Summer 2022 Transfer Window

[nta786]

You don’t need an a huge number of goals if you win 1-0  

 

[Disco Stu]

No player actually gives a shit if a club won a trophy a few decades back as all they care about is the present and future. Bednarek dropped down the pecking order here because he's not good enough and chose Villa over West Ham because they were offering him first team football due to their misfortune with Diego Calos' injury. He wants to play regularly to give himself the best possible chance of reaching the world cup which is fair enough. His passing shot suggests he's left on bad terms with the club (or the fanbase) but he's only got himself to blame as he's been a key component of the worst defense in our history.

[The Kraken]

3 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

I don’t understand the assertion that, ‘Mara is the Long replacement’, just because he cost a relatively low fee. That hasn’t been written down anywhere, we’re just naming strikers who’ve come and gone.

However you want to try and rationalise it, the fact is that Broja, Long and AA scored a combined 9 League goals last season. If we’ve found a better role for AA, 5 goals each for him and Mara this year really is an achievable target to improve on last season. That’s before we’ve even entertained the idea of goals from Edozie and Aribo.

I can’t see an argument for us being weaker up front, I really can’t.

We’ve definitely improved the 3 in the 4-2-3-1 we now seem to have adopted.

We are IMO light at the 1. If Che Adams against Chelsea and Man U is anything to go by, the 1 is the target focus and the 3 are charged to get in support as quickly as possible. Different to the 4-2-2-2 Ralph previously liked.

Broja would’ve been brilliant for the up top role. Adams is decent for it but there’s no real backup for him. I love the look of Mara, very much like Aribo too, but I don’t think they’ll play as the 1 as our first choice. I may be wrong about Mara but that doesn’t seem his role to me, I think he’s a livewire and maybe best in the 3, the ‘Long replacement’ analogy doesn’t really sit with me.

Overall I’d say it’s a big upgrade on last season.

[Ed Rooney]

Hopefully with the strengthening of the midfield and the defence we won’t need as many goals to win football matches 😂😂😂

[Whitey Grandad]

We’ve done some serious pruning there. We’ve got rid of a lot of the deadwood and brought in a significant mixture of solid replacements and some promising green shoots.

[Give it to Ron]

4 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

I don’t understand the assertion that, ‘Mara is the Long replacement’, just because he cost a relatively low fee. That hasn’t been written down anywhere, we’re just naming strikers who’ve come and gone.

However you want to try and rationalise it, the fact is that Broja, Long and AA scored a combined 9 League goals last season. If we’ve found a better role for AA, 5 goals each for him and Mara this year really is an achievable target to improve on last season. That’s before we’ve even entertained the idea of goals from Edozie and Aribo.

I can’t see an argument for us being weaker up front, I really can’t.

So the manager and a large volume look around Saints sites all agree  yet you don’t think we are weaker?

If Adams gets sent off who plays up front Armstrong? That worked well so far.

I get you won’t say anything bad about the club based on postings but honestly how can you say we are not weaker without Long or Broja as line leader?

[Saint_clark]

Just now, verlaine1979 said:

Best window in a long time, even if it is a shame to leave 30m burning a hole in our pocket. A January window post-World Cup is unlikely to be a high value shopping opportunity, so this is probably it until the summer.

I don't think JWP will reach double figures for goals again, and we've lost Broja's six goals. So I'd say conservatively we've got to find somewhere in the order of 10-15 additional goals beyond what JWP/Che will get and the handful we can expect from the usual suspects in defence. Hopefully between them, Mara, Edozie, Aribo, AMN and Adam Armstrong can get that many - only need to get three each over the season to get us there.

My predictions would be;

Adams - 12

JWP - 9

Mara - 7

A. Armstrong - 6

Aribo - 5

Elyounoussi - 4

ABK - 3

S. Armstrong - 2

Lavia - 2

Edozie - 2

Kwp - 2

AMN - 2

Salisu - 1

Caleta-car - 1

Perraud - 1

Total of 59 goals, 8 more than last season. 

 

 

[Paulwantsapint81]

Regarding the cf is it possible that there is an out of contract player who could still sign in next few weeks?

