I know this shouldn't be the view of a true Saints fan, but whilst initially disappointed with the lack of points from the last 5 games, on reflection I now don't see it as such a bad thing. Had we beaten Watford, Bournemouth and Huddersfield (which we could/ maybe should have done) then the board may have been lulled into a false sense of security, thinking that the squad we have is more than capable with Ralph in charge. This could have had a detrimental impact on any summer overhaul/ investment and signings. The fact we have just hobbled over the line surely leaves Ralph and the board in no doubt that real investment and backing is needed should we wish to avoid another bottom of the table battle next season. All in all, an amazing achievement to keep us up given where we were when Ralph took over. Bring on the new structure of our Senior Management and squad, combine that with us having one of the best, young, forward thinking managers in the league and I, for one am massively looking forward to next season with an unusual amount of un-Saintly optimism! COYR.
People are rightly focussing on Ralph's appointment and the subsequent positive impact it has had on the whole club (us included) but I think that the sacking of Reed and Hunter could turn out be just as significant. The Academy has been shockingly mismanaged for years and that has had an impact on the playing squad as we have had to fill squad places with buys mainly from abroad instead of producing or finishing our own young players. The few months since the sackings and Ralph coming in is a clear indication to me of the direction we are now heading and the days of loaning out relatively expensive misfits will be a thing of the past in years to come IMO as that road is just a suicidal business strategy which any owner would have cause be angry about. Reed and Hunter's sacking and Ralph coming might be the perfect storm.
And let's not forget the achievement of the U23's in getting to the playoff final this evening,with a possible promotion to the top division. Many of the players are still very young for the age group, as so many U23's are on the fringes of the first team. Rahdi Jaidi has done an amazing job since Hunter was shown the door.
Meanwhile now the season is almost over down at the headquarters of Professional Game Match Officials Limited Riley, Watts and Barry are taking a close look at those referees they clearly must ship out fast and have sent a team of scouts around Europe to find some half decent referees to replace the useless prats we have had to put up with this season.
Saw a fat lad with a Saints shirt on the treadmill in the Quays today and he had "Lucy" printed on the back!...I suspect he might be disappointed this Summer if his hero leaves...
I was actually stood behind someone in the pub yesterday with “Elyounoussi 11” on the back of their Saints shirt. I almost asked him why, but thought better of it.
Yeah bad news there, we need loads more refs because of VAR. It's gonna be like when you get in the Europa and buy a few too many players all at the same time.
I think they should use recently retired referees who have great experience in the game and are generally wasted after they loose their fitness or are too old to run around for 90 minutes
Summer transfer window: When does it open and close? The transfer window will open at 00.01 on Thursday, May 16. It will then close again at 5pm on Thursday, August 8 before the new Premier League season get underway. I am confused, what is it about those deals that won't go through until July 1st 2019
From 16th May to 9th June is for domestic transfers, after that is for international transfers but Italy and Germany start on 1st July and Spain on 2nd July.
Linked with Harry Redknapp’s favourite confectionery here: https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/cel...charlton-athletics/1rtamjdbvea8e117sf714werp1
