The sooner they are involved with teh squad, the sooner they will progress to the first 11. If you are good enough you are old enough. Expect to see Jack Stephens pushing for a berth in the side sooner than you may expect. Players improve when playing with better players.
Spot on......was not surpised they had not offered a new contract to Bart, it is true for me at least, he has not been the same keeper since his injury. I Would like to say a big thank you to all the players that are leaving and wish them well with their next club.
The youth players don't count towards the 25-man limit, which is the main factor. I hope they are good enough to make the step up, but they should be given a chance without too much expectation.
I'm actually more surprised that Sinclair isn't there than I am that those four are; between his U-18 goal-scoring record (which, granted, isn't always particularly meaningful in the grand scheme) and the fact that he's marginally older than the others, I had expected him to make the leap.
With our recent history of wingers and attacking players, I'd be not be surprised to see chambers make it in the squad first. Its also a lot easier to bed in attackers.
Sinclair will be there, but some players develop later than others - I can name some more highly rated players who haven't made the step up
Firstly, a massive thanks to Jaidi and Connolly who have been brilliant for the last couple of seasons. Looking at the squad, if you exclude Forecast, Dickson, Forte and Barnard who I don't expect to see included in the squad, I think I've counted 20 players. Room for a goalkeeper and 4 outfielders. CB, CM, Winger and Striker perhaps?
This sums up exactly how I feel and I agree 100%. Connolly , for me, always seemed our most football-intelligent player and it is a shame that he was plagued with injury. Jaidi didn't feature at all last season and not surprised to see him go but he was excellent when we were in Division One. Holmes never seemed to leave the injury table and I don't think we ever saw the best of him. As for Bart, I am sorry to see him go as he has been a patient and loyal Saint. It is a shame that he had a few shaky matches which affected his confidence. Had he performed well, I think he would have grown in stature. There were times in the past (especially when he first joined) that he looked like he would ultimately replace Kelvin. However, I think he has been unfortunate in the Kelvin has been our most consistant player over the last three seasons. Sad to see Bart leave and wish him good luck.
I knew Connolly would go. Was a great signing for us and he was part of the reason why we started so well this season. Hope he finds a new club. Holmes and Bart will find new clubs easy enough. Holmes did well when out on loan so he may go back to Swindon or Oxford. Anyway, good luck to the players leaving.
The fact that being in the Prem allows us to have 7 on the bench is a great chance to gradually blood the 4 youngsters who have been promoted to the first team. They'll get plenty of time to be part of the big match atmosphere and maybe get a few minutes on the pitch to build up their experience. As for the released players, I absolutely agree that both Jaidi and Connolly have been first class servants to the club for the last 3 seasons and although it's expected, I am really sorry to lose them both. Hopefully Jaidi will have a coaching role at the club, but what of Connolly now?
What were you expecting to see? He was never going to sign for Saints, he joined Saints on loan on the same day he transferred to Tottenham from Juventus for a large fee. He then went on to make one 56 minute appearance vs Leicester and didn't make the matchday 16 again.
please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Look like Saints already
As I said, they normally mention loans ending on the list - I'm sure some people will still think he's here come pre-season
We must think that Sinclair needs to develop a bit more. He's not especially well-built physically and he could work on his composiure to put away more of the chances that fall to him. I guess it's one of those tough decisions they have to make. Maybe next season. I don't doubt that the club rates the lad as he clearly has good insticts and technique.
Anyone know much about Jason McCarthy? U16 and already offered pro terms. Must have something about him. Echo the thanks to all players released. Holmes was a cut above at league 2 level and expect him to be snapped up by Swindon and hopefully have more joy with injuries. Excited for the four youngsters promoted. I'm sure Adkins will get the balance right between youth and experience over the next few seasons
Well we'd need a third keeper, so might have to include Forecast. Unless Chris Johns is already better than him.
Sad and sorry to see Connolly go. He'll always have a special place in my heart now. A lot of younger could learn a lot from him, and on that basis I do hope that he goes into coaching. The added benefit of having both experience playing abroad and at an international competition is also something which stands him apart from many others. But taking personal feelings out of it, I do understand the decision. He's very injury prone and with only 25 men able to be selected - three of whom will presumably be goalkeepers - then including him would probably have done more harm than good. No point in playing well in five matches, if you're injured for 25 matches.
