Basically, looking at the 2 squads NA used in each half against Biel made me think if us Saints fans are expecting signings as we believe we should .... or in fact we need to?? Personally i feel as shown below, we have 2 possible squads. Having made up a 1st team of what i feel is our strongest (personal opinion) - the 2nd string would be more than capable of filling some boots should they be required. If anything, maybe we are lacking another striker with high reputation at this level and perhaps maybe a solid partner for fonte.... but not too worried if our squad remained like this. Keeping hold of the likes of oxo, lallana and fonte, as well as the extension from lambert is almost like a signing in itself. Cork just cements some quality in the midfield. We have IMO one of the most exciting midfields in the league with a young age! OXO, LALLANA, CORK, MORGAN! All quality players too! 1 DAVIS BUTTERFIELD, FONTE, MARTIN, HARDING OXO, CORK, HAMMOND, LALLANA LAMBERT, BARNY 2 BART RICHARDSON, SEABOURNE, JAIDI, DICKSON GULY, CHAPLOW, MORGAN, HOLMES CONNOLLY, FORTE I would be interested to hear if anyone else would settle for no further signings, or if as per many previous posters - it will be essentiel if we want to push for promotion at the first attempt???? If so, what positions would be most important to you and why? COYRs!!!!!!!!!
We seem to have a great team spirit so we don't need too many additions as we have gradually re built a new look squad in the last few years. For me I would opt for a new CB over a STR if I had to decide between the two, but in an ideal world we would sign both. IMO i don't rate Seabourne or Jaidi at this level so leaves us short of quality in the CB position. I have confidence in our Strikers even if they are unproved in the championship yet a new one would be welcomed. Apart from that no new signings needed, as the team seems to have gelled together and don't need too much disruption.
The attacking threat that oxo and lallana will also offer makes me have to agree with you there. My only worry is if Barnys trial isnt positive and connollys fitness over the season. Forte im unsure of and Guly doesnt seem to get the nod too often..... so perhaps a striker is needed. However..... all staying well --> CB priority if anything at all! Exciting times!!!! COYRs!!!!!!!!
Think it will be a waste if we buy anything other than a CB or ST, so hopefully we can get one each of them before august 6. As for those squads you put down I agree with them both except swap morgan into the first team instead of hammond
Hi Nashy. I would certainly settle for no more signings and it would not surprise me at all. We have a large squad and I think Adkins might put faith in the young players we have to cover for these 22. The main questions for Nigel are: 1. Are Seaborne/Martin/Stephens good enough to cover Jaidi (mainly) and Fonte. In other words, if Fonte gets injured we would be up **** creek, but I guess we can't do much about that. I'm not sure on this one. 2. Are Holmes and Connolly going to play regularly. It's easy for us to say they are injury prone but only Adkins knows if they are 100%. By the way if they can play regularly then I think they will both bag a first team slot. I don't expect a new big name striker, I think he may bring Doble into the first team. 3. Does he want to replace Puncheon, I think this is quite likely due to Holmes fitness questions, Oxo/Lallana getting kicked out of games and Guly/Forte probably being form players. Maybe a loan is more likely here. So in summary, despite the wishes of those on the OfficialSaints Facebook site, I just can't see 3-4 new signings happening for now, simply due to the size of the squad. It would mean one of those players getting bumped out, and probably a young player pushed out of the picture.
Yes, personally i would have morgan over hammond.... but..... hammond is captain and cant see him being dropped so built the team around him tbh. He goes a little un noticed at times but has a very importnat role. The squad are together and very happy so i think he has a big influence on this.
SH well put. Totally agree. Injuries are something that no1 can predict and if everyone took 2/3 key players and wanted back up in case of injury then the market would simply not exist. Im hoping lallanas skill and oxos pace can outwit what will deffo be most midfields choice ---- to bully them off the ball!
Agreed. IF fit, Connolly over Barney every day. Proven at this level and higher. I know it was only a friendly, but him scoring two this week, gave me a lift. If he can play 25 games this year (properly) he'll be awesome.
I feel that we need another out and out winger. Although Holmes could proove to be a worthy replacement if/when Oxo or Lallana get injured, considering his track record i dont think he can be solely relied on. Forte hasnt really been tested on the wing for us either and isnt a 'proper' winger. Just my opinion but i think the wings were our biggest problem last season when injuries set in, and that for me hasnt been addressed yet. Perhaps any money we get for Puncheon could be used to strengthen in that area.
I would like to see a new winger perhaps and deffo offload punch. However, attracting a decent winger that is prepared to play second fiddle to the likes of oxo, lallana, forte, holmes and even guly would be hard to attract poosibly????? Im still not convinced we would struggle with no new signings. A good feeling. Come January it will be interesting to see if our opinions change????
Liking your team selection and your enthusiasm(!!!) but I would change your first team full backs for Richardson and Dickson and put Schneiders in midfield. Other than that, yes please to the line-up Really hoping Adkins goes with a CHAMBO -- CORK -- SCHNEIDERS -- LALLANA for the Leeds game but I can see him including Hammond. Like mentioned by some - a striker and a CB would be good. If we made these two signings I'd feel optimistic of a top six finish (maybe )
I don't think Martin's ready to step up to Championship level just yet and would also prefer to see Schneiderlin instead of Hammond - I like Deano, just think he'll struggle at this level
Obv the 2 squads can be mixed and matched to suit different starting 11s.... was pointing out that i feel we actually have a stronger team than we think. Why i chose Martin???? -- For me, Jaidi is a lil slow and leggy at this level and wont play all games. Still class no doubt. I for some reason dislike Seabourne and we will need to keep the ball alot more as opposition will be more effective than we are used to. Seabourne never fails to lump it and more often lose it. Thats why i suppose. Hence why i suggested we would need a new CB if anything I also would love Morgs to start with Cork, but cant see it so again as mentioned.... built the team around hammond. COYRs!!!!!!!!
Now that I see all the names written down like that, we do have a lot of talent at the club :-D As we are, we would do well, but not as well as we could. Jaidi/Martin/Seabourn all fall short of the necessary standard imho and would cost us too many points over the season. Another CB with Fonte's ability would change a good defence into an awesome one.
I agree with you about Jaidi and Seaborne, I think both of them will be liable to make mistakes at this level. Like the above post, I think we should sign a new centre half, somebody with Championship experience to partner Fonte. That would be ideal!
Cannot wait to get the season started.... oh and the free fair ground rides at memorial cup is a must not miss ...... Hahaha
Seaborne is alright in the air but he let's the ball bounce quite a lot, which as a central defender is the worst thing to do! Also as you say, he tends to play the ball long and out wide which is useless when you have Lallana and Chamberlain on the wings.
