paulwantsapint Posted 29 April, 2012 Share Posted 29 April, 2012 Would evolve jaidi's role into minder of the youth teams can't see many if any agents getting near enough to upset a kid with rahdi there Maybe offer DC a pay when you play deal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyNorthernSaints Posted 29 April, 2012 Share Posted 29 April, 2012 It's important to keep the good team spirit that was won two successive promotions. There will be a few players who will be let go but alot of this squad deserve the chance to prove themselves in the top flight. Read a good interview with Paul Lambert recently who talked about his mostly home grown squad doing well in the premier league. Lambert said he wanted to sign players with hunger and something to prove etc. Look at Norwich's team now there are alot of it that played in league 1 as well as two players in Johnson and Howsen who were playing for Leeds in League one not that long ago. Many posters on here said alot of the current squad were not good enough for the championship before this season started and were proved wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sotonjoe Posted 29 April, 2012 Share Posted 29 April, 2012 Barely a few hours after the final whistle and you're already putting the players up for sale. Can't we just let it sink in for a bit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legod Third Coming Posted 29 April, 2012 Share Posted 29 April, 2012 There are 42 player profiles. I think as per badgerx16's enlightening post above, we can expect a fair bit of movement of fringe players... I agree with the sentiment of "now is not the time" but I think it's realistic to expect those barely involved this season (Dickson, Holmes, Jaidi, Forte etc) to be moving on without being disrespectful as they haven't contributed much on the pitch... the likes of Guly, Hammond being discussed as maybe not good enough, I think we should let them enjoy this for a few days before we dish out P45's. To be fair, we're only saying here what could be said to my missus and while it seems 'disrpesectful' to talk about off-loading players, a) that's nothing to what has been said throughout the season! b) it's not like they're going to read it and think what a disrespectful bunch of internet warriors and c) we have ZERO influence on who is actually retained/released... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tokyo-Saint Posted 29 April, 2012 Share Posted 29 April, 2012 You do know old Reeves is don't you? Can't see any of the current crop of development squad players making the jump to Prem League football any time soon! Just 3 years ago, some were saying Lallana would never make it. In a handfull of games I think Reeves has looked neat and tidy but a bit light weight. I doubt he is on a big money contract, loan him for a season to a team on the up (maybe cov if they get sisu out) and see how he gets on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stev2001 Posted 29 April, 2012 Share Posted 29 April, 2012 I'd like to see us keep Harding as long as he's happy being a squad player. Great cover if we get injuries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glasgow_Saint Posted 29 April, 2012 Share Posted 29 April, 2012 Is it coincidence that the same minority bemoaning the timing of this thread are the same losers that have been negative and slagging the team all season? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 29 April, 2012 Share Posted 29 April, 2012 Would rather just add 2 or 3 quality additions and let this group go again next year. Obviously, some of the fringe players will move on but that's to be expected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MINIBARCELONASAINT Posted 29 April, 2012 Share Posted 29 April, 2012 Would like to have just one bit of input on this thread: I don't understand some people's view that we should send young/promising players out on loan; we've got the excellent facilities and great youth set-up, we've got the development team specifically brought in for younger players to rub shoulders with experience and we want them to be as close to the first team as possible. It hasn't been our nature to loan out players young and likely to make the first team for a while now. The players we have loaned out under Liebherr ownership are ones not good enough for the first team. If we are "modelling ourselves on Barcelona" it's worth noting they don't loan out their young players, they want control of what they're doing and who they are playing with. I fully expect us to be the same. If we're loaning players our it is because they're not needed and we're putting them in the window. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up and away Posted 29 April, 2012 Share Posted 29 April, 2012 I believe the majority of players who played a significant number of games will be kept on. That does not mean they will be guaranteed a game but I definitely believe they will get a chance. I believe we will get another pre-season like we did last year and players will have to get themselves super fit to make that step up. I still expect about 1/2 the first team will be new signings but equally I don't believe Adkins will close the door completely on those others who will get the odd chance. It is going to be very tight with a 25 man squad, especially if you want to leave a couple of spaces for youth players to have their chance. One very good thing about the Premier is that it is not as draining as the Championship, where the fall off in stamina due to games played is not so big. Hopefully, if we start with the samba football again we will be able to keep it going for a lot longer in the Premier, though the step up in class is going to balance things out. The Guly I saw at the start of the season looked good enough for the Premier, receiving the ball, immediately turning to face the opposition to drive on. A pass and move game of triangles I had never seen the like of at Saints. Sadly most of that disappeared come the end of the season, I just hope we can get back to that flowing football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tokyo-Saint Posted 29 April, 2012 Share Posted 29 April, 2012 Would like to have just one bit of input on this thread: I don't understand some people's view that we should send young/promising players out on loan; we've got the excellent facilities and great youth set-up, we've got the development team specifically brought in for younger players to rub shoulders with experience and we want them to be as close to the first team as possible. It hasn't been our nature to loan out players young and likely to make the first team for a while now. The players we have loaned out under Liebherr ownership are ones not good enough for the first team. If we are "modelling ourselves on Barcelona" it's worth noting they don't loan out their young players, they want control of what they're doing and who they are playing with. I fully expect us to be the same. If we're loaning players our it is because they're not needed and we're putting them in the window. Are you saying Sam Hoskins is not very good and we are trying to offload him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MINIBARCELONASAINT Posted 29 April, 2012 Share Posted 29 April, 2012 Are you saying Sam Hoskins is not very good and we are trying to offload him? There are always exceptions, but it is generally not in our nature, is it? (happy to be proved wrong, I think it's better for them to be kept in house) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty Posted 29 April, 2012 Share Posted 29 April, 2012 Guly might actually surprise a few people in the Premiership. His class is probably more suited to it and he will definitely have the time for his languid style... I agree with you about Hammond - I think we look(ed) a better side with Cork in it. When you look outside of the top three/four clubs, I wonder how far (if at all in many cases) our players are behind them? This, absolutely. Guly has been massively underrated imho, I reckon he will do a job in the prem where his game will be far better suited than the NPC where its more about workrate and getting stuck in and less about talent on the ball. Cork is pure class, and one of our best signings. I also think Butters has another season in him, and the experience to carry it. He has been very good since nabbing back his spot. Frazer also deserves to keep a place in the squad, lost count of the crosses/assists he provided earlier in the season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Over land and sea Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 I understand that the rule is that Premier League clubs have to name eight home-grown players in their 25-man squads. Home grown players are not exactly what they seem to be – so here is the definition from the English Premier League: A home-grown player will be defined as one who, irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with a club affiliated to the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday (or the end of the Season during which he turns 21). Clubs will also be able to supplement their 25 man squads with unlimited additional players under the age of 21 on 1st January in the year in which the season commences, and changes to the squad list of 25 may be made during the period of a transfer window. I don't think we'll have a problem meeting the home grown criterion. From our current squad (see post 50) all the scholars and current under 21s can be additional to the 25 man squad. I think Ben Reeves, Ryan Doble and Harlee Dean will also qualify as under 21s. That leaves 28 players (i.e. the 25 players with a squad number between 1 and 26 plus Forecast, Puncheon and de Ridder) competing for 25 places. That's before the retained list is produced and before we've bought anyone, of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Wayman Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 Anybody who's played in the first team this season we should keep unless they are out of contract. They deserve a chance to have a crack at the PL before they are arbitrarily labelled as no=hoper's and chucked out. It'll be a bitter enough pill to swallow for regulars like Chaplow and de Ridder who might get displaced by the so-called "quality we need to bring in" (according to brain-dead Savage). WE are Southampton.., WE are a decent fair-minded club for whom effort and loyalty means something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 Anybody who's played in the first team this season we should keep unless they are out of contract. They deserve a chance to have a crack at the PL before they are arbitrarily labelled as no=hoper's and chucked out. It'll be a bitter enough pill to swallow for regulars like Chaplow and de Ridder who might get displaced by the so-called "quality we need to bring in" (according to brain-dead Savage). WE are Southampton.., WE are a decent fair-minded