 

[macca155]

Cracking window in my opinion  Saints had more trouble conceding goals than scoring them last year.

The defence is sorted now. Just need Mara to fill the gap Broja left.

The club have clearly kept their powder dry for January which will come round soon enough.

The other factor is young Ballard. He needs to see a route through to the first team. Daft to be buying talent and not use our own.

Still going to be a tough season, but definitely better placed than last year.

[Saint Matty 76]

10 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

I don’t understand the assertion that, ‘Mara is the Long replacement’, just because he cost a relatively low fee. That hasn’t been written down anywhere, we’re just naming strikers who’ve come and gone.

However you want to try and rationalise it, the fact is that Broja, Long and AA scored a combined 9 League goals last season. If we’ve found a better role for AA, 5 goals each for him and Mara this year really is an achievable target to improve on last season. That’s before we’ve even entertained the idea of goals from Edozie and Aribo.

I can’t see an argument for us being weaker up front, I really can’t.

I’ve been impressed by Maja for sure, and I wouldn't say we’re we’re weaker. Just not drastically better.

I said it before but the fact we were very keen to almost double our record fee on an attacker suggests to me that everybody thinks we needed more.

[Give it to Ron]

3 minutes ago, Paulwantsapint81 said:

Regarding the cf is it possible that there is an out of contract player who could still sign in next few weeks?

 

Diego Costa or Daniel Sturridge are both free 🙂

Edited 1 September, 2022 by Give it to Ron

[SNSUN]

3 minutes ago, Paulwantsapint81 said:

Regarding the cf is it possible that there is an out of contract player who could still sign in next few weeks?

 

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/statistik/vertragslosespieler

[Greedyfly]

I love the arbitrary numberwang that's going on.  Bottom line is, we needed a striker, the club said we needed a striker, the pundits and interviewers said we needed a striker and Ralph said we are getting a striker.

 

Then we didn't get a striker.

 

So we are relying on two very average and inconsistent footballers to get us goals up front this season and a kid who often plays as a LW anyway.  It's not a good look and anyone saying this is a 9/10 window is easily pleased.

 

For balance I will say that our additions look fantastic, I love the midfield with Lavia in it and I like Aribo and Mara, I am actually so pleased we kept KWP and the defence has also improved immeasurably.  Less fussed by AMN but I see the logic in it.  However, if ever there was a kid destined to be a bit part player in promoted teams for the rest of his life after Saints, it's him.

 

But we don't have a consistent striker.  Simple as that.  7/10 Window.

Edited 1 September, 2022 by Greedyfly

[Vancouver Saint]

A really good window for us. Shields influence over the Man City deals is huge (from the Lavia deal, it suggests he knows what he's doing). Sports Republic keeping their promises. 

Yes, agree with everyone about the striker, but it looks like we were trying and thwarted last minute - not a lack of commitment. 

But everyone seems to have discounted who we KEPT - JWP and KWP are outstanding keeps. Could have easily taken a step backwards if we'd lost them.

For me, I'm not unhappy having Redmond stay. Short memories and all that, but it wasn't that long ago this forum were generally agreeing he was our best in form player. I think he still has a lot to offer as an impact forward who can run at people and make space for others. 

Romeu a class act, sad to see him go but the timing is right for both the club and him - wish him well. Walcott...really the one who should have been moved on and out.

[SNSUN]

 

2 minutes ago, Give it to Ron said:

Diego Costa or Daniel Sturridge are both free 🙂

And Matty Vydra...

[macca155]

Oh and I would cut Bendarek a bit of slack. Stupid thing to say obviously, no need to wind your old fans up, but he has taken some unnecessary flack recently.

However, he has been very publicly sidelined. He is now Villas back up, hardly a great move for him. I bet their OG ratio will go up now.

He always gave 100% so I am happy to thank him for his service. Personally I think it is the right time to move. I Guess we'll now find out whether he was a factor in our defensive woes, or a innocent victim.

[The Kraken]

1 minute ago, Greedyfly said:

I love the arbitrary numberwang that's going on.  Bottom line is, we needed a striker, the club said we needed a striker, the pundits and interviewers said we needed a striker and Ralph said we are getting a striker.

