We do seem to be targeting "we'll probably go down" players, which is sensible, if unexciting. I'd imagine we might take a punt on a "let's see if we can stay up" couple once the Euros finish.
We saw in our relegation season that not having experience through the core of the team can really hurt. Bedders and Stephens won't pull up any trees in the PL but they are experienced there. For me, it's the little 'in-game' experiences that can swing a result. The little details. Knowing when to slow things down, take a yellow, feign an injury etc. etc. that could gain 2 or 3 points in a season. The exuberance of inexperience doesn't always appreciate the need for these things. Those two have ~300 PL games between them. Add KWP and we're up to ~400 PL games. If McCarthy plays then it's ~500 PL games. They may not be superstars but they're no mugs at this level either. I'd like to keep Bedders and Stephens for this season at least.
Yeah too early to know just yet. Obviously the free signings are being reported as targets because they are out of contract in a week, but Solak’s comments in his interview after promotion indicated we would be targeting a bit more. Have to wait and see if that was just PR talk or if we are going to give ourselves a chance
I am totally chilled about getting relegated this year. I enjoyed last season so much, it really was the reset I needed as a fan who was getting a bit disillusioned with Saints and the Premier League.
Hmm, as much as I enjoyed last season there is a huge amount of financial pressure for relegated PL teams to go back up within 2 seasons. We do need to stay up this time.
Always the likely outcome if we offered him a deal. Our hand was sort of forced with the Bazunu injury. The interesting bit will be if he’s going to be first choice until Bazunu is back or if we will sign another keeper
Just read his farewell message in The Echo. Top class message to the fans. Really sorry to see him go.
Ben Johnson going to Ipswich when his West Ham contract expires. Wouldn’t have minded him, gives me KWP vibes
That is the thing. As back up it is a great move. Its free and we know his level. But the rumour was that he was only willing to sign as a regular starter.
Isn't he also pretty good at sprinting? Bad doping record though. He also wrote some nice literature. "Farewell, thou child of my right hand, and joy; My sin was too much hope of thee, lov'd boy. Seven years tho' wert lent to me, and I thee pay, Exacted by thy fate, on the just day."
