Will Smallbone agrees new contract at Saints

SR have just signed him to new contract so we can flog him next summer.

 

This is great news. This, on top of the news he will be back next week, is such a boost just when one was needed!

 

Happy with this!

I will exclaim that I’ve been happy with our business this summer. Covered ourselves for last years spending so that if we are promoted I expect us to spend some money next summer

 

That's what it's looking like yeah.

 

I think what also might be happening is when losing out on top targets we move to loans rather than spending on someone who isn’t high on our list. That is how we end up with a squad filled with people we can’t shift. Not exclusively though as there are clearly some players who we actively wanted and weren’t good enough - like Aribo

But stark examples are Diallo and Onuachu.

 

Sure Russ said they will only buy who can add to the squad long term with promotion in mind. Don't think I made that up!

 

I’ve not seen Will play enough to be either excited or ambivalent about this but it’s a great sign that a player with options would choose to extend and stay with the club. Hopefully it point a to a happy squad and a good management team.

 

Excited. He’s been good

 

Stop it!
I’m trying to find a thread that isn’t just a big ****ing argument

 

Renewing a contract rather than selling. The true actions of a group of ambition-less owners who just want to sell every saleable asset to make up for their losses. Or something like that

 

Personally, I have never thought that. But book balancing can be a dangerous endeavour too. Coventry were easily the third best team last season and what happened to them. I don’t want us third best.

 

I’ve just made a similar point on the other thread about how our championship rivals mostly seem weaker. I thought about this in the context of those who predicted us at 12-14th before the seasons started

As a general rule I am bad at sometimes speaking more generally even when directly replying. Sometimes I am at least trying to directly reply to one person if I quote / reply. But others I might do a quote but talk about the (online) fanbase in general. Which can be confusing

So for example I’ve never meant to suggest you thought it was asset stripping (I don’t think) but in direct replies to, say, Lincoln, I know they are at least partially saying something to that effect. But also several others online say similar things and I sometime mean to speak about anyone who suggests that rather than just a particular person.

 

I didn’t think you were referring to me, but trying to untangle the idea that everyone critical has the same viewpoint.

 

Always thought Will was a nice neat and tidy player who could pick a pass when he first broke into the first team, obviously then had issues with injuries and I thought his time with us was done.

He had a great loan at Stoke and from pre season. and our first two games this season, it’s clear he has come on leaps and bounds and most importantly suits the system and the style RM wants to play

 

Some good news that will unite all Saints fans

 

We have a great midfield. Really. It is ****ing brilliant.

 

Midfield is definitely the part of the side I am feeling most confident about now, great strength in depth.

The area that was going to see the most movement, so that is good work.

Now please don't cock up the forward line this week.

 

I've said before that he will become a big player for us for the next few years if he stays and clearly the club feel the same.
His passing and vision is perfect for Russball and he will bang in a few from outside the box too i'm sure.

 

SR just tweeted asking if someone was available to hold their beer.

No idea what it meant.