January Transfer Window 2025

[saintant]

18 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

We have a better squad than Luton, it might not appear that way but Martin's tactics destroyed any hope of staying up and now we are a lost cause due to being so far adrift a d devoid of confidence. 

Think you might be in for a wake up call.

[Suhari]

25 minutes ago, SotonianWill said:

I very much doubt we'll be as competitive as we were previously. And even then, prior to the play offs we were falling off.

I think we can potentially do better: with the right manager. We underperformed with RussBall: I really believe that. We were lucky last season.

 

[Dark Munster]

29 minutes ago, SotonianWill said:

I very much doubt we'll be as competitive as we were previously. And even then, prior to the play offs we were falling off.

Yes but that was with a useless idiot as a manager. If Ivan stays we should do a lot better given his respectable top flight record in Italy. 

[Give it to Ron]

29 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

In Downes and Charles you've just listed two dms. Both are good enough for what we need to get out of the Championship. Ronnie Edwards can also play there and did so in the Championship this week. How many players per position are you saying we need?

Why do you want to play players out of position Edward’s is a centre half?

Shea wasn’t good enough last season why do you want us to have lower quality players than we could get?

Are you not expecting injuries and suspensions.

See I can ask questions too

[Football Special]

9 minutes ago, saintant said:

Think you might be in for a wake up call.

I ended up watching Bournemouth v WBA today, tell you what David Brooks was excellent, movement, passing, creates chances, would love to get him back again 

[Harry_SFC]

1 minute ago, Give it to Ron said:

Why do you want to play players out of position Edward’s is a centre half?

Shea wasn’t good enough last season why do you want us to have lower quality players than we could get?

Are you not expecting injuries and suspensions.

See I can ask questions too

Shea wasn't great last season (clearly didn't suit Russball) but he's been very good this season and is proving he's a more than a decent Championship player. If we go into next season with Downes and Charles as the two defensive midfielders I'll be happy with that.

[Give it to Ron]

Just now, Harry_SFC said:

Shea wasn't great last season (clearly didn't suit Russball) but he's been very good this season and is proving he's a more than a decent Championship player. If we go into next season with Downes and Charles as the two defensive midfielders I'll be happy with that.

Decent championship players is a low bar why settle so low - again what about injuries etc did we not learn anything last season?

[WALK DMC]

4 minutes ago, Harry_SFC said:

Shea wasn't great last season (clearly didn't suit Russball) but he's been very good this season and is proving he's a more than a decent Championship player. If we go into next season with Downes and Charles as the two defensive midfielders I'll be happy with that.

Plus he is still barely 21 years old, at that age there is an expectation that Charles will continue to improve. 

[Matthew Le God]

45 minutes ago, SotonianWill said:

Based on the mood around the club after finishing on the lowest points tally ever recorded. Quality is important but so too is morale; if losing continues to be our habit, I don't see why we wouldn't fall away, even in a worse league. 

Why would Spurs beating us this season have any impact on a game vs Wycombe next season for example?

[ErwinK1961]

17 minutes ago, Give it to Ron said:

Decent championship players is a low bar why settle so low - again what about injuries etc did we not learn anything last season?

Downes was one of the best CM’s in the league last year. Charles is developing well in his first full season playing regularly. 

Not sure what else you’re expecting? Someone of similar ability to Downes isn’t coming here to warm the bench in case he gets injured.

[Matthew Le God]

35 minutes ago, saintant said:

Well, we won't know until next season will we?

Try making a guess now.

[Matthew Le God]

36 minutes ago, saintant said:

Think you might be in for a wake up call.

List some positions we do not have players who would be top Championship players.

Edited 16 hours ago by Matthew Le God

[ErwinK1961]

I for one can’t wait for our unstoppable march to the title next season, now we’re not hamstrung by that useless idiot manager. 

[Matthew Le God]

1 minute ago, ErwinK1961 said:

I for one can’t wait for our unstoppable march to the title next season, now we’re not hamstrung by that useless idiot manager. 

I haven't said we'd walk the league. The other two relegated clubs will likely be very strong. A challenge for the top two should be achievable given our squad and the financial advantages we have over 21 of the teams in the league.

[Give it to Ron]

4 minutes ago, ErwinK1961 said:

Downes was one of the best CM’s in the league last year. Charles is developing well in his first full season playing regularly. 

Not sure what else you’re expecting? Someone of similar ability to Downes isn’t coming here to warm the bench in case he gets injured.

Why can’t he be better then and not sit on the bench but play? why do you think 2 players are all we need for a 46+ game season?

[ErwinK1961]

3 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

I haven't said we'd walk the league. The other two relegated clubs will likely be very strong. A challenge for the top two should be achievable given our squad and the financial advantages we have over 21 of the teams in the league.

Wasn’t referring to you.

[Badger]

5 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

List some positions we do not have players who would be top Championship players.

GK, assuming Ramsdale leaves. 
 