 

Then we didn't get a striker.

 

So we are relying on two very average and inconsistent footballers to get us goals up front this season and a kid who often plays as a LW anyway.  It's not a good look and anyone saying this is a 9/10 window is easily pleased.

 

For balance I will say that our additions look fantastic, I love the midfield with Lavia in it and I like Aribo and Mara, I am actually so pleased we kept KWP and the defence has also improved immeasurably.  Less fussed by AMN but I see the logic in it.  However, if ever there was a kid destined be a bit part player in promoted teams for the rest of his life after Saints, it's him.

 

But we don't have a consistent striker.  Simple as that.  7/10 Window.

👍

Id go 8/10 myself but agree with the sentiment.

[SNSUN]

I wonder how true the Ross Barkley links were today. Could still yet bring him in to bolster AM...

[S-Clarke]

1 minute ago, macca155 said:

 

He always gave 100% so I am happy to thank him for his service.

Apart from when he didn't want to play for us, as he was focusing on Poland.

[Saint_clark]

5 minutes ago, Greedyfly said:

I love the arbitrary numberwang that's going on.  Bottom line is, we needed a striker, the club said we needed a striker, the pundits and interviewers said we needed a striker and Ralph said we are getting a striker.

 

Then we didn't get a striker.

 

So we are relying on two very average and inconsistent footballers to get us goals up front this season and a kid who often plays as a LW anyway.  It's not a good look and anyone saying this is a 9/10 window is easily pleased.

 

For balance I will say that our additions look fantastic, I love the midfield with Lavia in it and I like Aribo and Mara, I am actually so pleased we kept KWP and the defence has also improved immeasurably.  Less fussed by AMN but I see the logic in it.  However, if ever there was a kid destined be a bit part player in promoted teams for the rest of his life after Saints, it's him.

 

But we don't have a consistent striker.  Simple as that.  7/10 Window.

Bunch of fucking miserable gits, you lot. 

[Pat from Poole]

3 minutes ago, SNSUN said:

 

And Matty Vydra...

Really?

Wouldn’t be a bad shout…..

[Bad Wolf]

7 minutes ago, Greedyfly said:

I love the arbitrary numberwang that's going on.  Bottom line is, we needed a striker, the club said we needed a striker, the pundits and interviewers said we needed a striker and Ralph said we are getting a striker.

 

Then we didn't get a striker.

 

So we are relying on two very average and inconsistent footballers to get us goals up front this season and a kid who often plays as a LW anyway.  It's not a good look and anyone saying this is a 9/10 window is easily pleased.

 

For balance I will say that our additions look fantastic, I love the midfield with Lavia in it and I like Aribo and Mara, I am actually so pleased we kept KWP and the defence has also improved immeasurably.  Less fussed by AMN but I see the logic in it.  However, if ever there was a kid destined to be a bit part player in promoted teams for the rest of his life after Saints, it's him.

 

But we don't have a consistent striker.  Simple as that.  7/10 Window.

It's Simon who is from Northampton and Julie who is also from Southampton

[qwertyell]

Very successful in refreshing a stale squad headed out of the division with some pretty exciting but mostly unproven talent. They've already added energy and spirit that was in short supply during last season's appalling run in.

Priority one, though, was a starting striker, and we objectively fucked that. There might be a bit of revisionism after Adams scored his first goals since February, but the manager didn't really rate him - and he absolutely didn't rate Armstrong. We'd have listened to bids for both. And yet they're now our starting front line. 

Our striker chase - at least that was reported on - was pretty weird all in all. Apparently, we had a bid in for Broja all this time, yet whenever the manager spoke publicly about him, he wasn't exactly gushing in his assessments. As wooing goes, it was pretty cold.

And then we went all in on a striker who has never scored a league goal and is currently shooting blanks in the championship. Yet, we were going to break our record transfer fee for him - presumably installing him as our number one goal getter. 

And then it was onto Ramos at Benfica, which never sounded real and we'll probably never hear about it again.

