Are centre backs that important? (I know this is my running joke that only I appreciate) but with a run of games Yosh and Stevens have come on no end. When a ball is punted into the CB danger area it's only Forster that raises my blood pressure! can't see Mr. dic pic getting a start unless either are injured?
Technically, of course, as an asset of the club, if Saints are sold to the Chinese, Virgil will be sold with all the other players. Just saying...
Why shouldn't we.? Why would you think Saints would be any less canny than Everton.? Are they smarter than us.? I don't think so.
Well, let's see. How about we try playing a couple of short, small midfielders there.? Say like Jordy Clasie and Stevo. Granted they'll be quick, but that's all they'll be.
I have no idea whether they're smarter or cannier than Saints but they've shown rather more ability/desire/whatever to retain players than we have and get extremely high fees on the (relatively) rare occasions they do sell. Not that Saints get low fees but Everton seem to be on another level.
Well perhaps the players they've sold have been comparatively better. Tbh, I think there's an opinion of 'little Saints' in many Southampton supporters. I think a little expectation and belief might not go amiss.
Now I'm not saying being tall isn't useful at corners or even against crosses but covering runners / being in the right position is more important. If being tall was important Peter Crouch would score 50 every year but he's out done by many a shorter man! A weighty tall man can't jump as high as a stringy shorty! of course I'm only joking (short of!) P.S. I'm 6ft 5.
I don't know about that. They've only sold 3 big players since Rooney, who was generally acclaimed as a truly exceptional talent when they got £30m-plus for him in 2004. The others are Stones (£45m to £50m last summer), Fellaini (around £27m in 2013) and Lescott (£23m in 2009) and I wouldn't say they're that much better than some of the players we've sold. My expectations are nothing to do with a 'little Saints' mentality. My expectations are based on the previous actions of the current board and statements from people who have some knowledge behind the scenes and basically say one of the ways the club sells itself to players is by saying we're a route into the Premier League and that we'll allow them to move on at some point not too far in the future. Of course, if/when the ownership changes so may the approach to transfers. Until that happens this is just what we do and I'm not going to get my hopes up that we'll suddenly start doing something else.
Bang on. It's not a criticism of the current board, but based on their previous actions, it is very difficult for me to see anything other than us selling Virgil this summer for something in the low £40m's. Unless, as you also say, a new board comes onboard with a different approach. We conduct ourselves very differently to Everton.
You're right, as far as the recent history of the club is concerned, but for the millionth time, we also have to remind ourselves of the overarching philosophy of the club. Sustainable growth in a club with limited income from commercial revenue is really only possible by making use of the Academy and the transfer market, something we have done remarkably well at. Alongside this we have managed to link ourselves to projects which, over time, will improve the revenue stream, including the American academies. If the Chinese takeover happens, it will have the effect of shortening the timescale until we are able to hold on to players for longer and thereby improve our performances and league positions, cup victories and so on.
We like to get the money in early doors. Everton spent two years wringing every last cent out of that transfer.
I've suddenly realised that our current Board is rubbish. I forgot that actually happened. *checks date in April*
Hahaha, Terry is such a cock but that's quite funny. People are going to worry but really don't. Terry has about as much influence as any of us when it comes to VVD leaving this summer
Players remain friends because they understand that one day they will do the same. Few players have the fierce attachment to a club that fans do.....and even then they may choose to move on for their careers sake.
