On Ely - how did he look? What were his strengths I have just heard the opposite - that he still didn’t look good I gather his main issue was utter lack of acceleration
It's still nine men benches don't forget. So that's 20 players per matchday squad. I'd imagine that he's currently ahead of the likes of Long, Obafemi and Valery in the pecking order - and, subject to who we sign between now and 31 Aug, that might be sufficient to get into the 20. (And that's even before considering injuries and suspensions which will crop up throughout the season.)
I think most people do like it. There are few pessimists on saintsweb who assume it is a smokescreen/“excuse” for us not spending big money on transfers. When no one has really made that claim
Yeah, I could get on board with Cahill on a one-year deal. Palace fans appreciated him and people behind the scenes there said he was a great example and leader for their younger players on and off the pitch.
I assume he would want two years ? Some will meltdown and claim it is penny pinching getting 15m in and bringing in a free transfer
I assumed we were anyway and any comments suggesting otherwise were just about keeping cards close to the chest Unless Ralph spoke about wanting a 6 and got told “No” by the board
I’d like to think it is 2 more (CB and CM) and a surprise loan. Add an actual backup left back and it would be dreamland I know we don’t seem to want to pay fees for players without a sell on value but Cahill and Delaney will add some much needed experience to the side for circa 10m combined. But I expect Delaney will go to Seville if there is interest and I wouldn’t blame him
Yeah I forgot about the loan place. Delaney would be perfect but not sure he is coming here. After this window which has been very good, I’m trusting the club to sort something good.
If he is going to get offers from Sevilla and Roma then we don’t really have a chance There are some unfortunate timing issues. If we could shift one of our goalies then we could either bring in Romero or spend on Johnstone. We will miss out on both most likely and I don’t know who will be available next summer
Actually I thought he did have acceleration in the home friendly he played. But it was his work off the ball and movement that impressed. won the ball back well on occasions. Looks to me like he could play wide or attacking midfield. We've got a lot of pace up front now so I don't think that would be his best position. All that said, he's not going to get a start initially but from now on, when we look at the bench, it will be a lot stronger than last year!
Ah I had not realised it’s still 9 on my he bench. Is it just 3 subs again? (I hope so) So if all fit I’d expect our 20 currently to be Forster, McCarthy KWP, Livramento, Stephens, Bednarek, Salisu , Perraud JWP, Romeu, Diallo Armstrong, Walcott, Redmond Djenepo Adams, Armstrong, Broja, Tella Plus one more. Either a CB or CM, or the rumoured hybrid. Currently I don’t see a space for Valery, Elyounoussi, Long, Obafemi
It looks like you've just picked the 19 players you like. I don't think it works like that. You want impact subs; ones who will change a game. Generally that will be workers who can tighten things up in midfield or people with pace to take advantage of tired legs. Otherwise you just need a couple of utility players who can fill in for injuries or knackered players (esp. if they are on cards!). Valery and Ely will certainly get game time as the season goes on.
Yeah, still three subs. If we sign a new CB (which we surely will), would Stephens still get a place on the bench? Maybe. Maybe not.
