The one remaining transfer for saints

[tomf05]

Of any of you can bring yourselves to believe Alex Crook then this is what he has just tweeted

 

@alex_crook: As has been mentioned following Nicola Cortese's #ssn interview #saintsfc are looking at bringing in one more player - a striker

 

@alex_crook: #saintsfc say they will not be rushed into making a panic buy and would be willing to start season with current squad

 

Good news the need for a striker has been recognised in my opinion, I'm happy with our team bar the lack of execution in the final third. To be trusted? We shall see...

[Saint Garrett]

Damiao or Osvaldo. Or maybe another high profile striker.

[Faz]

I believe NC said that we'd signed two of our Top Three targets, not that we were only signing three players. Stand to be corrected.

[Saint Charlie]

And really that would make a great window with the additional benefit of keeping Shaw and all our best players.

 

Icing on the cake would be another CB, but if we do sign a top striker then we have significantly strengthened the spine of what was already a decent side.

[tomf05]

I have herd the same with regard to 2/3 and obviously would love damiao would favour him over osvaldo, hard to believe all te rumours but at least it seems NC/MP recognises what most of us think we need

[DuncanRG]

The most pleasing thing about this is the fact that they're happy to start the season with the squad we have. A striker would of course be great, but it shows he has confidence in the players' ability to improve. He wouldn't be happy with the squad if he didn't think it was capable of achieving the goal of a top half finish.

[Glasgow_Saint]

If we do only sign 3 players this summer ill be disappointed

 

3 signings all summer doesnt match the noises about "ambition"

[tomf05]

If we do only sign 3 players this summer ill be disappointed

 

3 signings all summer doesnt match the noises about "ambition"

 

Does that make QPR ambitious, I think it shows the opposite and were hoping to improve our youth and take on te premier league seriously as Southampton making tweaks with players of huge influence in al already good squad where needed

[Wade Garrett]

Can't see us starting the season without any new attackers.

[SO16_Saint]

If we do only sign 3 players this summer ill be disappointed

 

3 signings all summer doesnt match the noises about "ambition"

its the quality of signings that matter, not quantity - surely

[Glasgow_Saint]

its the quality of signings that matter, not quantity - surely

 

100% but imo we needed 2x CBs, 1 winger, Possible cover for FB's, 1 x striker. Possibly even cover for Boruc

 

With all the talk of ambition and jumping up the table I expected 4-5 "quality" signings to replace the 9 released and 1 sold (so far)

[SO16_Saint]

100% but imo we needed 2x CBs, 1 winger, Possible cover for FB's, 1 x striker. Possibly even cover for Boruc

 

With all the talk of ambition and jumping up the table I expected 4-5 "quality" signings to replace the 9 released and 1 sold (so far)

 

yeah - fair point. if we can have 2 people challenging per position that'd be ideal

[alpine_saint]

Icing on the cake would be another CB

 

Sorry, after witnessing two soft goals against Schalke on Wednesday, I see it as being a bit more fundamental than that. Seems the transfer committee still hasnt completely got its hear round the issues of our defence from last season.

 

Interesting to note that NC meant 3 transfers in total in that DM interview, not 3 main transfers. Maybe that July 1st deadline and being complete for pre-season was regarded as a realistic prospect if only 3 newcomers were planned, but as we know the VW transfer and striker have been protracted affairs.

 

Assuming we get the striker, we are still a CB and a winger short. Maybe also a GK.

[Joensuu]

Glasgow, I'd personally be a little concerned if we brought in another 5 as you suggest we should. Not only is that more revolution than evolution, and would change dynamics in the dressing room quite significantly. On top of that, if each of those 5 were 'quality' additions we would be looking at spending at least another £30m (probably £40m). That would be a significant financial investment/risk.

 

Honestly, hope we get a maximum 2-3. I'd be more than happy with 1 quality striker being the end of our transfer activity.

