Dusic

I think we all know what happens in reality - it just hasn't progressed enough to be confirmed yet. And also no guarantee we would have a replacement for the summer because these kind of roles inevitably involve someone moving from another club, with notice periods due to the nature of the role - just like Wilcox served before joining and Crocker served before leaving.

Was really good off the bench yesterday and clear RM trusts him because he is strong on the ball and makes good decisions. Once Downes is back I think him and Smallbone are competing for a place in the first choice XI.

Find it amazing that some still don't know how these kind of conversations and moves come about!

Despite the stick he gets, we nearly always look better when Adams starts. Hope he is available.

I don't think many are actually reacting like that, just expressing disappointment that it would be so soon into a successful tenure. Its obviously a no brainer decision for him and one he is perfectly entitled to make.

Would be a huge blow as by all accounts very well respected. Has overseen a complete change ib the way we play and made significant change in the Academy. Was also responsible for the RM hire which has been a massive success. No other view to take than a negative one, not least because of the noise it generates at a key time of the season, plus impact on planning for next - which will be critical no matter what league we are in.

Key for him will be whether he can put in a good performance from the start in a league game, when he inevitably gets a chance soon...

Regardless of tactics and style, RM seems to be a good leader: consistent, clear and willing to take responsibility when things don't go well. A good combination.

Both are well known within their age group and obviously followed by other clubs so need to continue giving them game time to show a genuine pathway. Difficult as all our games til end of the season are "big games" but sure there will be times when they can feature.

"Lads, todays session will be about implementing certain things and stuff."

https://trainingground.guru/articles/southampton-aim-for-world-leading-programme-with-big-academy-changes A significant amount of change, good summary here.

We should have Bree, Edozie and Kamaldeen as starting options by the time this comes around so could make changes and still pick a relatively strong side. Doubt Liverpool will be full strength given their run of games around then too but even so its a free hit for us.

Contract up summer of 2025, imagine we have/will offer him an extension.

If Safri doesn't start a game like this then you have to wonder if he has played his last game for us?

No point flogging key players like KWP, Downes, both Armstrongs etc. I would go with something like this, a shame Bree isnt available: Lumley Stephens - Charles - THB- Meghoma Dibling - Smallbone - Rothwell SAA - Mara - Edozie

A serious one. Besides, I don't think its ever been categorically stated that he is out injured for the whole season. https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/24007379.southamptons-ross-stewart-sidelined-end-season/ Was more that he is unlikely to have time to build up match fitness having not played for so long and that it would be a risk to bring him back for the last say 2 or 3 games even if he was technically fit. In the end it may well depend on our situation as to whether they would push him or think its better to just let him fully recover and then have a full pre season.

He is ok and am sure will do a job for them but is not someone who you would be gutted seeing sign for a rival or suddenly feel that by signing him it has made it significantly more likely that Ipswich will get 2nd instead of us. Of all the Jan signings for the teams at the top I think Brooks has the potential to make the biggest impact and would get in any team in the league.

Surely got to be considered a pretty good window for us. Brooks shoulf add quality at this level, Rothwell depth and importantly we haven't lost KWP or Adams. Wouldn't say any of our direct opponents have signed anyone I would be bothered about either. Well set to end the season strongly.

Seems very unlikely because he is out of contract in the summer and surely better for him to wait and take his pick of options once he knows what league teams are in? I would be amazed if anyone else comes in at this point. There isnt really a need for anyone unless Adams goes and his situation is the same as O'Hare and seems now that he will see out the season. Holgate exit we can cover for and little point keeping an expensive player who won't even be named on the bench due to us having 6 loan players now. For once our squad actually looks pretty balanced, with a very strong bench.

Hopefully he does really well and then even if they don't take up the option then someone else will at least pay big money for him, or he comes back. Great signing by SR last January really, considering the relatively little outlay, and extending his contract in October was another smart move. As Brighton especially have shown, the south american market does have value.

Di Marzio is very reliable, especially on Italian football: https://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/juventus-alcaraz-southampton-calciomercato-news-30-gennaio-2024 Amazing to think Juve want someone who can't get a start in the Championship. Would be amazed if we were to agree to loan him out so doubt anything will come of it. Maybe the club knew of potential interest and the Rothwell signing in part mitigates it. Alcaraz has only started 13 Champ games, in a way he isnt an essential player despite being a fan favourite and clearly having huge potential.

Leicester will finish top comfortably. Their results barely matter aside from when they hopefully smash Leeds in Feb and then lose to us in March!

Our bench is going to be ridiculous when we are at full strength and now that Edozie and Kamaldeen are almost back it gives a chance to make changes during Feb without making our attack weaker. Noticeable that our recruitment has focused on British players - probably our best starting XI only has one non British/Irish player and not often we could have said that for a good few years.

Odds on Holgate (or Rothwell) smashing him in training on Wednesday?