club for whom effort and loyalty means something. I agree to an extent, keep most of them as squad players - but people like Holmes, Connolly, Butterfield I would let go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egg Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 Anybody who's played in the first team this season we should keep unless they are out of contract. They deserve a chance to have a crack at the PL before they are arbitrarily labelled as no=hoper's and chucked out. It'll be a bitter enough pill to swallow for regulars like Chaplow and de Ridder who might get displaced by the so-called "quality we need to bring in" (according to brain-dead Savage). WE are Southampton.., WE are a decent fair-minded club for whom effort and loyalty means something. Why? We are now a Premier League club and need Premier League players. The club need to look after it's interests on and off the field - there can't be any room for sentiment. It's a harsh reality that several players who helped us get where are will not be good enough for next season. Savage is not "brain dead" for pointing out the obvious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 Why? We are now a Premier League club and need Premier League players. The club need to look after it's interests on and off the field - there can't be any room for sentiment. It's a harsh reality that several players who helped us get where are will not be good enough for next season. Savage is not "brain dead" for pointing out the obvious. It's a very tricky balance, because as you say we need to add premier league players to the squad - but you don't want to harm the morale and the bonds within the club. So it's going to be a case of managing this very well....I doubt we'll see too many leave, or too many come in - but the players that come in will be class that take us up a level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 Quite funny a few people on here suggesting players will have more time on the ball next season....in fact it's f****g hilarious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 Quite funny a few people on here suggesting players will have more time on the ball next season....in fact it's f****g hilarious. Not more time, but probably more space to operate in. Bigger pitches, more expansive teams etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 Not more time, but probably more space to operate in. Bigger pitches, more expansive teams etc. Does the premier league have different pitch size regulations to the rest of the world then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 Not more time, but probably more space to operate in. Bigger pitches, more expansive teams etc. Jesus wept. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 Someone had to say it sooner or later. IMO: Yeah, around January was when someone said it, too. The players who'll be moving on are going to be the ones who haven't featured much in the second half of this season. That includes any senior player out on loan: Ryan Dickson (D) to Leyton Orient Lee Holmes (M) to Oxford and Swindon Jonathan Forte (F) to Notts Co Plus non-regular starters - IF we can find a buyer for the ones whose contracts aren't up. 21 Bartosz Bialkowski (G) 31 Tommy Forecast (G) 3 Dan Harding (D) 15 Radhi Jaidi (D) 25 Danny Seaborne (D) 28 Ben Reeves (D) 29 Ryan Doble (M) 42 Jason Puncheon (M) 9 Lee Barnard (F) 22 David Connolly (F) For no apparent reason I think Sam Hoskins and Harlee Dean will stay with us... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wightman35 Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 Fortunately, none of us will be consulted about the real retained list! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Over land and sea Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 I don't think we'll have a problem meeting the home grown criterion. I believe of the current squad Tadanari Lee, Radhi Jaidi, Jose Fonte, Jos Hoovield, Steve De Ridder and Guly Do Prado and possibly Bartosz Bialkowski and Morgan Schneiderlin wouldn't count as Homegrown. Anyone know for sure about Bart and MS? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 I think you will find that David Connolly will not be turning out for Saints again. He is too crocked and will be retiring I suspect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egg Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 It's one thing to say some players won't be good enough, but it takes a lot more insight to guess which players they'll be. No side goes up and has everyone do well. Having 6 or 7 that are good enough is a huge step forward though and keeps the basis of the team together. Agreed. I don't claim to have the insight, but have faith in Nigel and his staff to have it. My point is that some won't be up to the task and that it's silly to suggest that they should be kept because they helped us get up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 Yeah, around January was when someone said it, too. The players who'll be moving on are going to be the ones who haven't featured much in the second half of this season. That includes any senior player out on loan: Ryan Dickson (D) to Leyton Orient Lee Holmes (M) to Oxford and Swindon Jonathan Forte (F) to Notts Co Plus non-regular starters - IF we can find a buyer for the ones whose contracts aren't up. 21 Bartosz Bialkowski (G) 31 Tommy Forecast (G) 3 Dan Harding (D) 15 Radhi Jaidi (D) 25 Danny Seaborne (D) 28 Ben Reeves (D) 29 Ryan Doble (M) 42 Jason Puncheon (M) 9 Lee Barnard (F) 22 David Connolly (F) For no apparent reason I think Sam Hoskins and Harlee Dean will stay with us... Well Harlee Dean definitely won't, that was confirmed a while ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 3 May, 2012 Share Posted 3 May, 2012 I believe of the current squad Tadanari Lee, Radhi Jaidi, Jose Fonte, Jos Hoovield, Steve De Ridder and Guly Do Prado and possibly Bartosz Bialkowski and Morgan Schneiderlin wouldn't count as Homegrown. Anyone know for sure about Bart and MS? Going by the definition of what counts as homegrown both Morgan and Bart qualify. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 4 May, 2012 Share Posted 4 May, 2012 Would like to have just one bit of input on this thread: I don't understand some people's view that we should send young/promising players out on loan; we've got the excellent facilities and great youth set-up, we've got the development team specifically brought in for younger players to rub shoulders with experience and we want them to be as close to the first team as possible. It hasn't been our nature to loan out players young and likely to make the first team for a while now. The players we have loaned out under Liebherr ownership are ones not good enough for the first team. If we are "modelling ourselves on Barcelona" it's worth noting they don't loan out their young players, they want control of what they're doing and who they are playing with. I fully expect us to be the same. If we're loaning players our it is because they're not needed and we're putting them in the window. How are these kids going to get any experience if they DON'T go to lower league clubs and get an extended period of playing against real professionals in competitive leagues ? We've got even less chance of drip-feeding them into the side at Prem level than we had in League One, and the likes of Gobern, Doble and Reeves didn't get a look in then either - but (and I suppose this supports your view a bit) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain did. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Harlee Dean, James Ward-Prowse, and Luke Shaw, who have had 3 different stay/go experiences. I suppose Jack Stephens' lower league experience (albiet a handful of games for a bottom League One side) and the fact he's not gone anywhere since we signed him also supports your theory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 9 May, 2012 Share Posted 9 May, 2012 I believe of the current squad Tadanari Lee, Radhi Jaidi, Jose Fonte, Jos Hoovield, Steve De Ridder and Guly Do Prado and possibly Bartosz Bialkowski and Morgan Schneiderlin wouldn't count as Homegrown. Anyone know for sure about Bart and MS?[/quote] in text of the interview on OS Morgan says he's been with saints for 4 years ! Bart also... I suspect? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 9 May, 2012 Share Posted 9 May, 2012 How are these kids going to get any experience if they DON'T go to lower league clubs and get an extended period of playing against real professionals in competitive leagues ? We've got even less chance of drip-feeding them into the side at Prem level than we had in League One, and the likes of Gobern, Doble and Reeves didn't get a look in then either - but (and I suppose this supports your view a bit) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain did. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Harlee Dean, James Ward-Prowse, and Luke Shaw, who have had 3 different stay/go experiences. I suppose Jack Stephens' lower league experience (albiet a handful of games for a bottom League One side) and the fact he's not gone anywhere since we signed him also supports your theory. Harlee Dean confirmed himself earlier in the year that we weren't going to extend his contract after the end of this season I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 A word in support of Lee Barnard staying. Has a good goal scoring record and a touch of Premier League experience with Spurs. Career interrupted by injuries but that seems to be in the past. He may have learnt a lesson about off-field activities and could be coming to his peak over the next few seasons. Reasonable to see him as one of 4 strikers with Rickie, Billy and Chung and that if he takes his chances he could compete for a starting place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 A word in support of Lee Barnard staying. Has a good goal scoring record and a touch of Premier League experience with Spurs. Career interrupted by injuries but that seems to be in the past. He may have learnt a lesson about off-field activities and could be coming to his peak over the next few seasons. Reasonable to see him as one of 4 strikers with Rickie, Billy and Chung and that if he takes his chances he could compete for a starting place. he won't be staying I doubt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 Someone had to say it sooner or later. IMO: Keep Davis, Richardson, Fonte, Hooiveld, Fox, Martin, Lallana, Cork, Morgan, Chaplow, Lambert, Sharp, Lee - All fairly obvious Undecided Bart - He's put in some decent performances, but I'm doubt he is Prem material. Keepers take time to trust their back 4 and vice vera, just look at De Gea. Butters - Solid and experienced. Also aging and I'd say Champ was his level. Would like a new RB so one of them has to go. De Ridder - I like him and he's a good option, but for whatever reason he hasn't