Then we seemingly abandoned all hope of "priority one" and threw all our eggs into the basket of a winger who didn't really want to join us. And didn't. 

No-one can say a transfer window under our new ownership is boring, I guess. 

Look forward to more madness in January.

[samcrocker]

The window finally SLAMMED shut, and we’ve seen what Sport Republic are all about.

A few things need huge overhaul this summer and it’s fair to say they have delivered. New coaches through the door, recruitment supercharged with the appointment of Joe Shields and a focused recruitment strategy in place once again.

The signings that have come in have all either  proven their ability, or show obvious promise at this level. And we’ve got rid of some of the deadwood with efforts to move on others.

We didn’t get our forward player, but we weren’t so confident we sent a plane (twice). This shows that SR are happy to spend IF the deal is right. There’s no panic and with 13 games until the January window there doesn’t need to be. To not be limbered with another £20m flop is as much a forward step as any signing!

Overall a 9.5/10 summer for the much needed club overhaul, maybe Semmens was right when he said we were hamstrung by China blocking Gao’s cash…

[Saint Keef]

And who knows, with the World Cup approaching, there might be new talent on show, so far overlooked, maybe an emerging striker who has so far gone under the radar, and we apparently have £30m or so ready to splash. Just a thought.

[Saint_clark]

5 minutes ago, Saint Keef said:

And who knows, with the World Cup approaching, there might be new talent on show, so far overlooked, maybe an emerging striker who has so far gone under the radar, and we apparently have £30m or so ready to splash. Just a thought.

Making signings based on tournament performances, especially for strikers, is always a bad idea. End up paying way over the odds based on what could have been the best month of their career.

[Jimmy_D]

39 minutes ago, nta786 said:

You don’t need an a huge number of goals if you win 1-0  

 

Not to mention that part of our trouble with scoring has been playing more defensively to compensate for a relatively weak defence.

With that improved we can afford to be a bit more adventurous in attack.

Adams in particular already seems to be benefiting from that.

[ElTrinidad]

Must be strange to see the famed Caleta-Carr in a Saints shirt after all these years of forum hype...

For those familiar with him, has he come here to play back up to Sali and ABK or is he good enough to work his way into one of their spots? 

I guess he could also add a more attractive prospect in a back 3 which could be an option going forward in Ralph’s plans.

Im still a bit sore about Gakpo but this window has been phenomenal; the squad is 100% stronger than last year (okay, maybe apart from ST) AND achieved without having to sell any of our star players, lovely stuff.

[OttawaSaint]

Put me in the "give 'em a chance and wait and see" camp!

[John Boy Saint]

16 minutes ago, qwertyell said:

Very successful in refreshing a stale squad headed out of the division with some pretty exciting but mostly unproven talent. They've already added energy and spirit that was in short supply during last season's appalling run in.

Priority one, though, was a starting striker, and we objectively fucked that. There might be a bit of revisionism after Adams scored his first goals since February, but the manager didn't really rate him - and he absolutely didn't rate Armstrong. We'd have listened to bids for both. And yet they're now our starting front line. 

Our striker chase - at least that was reported on - was pretty weird all in all. Apparently, we had a bid in for Broja all this time, yet whenever the manager spoke publicly about him, he wasn't exactly gushing in his assessments. As wooing goes, it was pretty cold.

And then we went all in on a striker who has never scored a league goal and is currently shooting blanks in the championship. Yet, we were going to break our record transfer fee for him - presumably installing him as our number one goal getter. 

And then it was onto Ramos at Benfica, which never sounded real and we'll probably never hear about it again.

Then we seemingly abandoned all hope of "priority one" and threw all our eggs into the basket of a winger who didn't really want to join us. And didn't. 

No-one can say a transfer window under our new ownership is boring, I guess. 

Look forward to more madness in January.

