Professor Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Yes, I know. But that's how Jack Stephens described himself on Saints Player. As an ex-centre half myself, it was nice to hear (and I also converted from FB). But it confirms that Stephens no longer sees himself as competing for a FB slot. He also said there were 3 brilliant 'centre halves' ahead of him, which suggests Dan Seaborne is fit. Adkins has talked about signing 2 CBs but this interview makes you wonder. Personally, I still feel a bit nervous about our 2 Championship CBs being our main defence in the Prem, espacially with Martin no longer there, so I'd like to think that one signing might be on the cards, but do we need more than 4, now that Stephens is in that role? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Stimp Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Seaborne wont play for us again, would be surprised if he's still here at the end of the window. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Seaborne wont play for us again, would be surprised if he's still here at the end of the window. Why is he featuring in every preseason game then? If he was never going to play for us again he'd be with the u21s with Barnard, Forte and Dickson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beavis17 Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Yes, I know. But that's how Jack Stephens described himself on Saints Player. As an ex-centre half myself, it was nice to hear (and I also converted from FB). But it confirms that Stephens no longer sees himself as competing for a FB slot. He also said there were 3 brilliant 'centre halves' ahead of him, which suggests Dan Seaborne is fit. Adkins has talked about signing 2 CBs but this interview makes you wonder. Personally, I still feel a bit nervous about our 2 Championship CBs being our main defence in the Prem, espacially with Martin no longer there, so I'd like to think that one signing might be on the cards, but do we need more than 4, now that Stephens is in that role? We will sign a centre back there's no doubt about that and I agree with the poster above that Seaborne is unlikely to play for us in the Prem at least. Stephens' step-up means that I think Adkins will look for a player that can play defensive midfield as well as defence, hence the supposed interest in a player such as Kondogbia of Lens. He would provide some physical presence in the middle of pitch which I think we lack as well as adequate cover at centre-half. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beavis17 Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Why is he featuring in every preseason game then? If he was never going to play for us again he'd be with the u21s with Barnard' date=' Forte and Dickson.[/quote'] Because we have more options in the positions those players play in. We only have Fonte, Hooiveld, Seaborne and Stephens for central defence. When we sign one if not two defenders he'll be out the door imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Because we have more options in the positions those players play in. We only have Fonte, Hooiveld, Seaborne and Stephens for central defence. When we sign one if not two defenders he'll be out the door imo. Perhaps, but, playing devil's advocate a little, doesn't sending Martin out on loan suggest that Seaborne is higher in the pecking order than him? Why not send Seaborne on loan or leave him with the development squad and take Martin to preseason until a replacement is brought in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 I think nige rates Seabourne. He'as already confirmed that a CB is a priority (maybe 2) so I don't doubt we will sign another but I think we can expect to see Seabourne as a squad player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beavis17 Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Perhaps' date=' but, playing devil's advocate a little, doesn't sending Martin out on loan suggest that Seaborne is higher in the pecking order than him? Why not send Seaborne on loan or leave him with the development squad and take Martin to preseason until a replacement is brought in?[/quote'] Maybe they were both available for loan but there was more interest in Martin and Palace wanted him to be part of their pre-season? Adkins has also suggested that some deals have taken longer than they had hoped meaning Seaborne has had to be involved almost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Regardless of whether Stephens has made the step up we still need 2 CBs, lets not put too much faith in the young players just yet. Lets not forget not one of them got anywhere near the subs bench for a league game last year, let alone got on the pitch so I am a little uneasy about suddenly believing they are ready to come into the team in the Premiership. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExSt Peter Saint Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 The HCDAJFU thread is far too long to trawl through, so has anyone got any idea who we're actually trying to sign in terms of centre halves? I've seen far fewer rumours about them than any other position, when it does seem crucial that we sign one in order to up the quality of the squad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 The HCDAJFU thread is far too long to trawl through, so has anyone got any idea who we're actually trying to sign in terms of centre halves? I've seen far fewer rumours about them than any other position, when it does seem crucial that we sign one in order to up the quality of the squad. Couple of names. Dann was an linked earlier on, but that seems to have cooled. A foreign name which picked up last week was niklas moisander who is the captain for AZ and Finland, 25 year old CB. (who can also play LB). I expect more names will crop up over the next week or so, but NA has been quoted as specifically saying that we will definitely buy 1 CB, if not 2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikethesaint Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Regardless of whether Stephens has made the step up we still need 2 CBs, lets not put too much faith in the young players just yet. Lets not forget not one of them got anywhere near the subs bench for a league game last year, let alone got on the pitch so I am a little uneasy about suddenly believing they are ready to come into the team in the Premiership. They were a year younger and less experienced last season. We could also only name 5 subs so there was limited opportunities for them. When they played in the cup games they showed their potential. From the reports all of the youngsters have impressed in pre-season and and seem to have fitted in very well. Don't be surprised if 1 or more gets a place on the bench next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Why would we need two CB? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 They were a year younger and less experienced last season. We could also only name 5 subs so there was limited opportunities for them. When they played in the cup games they showed their potential. From the reports all of the youngsters have impressed in pre-season and and seem to have fitted in very well. Don't be surprised if 1 or more gets a place on the bench next season. Wouldn't be surprised to see any on the bench, but I hope that is all they are going to be used for this season at least. I'm all for them getting their chance and appreciate what you say about the 5 sub rule last season. But I'd feel uneasy going into the season assuming that we already have 4 CBs (including Stephens and Seaborne) and would much prefer 2 more experienced players to come in ahead of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Wouldn't be surprised to see any on the bench, but I hope that is all they are going to be used for this season at least. I'm all for them getting their chance and appreciate what you say about the 5 sub rule last season. But I'd feel uneasy going into the season assuming that we already have 4 CBs (including Stephens and Seaborne) and would much prefer 2 more experienced players to come in ahead of them. I'd expect to see Ward-Prowse used a fair bit next year as he's a class act, and is more than good enough to play in the PL with ease. Stephens is maturing into a pretty accomplished player and I think it's safe to say that he's now considered as one of our CB's - with Martin being loaned out I can't see us letting Stephens go as well, so he's part of the squad for next year which could reduce the need of CB's to just the 1. When you get to the point of buying lots of new players ''because the kids aren't ready'', then you put yourselves into a situation where you are blocking them and filling up the squad with squad players. With the investment that is pumped into our academy and training ground I'm pretty sure that isn't part of their plan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ottery st mary Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Stephens is very highly thought of and was always believed to be a lad who could make the break through into a top class defender. He is obviously being slotted into a Centre Back role and can also play Right Back or one of three centre backs with the two attacking full backs in some games. Good enough now....do not discount re age as the staff will know when to start playing him regularly....As with other youngsters the break through can even be at 17/18 age group. The other Centre Back who has made a remarkable recoverey from injury through training and practice matches is..Seaborne.. More highly thought of by the Saints coaching staff than some of our experts on this forum , who would have you believe that their opinion in relation to Seaborne and 3/4 of the other players...is without knowledge or experience of the pro game.....What do NA and AC/DW know. Some posters would have rid of all our squad by now and playing Messi , Iniesta and Ronaldo.. Even Jos has gained the extra yard of pace that will make him a stand out Centre Back in the Premier League...Fitness/training/coaching and pre season matches improving a few of the side from CCC level into premiership players... With the apparent re emergence of Puncheon....some posters would get rid.....but luckily NA knows that a fit/determined/focussed footballer that Puncheon is showing..we have a very talented player who can play either wing/midfield or support striker. Attitude etc is for NA/staff to sort out...so far playing him regularly is not for onward sale but a definite place in the team/squad and a valuable player to boot. We will need a good squad for this season and I believe with all the players fit and focussed with the 2 further additions...We will be a team that will be more than competitive for mid table and beyond.....Watch out Barcelona. We need the other FRINGE players pushing first team players for their spot....including Stephens, Chambers , Ward-Prowse and Shaw...of whom first team regular places are not far over the horizon. Other than that.....COYS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up and away Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 I'd say because Martin has more of a future and needs games. Seaborne will be out. He hasn't even proven it in the Championship yet, and I wasn't sure about him in L1. Stephens might be 4th choice when a new CB comes in. We may even sign 2. You can look at this either way but I would agree with you. Martin played in some important games last season and did not look out of place. From memory I would go with Martin over Seaborne and he should have come on a step at Palace. We will be getting in another CB so you are looking at cup games for Stephens or Seaborne, something they did not want to slow Martin down with. It may look that Stephens is ahead in the pecking order, but I would place Martin ahead from these decisions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 IMO Seaborne is miles better than Martin on the ball, possibly our best passer of the CBs and for that reason would rate him over Martin at the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Itchen_block4 Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 IMO Seaborne is miles better than Martin on the ball, possibly our best passer of the CBs and for that reason would rate him over Martin at the moment. Good point about Seaborne. Extreme example is Gerard Pique - fairly average defender, but because him and the rest of his team are so good on the ball, he's rarely tested. Judging by the match highlights, Seaborne and Stephens were pretty stingy against Carouge and Evian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danish Saint Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Think we'll see more out of Stephens than Seaborne in the Premier Leauge. But we do need a new central defender to push Hooiveld and Fonte more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkSFC Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 IMO Seaborne is miles better than Martin on the ball, possibly our best passer of the CBs and for that reason would rate him over Martin at the moment. Seriously? WOW!!! Under pressure Seaborne is by far the worst CB we have ever had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Seriously? WOW!!! Under pressure Seaborne is by far the worst CB we have ever had. I love it when people come out with over the top statements like this, he clearly isn't. We've had many worse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 when people say we need 2 CB.... OK...1 of which will push/replace either Fonte or hooiveld who do you get that is quite happy to sit on the bench...well, not even sit on the bench every week that is THAT much better than seaborne..? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 when people say we need 2 CB.... OK...1 of which will push/replace either Fonte or hooiveld who do you get that is quite happy to sit on the bench...well, not even sit on the bench every week that is THAT much better than seaborne..? If we sign 2 we'll either get 2 who are an improvement on what we've already got and will be first team, or 1 who is this and 1 to go into the development squad. We don't buy players for 'cover'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 IMO Seaborne is miles better than Martin on the ball, possibly our best passer of the CBs and for that reason would rate him over Martin at the moment. Totally agree Charlie he is a very under rated player However I would like to see a really top class CB to replace Fonte Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Stephens is very highly thought of and was always believed to be a lad who could make the break through into a top class defender. He is obviously being slotted into a Centre Back role and can also play Right Back or one of three centre backs with the two attacking full backs in some games. Good enough now....do not discount re age as the staff will know when to start playing him regularly....As with other youngsters the break through can even be at 17/18 age group. The other Centre Back who has made a remarkable recoverey from injury through training and practice matches is..Seaborne.. More highly thought of by the Saints coaching staff than some of our experts on this forum , who would have you believe that their opinion in relation to Seaborne and 3/4 of the other players...is without knowledge or experience of the pro game.....What do NA and AC/DW know. Some posters would have rid of all our squad by now and playing Messi , Iniesta and Ronaldo.. Even Jos has gained the extra yard of pace that will make him a stand out Centre Back in the Premier League...Fitness/training/coaching and pre season matches improving a few of the side from CCC level into premiership players... With the apparent re emergence of Puncheon....some posters would get rid.....but luckily NA knows that a fit/determined/focussed footballer that Puncheon is showing..we have a very talented player who can play either wing/midfield or support striker. Attitude etc is for NA/staff to sort out...so far playing him regularly is not for onward sale but a definite place in the team/squad and a valuable player to boot. We will need a good squad for this season and I believe with all the players fit and focussed with the 2 further additions...We will be a team that will be more than competitive for mid table and beyond.....Watch out Barcelona. We need the other FRINGE players pushing first team players for their spot....including Stephens, Chambers , Ward-Prowse and Shaw...of whom first team regular places are not far over the horizon. Other than that.....COYS I agree with what you are saying but I would like a couple of really good PL players added to the squad in defence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farawaysaint Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 I love it when people come out with over the top statements like this, he clearly isn't. We've had many worse. Jermaine Wright just felt someone walk over his grave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Itchen_block4 Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 when people say we need 2 CB.... OK...1 of which will push/replace either Fonte or hooiveld who do you get that is quite happy to sit on the bench...well, not even sit on the bench every week that is THAT much better than seaborne..? Our pair have one leftie and one rightie for that bit of balance when we play out. Centre halves get injured or suspended quite a lot and we'd quite quickly need to call on all 4. The PL is more physically demanding than lower down and there will be rotation. It's a squad game and there won't be many players rigidly defined as backup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Kucho Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Couple of names. Dann was an linked earlier on, but that seems to have cooled. A foreign name which picked up last week was niklas moisander who is the captain for AZ and Finland, 25 year old CB. (who can also play LB). I expect more names will crop up over the next week or so, but NA has been quoted as specifically saying that we will definitely buy 1 CB, if not 2. Niklas Moisander is a great player and now Jan Vertonghen has left the best CB in the Eredivisie. Ajax are/were interested in him, AZ want 6 million Euro for him (bargain imo) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Seaborne was pretty bad at CB in L1, done ok last year in the NPC but that was only a few games. He'd get ruined in the prem, Would be surprised if he is part of our 25 squad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Stephens is very highly thought of and was always believed to be a lad who could make the break through into a top class defender. He is obviously being slotted into a Centre Back role and can also play Right Back or one of three centre backs with the two attacking full backs in some games. Good enough now....do not discount re age as the staff will know when to start playing him regularly....As with other youngsters the break through can even be at 17/18 age group. The other Centre Back who has made a remarkable recoverey from injury through training and practice matches is..Seaborne.. More highly thought of by the Saints coaching staff than some of our experts on this forum , who would have you believe that their opinion in relation to Seaborne and 3/4 of the other players...is without knowledge or experience of the pro game.....What do NA and AC/DW know. Some posters would have rid of all our squad by now and playing Messi , Iniesta and Ronaldo.. Even Jos has gained the extra yard of pace that will make him a stand out Centre Back in the Premier League...Fitness/training/coaching and pre season matches improving a few of the side from CCC level into premiership players... With the apparent re emergence of Puncheon....some