It was an interesting summer. Tensions were pretty high and we all had different ideas about what was going on. Many were disappointed with our signings not seeming ambitious and the threads about signing Long, Bertrand and Pelle in particular were ripe with high comedy. So who (of new arrivals) has been your biggest surprise so far? Who were you proven wrong about? Which opinion has been blown apart over the last month or so? For me it has to be Tadic. Didn't know a great deal about him and the fee now seems preposterous for such an incredible talent. He is very good indeed. Either him, or Koeman himself. What a guy.
Tadic got a huge number of assists in Holland so not that surprised he's done so well IMO. For me, the biggest surprise has been Bertrand. He has not been that impressive in previous loan spells but he's been outstanding for Saints. Pelle taking to the PL like a duck to water also surprised me.
For me it has to be Ryan and Pelle, didn't think Ryan would is as good as he is, and Pelle although I thought he would do ok and has defiantly has hit the floor running and impressed thus far.
Ryan or Shane for me Ryan came here with a dubious reputation so seeing him slot effortlessly in LB and look to contribute rather than just survive is fantastic. We all thought Shane was overpriced when he came but his work rate and flexibility have been something thats really added to our squad and i'm certain goals will come in time.
I'm pleased I was one of a few who didn't have a meltdown but I was actually impressed with our signings. Still didn't think we would do this well though!
Having seen some of the signings pre season at bmth I thought all the new boys would do well but maybe not as as well as they have. Ryan has been the one who has really surprised me. He has been quite outstanding and I think it is only a matter of time before saints will be providing England with the best available pair of fullbacks in the league.
I was happy with all our signings...not because I know a lot, but a flaw in my psyche means that once someone signs for Saints I believe the best in them. I go on the defensive and cry, 'Give 'em a chance.' I suppose I am most pleased with Tadic and Pelle (obviously), but most surprised about Bertrand...as the other flaw in my psyche is to be most hopeful about foreigners I know nothing about rather than good old British stock.
Pelle, I thought if he got anywhere near SRLs premiership scoring ratio, or even into double figures, it would be absolutely astounding. Players who could score you 20+goals in their first season in the premier league (I know I'm counting my chickens here, but I'm talking ratios!) are a myth, or are financially beyond our reach.
Koeman for me - its always difficult to judge how a manager will handle the change to a new league, and I thought it would take longer to settle. How wrong was I! His managerial record has been pretty good, but I think he's really found his feet here at Saints. His recruitment has been outstanding, and he persuaded Schneiderlin to give us another season which was brilliant for us. I love his interviews too, as it is so refreshing to hear such outright honesty and plain talking. Koeman aside, it is probably Bertrand who has surprised me the most. I always thought he was OK, but had not seen enough of him to judge whether he'd be Shaw's replacement or a stopgap signing. As far as that goes, he's more than a Shaw replacement as his goal and quality crosses show add something to the side that Shaw just didn't give us. He's Corks best mate too, so I hope we see them both playing for Saints next season too.
I was worried in the summer - a bit - but never go into a metdown because I'm a blind optimist. So the new signing have been as good as I dared dream. But the real surprise for me is Fonte. Alway a good centre back but someone who looked a little lost without a leader alongside him. This year he has become the leader himself and still managed to up his game a few notches. I seem to remember when we were in the first division people were saying how good he was at that level but would probably be found out in the Championship.
The biggest surprise for me was simply how well Ron got us playing in such a short space of time. Entering the season I was filled with trepidation, but after than narrow underserved defeat to Liverpool, I felt I'd witnessed something a bit special, we still had a team, & we could play. Hell yeah.
I was impressed with everything that happened over the summer and had a good feeling about all the signings and especially Koeman. Having said that I thought it would take time to gel etc.