Don’t think Broja was ever the solution, yes he had an exciting start with us probably as he was an unknown with blistering pace, but he hit a point in the season when he dried up, some say it coincided with the Abromovic issues.  Sitting in the stadium you could see teams had a plan for him, just let him run  but keep pushing him out wide and he will more often than not run out of pitch. Which brings in the reason why Ralph went cold on him, he was greedy, having made break drawn defenders towards him, there was space and supporting players ready to receive the ball and more often than not he was selfish and all in it for himself ending up in cul de sac, instead of being a team player and passing for a better chance of a team goal. Ralphs preferred system is all about team work, that where things cooled with Ralph because Borja just kept on doing the same thing for himself. Adam Armstrong this season looks to have been reconfigured taking the pressure off him to score and to be more a provider of assists - there is no doubt he is quick and can play football.

Broja Tuesday night, he turned on the jets just after he came on - Salisu ran him out of pitch.

I think already with the guys who have come in we look a different prospect, our tempo has been better, once settled we could get goals from most positions instead of relying on one person. 

[Atlanta Saint]

2 hours ago, sfc4prem said:

You can't really disagree that Aston Villa are bigger than us, surely? He definitely needs to improve as a player, too. Only thing I have doubts about is his last comment 'best place for me to do that', as in reality that's surely in the Polish second division?

Signed by a manager who will be gone soon, echo's of the Carillo deal. Seeya Jan.

[SaintTex]

 

with the exception of Saints, every other club in the League bought at least one player that cost more than £12m.

[Smirking_Saint]

11 minutes ago, SaintTex said:

 

with the exception of Saints, every other club in the League bought at least one player that cost more than £12m.

Whats your point exactly ?

How many have performed as well as Lavia, Bazunu and ABK ?

[SaintsFan86]

44 minutes ago, SaintTex said:

 

with the exception of Saints, every other club in the League bought at least one player that cost more than £12m.

We've sign ABK and Duje Caleta-Car for a combined £13Million... You're are seriously going to struggle to find value for money anywhere else better than that. Literally those 2 could walk into most teams back pairing and you'd bet your bottom dollar they'd be bloody quality. Money spent means bollocks if it's not spent well.

[SaintTex]

38 minutes ago, Smirking_Saint said:

Whats your point exactly ?

How many have performed as well as Lavia, Bazunu and ABK ?

Exactly! That is my point. We got more value from what we spent.

Our approach could have been Leeds and say buy Brenden Aaronson for £30M but instead we bought 3 (Lavia, Bazuna and ABK) for the same price.

Which is the better business? I think you and I are in agreement here.

 

Edited 2 September, 2022 by SaintTex

[AlexLaw76]

4 hours ago, Greedyfly said:

I love the arbitrary numberwang that's going on.  Bottom line is, we needed a striker, the club said we needed a striker, the pundits and interviewers said we needed a striker and Ralph said we are getting a striker.

 

Then we didn't get a striker.

 

So we are relying on two very average and inconsistent footballers to get us goals up front this season and a kid who often plays as a LW anyway.  It's not a good look and anyone saying this is a 9/10 window is easily pleased.

 

For balance I will say that our additions look fantastic, I love the midfield with Lavia in it and I like Aribo and Mara, I am actually so pleased we kept KWP and the defence has also improved immeasurably.  Less fussed by AMN but I see the logic in it.  However, if ever there was a kid destined to be a bit part player in promoted teams for the rest of his life after Saints, it's him.

 

But we don't have a consistent striker.  Simple as that.  7/10 Window.

nutshell

[FarehamSaintJames]

My Summary:

Honestly couldn’t give a toss that we didn’t sign another striker. We’ve gone to one up too and we’ve got three players in Adams, Armstrong and Mara who will challenge for it.

Our change in fortunes has been the better calibre of player at the back and in midfield. That extra man in midfield though I believe is what has made the difference to our run of form. AMN is perfect for that, stocky and can also cover full-back.

I would’ve liked to see us buy a solid winger to help produce some creativity but I think this season already with the chance in formation we will see a difference.

Edozie is a very “saintsy” signing, and obviously a player that has come here hungry for first team football straight away, if he can hit the ground running like ABK and Lavia then that should be plenty as well as the squad makers such as Ely, Redmond (who I’m not against staying at all, S. Armstrong and Aribo).

Two CB’s we’ve brought in, one extremely promising and the other already supposedly a proven quality player at a low price is excellent business. Easily upgrades on Stephens and Bednarek (although a wheelie bin was an upgrade).