[Gorgiesaint]

Sorry, after witnessing two soft goals against Schalke on Wednesday, I see it as being a bit more fundamental than that. Seems the transfer committee still hasnt completely got its hear round the issues of our defence from last season.

 

Interesting to note that NC meant 3 transfers in total in that DM interview, not 3 main transfers. Maybe that July 1st deadline and being complete for pre-season was regarded as a realistic prospect if only 3 newcomers were planned, but as we know the VW transfer and striker have been protracted affairs.

 

Assuming we get the striker, we are still a CB and a winger short. Maybe also a GK.

 

No he didn't. In case you have difficulty reading the exact phrase, I've cut it from the article for you

 

Cortese has signed two of the club's three main transfer targets, midfielder Victor Wanyama from Celtic and Croatian defender Dejan Lovren from Lyon this summer.

 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2378319/Southampton-chairman-Nicola-Cortese-People-thought-I-E-T-I-Ianded-Saints.html#ixzz2a9bVjHI7

[Gorgiesaint]

Oops, sorry, wasn't supposed to be that big. The writing looked tiny when copied from the Mail.

[alpine_saint]

No he didn't. In case you have difficulty reading the exact phrase, I've cut it from the article for you

 

 

Doesnt prove anthing. He may have targeted 3 players, and Lovren and VW simply topped this list for 2 of the 3 positions we identified to strengthen.

[Glasgow_Saint]

Glasgow, I'd personally be a little concerned if we brought in another 5 as you suggest we should. Not only is that more revolution than evolution, and would change dynamics in the dressing room quite significantly. On top of that, if each of those 5 were 'quality' additions we would be looking at spending at least another £30m (probably £40m). That would be a significant financial investment/risk.

 

Honestly, hope we get a maximum 2-3. I'd be more than happy with 1 quality striker being the end of our transfer activity.

 

I meant 5 total not 5 more. We have 2 but think we would benefit from having 3 more.

 

3 in & 13 out (assuming Sharp, Hammond and De Ridder get moved on as expected) leaves us quite vulnerable imho

[Window Cleaner]

I meant 5 total not 5 more. We have 2 but think we would benefit from having 3 more.

 

3 in & 13 out (assuming Sharp, Hammond and De Ridder get moved on as expected) leaves us quite vulnerable imho

 

and Sharp,Hammond and De Ridder played a lot of first team football for us last season did they. All of the players who are being moved on were already surplus to requirements last season. I'd be surprised if they played the equivalent of 2 full PL games between them . No point keeping hold of players who just aren't up to the level, it's frustrating for them and costly for the club.

[Olallana]

Can anyone do a bit of MLG and reveal how many games combined the players that has left did for us in PL last year??

 

Preferably games that they started, if they made a sub apperance is not that vital....

 

Thank you!

[Lallana's Left Peg]

Well it might just be me but I am far happier with a slow progress that consists of 2-3 targeted signings each summer complimented with players from our Academy who may be ready to contribute. It feels more sustainable in the long-run (both financially and in terms of making progress that can be maintained) plus I feel strongly we need to retain our identity as a club which not only produces good youngsters but gives them a chance. We've seen what happens when we spend a lot of money on lots of players for short-term progress - we've made a lot of progress but there is a high turnover with players which can bring many issues. It's positive that the club is in such a position now where it feels it can attain primary targets. It would take a massive amount of money to break the Top 6 right now.

 

The only two negatives to this slower approach are there is no way we can be Top 6 this season (so a delta exists between public statements and realistic ambitions) and slower progress leaves us more exposed to losing our best players - but we have to trust Cortese on this one as in the last 6 months we've signed our most prized assets (Schniederlin and Shaw) to 4 and 5 year contracts respectively. Of course it doesn't mean they won't leave, but it does provide ore security than either going into this season with only 12 months left on their contract.

