Do we need more attacking options?

In response to the original question - Yes, and probably 2. We're down Rodriguez, Juanmi has definitely not had the impact hoped for given the lack of minutes (rumours of not settling/homesickness), and Ramirez is not really in the managers plans either so we're lacking any depth in the creative front 4 positions. Losing Rodriguez knackers us in two positions also as he'd be the natural replacement for Pelle if anything went wrong and he had to go up top.

The real-life solution though, will more than likely be to accept that we're finishing mid table this year, wait until the summer, and hope that everything sorts itself out. e.g. Rodriguez is fit again, Juanmi suddenly isn't homesick and has trained on, and Ramirez's salary is off the wage bill. We'll then sell Mane for about £35m, and there will be mass panic that we don't have any goals in the team for next season.The key is what ambition is shown regards the playing side of the club next summer. It's not a complaint, but I think we've stagnated at a level that is very hard to move upwards from, in particular while managing the finances so comparatively prudently when compared to others.

 

I thought before a ball was kicked this season we'd finish lower mid-table. There is now way that in the middle of November I am going to say now, that I'll accept that. We were on a good run and still only a few points off the mix.

If we finish mid-table at the end, I'll accept it, but there's six months of the season left. Not time to be settling for anything yet.

 

We will finish 8th or higher...we are doing well and have just lost a 1-0 game. That happens to everyone at some point. Definitely not going to be bottom half.

 

We've "stagnated" at a level where every single year we've improved on the year before. Long may the stagnation continue.

Many Saints fans seem determined to see the board as not being ambitious.

VIn

 

And see one loss as the beginning of the end...we are having a good season. We have risen so fast that people are expecting too much....it takes time to make that jump to the next level which is top 4. Do you hear that people....to be better than we are we have to reach top 4. We have achieved that in a few years....I can remember when finishing 15th in the PL would have been considered a good season. We are trying to get into the position where we can get good players in and hold onto our best...takes time and patience. In general I think most realise this....though I haven't been on Saintsweb.

 

If we're unlikely to improve on last season's league position (&it is a big ask) we'll just have to win a cup.

 

I love a man with a plan...but let's get two to encourage Ron to sign a new contract.

 

Pretty sure some on here think Rk will see out his contact then definitely move on. I am certain therefore that Reedness will find a suitable replacement

 

In january id be tempted to sell Gaston and loan out Juanmi and bring another player in. Shame we didnt keep Elia he had potential

 

Potential at 27/28 maybe too late.

 

I have changed my stance slightly....used to think he would never sign again. Have now moved to a glimmer of hope. Even having that glimmer of hope shows how pleased I am with Southampton.

 

I can remember when winning three games in April and staying up was a good season!

 

*whispers really, really quietly*

Actually yesterday was a game that was crying out for Gastón after about sixty minutes...

 

No thanks, we want someone who creates chances!

 

Instead of who? He's not ahead of Clasie or Vic for a good reason - he's not as good as either of them.

 

Haven't been on saintsweb for ages, always seem to read a lot of rubbish from posters who just want to argue with each other.....

 

No you don't.

 

I can see Ron signing at least a 12 month contract extension, I am sure someone on here ITK said this was a real possibility.

 

Maybe. The issue would have been similar to Dusan's issue yesterday. He is awesome, however he does like to dawdle on the ball often and teams like Stoke don't allow that. Susan got caught in possession in and around the box a few times. I would think Gaston may have been similar. What we needed was a fit Jay type to bring on