Bazunu, early days but again I like his stature, his build and already has made some great saves.

And then you look at the outgoing players. Valery, brilliant, was useful but never lighting up the world. Stephen’s and Bednarek albeit only on loan. Vokins out on loan, although I thought he’d have been a few divisions higher by now. Same with Simeu. Downside is Romeu but what a servant and leader he has been to the club and I’m sure we all wish him well.

I think this window has got to be rated at least 8/10 if not more.

Edited 2 September, 2022 by FarehamSaintJames

[AlexLaw76]

48 minutes ago, FarehamSaintJames said:

My Summary:

Honestly couldn’t give a toss that we didn’t sign another striker. We’ve gone to one up too and we’ve got three players in Adams, Armstrong and Mara who will challenge for it.

Our change in fortunes has been the better calibre of player at the back and in midfield. That extra man in midfield though I believe is what has made the difference to our run of form. AMN is perfect for that, stocky and can also cover full-back.

I would’ve liked to see us buy a solid winger to help produce some creativity but I think this season already with the chance in formation we will see a difference.

Edozie is a very “saintsy” signing, and obviously a player that has come here hungry for first team football straight away, if he can hit the ground running like ABK and Lavia then that should be plenty as well as the squad makers such as Ely, Redmond (who I’m not against staying at all, S. Armstrong and Aribo).

Two CB’s we’ve brought in, one extremely promising and the other already supposedly a proven quality player at a low price is excellent business. Easily upgrades on Stephens and Bednarek (although a wheelie bin was an upgrade).

Bazunu, early days but again I like his stature, his build and already has made some great saves.

And then you look at the outgoing players. Valery, brilliant, was useful but never lighting up the world. Stephen’s and Bednarek albeit only on loan. Vokins out on loan, although I thought he’d have been a few divisions higher by now. Same with Simeu. Downside is Romeu but what a servant and leader he has been to the club and I’m sure we all wish him well.

I think this window has got to be rated at least 8/10 if not more.

If others don't start to regularly step up with goals, we wont get that much better than we were last season, I doubt.  Despite the money spent.  Adam Armstrong is dire as a lone striker/leading the line and Mara does not strike me with any attributes to offer what Adams does.  Time for Che to step up and be the man.  I think he will do alright (until Jan at least)

The early signs (are positive in the current shape) that others may get a few more goals.  We shall see.  What is clear, the club DID give a shit about the forward options and obviously tried to go 'big' in that area.

 

Edited 2 September, 2022 by AlexLaw76

[Convict Colony]

Our best window in years and people still not happy, truly #saintsy

Am stoked, unlucky with a statement player but in that price bracket it gets trickier. 

Well done the entire team behind the scenes and owners.

We go again in Jan if needed.

[AlexLaw76]

1 minute ago, Convict Colony said:

Our best window in years and people still not happy, truly #saintsy

Am stoked, unlucky with a statement player but in that price bracket it gets trickier. 

Well done the entire team behind the scenes and owners.

We go again in Jan if needed.

who are not happy?

[Convict Colony]

5 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

If others don't start to regularly step up with goals, we wont get that much better than we were last season, I doubt.  Despite the money spent.  Adam Armstrong is dire as a lone striker/leading the line and Mara does not strike me with any attributes to offer what Adams does.  Time for Che to step up and be the man.  I think he will do alright (until Jan at least)

The early signs (are positive in the current shape) that others may get a few more goals.  We shall see.  What is clear, the club DID give a shit about the forward options and obviously tried to go 'big' in that area.

 

You must of missed his impact in the Leeds game and his near misses v Man U, cut the bloke a break he's looked very promising so far.

[Convict Colony]

Just now, AlexLaw76 said:

who are not happy?

You

[AlexLaw76]

Just now, Convict Colony said:

You

Where have I said that?  I think it has been a good window.  a 7-8/10.  We clearly have improved the quality of the squad in all areas bar the goal getters.  The club all summer (including Ralph) have been pretty open that they needed to bring quality in. We tried to go big and sure they are equally frustrated that a deal could not be done. 

