Revolution or Evolution?

[Saint Fan CaM]

I think most supporters and commentators were of the opinion that we needed to improve the squad. It looks like finally we could be seeing this happen, however it strikes me that NA's previous mantra about "evolution not revolution" was perhaps a bit premature. The new 'starting 11' players could total eight if the rumours all come true...i.e.

 

Defence: Clyne + a CB? + a LB?

Midfield: Davis + new central midfielder?

Strikers: JayRod + Ramirez + Another?

 

First choice players from promotion team : KD, JH, AL, Lambert

 

With the new faces being talked about it seems to me that the team will potentially see quite a revolution actually and it got me thinking then about how the spirit in the dressing room might be holding out in light of this. Hopefully, there's enough about NA and his backroom staff to keep the squad positive.

 

Comments?

[The Kraken]

Its nice to evolve, but such a rapid rise from League 1 to Premier League will inevitably mean we have players we need to offload, and some still onboard who are not good enough for anything other than a bit part role this season. Our policy of purchasing the best players from the league below has caught up with us. We're lucky to have a genuine PL player in Lallana, Lambert I believe is good enough too. Aside from that there's not many other players who you'd think any other Premier League team would have selected from us to put into their team. Steven Davis was a very good signing, Jack Cork and Morgan will do a decent job, but we're very light aside from those and a major rehaul was needed to bring us up to speed. If we survive in this division then the spending policy next summer will be altogether different, but right now its an absolutely necessity to improve in many areas.

[Webby]

I'd been thinking about this myself and it's a good point. As you say, if we got the players that we've targeted, and they play, we'll have 4 players that played last season.

 

Our philosophy is to buy players better than what we've got so any players coming in will definitely be vying for a first team place, but that's not to say that those replaced don't still have something to offer.

 

The question is, can we survive without adding more players?

[mynameisthehulk]

Well I evolve but I dont...revolve

[Mowgli]

I think we should be looking at the 18 that are named on a Saturday. 10 of those will undoubtedly have featured last season.

[Saint Fan CaM]

I think we should be looking at the 18 that are named on a Saturday. 10 of those will undoubtedly have featured last season.

 

Maybe you're right, however that was not my point. Do you think that replacing nearly half the first team is evolution or revolution? It's not a difficult question and there's no judgement in terms of right or wrong - just interested in considering the definition and consequences, not just for Saints but for any promoted team.

[max_saints]

just a consequence of the rapid rise through two divisions I think, most of the players being replaced now were bought possibly with the intention to get out of L1 and consolidating in the Championship before making a push for premier League. However, with the impressive and unexpected back to back promotions, most of these players are just not good enough for the Premier League.

 

I still think its evolution though as the spine of the team is still there. Anyway revolution is having a fairly decent keeper and then buying robert green and then replacing him with julio cesar in the same window, insane.

[VectisSaint]

First choice players from promotion team : KD, JH, AL, Lambert

 

You forgot Spiderman and possibly Fox (though I hope we get a new LB)

[Saint Fan CaM]

You forgot Spiderman and possibly Fox (though I hope we get a new LB)

 

I don't think Spiderman is going to be a first choice with the 4-3-3 we've adopted - Davis, Lallana and SWP are more likely. I agree Fox is 1st choice if we don't sign another LB - Shaw will not be ready this season.

[The Kraken]

I don't think Spiderman is going to be a first choice with the 4-3-3 we've adopted - Davis, Lallana and SWP are more likely. I agree Fox is 1st choice if we don't sign another LB - Shaw will not be ready this season.

 

Davis and Cork when he returns, for me. I don't rate Morgan anywhere near as much as many on here, I think he's too casual and gives the ball away far too much for a player in his position. Cork is a better all round player IMO. JWP, I hope he gets nurtured rathered than thrown into the deep end of a starting role every week in what's likely to be a low ranked Premier league team getting beaten more often than winning.

[Asaint]

just a consequence of the rapid rise through two divisions I think, most of the players being replaced now were bought possibly with the intention to get out of L1 and consolidating in the Championship before making a push for premier League. However, with the impressive and unexpected back to back promotions, most of these players are just not good enough for the Premier League.

 

I still think its evolution though as the spine of the team is still there. Anyway revolution is having a fairly decent keeper and then buying robert green and then replacing him with julio cesar in the same window, insane.

 

Agree

[niemi14]

Basically what you're saying is you don't want another Chris Evans on your hands!

[S-Clarke]

I'm all for evolution, but as other posters have pointed out - because of our rise it's harder to slowly evolve, now we're in the PL we need to make quite drastic changes in certain positions. Notably at the back and in the middle of the park.

 

Players like Hammond, Chaplow and possibly even Fonte have been pushed to one side quicker than probably anticipated when signed, so whilst it's not quite a revolution it's a rapid evolution.

[Deano6]

I don't think Spiderman is going to be a first choice with the 4-3-3 we've adopted - Davis, Lallana and SWP are more likely. I agree Fox is 1st choice if we don't sign another LB - Shaw will not be ready this season.

 

We're signing Shaun Wright-Phillips

[Lazlo78]

Really difficult subject. On principal, most will subscribe to the view that the players that won promotion should be given the chance at a higher level, and that bringing in too many new players will upset a succesful team balance. On the other hand, we'd probably also prefer to survive with a bunch of mercenaries (QPR style?) than going down with our Championship promotion side intact.

 

So we have to strike a balance.

 

Personally I subscribe too much to the first view and it pains me every time a player is pushed behind in the pecking order - Harding, Richardson, de Ridder, Chaplow, Hammond etc. - maybe even Lambert They've all been part of something unique in the history of SFC and it feels wrong to see them left behind by bringing in new stars.

 

The players are probably more level-headed about this. They know their level, they know the ambition of the club, they still get their wages, they are part of a squad and hopefully an intensive training setup, they are generally liked by the supporters.

 

So in short, even though it may pain me, bringing in quality players to push the club forwards is the right way...

[Jack]

Viva la Evolution.