Bad Wolf Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 Personally, I wouldn't be THAT bothered. I like our squad as it is, we have the advantage a lot of teams don't of having a very good academy. We have signed a decent (never seen him play, going by reports and FM) young CB. I would like a ball playing midfielder who could make runs off the ball through the middle but perhaps Pellegrino can get that sort of play out of Boufal. Other than that I don't think, assuming no one leaves, of a position that we desperately need anyone in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperSAINT Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 Personally, I wouldn't be THAT bothered. I like our squad as it is, we have the advantage a lot of teams don't of having a very good academy. We have signed a decent (never seen him play, going by reports and FM) young CB. I would like a ball playing midfielder who could make runs off the ball through the middle but perhaps Pellegrino can get that sort of play out of Boufal. Other than that I don't think, assuming no one leaves, of a position that we desperately need anyone in. Can I ask about what mindset VvD would be in in this scenario? If he goes "full Berahino", I'd rather sell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozzmeister Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 I think with the right coaching, and without the burdens of European food all our squad can easily battle again for tge7th/8th position. I'm also not to concerned with how the teams around us are recruiting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan The Flames Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 Happy sad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Wolf Posted 16 July, 2017 Author Share Posted 16 July, 2017 Can I ask about what mindset VvD would be in in this scenario? If he goes "full Berahino", I'd rather sell. In this hypothetical scenario, VVD plays and is happy to do so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valesaint Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 One big difference is that the teams around us have got good goalkeepers but ours is sh*te. A serious problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mowgli Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 Yep. We know we have a good squad. It's whether we have the right manager to get the best out of (all of) Them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperSAINT Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 In this hypothetical scenario, VVD plays and is happy to do so. I'd be OK with it then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrfahaji Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 Disappointed, a little concerned/anxious, but not throwing toys out the pram. I want us to be better than last season, and while I am hopeful that a change of manager can bring that, I would also like to see a better squad. If we lose good players, I would hope the transfer fees would be spent well so that they are replaced and other areas of the team are strengthened. Having said that, I don't want or expect us to sign LOTS of players. In fact, ONE player would suffice in my book. A DM/CM whose style compliments Romeu (i.e. quick across the ground, more of an industrious, box-to-box type) or an attacking midfielder who will link and join the attack and find the net fairly often (yes, I know they are hard to find). I wouldn't mind a new GK but can't see it happening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 The9 thinks we'd be challenging for the top 4 if nobody leaves (regardless whether anyone comes in). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dellman Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 I would be more than happy.The squad is very good and stemming the flow out the exit door is what matters. Loss of Puel and JRod seems a good summer compared with recent years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 A bit ****ed to be honest. If we are holding on to our best players we should be using the opportunity that affords, by not having to find replacements, to strengthen our weak areas like GK and central midfield while we can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkSFC Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 it would appear likely that the manager will play with 2 dm/holding midfielders so unless Clasie or Hoijberg improve significantly I think this area is the glaring gap to be filled, especially if Romeu gets injured we will look light there. The fact they were happy to let Reed go does perhaps suggest they are after someone. Other than that, if no one else goes and no one else comes in, it would be ok but not great. We would be relying upon 4-5 players stepping up from their performances last season which is possible - Stephens, JWP, Redmond, and Boufal. If Gabbi and Austin play to their potential then we should be in for a decent season. I'd still prefer a CB who is going to come straight in alongside VVD (I've thought he would stay this season for months) but we will see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolan Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 I think we're in for an attacking right winger given some of the names we've been linked with. But I think that will be the only other incoming. Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danjosaint Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 A bit peed if I'm honest, we really need a Acm and as many have said another Dm, although I have a feeling Hojberg will step up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperSAINT Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 I'd be OK with it then. I take back what I said. I'd be p*ssed off, but I wouldn't be surprised - we only tend to spend what we get from sales. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney Fudpucker the 3rd Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 I think we need a couple of special players. It feels like we've got 4 or 5 who don't really perform and just look average. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vectraman Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 I'd be somewhat concerned that "ambitious" Saints believe changing nothing would be progress. Keeping our best players of course would be excellent, hence the long contracts. Selling jrod was sensible, fonte brought in 8 million too, plus tv money etc we should have enough to sign two very decent first team ready players. If we sold two of Clasie/jwp/Hoj and replaced with bigger, quicker, more dynamic DM and AM I'd be happy. Only concern would be an injury to vvd would leave us with a weaker than average cb pairing again. Our team lacks height and pace, two attributes that I believe are crucial in the pace/power hungry premier league... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heisenberg Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 Id be pleased for Kat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 (edited) I'd be somewhat concerned that "ambitious" Saints believe changing nothing would be progress. Keeping our best players of course would be excellent, hence the long contracts. Selling jrod was sensible, fonte brought in 8 million too, plus tv money etc we should have enough to sign two very decent first team ready players. If we sold two of Clasie/jwp/Hoj and replaced with bigger, quicker, more dynamic DM and AM I'd be happy. Only concern would be an injury to vvd would leave us with a weaker than average cb pairing again. Our team lacks height and pace, two attributes that I believe are crucial in the pace/power hungry premier league... Agree with most of this - think its too early to ship out Hoj (though if a team came in with a crazy bid for JWP, I wouldn't dismiss it). But I agree with the intent: we need a bigger, quicker, more dynamic DM and AM. Edited 16 July, 2017 by shurlock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Wolf Posted 16 July, 2017 Author Share Posted 16 July, 2017 HOJ has the makings of a very good player IMO. I'm quite a big fan of us. Classie, not so much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cartman Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 I'd be somewhat concerned that "ambitious" Saints believe changing nothing would be progress. Keeping our best players of course would be excellent, hence the long contracts. Selling jrod was sensible, fonte brought in 8 million too, plus tv money etc we should have enough to sign two very decent first team ready players. If we sold two of Clasie/jwp/Hoj and replaced with bigger, quicker, more dynamic DM and AM I'd be happy. Only concern would be an injury to vvd would leave us with a weaker than average cb pairing again. Our team lacks height and pace, two attributes that I believe are crucial in the pace/power hungry premier league... I keep seeing this all the time, since when does height=strength? And anyway, why is height important other than at CB and GK? Our midfield could use a Kanté like player more than anything and the guy is tiny. More than pace & power (could that be any more stereotypically english?), we need stamina and agility (besides the obvious technical aspects required of a midfielder). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vectraman Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 Agree with most of this - think its too early to ship out Hoj (though if a team came in with a crazy bid for JWP, I wouldn't dismiss it). But I agree with the intent: we need a bigger, quicker, more dynamic DM and AM. I understand what you're saying regarding Hoj, when he first appeared for us last season, I admit he looked like he had quality about him. As the season progressed, whether through lack of regular game time, trying too hard or whatever, he just seemed off the pace. He also didn't look amazingly fit and seemed to be 'carrying a bit extra'. If the new boss can get him leaner and keener again, I would certainly like to see him flourish. It's just a big if.. fingers crossed for him though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Billy Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 This all depends if Austin can stay fit and find some form, if we can create chances for Gabbi, if Tadic can be more consistent, if Redmond can convert more chances, if Forster can play like he did when he first joined us, and for me the most important part, whether our midfield can produce more attacking play rather than constant back passes and square passing. If the manager has the belief that this can happen with our present squad then we have no need for new players but I have serious doubts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 A little disappointed if we don't bring one or two upgrades in , GK in particular, but not as disappointed as I will be if we allow VVD to leave and then fill the squad with below average journeymen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 I'd be fine with it tbh. We've got a stronger squad than the most of last season just from having everyone fit, and we should do better just from having fewer matches. However, given the need for parts of the fanbase to see the club doing what they want, maybe it isn't the right sign to be sending out... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 Surprised at people still having the expectation that we should replace our GK or upgrade on him, that won't happen. It would have never been on the clubs radar. I personally haven't given up on Fraser as some have seemingly done. Glad to see the club haven't either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 Surprised at people still having the expectation that we should replace our GK or upgrade on him, that won't happen. It would have never been on the clubs radar. I personally haven't given up on Fraser as some have seemingly done. Glad to see the club haven't either. We've already got McCarthy, who has some of the best stats over the past few years and was injured most of last season. Short of signing Hart, which I'm not sure is in line with our usual policies, I'm not sure how we can do much better there. The two we have also count as homegrown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 I'd be fine with it tbh. We've got a stronger squad than the most of last season just from having everyone fit, and we should do better just from having fewer matches. However, given the need for parts of the fanbase to see the club doing what they want, maybe it isn't the right sign to be sending out... Only fine? you think we'll be challenging for the top 4 if we don't lose anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cartman Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 We've already got McCarthy, who has some of the best stats over the past few years and was injured most of last season. Short of signing Hart, which I'm not sure is in line with our usual policies, I'm not sure how we can do much better there. The two we have also count as homegrown. You know our goalkeepers don't have to be english or signed from english clubs right? And so what if Forster is homegrown, we have more than enough. He's crap and we need better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 You know our goalkeepers don't have to be english or signed from english clubs right? And so what if Forster is homegrown, we have more than enough. He's crap and we need better. He's not crap, and we're not going to get better. As i said, it won't even be on the clubs radar - so don't expect