The lack of goals was a massive part of our dire run last season.  Hopefully, that will be mitigated with a more solid shape, improved players in midfield, we may keep a few more clean sheets (none yet) and others may well chip in (which was criminal last season).

[saintscottofthenortham]

8/10 on the window as a whole, for me. A mere half-decent striker away from a 10/10.

We were obviously seeking a striker, but for whatever reason it hasn't happened. I would though rather we closed the window without a signing than risk another Carrillo and pull the trigger on anyone down the list, such as a Ben Brereton Diaz. 😏

We've gone into this window with little to no expectancy, thinking we were very much in the same boat as we were under Gao with precious little said from anyone at SR. We've come out of it with all our best players still on the books, a wealth of young talent, big moves behind the scenes and seemingly more ammunition to go to war with in January, if and when the opportunity arises.

 Certainly cause for optimism.

[skintsaint]

1 minute ago, AlexLaw76 said:

The lack of goals was a massive part of our dire run last season. 

Both Brighton & Wolves scored less than us last season and finished 7th and 8th I think. Sort the defence out will help grab some more points. I agree though I striker would have made it a perfect transfer window, but I'm not too concerned right now, its 9 weeks till the WC break?

[AlexLaw76]

3 minutes ago, Convict Colony said:

You must of missed his impact in the Leeds game and his near misses v Man U, cut the bloke a break he's looked very promising so far.

No i didnt, Both cameos and neither was leading the line (let alone for 70+ mins).  As we saw at Spurs, having the ball immediately come straight back at us was debilitating.  

Che is crucial to us in this shape and he looks very good this season so far.  Dominating defenders and allowing us to get up the pitch easier when in possession

[AlexLaw76]

8 minutes ago, skintsaint said:

Both Brighton & Wolves scored less than us last season and finished 7th and 8th I think. Sort the defence out will help grab some more points. I agree though I striker would have made it a perfect transfer window, but I'm not too concerned right now, its 9 weeks till the WC break?

Fair point.  I agree that we look far more solid (so far*) with the players and the shape we have.  We are clearly a bit more direct and not aggressively pressing so high up the pitch.  That is bound to make us harder to beat.  That is got to be worth a couple of points, I am sure.  Throw in Stephens, Valery and a lesser extent, Bednarek have gone.  McCarthy needed to be dropped, so hopefully Bazunu keeps this up.

 

 

*Surely we will not be as wildly streaky as in previous seasons.  Not with the current set up

Edited 2 September, 2022 by AlexLaw76

[John B]

8 minutes ago, saintscottofthenortham said:

8/10 on the window as a whole, for me. A mere half-decent striker away from a 10/10.

We were obviously seeking a striker, but for whatever reason it hasn't happened. I would though rather we closed the window without a signing than risk another Carrillo and pull the trigger on anyone down the list, such as a Ben Brereton Diaz. 😏

We've gone into this window with little to no expectancy, thinking we were very much in the same boat as we were under Gao with precious little said from anyone at SR. We've come out of it with all our best players still on the books, a wealth of young talent, big moves behind the scenes and seemingly more ammunition to go to war with in January, if and when the opportunity arises.

 Certainly cause for optimism.

I do not disagree with what you are saying but there are other clubs in the PL which have had good transfer windows too so the competetin in the PL is going to be intense

 

A remarkable summer transfer window closed on Thursday with a number of new spending records set - including the most expensive ever deadline day signing in Manchester United's £82m purchase of Anthony.

That deal helped set a new Premier League spending record of about £1.9bn - smashing the previous record of £1.4bn in 2017 - and dwarfing the rest of Europe.

[Sarisbury Saint]

The good side of not getting a striker is that the youth players ( Ballard , Dibling ect) will get a better chance now.

[saintscottofthenortham]

I'd suggest the fact Redmond and Walcott obviously both had more interest in rotting in the wilderness whilst collecting a wage, rather than take a pay cut and see out their playing days in the Championship, also played a part in us not getting a forward over the line. Two of our bigger earners, ashamedly, who would've opened a fair chunk to throw at someone.