[Wurzel]

Of any of you can bring yourselves to believe Alex Crook then this is what he has just tweeted

 

@alex_crook: As has been mentioned following Nicola Cortese's #ssn interview #saintsfc are looking at bringing in one more player - a striker

@alex_crook: #saintsfc say they will not be rushed into making a panic buy and would be willing to start season with current squad

 

Good news the need for a striker has been recognised in my opinion, I'm happy with our team bar the lack of execution in the final third. To be trusted? We shall see...

 

And Chelsea are willing to wait till the season starts to get Rooney.

 

Still expecting to see Torres in a Saints shirt this season.

[RinNY]

I'm not sure why people are so concerned about CBs: the Schalke game is not a fair measure, as they were a couple of weeks ahead of us in preparation, and we were still lacking Yoshida, who'll probably be a first choice CB. Last season both Fonte and Hooiveld did quite well, once they had adapted to the Prem, and I'd say they're about as good a backup pair as you'll find in the Prem (outside the top 3 or 4). Let's not forget, for example, that Arsenal managed to stay in the top 4 for years with Squillaci and Djourou as their back up CBs.

 

Seems to me that, other than a striker, which we urgently need (can't expect Lambert to carry the load again), we need another fullback most urgently. Hope there's truth in the Kyle Naughton u.

[RinNY]

I'm not sure why people are so concerned about CBs: the Schalke game is not a fair measure, as they were a couple of weeks ahead of us in preparation, and we were still lacking Yoshida, who'll probably be a first choice CB. Last season both Fonte and Hooiveld did quite well, once they had adapted to the Prem, and I'd say they're about as good a backup pair as you'll find in the Prem (outside the top 3 or 4). Let's not forget, for example, that Arsenal managed to stay in the top 4 for years with Squillaci and Djourou as their back up CBs.

 

Seems to me that, other than a striker, which we urgently need (can't expect Lambert to carry the load again), we need another fullback most urgently. Hope there's truth in the Kyle Naughton u.

[Pastor Patrón]

Last season both Fonte and Hooiveld did quite well, once they had adapted to the Prem, and I'd say they're about as good a backup pair as you'll find in the Prem (outside the top 3 or 4).

 

You what mate?? Hooiveld is agonisingly turd at this level.

[RinNY]

Jeez, isn't there any way to delete a post???

[Chez]

Last season both Fonte and Hooiveld did quite well, once they had adapted to the Prem, and I'd say they're about as good a backup pair as you'll find in the Prem (outside the top 3 or 4).

I agree. Once we had Cork and Shaw providing them with suitable protection they looked reasonably assured. I certainly have no problems with them as backup. It's Yoshida as first choice the is of greater concern as I don't think he's any better than Fonte.

[Black Sea Saint]

Let's add Callum and Isgrove to that. Let's remember that we don't want to revolutionise the squad, we want to build on the talent that we have. One more signing and let's call it a day.

[dubai_phil]

You what mate?? Hooiveld is agonisingly turd at this level.

 

 

Yeah he was so dreadful when he came back in under MP that we got thrashed at home to Chelsea due to him only being rated 7 by the experts

 

And who can forget those howlers he made against Man City at Home? That Aguero made him look like a schoolkid didn't he.

 

Fact is when he came in for Fonte he played one zillion times better than he did at the beginning of the season in a run of games.

 

We have decent back up at CB and we have Stephens & Turnbull coming through

[Chez]

Can anyone do a bit of MLG and reveal how many games combined the players that has left did for us in PL last year??

 

Preferably games that they started, if they made a sub apperance is not that vital....

 

Thank you!

 

Reeves made 3 sub appearances in PL

Chaplow made 3 sub appearances

[Bearsy]

Jeez, isn't there any way to delete a post???

 

i find if you include swears + boobs chalet will take care of it for you.

[Sour Mash]

Of any of you can bring yourselves to believe Alex Crook then this is what he has just tweeted

 

@alex_crook: As has been mentioned following Nicola Cortese's #ssn interview #saintsfc are looking at bringing in one more player - a striker

 

@alex_crook: #saintsfc say they will not be rushed into making a panic buy and would be willing to start season with current squad

 

Good news the need for a striker has been recognised in my opinion, I'm happy with our team bar the lack of execution in the final third. To be trusted? We shall see...