done it yet. A loan out maybe. Guly - Blows hot and cold. We need to lose 2 or 3 strikers, he'd probably be 1 of them, but I'd expect him to stay. Barnard - Doubt he is Prem material, but was as good as Lambert last time he was fit. Loan him down to the NpC till Xmas, then decide. Hammond - A good captain and our leader. Expect him to stay because of that but I think he will be found wanting for tallent in the Prem. Puncheon - Has the tallent, looked good at Blackpool. Aside from today's dancing he hasn't done much since coming back. Out Connolly, Harding, Dickson, Seaborne, Jaidi, Forecast (if only), Holmes, Forte - Again, all fairly obvious Keep: Davis, Bart (loan out), Richardson, Fonte, Hooiveld, Fox, Martin, Lallana, Cork, Morgan, Guly, Chaplow, De Ridder (loan out), Lambert, Sharp, Lee Buy: Keeper, r/back, c/back, l/back, r/mid, l/mid, c/mid, striker Leave: Forecast, Harding, Dickson, Butterfield, Seaborne, Jaidi, Dean, Hammond, Holmes, Forte, Puncheon, Barnard, Connolly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 Dean Hammond seems to think that those who earned our new found PL status should be given a chance to play there or so it would seem on the latest interview on the OS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 Dean Hammond seems to think that those who earned our new found PL status should be given a chance to play there or so it would seem on the latest interview on the OS. And he's right in a way, I'm sure players like Dean, Fraser, Guly etc will all be given a chance - but they will not play as much for sure. Wouldn't be great for team morale to just throw them out the door though, as Adkins said it's about squad evolution - not revolution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 And he's right in a way, I'm sure players like Dean, Fraser, Guly etc will all be given a chance - but they will not play as much for sure. Wouldn't be great for team morale to just throw them out the door though, as Adkins said it's about squad evolution - not revolution. Good points, but no room for sentimentality im afraid, one preoccupied place could be accommodated by a better, more effective player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papa Shango Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 It's all very well saying get rid of this player and that player but it's not that simple. Some of the people mentioned in this thread are on fairly big contracts, and won't be easy to shift. I know Dan Harding and Dean Hammond are well settled and have both recently moved into new houses so won't be keen to move. Most if not all of the regulars from last season will stay. Only the obvious names like Holmes and Doble will go. I know we've been linked to about a million players already, but we'll probably only bring in about 4/5 new faces I reckon. A few new faces in defence and we'll be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 It's all very well saying get rid of this player and that player but it's not that simple. Some of the people mentioned in this thread are on fairly big contracts, and won't be easy to shift. I know Dan Harding and Dean Hammond are well settled and have both recently moved into new houses so won't be keen to move. Most if not all of the regulars from last season will stay. Only the obvious names like Holmes and Doble will go. I know we've been linked to about a million players already, but we'll probably only bring in about 4/5 new faces I reckon. A few new faces in defence and we'll be fine. Yep, spot on. That won't go down well with a few people...but it's the sensible way of doing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minty Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 Deano will be with us in the Prem, of that I have no doubt. He will have a role to play too. He has improved a lot in his time with us and as I've said elsewhere, if the likes of Rory Delap can still be playing in the Prem, then Deano certainly can. I'm surprised more lessons haven't been learnt from this season by some fans. The players deserve the chance to step up and I have no doubt that all will be given that chance. No decisions will be made about them on paper, Nigel will seek improvements to the squad and then one or two players may be released or told they can leave, but there won't be the widespread release of players that many of you think will happen IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minty Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 Good points, but no room for sentimentality im afraid, one preoccupied place could be accommodated by a better, more effective player. It's not sentimentality, it's just good management. Adkins knows what he is doing, and how to make people 'effective' far better than any of us, and he also knows that a lot of that effectiveness comes from the culture and morale he has engendered at the club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 Deano will be with us in the Prem, of that I have no doubt. He will have a role to play too. He has improved a lot in his time with us and as I've said elsewhere, if the likes of Rory Delap can still be playing in the Prem, then Deano certainly can. I'm surprised more lessons haven't been learnt from this season by some fans. The players deserve the chance to step up and I have no doubt that all will be given that chance. No decisions will be made about them on paper, Nigel will seek improvements to the squad and then one or two players may be released or told they can leave, but there won't be the widespread release of players that many of you think will happen IMO. With the 25 man squad rule applying, I would be nothing short of shocked if dean Hammond occupies one of the limited number of central midfield slots available to the squad in the English Premier League. This is irrespective of whether he has bought a house, car, garage, or dustbin whilst here in Southampton. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 It's not sentimentality, it's just good management. Adkins knows what he is doing, and how to make people 'effective' far better than any of us, and he also knows that a lot of that effectiveness comes from the culture and morale he has engendered at the club. Don't disagree but, he just ain't good enough is he really? And you're right about Adkins knowing best, that's why he's played him less and less as we've progressed from league 1 to the here and now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 With the 25 man squad rule applying, I would be nothing short of shocked if dean Hammond occupies one of the limited number of central midfield slots available to the squad in the English Premier League. This is irrespective of whether he has bought a house, car, garage, or dustbin whilst here in Southampton. I would be stunned if he's not occupying one of the spaces. He's our captain and has been a huge reason why we've risen through the leagues in the last 2 years. He will play a role next season for sure, I am pretty much certain of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 I would be stunned if he's not occupying one of the spaces. He's our captain and has been a huge reason why we've risen through the leagues in the last 2 years. He will play a role next season for sure, I am pretty much certain of that. Saying we need better for the position is not at the expense of giving him credit for his contributions in our journey, and certainly credit to him and all the other players for that! However, different league and different needs, I'm afraid if he does play a ole next season, I can see it being a very small one and I will bet hard money on the fact that he will no longer be captain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minty Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 Don't disagree but, he just ain't good enough is he really? And you're right about Adkins knowing best, that's why he's played him less and less as we've progressed from league 1 to the here and now. Well I for one think he's played well when called upon. Adkins tends to change things depending on what tactics and gameplan he has, not purely because he thinks one player is better than another. I don't know if he WILL be good enough, but I don't think it's fair to assume he won't be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 Saying we need better for the position is not at the expense of giving him credit for his contributions in our journey, and certainly credit to him and all the other players for that! However, different league and different needs, I'm afraid if he does play a ole next season, I can see it being a very small one and I will bet hard money on the fact that he will no longer be captain. I wouldn't bet on him starting many games either.I'm not even sure that Cork will be a real mainstay either.Think we might see a much more powerful "relayeur" come into the side,Nigel didn't seem to be at all certain about Corky's place towards the end of the campaign,perhaps that was just an end of season fatigue thing though.If we were to stick with the 3 CMs we've got I'd expect us to see Hammond at the back and Morgan moving forward a notch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 I wouldn't bet on him starting many games either.I'm not even sure that Cork will be a real mainstay either.Think we might see a much more powerful "relayeur" come into the side,Nigel didn't seem to be at all certain about Corky's place towards the end of the campaign,perhaps that was just an end of season fatigue thing though.If we were to stick with the 3 CMs we've got I'd expect us to see Hammond at the back and Morgan moving forward a notch. Thing about cork is, like everyone else he could do some extra shooting practice, however he does seem to have everything in his locker just lacks that intensity on and off the ball! He is young of course so with coaching and development you would remain hopeful but it will be interesting to see how he gets on. Was excellent on right against Coventry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 10 May, 2012 Share Posted 10 May, 2012 Well I for one think he's played well when called upon. Adkins tends to change things depending on what tactics and gameplan he has, not purely because he thinks one player is better than another. I don't know if he WILL be good enough, but I don't think it's fair to assume he won't be. We have to agree to disagree here. Quite a few times he's played this season, and you could just see the distinct gulf in class between other midfielders and him. Running backwards, not tackling, lost count number of times he gives ball away trying to pass it like cork or Morgan etc... Has had good games of course, thought he had a corker first game v Leeds, but as the season went on, he reverted back to type. In MY opinion, the man is not good enough I'm afraid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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