Sorry if this is old new or has been previously posted but saw in a national tabloid today that Bolton and Leeds are looking to sign Dale Stephens. Does anyone know the arrangement between us and Oldham? Was it a 'loan with a view to a permanent deal' or just a loan and see how he does? I think he could be a decent player for us and would be disappointed if we didn't sign him especially if Leeds snapped him afterwards. Although they seem to be linked with every midfielder going at the moment.
Still not convinced by him & certainly don't think he would command a first team place - do we really want to buy squad players? If we buy someone I want to see someone better than we already have and Dale isn't from what I have seen Hope he proves me wrong
Not sure he did enough to convince me he is better than Schneiderlin, Chaplow or Hammond. Looks as if he was loaned simply because at one stage we were running low on central midfielders. If they are fit, I suppose our first choice midfield is Hammond (cos he's captain) and Schneiderlin (because he's class), If Bolton want Stephens then they can have him imo.
Doubt anyone on here will know the arrangement between us & Oldham! However will Stephens really be a miss me , IMO - NO! He hasnt really made that much of a presence, so not that bothered if he goes tbh!
Wasn't he basically an emergency loan? If so, I suspect there wouldn't have been any such clauses. I think we can do better anyway.
Personally I thought he was ok, he slotted into the team effortlessly. Certainly as well as any other in the centre mid field position. If Bolton make a play for him who could blame him for going. Cannot see that he would gain anything from a move to Leeds.
When he came in I was under the impression that he was a stop gap because of our injury tally, but obviously with the option of signing if good enough and the price was right, I would imagine if Bolton made an offer he would opt for that on location and Division alone. I liked what I saw so would not be too dismayed if he decided to get on the bus and come into the building.
Hi Oldham fan in peace, from our club what we have been told is that it was a loan till end of season with a large loan fee paid up front ( well large to us). I understand that the club (Oldham) are saying that he enjoyed his time with you guys, its interesting what some of you have said about keeping him. In our squad he was a stand out player he did some times faid away in games but maybe that`s just been young, but when he played he could make some thing out of nothing. If Bolton are interested that might turn his head because he is a Bolton lad, but I cant see him going Leeds tbh any way hope that helped congratulations on your promotion & all the best for the season ahead
Hard to compare him with other Saints players. I don't think he's better than Hammond or Schneirderlin and probably on a par with Oscar Gobern. Gobern is probably more attack minded, but both are young enough to improve. But as others have said, didn't really do much to stand out in the games he played. He actually had a stinker against Bristol Rovers.
Never saw him myself due to missing the end of season games, except Wallsall. The consensus I got from reports was that he was pretty good at playing the ball and had a good shot on him but a bit lightweight. Presence in midfield only comes with experience so given he has the technical skills at his young age, I think he has promise. Sounded like he fitted in very well when he was called upon too. I'd sign him if we had the chance at the right price.
I was impressed with him at Plymouth and thought he caused them problems when driving forward through the centre in the second half. I think he's currently better than Gobern, although I think Gobern could become a decent player.
Leeds would be the biggest club he'd played for and, assuming he were signed for the first team, a season of top Championship football would be the likely outcome of his signature. The problem is that I don't think we'd gain anything from a move for him. From what I gather, he isn't the hard-as-nails battler or the experienced dictator-of-play Leeds are looking for. We already have a youngish central mid in Adam Clayton so I think this rumour's unlikely.
Leeds have a more prolific history, but based on current standings we're quite similar. It will be down to who wants him more.
To be honest I couldn't see he would gain anything going to you as you are in the championship same as we will be next year. Just going to a bigger club doesn't neccesarily mean he is going to be in a better team. He was drafted into our team simply because we had so many injuries and he slotted in with out hassle. He is not a play maker though, or maybe he wasn't used in that role with us. He is a fairly tough battler though but not a dictator of play I would agree. For me I would have thought his move to us was an agreed move to help Oldham out financially the fee paid was a cover for part of the transfer fee. That is the way I see it down here......still we will have to wait and see.
Total number of fans. I could also have based it on history, home support, away support, league position, club value and status. Beddytare's right, we'll probably be fighting for similar positions next season, but the original question was would Dale Stephens gain anything from a move to Leeds? Yes he would. He's currently an Oldham player, it'd be a huge step up.
I disagree on total number of fans, your home attendances weren't that good. I reckon Saints' will be just as good next season.
By total number of fans, I didn't mean total number of fans who go to games. Survey after survey, Leeds come in the UK's top 10 for support with over 1 million fans. Southampton usually scratch the top 20, just. We averaged over 27,000 last season and we'll probably get more this time round due to the Upper East Stand being open. To be fair, that's a pretty good yield when you consider how extortionate our season tickets are. Don't think Southampton will draw more than 27,000 will they?
Neither of us are Champions league material and neither of us are likely to be in much danger of going down, let's just leave it at that eh? These "my club is bigger than yours" arguments never lead anywhere.