We obviously don’t know who will remain, Harwood-Bellis leaving for example, might also leave us low on quality at CB. Even in the Championship. 

[Matthew Le God]

30 minutes ago, Give it to Ron said:

Why do you want to play players out of position Edward’s is a centre half?

Shea wasn’t good enough last season why do you want us to have lower quality players than we could get?

Are you not expecting injuries and suspensions.

See I can ask questions too

Charles has excelled this season in the Championship. Edwards has played multiple games in midfield, it isn't new for him and nor is the Championship. We also do have some other options who'd be fine in the Championship. With Downes first choice that is enough depth. 

[ErwinK1961]

Just now, Give it to Ron said:

Why can’t he be better then and not sit on the bench but play? why do you think 2 players are all we need for a 46+ game season?

So you expect to have three top quality players all vying for one position?

[Harry_SFC]

Certainly wouldn't be against an upgrade on Smallbone/Aribo though (Fernandes won't be here) 

[Matthew Le God]

Just now, Badger said:

GK, assuming Ramsdale leaves. 
 

We obviously don’t know who will remain, Harwood-Bellis leaving for example, might also leave us low on quality at CB. Even in the Championship. 

Bazunu and McCarthy are fine to be in a top Championship team. If we quickly return to the Premier League then you might need to reassess. 

Even if Harwood-Bellis leaves, Bednarek, Wood, Edwards and Stephens plus some promising youngsters is enough for a promotion challenging team.

[saintant]

11 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Try making a guess now.

Ok, I think we'll struggle if I'm honest. There will be players bought and sold and I have zero confidence that SR have the nous to bring in decent players. Their record so far is abysmal.

[Matthew Le God]

Just now, Harry_SFC said:

Certainly wouldn't be against an upgrade on Smallbone/Aribo though (Fernandes won't be here) 

Even if they cant cut it in the Premier League, they were good enough for a promotion campaign last time.

[Give it to Ron]

Just now, ErwinK1961 said:

So you expect to have three top quality players all vying for one position?

Is Charles top quality he has done well apparently at Weds but for a promotion hissing side?

Why can’t we have 2 pivoting midfielders? Someone like Brownhill at Burnley ideal 

[Give it to Ron]

2 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Bazunu and McCarthy are fine to be in a top Championship team. If we quickly return to the Premier League then you might need to reassess. 

Even if Harwood-Bellis leaves, Bednarek, Wood, Edwards and Stephens plus some promising youngsters is enough for a promotion challenging team.

But Edward’s will be in midfield according to you

[Matthew Le God]

Just now, saintant said:

Ok, I think we'll struggle if I'm honest. There will be players bought and sold and I have zero confidence that SR have the nous to bring in decent players. Their record so far is abysmal.

They have signed multiple good players for the 1st team and numerous very promising youngsters. Their main recruitment issue is signing attacking players good enough for the league we are in.

[saintant]

13 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

List some positions we do not have players who would be top Championship players.

Depends on transfers doesn't it - or maybe you have a ball made of crystal.

[Harry_SFC]

1 minute ago, Matthew Le God said:

Even if they cant cut it in the Premier League, they were good enough for a promotion campaign last time.

They did ok in a passing heavy side but they are useless when it comes to getting around the pitch at a high intensity. Wouldn't like to rely on them next year.

[Matthew Le God]

Just now, Give it to Ron said:

But Edward’s will be in midfield according to you

I did not say that. I was talking about as a 3rd choice option. He is primarily a centre back. How many specialist DMs are you suggesting we should have?

[Matthew Le God]

1 minute ago, saintant said:

Depends on transfers doesn't it - or maybe you have a ball made of crystal.

You do not need a crystal ball to judge the ability level of our current squad. That is the present, not the future.

[Badger]

Just now, Matthew Le God said:

Bazunu and McCarthy are fine to be in a top Championship team. If we quickly return to the Premier League then you might need to reassess. 

Even if Harwood-Bellis leaves, Bednarek, Wood, Edwards and Stephens plus some promising youngsters is enough for a promotion challenging team.

We’ll have to agree to disagree over Bazunu then. He cost us several points last season but  no point dragging this debate out (again).

As for CB, there is possibly also a question  over Bednarek staying. 

[saintant]

11 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

I haven't said we'd walk the league. The other two relegated clubs will likely be very strong. A challenge for the top two should be achievable given our squad and the financial advantages we have over 21 of the teams in the league.

Financial advantages can be wasted if those spending the money have no clue what they are doing unless you expect SR to suddenly start using money wisely - I don't.

[Matthew Le God]

5 minutes ago, Give it to Ron said:

Is Charles top quality he has done well apparently at Weds but for a promotion hissing side?

Sheff Weds are not far off the playoffs and he is a key player for them. He is good enough to play second fiddle to Downes for us in the Championship.