it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 He's not crap, and we're not going to get better. As i said, it won't even be on the clubs radar - so don't expect it. He was a liability last season. If that wasn't on Reed's radar then you have to wonder how he can bury his head in the sand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 He was a liability last season. If that wasn't on Reed's radar then you have to wonder how he can bury his head in the sand. See how he bounces back this season - if he continues as he did last season, then I agree it could become a problem. For now, don't think its a priority. A DM, CB, AM are my priority areas in that order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Marco Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 Think it depends on the manager really and if he can get our more average players playing better. We need a couple of attacking players imo. We struggled for goals and I don't see that changing next season with the same squad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Pete Posted 16 July, 2017 Share Posted 16 July, 2017 I would be disappointed if we don't do anything to improve our quality in midfield options, which I think was shown to be our biggest weakness last season. It's not a question of numbers but of quality, and also not enough backup for Romeu, who if he were to get injured would be a major worry based on lack of suitable alternatives in the squad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ally_uk Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 Bit annoyed sure you want to keep your best players together however at least lay down some money and sign a world class def mid or top signing to get the place buzzing and show a bit of ambition... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corky morris Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 Disappointed. Just was one excellent defensive midfielder would make all the difference. But, I don't think VVD will stay....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 Cheated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris27687 Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 I'd rather keep VVD & Bertrand than sign anyone else. Our back 5 is up there with the best in the league and it's just a case of getting the attack to click. I would like a DM to come in, mostly just to cover Romeu - if he gets injured I could see us struggling without someone of the mould. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwertyell Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 Underwhelmed. We have an obvious lack of mobility, physicality and creativity in the midfield, and it's hard to imagine the quality of football is likely to be any more dynamic than under Puel unless that is addressed. A new keeper and some real pace out wide wouldn't hurt either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALWAYS_SFC Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 Id be pleased for Kat Disappointed because we will have to put up with more trolling from this dinlow on the subject Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nordic Saint Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 Disappointed because we will have to put up with more trolling from this dinlow on the subject OK, so it may be too late for you to join in but there is real life outside of this messageboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALWAYS_SFC Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 OK, so it may be too late for you to join in but there is real life outside of this messageboard. Pretty sure you don`t live in it, just your own little bubble of cluelessness Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Pete Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 I'd rather keep VVD & Bertrand than sign anyone else. Our back 5 is up there with the best in the league and it's just a case of getting the attack to click. I would like a DM to come in, mostly just to cover Romeu - if he gets injured I could see us struggling without someone of the mould.Bringing new players in surely shouldn't be dependent purely on selling Van Dijk or Bertrand though? I can't believe we have literally no money available given the huge rise in TV income, and we also have the option of moving on players that would fall down the pecking order if we can bring in better quality to replace them, eg Clasie. Feels like we are being somewhat complacent in just settling for what we've got rather than pushing for improvement. Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALWAYS_SFC Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 Is it confirmed that we are not making and player purchases? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadoldgit Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 Is it confirmed that we are not making and player purchases? No, of course not. But it just follows the usual line of thinking up a worst case scenario and flogging it to death. Still, on the plus side, we have signed one senior player so at least we know we will not go through this window without signing anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALWAYS_SFC Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 No, of course not. But it just follows the usual line of thinking up a worst case scenario and flogging it to death. Still, on the plus side, we have signed one senior player so at least we know we will not go through this window without signing anyone. Ah! yes i had forgotten him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Tone Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 We've all got so used to comings and going that this close season so far seems a bit boring, but for saints to keep all our good players for once would be an upgrade in effect. We have a good squad , that for once won't have to get to know lots of new players, and won't have several players learning how to play on the PL for the first time. Everything will depend on the new manager and his coaches . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unbelievable Jeff Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 I'd be happy with staying with the status quo. We have a pretty good squad, and hopefully the new manager can re-invigorate them. It is always exciting signing new players, but for once maybe we do just stand still and see what happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadoldgit Posted 17 July, 2017 Share Posted 17 July, 2017 We are being linked with plenty of players in the media. Ok, 95% of the rumours are BS but I don't think we need worry about no further transfer activity inwards for a while yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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