The fact that core players have been given extended contracts suggests that NC is largely happy with the team, though I am sure he can see that we need more first team contenders. We can't play another season hoping to put out the same team. I would hope for 2-4 players (hopefully the 4)...but, as we saw from the last transfer windows, wanting and getting are two different things.
Not necessarily Fran. He signed up Barnard, Hammond etc - and then they came to the end of their use as better players become available. Saints, both on and off-the-pitch seem to have a policy of recognising and protecting what you have, but keeping an eye out for a better deal. Adkins out, Pochettino in. Sharp out, Rodriguez in. Harding out, Shaw into the fold. Hammond out, Davis in. I have no doubt Cortese will introduce some more quality this season and probably surprise us all again. (positively)
I think we need to get Cortese on a hundred year contract. Losing him would worry me more than anything.
So true, that would cause more problems than any player sales. But, not only does he enjoy it here, he has unfinished business, so we won't be seeing him leave for quite some time. In-fact, the better we do, the higher he raises his own personal bar! A-freaking-Men. (fingerscrossedfingerscrossedfingerscrossedfingerscrossedfingerscrossed)
We're fourth in the division over the past six games. Only Arsenal, Man U, Chelsea better. If that's not just a flash in the pan it's possible. Vin
There is also the added incentive that the higher up the table we finish this season, the more attractive we will appear to players considering transfers (both in and out). Other clubs' supporters will still claim we are a small club, but results don't lie, and we have earnt our place in the Premier League, by good fooball, not lucky results. Any player looking for a club with potential will be able to see that we are progressing, and will continue to do so. I know I'm biased, but Southampton is a club on the up, and prospective players will not be dismissive of our future.
We will be able to judge NC's real ambitions this summer by the quality of the new signings...if we are buying top quality internationals who are better than we already have in the first team, then we can hand on heart say we are truly going to achieve our ambitions. Looking at the league table, we need to be competing with Everton and Liverpool to get up into Europa league places and then the year after comes the big push and heavy expenditure to take on the really big boys who think nothing of spending £50m each summer
The test of good management is handling the development of the company. The way that recent heroes have been moved on with respect has been a sign of a man who knows what he is doing. The loss of Nigel really tested us as fans, and there will be further tests. The whole "Southampton Way" thing is interesting. It used to mean cosy complacency and knowing our place. No more.
Success will be measured in terms of whether we have moved on from where we are now... which is comfortably in mid table. there is no way this will be the aim for next season, I truly believe that the Don will required Europa, and not from the cup... So I predict we'll push hard for the 5th spot - but probably get 7th (our highest ever PL finish !) and a few crackingly good signings over the summer -
This season has been about re-establishing the Southampton name back in the English elite. We're a far more attractive proposition for players this summer than last. Like it or not our coach is a bigger name with a few full seasons of managing at the highest level. As well as an international playing career. We have put in some eye catching performances and our squad is being recognised. Fingers crossed we'll deliver a creditable mid-table finish. In fact these improvements have all occurred since the January transfer window. If Courtinho & Astori turned us down because of doubts about our standing in the EPL then I think we've erased those concerns. Think this window will be slightly easier.
You may well be right and I am going to think about I for a while. In the meantime I'd like to know your reasons for saying it won't happen. That would be a good contribution to the discussion and may help me see a few other views and come to an opinion. It would also be nicer than just a four word reply with no substantiation.
*enter the lovely Mrs Godders stage right, hands placed firmly on hips, stern look on face, followed by questioning glance towards the pile of unfinished washing up*
To finish in the champions league places we will have to finish above 4 of arsenal, tottenham, everton, liverpool, chelsea, man utd and man city. To suggest we can do that within 2 years is ludicrous.
How does FFP affect transfer payments? Player wages need to be a percentage but what about transfer fees. Are they a subtraction from the turnover and thus increasing the wage %?