 

Has it ever been in doubt that we are after a new, top quality striker?

[Pastor Patrón]

 

Yeah he was so dreadful when he came back in under MP that we got thrashed at home to Chelsea due to him only being rated 7 by the experts

 

And who can forget those howlers he made against Man City at Home? That Aguero made him look like a schoolkid didn't he.

 

Fact is when he came in for Fonte he played one zillion times better than he did at the beginning of the season in a run of games.

 

We have decent back up at CB and we have Stephens & Turnbull coming through

 

 

-sent from my iphone5 using voice activation for the visually impaired-

 

Amended for clarity.

[eelpie]

I'd be happy with that. Bit worried about Fonte and Hooiveld as back up, but both did ok at times. Guess they're not looking at others there though. Think it could be our weak spot this season.

 

Happy with the youngsters as full back reserve, midfield options are brilliant. Would like a winger, but Isgrove looks good and it's up to Jrod, Puncheon, Lallana and Ramirez to step up. That's a lot of options.

 

I just like the idea of adding 2 or 3 quality players rather than overhauling the squad every summer.

 

Winger? What about Tom Ince. His dad has actually told him he needs to leave if he is to advance his career.

Fast, 24 goals in 77 matches for 'pool, and voted the League's young player of the year.

 

And Corese has indicated that Saints have a responsibility to supply England with young internationals .

 

I for one am not that happy that we seem to be relying on bringing in top foreign internationals. I feel that is squeezing out home talent.

[View From The Top]

Winger? What about Tom Ince. His dad has actually told him he needs to leave if he is to advance his career.

Fast, 24 goals in 77 matches for 'pool, and voted the League's young player of the year.

 

And Corese has indicated that Saints have a responsibility to supply England with young internationals .

 

I for one am not that happy that we seem to be relying on bringing in top foreign internationals. I feel that is squeezing out home talent.

 

Wants to stay up north.

[eelpie]

Wants to stay up north.

 

So have a lot of players that we have signed in the past.

[View From The Top]

So have a lot of players that we have signed in the past.

 

He's waiting for Everton to come in for him. He won't move south.

[Leicestersaint]

Damiao should be signed within a week (I hope).

[Olallana]

Reeves made 3 sub appearances in PL

Chaplow made 3 sub appearances

 

Cheers for the answer. I had a little time over so checked on transfermarkt.co.uk and you were right + Richardsson had 2 starts and 3 sub appearances.

Chaplow played a total of 54 minutes, Reeves 28 minutes and Richardsson 168 minutes.

 

So we can here and now ignore all the talk that we need more players because so many are leaving....

We might need more players for other reasons, but not due to 10+ players leaving...

[Glasgow_Saint]

MoPo likes a high tempo / pressing style. This took its toll on the players very quickly last season and thats when squad rotation is vital.

 

Plus we will pick up injuries to our best 11 during the season and the best clubs have quality back up. id be very worried if one or two from Boruc, Shaw, Schneiderlin Lovren got injured for a lenghy period.

 

Its just my opinion that 3 players will not boost our finish position.

 

The only recent example of any prem club making only 3 summer signings was Arsenal - this was refected in their lower league position.

[Saint Without a Halo]

If we do only sign 3 players this summer ill be disappointed

 

3 signings all summer doesnt match the noises about "ambition"

 

Remember we are aiming to bring youth through too! cant do that if you buy up a new team! As A saints supporter for over 45 years I can tell you the two signings we have made are certainly ambitious compared generally to who we used to buy (a few exceptions of course)

[Wes Tender]

Can anyone do a bit of MLG and reveal how many games combined the players that has left did for us in PL last year??

 

Preferably games that they started, if they made a sub apperance is not that vital....

 

Thank you!