Edited 16 hours ago by Matthew Le God

[SuperSAINT]

MLG is like a SaintsWeb version of a Komodo Dragon stalking his various prey this evening.  The venom is in & alone he stalks…

 Incredible to witness  

[saintant]

5 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

They have signed multiple good players for the 1st team and numerous very promising youngsters. Their main recruitment issue is signing attacking players good enough for the league we are in.

Could you do a list of all the players they've signed and identify which you think have been decent purchases.

[Matthew Le God]

2 minutes ago, saintant said:

Financial advantages can be wasted if those spending the money have no clue what they are doing unless you expect SR to suddenly start using money wisely - I don't.

Recruitment has not been quite as bad as many make out. They have a blind spot for attacking players. But they have signed numerous good players in other positions. 

[saintant]

4 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

You do not need a crystal ball to judge the ability level of our current squad. That is the present, not the future.

To judge our team's strengths and weaknesses next season you need to know who we buy and sell in the interim. Unless you have possession of said crystal ball there is no way you can do that. I know you'll shortly tell me I'm wrong but hey ho 🙂

[ErwinK1961]

8 minutes ago, Give it to Ron said:

Is Charles top quality he has done well apparently at Weds but for a promotion hissing side?

Why can’t we have 2 pivoting midfielders? Someone like Brownhill at Burnley ideal 

I personally think there’s a very good player in Charles, wasn’t overly suited to how RM played and didn’t get a proper run in the team in his preferred position.

Fair point on the pivots, I guess will depend who the manager is in the summer!

[Give it to Ron]

5 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

I did not say that. I was talking about as a 3rd choice option. He is primarily a centre back. How many specialist DMs are you suggesting we should have?

Have you seen Edward’s play centre midfield? I have and he was poor , was decent at centre back.

I have answered this already about how many  - surprised you are not suggesting Stephen’s as holding midfielder

[Matthew Le God]

9 minutes ago, saintant said:

Could you do a list of all the players they've signed and identify which you think have been decent purchases.

For this season...

Ramsdale

Harwood-Bellis 

Fernandes 

Downes

Sugawara 

Edwards

Plus many purchases for the u21s look very promising.

Edited 16 hours ago by Matthew Le God

[saintant]

Just now, Matthew Le God said:

For this season...

Ramsdale

Harwood-Bellis 

Fernandes 

Downes

Sugawara 

Plus many purchases for the u21s look very promising.

You didn't answer the question I asked.

[Matthew Le God]

Just now, saintant said:

You didn't answer the question I asked.

I did for the current season.

[Turkish]

13 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Recruitment has not been quite as bad as many make out. They have a blind spot for attacking players. But they have signed numerous good players in other positions. 

You’re fucking joking. The recruitment has been absolutely beyond shite. They spent the best part of £250m and were quite possibly the worst premier league team of all time 😂😂😂

Edited 16 hours ago by Turkish

[Midfield_General]

11 minutes ago, SuperSAINT said:

MLG is like a SaintsWeb version of a Komodo Dragon stalking his various prey this evening.  The venom is in & alone he stalks…

 Incredible to witness  

If the Komodo Dragon in question was a fucking tedious melt

[Harry_SFC]

Sugawara has been crap.

[Viking Saint]

5 hours ago, OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint said:

"For us [the FA Cup] is really important. We need the joy of playing good games. For us in this moment everything is important. I don’t want to rest [players]. I have 17, 18 players, maybe more, who are competitive. I just want to win the game and then after the game I’ll think about Manchester [United] and Tottenham."

Quoted this from the Southampton website. Got the impression he's going to put out a full strength team tomorrow.

What worries me is if we turn in a other sub-par performance like last week and lose, it's making it very clear that this squad as it stands is going to find the Championship really tough and that's before any of our better players leave in the summer. 

We desperately need a win tomorrow. Irrespective of the FA Cup, we need to get something positive out of it. Am hoping the extra week of training will start showing a semblance of organisation, a distinct playing style and above all, some fucking aggression and fight

[johnnyboy]

1 hour ago, johnnyboy said:

Good point ! Crack on Matthew , nobody is bored of it all !!

Fuck me I was joking when I said crack on !

[Viking Saint]

28 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Bazunu and McCarthy are fine to be in a top Championship team. If we quickly return to the Premier League then you might need to reassess. 

Even if Harwood-Bellis leaves, Bednarek, Wood, Edwards and Stephens plus some promising youngsters is enough for a promotion challenging team.

Absolute bollocks. Bazunu is a total fucking liability

[Matthew Le God]

12 minutes ago, Turkish said:

You’re fucking joking. The recruitment has been absolutely beyond shite. They spent the best part of £250m and were quite possibly the worst premier league team of all time 😂😂😂

It appears you didn't read/comprehend the post you were replying to.

[Matthew Le God]

8 minutes ago, Viking Saint said:

Absolute bollocks. Bazunu is a total fucking liability

He really isn't as bad as many here like to make out given the level we will likely be next season. For a top Championship side he is fine.