Yeah, I'd agree - keep Reeves, maybe Richardson depending on his rest of the season though! Another 5-year contract to super Tommy will be fab too
I've no doubt he has learned from his experiences, but he's still got a bit of an ego and the season so far has demonstrated that against the big teams he has put a real shift in and done very well, and against the smaller teams, with the exception of today by the sounds of it, he has tended to not look as bothered. It's been kind of interesting to see how certain players have flourished at different times and then faded away a bit, Guly being a good example, he was scoring goals for fun in the championship and then just went off the boil and has never really go that form back. Hooiveld did exceptionally well for most of last season and now looks a shadow of his former self. I wonder if this is Puncheon's good period and as soon as he gets a new contract he will become an ordinary player again. Perhaps a bit unfair, and I am far from convinced it will happen like that, but he's given us enough reasons to think like that unfortunately. On the other hand, if he keeps up his current form, he could be in contention for the England squad before too long, and who'd have believed that a year ago? Just goes to show he's got the talent, if he gets (or indeed has already got) his head straight as well then good luck to him.
Exactly, couldnt agree more - Jason Puncheon deserves great credit for growing up and proving himself to be one hell of a footballer this season. He has been that good that i find it hard to believe that this is the same sulky little sod that was sent out on loan previously ! It takes a man to turn himself around like this and i have nothing but respect for the lad.
I would imagine that if that Do Prado curler had snuck in, the headlines would have been The Puncheon, Guly Show?
Good interview with Punch on OS..don't hear from him much. He remarked that he is getting a good playing relationship with Clyne (whom he describes as a young man with lots of talent). Wouldn't be drawn on the past...just said he has grown as a human being. Welcomed back SKD...said he directed game from the back and it was good to have him back. He placed early defence problems on nerves in the PL.
I must admit I was wrong about Punch, I was calling for him to be slung out on his ear but he has proven me completely wrong. He has been arguably our most creative and effective midfielders. His partnership with the impressive Clyne has been great and is still growing. Jason, I apologise! You are a Saint
Tommy has worked hard and should be given another 5yrs his Gangnam style dance is incredible given how hot it must be inside that suit .
I've said it week after week recently; he's been our player of the season so far. And as someone who has been a constant fan of his since the moment he walked through the door, I'm really pleased to see that he's justifying/repaying that faith I've always in had him.
If punch helps the team get away relegation it be worth the expense of giving him a new contract. Maybe offer him good bounses for goals scored & assists if he's more likely to respond to that It will be interesting to see how he plays once he does get a new contract
Definitely. He has been a huge surprise for me. I wasn't convinced if he would cut it in the PL but he's comprehensively proved me, and many other Saints fans no doubt, wrong.
If there was anything to prove that he has matured as a human being, it was the fact that he kicked the ball out of play for attention to Le Fondre after Fonte had clattered into him. he had no need to do that as the Referee wasn't going to stop play and we were in a good position to attack. Sportsmanship is rare enough these days, I take my hat off to him.
