Yes that may be but we were on the way up and we had little or no choice....we have bought many players to get us where we are but we have to slow down at some stage once we have a core of performers which we now have.
Yes without a doubt but slowly, slowly catchee monkey and all that would be my way of getting to the top, not all at once.
To be honest I remember the likes of Chelsea and City buying many more players than we are likely to and not having too many problems (with results at least). I think the most important thing is keeping the spine of the team together, a core of 'Southampton' players who transmit the team spirit to the newcomers, and I think we will have that, and such is the small size of our squad (at least in terms of premier league standard players), most of them will still see plenty of action. Given that, we could probably get away with adding a few more than the average.
Quite a large proportion of our goals were from crosses, either directly or via knock-downs, in the first half of the season. Doesn't seem to be the Pochettino way though.
Winger with an eye for goal now has to be the priority. A striker only if they're a likely upgrade on what we have. Another central attacking mid isn't necessary, but if it's Banega, you probably sign him anyway. Ultimately, probably 3-4 signings when all is said and done, though as many as 6 is a possibility if we add the above and a bit of depth at fullback. Even that wouldn't be terribly disruptive; it would mean competition for spots but we'd still have a pretty manageable squad size, and with little pressure to immediately throw the lot into the starting lineup they could be integrated with little fuss.
Joe, I'd like another CB. One better than Fonte/Hooiveld. I love those two but for real progression, I'd like another improvement here. I'd accept just Lovren if Forren is very good, but I haven't seen him play.
i would agree, would like to give the attacking force another year to prove themselves, so I would be happy with no more signings and maybe try to get players like Rowe a game or two. But then I would be very happy with a mid table finish so my ambitions are not as high as NC
I agree that we need in at least 5 or 6 players better than what we already have, to add strength in depth to our squad. We almost have 2 quality players signed up which leaves us to sign another center back, striker and 1or 2 wingers/attacking mids. We where ever so lucky with injuries last year! If we have anything like what Newcastle had then we need a big squad of quality players.
I'm thinking of starting a thread called... How many footballers can I get onto the head of a pin..? What do you think..? More players than angels..? After all, angels wings get in the way.
4 New signings... Dejan Lovren (on the bus) Wanyama (nearly on the bus just getting on has his ticket) then I feel we need creativity from out wide with a touch of pace and a top class striker. - Lamela - Benega - Damaio Then i think the back up positions will be taken from our youth set up. - Chambers - Omar Rowe - matt Targett - Harrison Reed Somthing like that...
I reckon three as well...then possibly another in January to maintain continuity. Not forgetting a youngster coming through.
Three. I still feel our defence is a little light. Personally, I'd settle for 14th again, provided that we start blooding the youth, as, if we introduce them properly, they will only improve as time goes on.
