Really? You wait and see what happens if we have one season that is a "backward" step.... I've seen it before. Were you around here during the first 3 months back in the prem?
I guarantee people on here will melt down if we're around 12th at xmas even if we were to get through to the knockout stages of Europa. Unfortunate but true.
Well that's something to put on your calendar. Will you bring it up if we're in the top 6 and hunky dory..?
Why would he? It wouldn't be relevant. The point is that if Saints don't equal/exceed last season, there will be a lot of people getting on it.
Agree with FLT, but it is just the nature of the football fan. Most have memories spanning back about 3 months and demand instant results (not talking about the majority on here who seem pretty level headed). The other thing that will also help the meltdown enthusiasts is all the PR coming from the club about challenging for CL etc. IF we are hovering in mid table or lower by the start of next calender year I guarentee there will be some wanting Koeman out.
Sorry we disagree but I think the view I have proffered is the same view that the club has taken. I accept that is a presumption on my part, but he had chances to prove himself this past season and he, for me, did not take it - although he did great versus Newcastle and I had a great night in Dubai with Geordie mates! If we want to boost the squad for reasons of depth, then loan players (like him) rather than paying out hard cash on a transfer may be a middle ground to explore. In terms of the next phase of development for a top four (which is the clubs stated ambition) he does not fit the bill.
Just because the club chose not to purchase Elia does not mean the club buys into your massive leap of logic that every acquired player is going to get Saints into the top four. I wouldn't have purchased Elia at the option price, either.
It's not a massive leap of logic on my part and I have qualified my statements from what I have seen of him and the club see him every day in training - he does not appear to meet their expectations - not sure how I can justify my opinion any more than that.
Unless they are Liverpool fans in which case they have memories spanning back over 3 decades. Maybe a form of dementia where they don't realise that they have forgotten the more recent times.
Let me attempt to explain this to you. Again. The point I was making has nothing to do with Elia. It's about the expectation that every player we sign "can and will propel us into the top four." That's not a realistic expectation. We have to expect some players we sign will be busts. And that we might not finish in the top four next year or in the next 3 or 4 years. Even the top four clubs sign plenty of duds.
Whatever you profession; you look to employ staff that fit your growth expectations it's why you have probationary periods and at times you will make mistakes but you plan for the future. The club has stated its expectations - that's the benchmark and if you think the club are being unrealistic I suggest you take it up with the club - rather than with me.
Whatever, dude. Pretty sure those are not actually the club's expectations but whether they are yours or Saints they aren't realistic.
Our club has made clear its ambitions very clear from when ML took us over and me, Mr Cynical, has been proven wrong, I still cannot believing what Saints have achieved! Tonight we discuss about a top 4 future - when we remember where we where 5 years ago! Great we can debate about our clubs future like this - I have respect for what you have said (smiles). Great debate!
Being in the relegation zone and languishing around 13th will give different reactions All defeats are met with a negative reaction as we debate the reasons for defeat. Whether they be tactical or personal. Whatever Saints do this summer, we will think of something they could have done better.
I can't see Elia starting a game next season with Rodriguez coming back into the equation (and Tadic). It would be a waste of money signing him. Better off saving that money for a bigger and better signing.
Talking about Dusan....did he play for Serbia at the weekend? It has been suggested to me that he may have had an operation on a groin problem.....
That's my understanding. The complaint, and the resulting complaint, all in one word. It was a real shame that Dusan got that problem. Just as Sadio came on song during the middle to latter half of the season, so Tadic was electric in his own way in the earlier half. The way he saw certain passes, and played them at exactly the right moment, was magical at times. I honestly can't remember someone with such a gift for seeing the pass less played, to paraphrase the old road saying. That time when he was entirely surrounded by ManU defenders and he pushed a little pass diagonally into space, knowing that Pelle was a few yards away without even being able to see him, was absolutely brilliant. And Pelle hit the post yet again, which Dusan followed up. Or that one he set up for Jack Cork against Sunderland, where he shuffled left-right, while looking up, and then flighted a delicate ball over the top to JC, was superb. Really great stuff. Hurry back Dusan.
When I saw that in the all goals thread yesterday I forgot how delightful that was and how much I enjoyed that goal, superb.
