1st goal yesterday. Obviously we need someone upfront; without Ricky we will struggle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobM Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 I think Kelvin would do OK for us in the Prem, there are far worse keeps playing there already. I'd be happy to see him stay with Bart being given more and more chances to take over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 CB,striker and Jos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry the Badger Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 No Lallana and no Lambert and we are f**ked. Hooiveld isnt ours. . Utterly disagree. Davis Richardson Fonte Hooiveld Fox Chaplow Hammod Cork De Ridder Guly Connoly Is a very good team and would do just fine. Obviously if the opportunity comes along to sign somebody better I would like us to take it, but to say we would be f**ked is ridiculous, in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Whats the focus in January, ensuring promotion or readying ourselves for the PL campaign next season ? We would have a great chance of promotion with the current squad, but if we want to make sure we are not 10 points behind the rest of the PL after the first half-dozen games next season, we might need to start strengthening in January. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Utterly disagree. Davis Richardson Fonte Hooiveld Fox Chaplow Hammod Cork De Ridder Guly Connoly Is a very good team and would do just fine. Obviously if the opportunity comes along to sign somebody better I would like us to take it, but to say we would be f**ked is ridiculous, in my opinion. I think you have far too much faith in that line-up. If they are all on top of their game, maybe it wouldnt be too far away from promotion, but the forward line looks far too dodgy in my opinion. Goolie only needs to have a little sticky patch and Connolly a minor injury and we are looking at playing Forte, FFS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up and away Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 We will need reinforcements given we still have to play all the big teams on their manor - the fixture list has been v.v.kind and it would be a huge wasted opportunity not to take advantage of the window. This is the crux for me, we have been very, very fortunate with fixtures and I definitely would not look this gift horse in the mouth. I don't believe having a repeat of the away form will be good enough (maybe just) for what we have to come and I want someone different that will give us those points, even if it means hard decisions in who to drop. Away from home we have either played well without getting all the points, played poorly and not got the points or whalloped the likes of Coventry or Ipswich. I don't believe Cardiff, Reading, Derby. Leicester or Burnley were anything special, but good enough to take points from us. Away from home we need all our players on form with no knocks or a striker that is going to give us something different and give us those points. If we were just to continue to pick up 2 points a game, that will be good enough but a tough ask when you conesider our away form and what is to come. For Cortese the outlay for that special player has to be a no brainer when you consider our position and the risk reward to follow. Why anyone is concerned about midfield seems strange, especially when you have the option of Harding / Butterfield filling or allowing others to fill those positions. Cb maybe, but that should all be sorted from within by the time we are able to do something about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobM Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Whats the focus in January, ensuring promotion or readying ourselves for the PL campaign next season ? We would have a great chance of promotion with the current squad, but if we want to make sure we are not 10 points behind the rest of the PL after the first half-dozen games next season, we might need to start strengthening in January. The two aren't mutually exclusive... buying players to ready ourselves for the Prem means bringing in Prem-ready players (duh, I know...), which should result in a stronger squad to help us gain promotion. I agree with the comments about our striking force at the moment. I do have faith in Guly and DC, but to suggest they would offer us the same chance of success as Rickie does really underestimates how much play goes through him. He brings more than goals, his link-up play cannot be matched by any of our other strikers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyNorthernSaints Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 No way. Celtic and Rangers price their players at top flight prices, failing to recognise the appalling nature of their football. I'd rather sign someone scoring freely in L1 than in the SPL. Hooper would have to be scoring 40-50 a season up there to be worth it, like the only decent strikers they've actually had in Van Hooijdonk and Larsson. Like i've mentioned to you many times and is evident with anyone who watches SPL on a regular basis the standard is not as poor as you make out on numerous posts. Plenty of players have proved themselves both in the SPL and championship and premier league. Danny Fox for one who not that long ago was playing for Celtic. McCormack at Leeds previously Cardiff, McDonald at Boro, Hutton at Spurs/Villa, Adam at Blackpool/Liverpool, Snodgrass - Leeds, Robson - Boro, Hoolved - Saints, McCarhty - Wigan, Jutkievicz - Coventry, Maloney - Villa and recently sold by Celtic to Wigan for not a top flight price as you mentioned. And if you think those two Celtic players are the only decent strikers they have had then i would have to say you know little about Celtic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Danny