FR has started 36 games for Southampton this season. What makes you think (1) They would let him go? (2) He would want to switch clubs? I would love him here to cover for Solly at RB. We won't get away without RB cover for another season. But Richardson is still too good for that role at the moment. He hasn't reached the "Murty" stage of his career yet. Why fix what ain't broke? Might be different Evina had staked a strong claim to the LB spot, but the jury is still out on him at present. And I notice that during none of our LM selection quandaries this season when JJ was unavailable, was that idea ever mooted among the "officially inspired" alternatives the OS trot out in their game preview, which suggested it has never seriously entered CP's thinking.
I wasn't actually thinking of Frazer, Eddie. My mistake. You are right about Evina, though. I think either could work as LB or LM, but Cedric has yet to stake a claim and his chances, although limited, may have passed.
I'd like to see Ceddy get a go at left wing in pre-season. We could look for a good left winger and try him out at the same time, either way i think he would be ok cover for left mid, seemed pretty decent going forward and he's obviously not too shoddy at getting back, think him and Wiggins on the left could support each other perfectly and rotate, would be quite a good tactic i think...
Good points there, Jimmy. Hopefully Evina will get his chance pre-season. Otherwise, what is the point in having him?
That looks an obvious option to many of us, but not apparently to CP. When JJ has been unavailable, CP has resorted to all sorts of strategies to avoid what looks obvious. He has tried Cook, Ephraim, Wagstaff, Green, Haynes and N'Guessan (none of them totally convincing) rather than Evina. He must have his reasons. One would normally agree with AHLL that Evina is young for a defender and has time to develop. But he has already played a lot of games as first choice at the same level and may be restless about being "demoted" and rarely even appearing on the bench. Also, I seem to remember reading somewhere when he joined us, that one reason he did so was that he was promised a career as a left-back, not as a wing-back, and that he was reluctant to play further forward. Anyone else recall that?
It is a strange situation, shame really because i really like Ceddy, but Wiggins is class as well. Bit like the Hamer/Sullivan situation in the way that both are good options but neither Hamer nor Wiggins have ever really deserved to be dropped long enough for either Ceddy or Sullivan to get a hold on the position, although that is sort of a good thing to have adequate cover, i cant see Ceddy wanting to sit in the stands for another season or two
I can't wait for the transfer rumours pre season relating to cafc! Love a good old transfer rumour, prefer the ones that come true though!
I'd have a look at Liam Sercombe at Exeter - always been impressed with him at the Valley, and think he is still in his early 20's. Also his ex teammate, Ryan Harley, now at Brighton. The latter started the season well at BHA but eventually lost his place.
I think you will see Jason Puncheon come in as one of our signings.It seems that Southampton don't want him anymore and CP is interested.
I'm happy with Puncheon. Didn't look out of place in the Premiership with Blackpool, and think with CP's man management will be a very shrewd bit of business.
Lloyd Sam is available on a free. He is only 27. Would you want him back? He can be maddening, but so can Wagstaff and Green in their different ways and I reckon Sam is a better player than either. He did well for Notts County at the end of the season. Normally I wouldn't want to sign a winger once he starts to slow down, but in Sam's case I think that might actually be an advantage as his feet were always to quick for his brain (the exact opposite of Paul Hayes).
Don't think CP will bring anyone back who was involved in our 'downfall'. Well Lee Cook is the obvious exception but he seems to be behind Jackson in the pecking order. Speaking of the LM position, anyone else think we should go for Matt Richie at Swindon? 10 goals and 14 assists this season. Though of course, they'll be reluctant to sell, and he has a pretty big price tag on him.