 

Here is the list of contributions of players now surplus to our requirements:-

 

Sharp - 1 appearance as a sub (76)

Richardson - 3 starts but one then subbed ( Three as a sub, (45,85,71)

Reeves - 3 appearances as a sub (81,78,85)

Chaplow - 3 Appearances as a sub (89,62,67)

De Ridder - 5 Appearances as a sub (55,83,54,87,87)

T Lee - 1 Appearance as a sub (78)

 

So the point made that the players now surplus to requirements did not contribute much is pretty clear.

[Olallana]

Here is the list of contributions of players now surplus to our requirements:-

 

Sharp - 1 appearance as a sub (76)

Richardson - 3 starts but one then subbed ( Three as a sub, (45,85,71)

Reeves - 3 appearances as a sub (81,78,85)

Chaplow - 3 Appearances as a sub (89,62,67)

De Ridder - 5 Appearances as a sub (55,83,54,87,87)

T Lee - 1 Appearance as a sub (78)

 

So the point made that the players now surplus to requirements did not contribute much is pretty clear.

 

Such impact players that has left us!!

Cheers.

[dubai_phil]

MoPo likes a high tempo / pressing style. This took its toll on the players very quickly last season and thats when squad rotation is vital.

 

Plus we will pick up injuries to our best 11 during the season and the best clubs have quality back up. id be very worried if one or two from Boruc, Shaw, Schneiderlin Lovren got injured for a lenghy period.

 

Its just my opinion that 3 players will not boost our finish position.

 

The only recent example of any prem club making only 3 summer signings was Arsenal - this was refected in their lower league position.

 

Fair point.

 

But IF Isgrove & Chambers are actually ready to play 6 or 8 games in a season & JWP has come on over the summer would you not count this as being worth 5 (or 6 with JWP) new signings?

[Glasgow_Saint]

Fair point.

 

But IF Isgrove & Chambers are actually ready to play 6 or 8 games in a season & JWP has come on over the summer would you not count this as being worth 5 (or 6 with JWP) new signings?

 

You could that is true - hopefully they will step up. I trust that Isgrove & Chambers are good talents so could be the same as two new signings.

 

Just surprised that we are squeezing the 1st team squad so much. 14/15 out (potentially) and only 3 transfers in - knowing what we know about MoPo's style is a surprise.

[dubai_phil]

You could that is true - hopefully they will step up. I trust that Isgrove & Chambers are good talents so could be the same as two new signings.

 

Just surprised that we are squeezing the 1st team squad so much. 14/15 out (potentially) and only 3 transfers in - knowing what we know about MoPo's style is a surprise.

 

Clearly Tadanari & Mayuka are going to get some time on the pitch this year then, phew, that's a relief.

 

How many of the 14/15 were actual squad members though? Not Sharp, Forepast or Barnard for sure

[mulletsaint]

i find if you include swears + boobs chalet will take care of it for you.

 

TBH those boobs have to have nipples on show. Oh and he doesn't mind man boobs or those belonging to Marge Simpson.

[Sour Mash]

Such impact players that has left us!!

Cheers.

But we hardly played any cup games last season. Things could be different if we have two long cup runs.

[Window Cleaner]

But we hardly played any cup games last season. Things could be different if we have two long cup runs.

 

which won't happen if you insist on using players of the quality of Chaplow and De Ridder. Some seeem to have difficulty seizing just how mediocre these blokes were..or are rather.

[saintbob40]

I agree. Once we had Cork and Shaw providing them with suitable protection they looked reasonably assured. I certainly have no problems with them as backup. It's Yoshida as first choice the is of greater concern as I don't think he's any better than Fonte.

 

How about without Cork providing protection as appears to be the plan. Not sure VW is that type of intelligent player who reads the game and fills in where needed with calm assurance. He's seems to be a big unit who might smash people every now and then. Perhaps more eye catching but likely to be a smaller contribution. Our CBs without Cork in front of them worry me.