OK I realise this is a bit early, but now it is official and we are yet again a premier league side (how good does that feel!) I wanted to start a discussion on where we need fresh blood next season. One thing I think we will need is wing backs with pace. Personally I think our centre backs are solid as long as we have covered crosses being put in behind our flanks. On both sides I don't think we have enough so personally I think a LB and a RB. Centre mid I think is ok particularly Spiderman and Cook can hack it and Hammond could step up as well. My concern is right mid but then again if puncheon pulls his finger out of his arse he has proven already he can cut it at this level. Left side is covered obviously. Up front Lambo, Billy and Guly for me will be amazing next year but I feel one other with pace gives us another option. For me that's 4. LB, RB, RM and a Striker. Again, utterly bloody fantastic what this team has achieved and I think the danger is bringing in too many faces and breaking up the team spirit which is one of the major reasons for our success from league one to the premier in back to back promotions. Just a discussion so try not to shoot me down too much!
I think we need a top quality CB (think Jose will be exposed a bit), RM is definite, holding CM (think Deano may struggle) and pace up front. Messi and RVP up top would help as well, although they would have to play second fiddle to Rickie!!
You're right. It is early. Not shooting you down, but just enjoy the moment. This is stuff for the close season, when we'll have bugger all to talk about [unless you want to talk Olympics, Euros, MotoGP on a Saints forum] and this will be a really interesting subject. Long wait this year, as well.
It's competition for places which is important. Everyone deemed to be good enough to be in the 25-man squad should be given a go, so it's not so much about replacing players as it is about rotating them. I think we'd like additions to defence, midfield and attack, and I just hope they're exciting and talented players
My wish list would be Moses of Wigan and Clint Dempsey! How about Danny Murphy - long in the tooth but could be a really valuable asset in our first season back? In reality lets enjoy the moment and I'm sure Adkins will uncover another diamond or two to add to the jewels we already have.
Another centre back, another full back, and a midfielder. 3/4 players away but I think we should be looking to add not chop and change. I think we will shed 6/8 players who are currently out on loan or retiring so we don't really want to lose anymore just add depth.
I am sure we will all be surprised who comes in....we usually are. And I am sure we will be pleased once we see them playing....we usually are And I've a feeling guly will thrive.
In order of priority CB RM CM GK ST RB That would give us a ver strong squad. I don't think Butterfield will be up to it at all, and Richardson isn't good enough to start in the prem.
I know its exciting, the prospect of Premier league football once again at St. Marys. But for now, lets be thankful for the players that have got us there and celebrate a fantastic season culminating in a jubilant win today. We are Southampton We're Premier League
I expect to see Guly deployed as a striker or utilised as a deeper play maker - meaning we definitely need someone on the right as our team is not blessed with pace.
I would like to see the majority of this squad given their chance in the premiership - they have earned it. Any new players will need to earn their place in this team.
A right back, a centre half, a winger, a central midfielder and maybe another striker. It's as much about depth, options and rotating as it is about bringing in new quality. The new additions fitting in instantly will be incredibly important if we're going to hit the ground running. The way we brought Sharp in slowly is the way we want to fold new players into the team rather than stuffing them all together at once.
Agreed! Similar to how we did this year would be nice (ie. Fox starting off as a regular substitue, same with Sharp/Lee and De Ridder to an extent)
Kelvin remarked that players brought in had to fit into the ethos of the team. We must strengthen without damaging the team spirit.