Fox for one who not that long ago was playing for Celtic. And moving to us was a sideways move, not a step down. The football in the SPL might be good to watch, but it is a mickey mouse league. BTW I have a soft spot for the Billy Boys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 I think that if we are still in the top 2 by the start of the January window, NC and NA will strengthen with what they view as "next level players" (similar to what they did last season) One or two with a tad more pace and a tad more athleticism. It was no secret that we were looking to sign another striker in the summer but what was available was not seen as value for money. I reckon they could be aiming their sights higher than J-Rod and Maynard come January and prepared to pay big bucks for their targets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry the Badger Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 I think you have far too much faith in that line-up. If they are all on top of their game, maybe it wouldnt be too far away from promotion, but the forward line looks far too dodgy in my opinion. Goolie only needs to have a little sticky patch and Connolly a minor injury and we are looking at playing Forte, FFS. Ok, so now you are talking about if Ricky AND Connolly get injured, and have conveniently forgotten about Barnard. If we had a random injury crisis we could go into a game with, for example.... Davis Butterfield Fonte Martin Fox Chaplow Schneiderlin Cork De Ridder Guly Barnard I would still feel reasonably confident in those players to get results, short term, whilst injured players recovered. As I've said, will be more than happy if Adkins finds players who can improve us, but I think you have far too little faith in our very strong squad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 Ok, so now you are talking about if Ricky AND Connolly get injured, and have conveniently forgotten about Barnard. If we had a random injury crisis we could go into a game with, for example.... Davis Butterfield Fonte Martin Fox Chaplow Schneiderlin Cork De Ridder Guly Barnard I would still feel reasonably confident in those players to get results, short term, whilst injured players recovered. As I've said, will be more than happy if Adkins finds players who can improve us, but I think you have far too little faith in our very strong squad. IMO you very much under-estimate the impact that Lallana and Lambert have on us. Lallana is earning more and more plaudits this year than ever before, the BBC yesterday classified him as "by some distance the best midfielder in the division", and I see no reason to disagree with that. Its a statitstical fact that we are significantly worse off without him. And as for Lambert, he completely dictates the way that we play and would be an enormous loss; he wins most headers played up to him, but most of all he holds the ball up and brings the rest of the team into our attacking play. I think without those two we might struggle to hit the top 6. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobM Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 The sad thing is we would need to spend a very large amount of money (in relative terms) to be able to match or better either of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry the Badger Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 IMO you very much under-estimate the impact that Lallana and Lambert have on us. Lallana is earning more and more plaudits this year than ever before, the BBC yesterday classified him as "by some distance the best midfielder in the division", and I see no reason to disagree with that. Its a statitstical fact that we are significantly worse off without him. And as for Lambert, he completely dictates the way that we play and would be an enormous loss; he wins most headers played up to him, but most of all he holds the ball up and brings the rest of the team into our attacking play. I think without those two we might struggle to hit the top 6. I understand entirely that Lambert is key to the way we play, and has been brilliant this season. What I don't get is why people think that if he got injured, we would just go on trying to play the same way with different personel. Adkins has demonstrated that he's a more than capable tactician, if we had a period with Guly and Connolly up front I'm sure he would adapt our playing style to suit the players we have, and I believe we would continue to get results. I'm not saying we would be as good as we are WITH Lambert and Lallana, but I do think we could cope for a while and certainly wouldn't be "f**ked", which is the statement I was arguing against. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eelpie Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 A CB and a pacey striker would be good (as well as Jos in permenently). Agree. We have never had a better chance in all our history to win the second tier (except that year when we had Charlie Wayman in the team and screwed up a seven point lead near the end of the season). So we can't risk injuries spoiling things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eelpie Posted 6 November, 2011 Share Posted 6 November, 2011 I went to the games against Swindon and Palace. In both of them we were pretty inept up front and the ball just didn't stick. Luckily we are seldom without Lambert when it matters. The only other instances I can remember are Plymouth at home last year (beat us 1-0 on the way to relegation) and Gillingham away 2 seasons ago (beat us 2-1 on the way to relegation). Not good. That's a good point. If Lambert wasn't so crucial to us in the league, he would have started at the Palace cup game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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