The thing is, no matter what people think - we aren't a set in stone top half club now, despite 4 consecutive finishes there. There was only 6 points between 8th & 17th last season. You can argue a brilliant Summer for most of those teams could have them pushing the top 7, while a really bad one could have any of them in a dogfight. It really is a very tight league in the midtable part. I'm not too convinced by Everton just yet, a lot of signings to gel in and I reckon they'll do quite well in Europe.
Just trying to put a positive spin on things ffs In all seriousness I don't think lack of funds can be a reason for the lack of activity thus far. Takeover or not there will be money to hand, but probably not enough to splurge. TBD said above about new signings taking a long time. I imagine a lot of the background work is done. In terms of likely availability and whether a player would be open to joining. That thin line of what is tapping up. So I'm assuming once everyone on the transfer committee(for want of a better name) finally decide to pull the trigger and make a serious bid, it should be relatively quick(providing bids get accepted)
I'm not trying to be overly negative. I do actually agree with the earlier post saying once we're back from France then we might see a bit more action as MP will have assessed the squad properly. It's just a lingering thought that I've got in the back of mind that we might try and do the bare minimum much like what Ashley done after Toon finished 5th, hopefully it's way off the mark
I do agree TLL, though I'm not massively worried in terms of staying up. What I am concerned by is that MP2 as a result of not really being backed by ££ won't really get a fair crack of the whip (Puel style) and an element of out fanbase will quickly get on his and the team's back (Puel style).
Yeah what happened last year is probably a big part of what's fueling these feelings. I'm not hugely worried about staying up... I can't see us finishing below any of Brighton, Hudders or Burnley to begin with and there's probably a couple more too. Would be arrogant to suggest there's no chance of it based purely on our last few seasons though.
At the moment we are the same team that narrowly avoided relegation last season. We haven't strengthened so the managerial change is the only alteration. Its a lot of pressure on the new manager. I'd be disappointed in MP2 says he's got enough, Puel did the same and that didn't work out - and Puel started with a better squad than MP2 has got with Fonte and VVD at the back. I think we are a good team, a good squad but that makes us on a par with the rest of the bottom half of the PL IMO. We aren't going to be routinely rolling Burnley, Hudds or Brighton unless MP2 can squeeze every last ounce of performance out of the players. Not freaking out but just my considered assessment.
I'd say that's a bit far tbh, the back to back wins against Palace & WBA put to bed any fears there may have been. I think our current squad is a midtable squad. Think we'd be comfortable enough as it is, an injury to Oriol though
Another thing that has crossed my mind is that we along with a few other similar sized clubs are waiting to see what happens with the fees. They are absolutely mental at present and for once there might actually be better value later in the window as teams need to sell to bring players in or reduce squad size etc. Also teams from abroad trying to benefit from PL teams being minted might come down if it gets to mid August and the PL team is still refusing to pay. I think we'll see loads of movement in the last few weeks of the window this year.
I know you should probably take it with a pinch of salt, but Ralph did say in his interview about the takeover that we had money to spend regardless of what happens. Perhaps MP wants more time to judge his squad, perhaps the fees asked of us are too high and we are waiting until later in the window or even turning our attentions elsewhere. Either way, unless we sell, I think we only need a DM and an AM/Winger. I'd have said a CB too, but I'd presume the club see Bednarek as the 4th choice, with Stephens replacing Fonte. Interesting to see that on the official site they've put Bednarek between Gardos (5) and Long (7) but not actually put the number 6 next to his name. I don't think it's vital to sign players before the season starts though because, if injury free, we have a strong 11. Forster Cedric, VVD(!), Stephens, Bertrand(!) Romeu, Davis Tadic, Gabbiadini, Redmond, Austin Subs: McCarthy, Pied, Yoshida, Clasie, Ward-Prowse, Boufal, Long Others: Bednarek, Gardos, Targett, McQueen, Hojbjerg, Hesketh, Gallagher,
I don't buy this flirting with relegation last season view. As a team, we managed to finish where we did despite significant injuries to key players and playing it must be admitted, some pretty dire football, which ultimately has cost Puel his job. The managerial change is the most significant signing in my view and time will tell how that pans out, but if we keep the squad together (or buy good replacements for the odd leaver), then this could be a good season. Last season most of the components were there, but they were rarely all working well at the same time. As for Everton, they may do well but any team which sells a proven striker might find it difficult. Koeman is no mug though- they might well be best of the chasing pack again.
Here's some actual rumours from TUI this morning: https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/46056/
Not being picky but on your others list...Reed is on loan at Norwich and Sims is out for 7 months injured.
I am afraid that I disagree with you. From what I saw against Brentford we are as bad as we were at the tail end of the season.
Our squad/team has the potential to challenge the top 6, and also to challenge the bottom 3. It's how successful the manager is, that will determine where we end up.
It would be good to make at least 1 key signing to give the whole team a lift too. But I do agree with your point.
Agreed; l do think a DM is needed to help out OR. He will pick up yellow cards; heavens forbid any injury! We have always looked more comfortable with two quality DM's sitting in front of the back four too.
Interesting that the other team sitting back and not getting involved in the nonsense is the team managed by MP1.
Odd comment Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says some clubs are paying "too much" to sign players and are creating a "very strange and out-of-control" transfer market.
