He’s the last player who I went to a game EXPECTING him to score- much of our current malaise is because we’ve never adequately replaced him.
After a few absolute top level CB signings with Lovren (I know, I know but he was really good for us that season), Alderweireld and then VVD, we’ve really struggled to find anyone even just solid since then. Stating the obvious, but it really is an area we need to sort out if we’re to be anything other than a bottom half/relegation candidate.
Yep, get the defence sorted and work from there, ABK and Salisu may have potential but need someone that can organise and lead beside them.
I do find it baffling that will smallbone was sent on loan as well if we are sticking to a 3 man midfield
Wasn’t the first time he did that either. Spurs at home fouled Son in the box; penalty, red card. Amazing we hung on for a point that day.
I have to disagree. Most of our current malaise is that we never adequately replaced the people who supplied him. In Pelle's two seasons, he scored 23 league goals, one every 237 minutes. Shane Long scored 15 PL goals in the same two years, at one every 244 minutes. Shane Long! That they were a somewhat-prolific goalscoring tandem owed an awful lot to Tadic and Mane (and to the solidity of Wanyama, who gave the rest of the squad license to bomb forward), and we really haven't had that sort of creative spark since. Granted, it's difficult to just go out and find a world-class creative player like Mane, but one of those would have a much more transformative effect than another player of the caliber of Pelle (or Ings, who I'd consider to be better).
Just over 3 Weeks until transfer window closes. Really hoping we’re going to be busy. What do we really need. RB cover, Attacking Midfielder, CB and 1 maybe 2 strikers. 4-5 players with 2 loan positions. Think the club will definitely need to sell, but who? Not many links at the moment except CHO who would cover the attacking player / wing back option. Personally I feel that with the current squad we will get relegated, really need a bit of quality and experience imho. Do we sell the Crown Jewels in JWP to give us the money to buy better quality in our weaker positions? Think we’re in for a rollercoaster 3 weeks, so hold tight everyone
I think a lot of people assume that as we have bought people the job is already done, but I only see it as half done at best. This is the hard bit; buying in experienced/higher quality players…. The fact that we have not sold any of our players that are surplus to requirements shows their lack of quality and that they will block places for better players to be bought in. Maybe after the early purchases, we’re now on a buy only if we sell first type thing…?? Not sure about rollercoaster last few weeks, I’d just say nail biting…. But as Saints fans, we’re used to that….!!
At tonight’s forum hopefully someone will ask about incomings. And not about stadium extensions or the price of hotdogs.
I'd like know if there's anything in Ralph and Che/other players not getting on, but can't imagine we'd get an honest answer