posters would get rid.....but luckily NA knows that a fit/determined/focussed footballer that Puncheon is showing..we have a very talented player who can play either wing/midfield or support striker. Attitude etc is for NA/staff to sort out...so far playing him regularly is not for onward sale but a definite place in the team/squad and a valuable player to boot. We will need a good squad for this season and I believe with all the players fit and focussed with the 2 further additions...We will be a team that will be more than competitive for mid table and beyond.....Watch out Barcelona. We need the other FRINGE players pushing first team players for their spot....including Stephens, Chambers , Ward-Prowse and Shaw...of whom first team regular places are not far over the horizon. Other than that.....COYS OK who hacked Ottery's account? Must be a first with not one But, I agree wholeheartedly. Some of the we don't know what we're doing crew should watch that Sports Science clip (or watch what happened to Ernie today after 6 months with SCW's idea of a Vision coach) Still think more to come, it's still 33 days to the end of the Transfer WIndow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ottery st mary Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 I am luvving it peeps...:smug:;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itchen_dan Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Scott Dann in talks according to Mirror. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/scott-dann-is-southampton-target-with-35million-1154161 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 If we want info on this signing, I think we're best off listening to what Birmingham and Coventry City fans have to say about him. He went to blackburn when they were in a mess, with a manager who hasn't got a scooby. It's not an environment for anyone to thrive, so even a half decent player will not look as good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Scott Dann in talks according to Mirror. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/scott-dann-is-southampton-target-with-35million-1154161 Is this the player Nicko was talking about? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Think we could potentially do better but would be a solid acquisition if he joined. In Nigel we trust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Is this the player Nicko was talking about? yep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 (edited) Think we could potentially do better but would be a solid acquisition if he joined. In Nigel we trust. He was reportedly close to joining Arsenal last year for £8m... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/8695059/Arsenal-open-talks-with-Birmingham-City-over-move-for-defender-Scott-Dann.html And again in January 2012... http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12876/7425556/ Edited 22 July, 2012 by Matthew Le God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 He was reportedly close to joining Arsenal last year for £8m... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/8695059/Arsenal-open-talks-with-Birmingham-City-over-move-for-defender-Scott-Dann.html And again in January 2012... http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12876/7425556/ But he didn't though, did he. And surely that's more to do with Arsneal as they're so unwilling to spend big money and desparate for CB's...Plus he would have been available in Europe had he signed. Also...how close was he? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itchen_dan Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 There has been recent murmurings that Ajax could be about to make an attempt to loan him. Cant be that bad then surely? http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11676/7908322/Ajax-eye-Rovers-star http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2175068/Ajax-want-Scott-Dann-loan.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Think we could potentially do better but would be a solid acquisition if he joined. In Nigel we trust. I wondered how long it would be until someone said "we could do better". with who? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Turkish, if Saints sign Dann and Lens it would be getting close to that £20m you said wouldn't be spent... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Turkish, if Saints sign Dann and Lens it would be getting close to that £20m you said wouldn't be spent... How many people expected it? I'm pleased to see we aren't spunking money away either and signing quality players. I'm very pleased with our transfers so far and the ones we are being linked with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint86 Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Seaborne wont play for us again, would be surprised if he's still here at the end of the window. I totally disagree with this view tbh. I think Atkins likes him and feels he is a solid backup choice. I reckon he will get a few games this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint86 Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Argh Adkins you stupid predictive text!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 Dann was an linked earlier on, but that seems to have cooled. It's gone hot again, apparently! http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/scott-dann-is-southampton-target-with-35million-1154161 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint J 77 Posted 22 July, 2012 Share Posted 22 July, 2012 It's gone hot again, apparently! http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/scott-dann-is-southampton-target-with-35million-1154161 "Adkins has been looking for a centre half for weeks and is optimistic that the Dann deal can be done in the next few days". Sounds like he could well be our next signing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 23 July, 2012 Share Posted 23 July, 2012 Whats with everyone (well Stephens and the Daily Mirror) using 'Centre Half' again. Its like listening to Association Football on the wireless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 23 July, 2012 Share Posted 23 July, 2012 How many people expected it? I'm pleased to see we aren't spunking money away either and signing quality players. I'm very pleased with our transfers so far and the ones we are being linked with. Well I did, been banging on about how we're clearly not sustainable without Prem tv money and buying at least 4 players every window for over 6 months now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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