fareham saint phil Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Ok I'm old enough to remember the Kevin Keegan signing and that really was a "shock and awe" transfer, a real mouth open (probably drooling), eyes wide open and shaking the head moment. But after that I can't think of any other, certainly recent transfers, that have made me go WOW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Jermaine Wright. Paul Telfer. Think those made me go Oh Wow, now we're screwed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 jermaine wright. after oakley had left and this clown came in........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tokyo-Saint Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 At the time, because of what we have been used to, Lambert had a certain wow factor. Not in the same league as keegan but an exciting signing at least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I think, Lens' , if ht happens, would have a certain Wow factor about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 When we signed the Latvian Michael Owen, the Swedish David Beckham and the World Class Ryan Smith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Rudi Skacel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bender Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I remember being quite excited when we signed Kevin Phillips. It was only 2 years after moving to SMS and made we think were not bottom half Prem team anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Saints Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Phillips springs to mind from our recent history. Proven Premier League striker and was in what should have been the prime of his career. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 (edited) Having lived in Sweden for several decades .......there was a bit of that with the transfer of the two Svensson's to Saints around 10 years ago. Both were class internationals, and even if we don't use phrases like " world-class" ........at least they'd have ranked as top-rated players in Europe at the time. BUT .....I suppose it depends on whether you are referring to transfers IN ....or OUT! I think Alex O-C's transfer to Arsenal had a bit of that about it!....especially when I heard the amount of the fee..... so ....on the same theme .....I felt a huge sense of relief and a little bit of a WOW factor when I heard that Tommy F. was going to Gillingham ...for the entire season !....after which ...........WHOOPEEE!! Edited 21 July, 2012 by david in sweden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Martini Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Kevin Phillips had that wow-factor. He'd won the Golden Boot a few seasons earlier and had played for England, its not really in the same class as the Keegan signing by any means but I thought at the time it was a huge step forward for the club. In its own way the Lambert signing had a certain wow factor but since we had played Premier League football not that long ago it perhaps wasn't that special. It was however a huge statement of intent that made people believe in the future of our club again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan The Flames Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Keegans signing was light years ahead of any others, but Grobbelaar, Delgado, Phillips and Skacel were all exciting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eharty9 Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 dont think anyone realises what a good signing steven davis is!!! i know not much of a wow factor but really is a quality signing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Keegans signing was light years ahead of any others, but Grobbelaar, Delgado, Phillips and Skacel were all exciting. very few people knew ANYTHING at all about Marian Pahars when he signed, but I think the WOW factor came after we'd seen him score a few goals..... although .....I have the feeling we may get a similar delayed reaction after we see Tadanari Lee in a few Prem. games, though I expect some good vibes if we actually do sign Lens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 dont think anyone realises what a good signing steven davis is!!! i know not much of a wow factor but really is a quality signing agreed ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AussieDog Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I think Peter Shilton was a pretty big one, and going back to the 70's Peter Osgood was too, but I can't think of any in recent memory that have made me think that way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldskoolsi Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I'm not that bothered with WOW signings. Nowadays most really good wow signings rather than just 'big name players' are well out of our price range. WOW signings that we could get prob have baggage with them (attitude, injuries, past it) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 The signing of KK is out on its own. I can't think of a player now who would have the same impact, KK was still in his prime. Before KK the one that shocked us was Peter Osgood, £275,000 was an unprecedented sum for us to spend and elevated us in to the big time under our new manager and era. But instead we spiralled to relegation. I think Peter Shilton was a pretty big one, and going back to the 70's Peter Osgood was too, but I can't think of any in recent memory that have made me think that way The signing of Shilton was really tempered by the rumour and expectation that KK had a rift and was off. I could never get excited about Shilton's arrival to be honest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint86 Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 At the time, because of what we have been used to, Lambert had a certain wow factor. Not in the same league as keegan but an exciting signing at least. Agree - I was delighted when we signed Lambert, he was my dream signing that summer! Also wanted us to get Sharpedo last season, which we did. This year I want Kasper from the Foxes or Steele from Boro, I think the Club have moved on from my player knowledge base though, spent to much time playing FM in the lower leagues! Also Tokyo-saint, are you still following Saints out in Japan? Because good on you if you are! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smackalec Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I can't think of any wow signings for other clubs really. Good players yes, but the sort you expect them to sign or don't know that much about. RVP to Man Utd would be though. I think Rafael van der Vaart was a bit of a coup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden Balls Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I would love to have known the feeling when we signed KK. My dad always talks about it. That an Osgood. Can only imagine the feel good factor. Most excited I got for a signing was when Adam Lallana signed a 4 year contract extension. Does that count? If not, I guess I was excited by the Delgado signing after seeing that video at the Ipswich game. Or Henri Camera Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan The Flames Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Another one I can remember being excited about was Alan McLoughlin, didn't work on this side of Hampshire though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BallBoy Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 There will never be another Keegan signing by anyone. It was total audacity and genius by Lawrie Mac. In today's terms we would have to sign Messi or Ronaldo for just £10million without anyone knowing until the hastily arranged press conference. The few hardened hacks who were there applauded. It sent shock waves through the football community and made front page news. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan The Flames Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I would love to have known the feeling when we signed KK. My dad always talks about it. That an Osgood. Can only imagine the feel good factor It was amazing, I was living in Sussex and my mum drove to school to tell me the news, it was the one and only time she did that. I was certain she got Keegan and Keehan mixed up, I remember the next time at school all the boys (Brighton, Spurs and Liverpool fans) were coming up to me to talk about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandwichsaint Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Niemi probably our 'biggest' signing in modern times? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lighthouse Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 The signing of KK is out on its own. I can't think of a player now who would have the same impact, KK was still in his prime. I would love to have known the feeling when we signed KK. My dad always talks about it. That an Osgood. Can only imagine the feel good factor. I didn't think Kosowski was that good TBH but I guess you're entitled to your opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I didn't think Kosowski was that good TBH but I guess you're entitled to your opinion. Very funny - but he is not fit to wipe Keegan's arse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I remember having to sit on the stairs in shock when I got in from work to a phone call from a work colleague to say Saints had signed Keegan, and telling me to switch on the TV. But soon after it was tempered a bit when you realised that Keegan had his personal plan and would only stay for two seasons before going home to Newcastle. It may be a very long time before Saints ever again sign the European Player of the Year but some of our most influential players haven't always had that profile when we signed them - Jimmy Case for example, thought to fading fast when Laurie Mac bought him from Brighton but gave us six excellent years. Steven Davis could be the new Jimmy Case and I can see him and Morgan having real influence from midfield. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 There will never be another Keegan signing by anyone. It was total audacity and genius by Lawrie Mac. In today's terms we would have to sign Messi or Ronaldo for just £10million without anyone knowing until the hastily arranged press conference. The few hardened hacks who were there applauded. It sent shock waves through the football community and made front page news. First item on the 6 O'Clock news on tv as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I remember having to sit on the stairs in shock when I got in from work to a phone call from a work colleague to say Saints had signed Keegan, and telling me to switch on the TV. But soon after it was tempered a bit when you realised that Keegan had his personal plan and would only stay for two seasons before going home to Newcastle. It may be a very long time before Saints ever again sign the European Player of the Year but some of our most influential players haven't always had that profile when we signed them - Jimmy Case for example, thought to fading fast when Laurie Mac bought him from Brighton but gave us six excellent years. Steven Davis could be the new Jimmy Case and I can see him and Morgan having real influence from midfield. I don't think that is either fair or accurate. Keegan and family were happy in Hampshire,it was not a 'game plan' to go to Newcastle, he left following a rift with Laurie. We were top of the league in March 1981/2, KK pestered Laurie to improve the squad, which did not happen to Keegan's expectation. It was later revealed that Saints had set up a deal for Trevor Francis who was unsettled at Man City but it fell through. LM had agreed it with John Bond the City manager, but the City board pulled the plug fearing fan revolt.(How times have changed regarding transfers , now the manager's input seems minimal).Keegan thought the club unambitous. After a deadful 3-0 defeat at home to Villa, LM accused Keegan of just going through the motions with one eye on the World Cup. That was it, KK wanted out. There were rumours that Keegan had a £100,000 buy out clause entitling him to talk to Man Utd which is where we expected him to go. Newcastle had backing from Scottish & Newcastle Breweries, and they put a mega deal together by 'then standards' to get him talking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Signing the darling of the Kings Rd was a big deal back then - we couldn't believe it and the home gate went up by 10,000 for Osgood's debut. Brian O'Neil's arrival was a big deal too. More recently David Armstrong was a bit of a coup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Third Division South Days Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Signing the darling of the Kings Rd was a big deal back then - we couldn't believe it and the home gate went up by 10,000 for Osgood's debut. Brian O'Neil's arrival was a big deal too. More recently David Armstrong was a bit of a coup. Alan Ball - impressive signing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatch Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Mark Hughes .. Well I thought so at the time, anyway.. For about 1 game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaz Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Jose Fonte Kevin Phillips Jos Hooiveld Jamie Redknapp Dennis Wise None of the Keegan league of ability, but all made me go ''wow, we managed to sign HIM?''. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I remember that famous lineup of around 5 or 6 players at one time on the front of the paper... I think it was David Howells, Scott Marshall, James Beattie and a couple of others... that excited me. I remember thinking "Wow, we can really push on from here" Ooops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Chuckle Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Kevin Phillips and Mark Hughes in my lifetime. And bringing Kevin Davies back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint si Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Mark Hughes, Stuart Ripley and... Mark Paul, IIRC... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Mark Hughes, Stuart Ripley and... Mark Paul, IIRC... That's it! Ha, memories... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Lets face it almost nothing is going to top signing the reigning two times European Footballer of the year, probably only Lionel Messi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I'm not that bothered with WOW signings. Nowadays most really good wow signings rather than just 'big name players' are well out of our price range. WOW signings that we could get prob have baggage with them (attitude, injuries, past it) There is a point where the signing players at "your level" is not going to improve the team. Every team with ambition requires continuous improvement or you risk stagnation. At some point, maybe not this season, maybe not next, to go forward (or even stay at the same level) we will need to buy players which would be perceived by some "wow factor" level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leslie Charteris Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Apart from the big names already mentioned, Mick Mills and Dave Watson signing for us made me raise an eyebrow. We had quite a number of experienced players then, quite a different approach from NA now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piran Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 As someone else said, nothing will match the wow effect of Keegan's arrival, but I was overwhelmed by the arrival of Ball, and of Osgood, at the time. And they both went on to do their bit for Saints. I used to think that Osgood's tricks and sense of fun which could be seen when he played were worth the entry fee alone, and Ball was obviously one of the most influential players ever to play for the club in my time, which now goes back over 50 years! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gingeletiss Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I think Lee will fall into this category, I suspect he will be our surprise package this coming year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radio slave Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 i was quite impressed by us picking up dean richards at the time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lordswoodsaints Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Ok I'm old enough to remember the Kevin Keegan signing and that really was a "shock and awe" transfer, a real mouth open (probably drooling), eyes wide open and shaking the head moment. But after that I can't think of any other, certainly recent transfers, that have made me go WOW. I'm with you on this I'm old enough to remember those days and although I am happy with the signings we have made they don't seem to get me excited about the prospects of watching them play as it once did. Perhaps it's an age thing? I don't think we will see the likes of that 'Keegan type' signing ever again at our club but it would be nice to sign a couple of players that grab you by the nuts and make other clubs sit up and take note. I just hope the transfer policy we have doesn't backfire and send us straight back down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lighthouse Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Jose Fonte Kevin Phillips Jos Hooiveld Jamie Redknapp Dennis Wise None of the Keegan league of ability, but all made me go ''wow, we managed to sign HIM?''. Hooiveld wasn't wanted by Celtic, Redknapp had lots of injury issues and struggled to get a game at Spuds. Wise was a free transfer from Millwall. I know the latter 2 played for England in their prime, but they were both well past it when they came to us. It would be like signing Kieron Dyer or Jonathan Woodgate today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Without a Halo Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 Charlie George, Peter Osgood, Chris Nicholl, Dave Watson, Mark Wright, Augustin Delgado,Ted Macdougall, Mark Hughes, Jimmy Case Alan Ball, Peter Shilton, David Armstrong Frank Worthington as well as Keegan all had a certain WOW factor and most were or became full Internationals! But Keegan was the biggest WoW a world superstar at his peak! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty's Caddy Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I remember exactly where I was when I heard we'd signed Colin Clarke. I was happy with that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW5 SAINT Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I seem to remember when we signed Peter Osgood we broke the British transfer record, so that was certainly a WOW moment that a player of that calibre was joining Southampton.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 21 July, 2012 Share Posted 21 July, 2012 I seem to remember when we signed Peter Osgood we broke the British transfer record, so that was certainly a WOW moment that a player of that calibre was joining Southampton.... I still dont get where the money came from for those early 1980s big name signings. We had less than half the attendances of the big name clubs and there was no tv money to speak of. How come Saints could afford them and others couldnt or wouldnt? (yes I know wages were a lot less, but so were ticket prices) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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