Dusic

Flip side: 1. We have proven time and time again that dropper deeper and making defensive subs doesn't work. 2. Ralph is quite hamstrung from the bench. Of the seven subs tonight you wouldnt say any of them are challenging for a starting place in the team. He doesn't have a huge amount of options without making the team weaker by making a sub as most of them can't be relied on in a tight game.

Fair result. Bertrand and Djenepo nullified Traore well until the last third of the game where we also lost out in central midfield. Not suprised Ralph lamented not having Redmond from the bench, he would have made a difference with 20 to go. Walcott miss poor, but he had another good game and is covering for Ings very well.

Of all our CBs, I think Bednarek would surely have the least anxiety of not being a favourite of the Manager. Given he has barely missed a minute since the Manager arrived. Probably more likely to be a case of him thinking that he might get offers from a bigger club, given he is a regular starter for Poland, young but experienced at the top level, good character. Similar to Hojbjerg in many ways.

Bednarek is surely doing a Hojbjerg as he has probably had an offer on the table for at least a year. Bertrand will hopefully sign but can imagine he probably wants a longer deal than maybe we want to offer. Ings needs to be done soon ish or it won't happen IMO.

Ralph's quotes are included here: https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2020-11-22/ralph-on-oriol-romeu-extension-southampton-premier-league Would assume he is referring to some/all of Bednarek, Bertrand and Ings.

<<<<<<<<<<Richardson>>>>>>>>

What I am saying is that these timelines are just estimates and this is real life, not a computer game. If he ends up being ready in 7 weeks overall then that is probably a good outcome for someone who has had serious injuries in the past. I have had the exact operation that Ings had. Whilst its not a serious one, it still takes some proper rehab to recover from, let alone be back playing in a PL team. Certainly he is in good shape to recover well, but its not the type of thing you would rush back from too quickly when realistically an extra week makes little difference. If it takes 7 weeks in the end but he is properly fit and his knee is good then I don't particularly see how that is disappointing, unless you expected him back in 4 weeks, which I personally did not.

Without going all MLG, Semmens did not say Ings will be back 10 days ahead of schedule.

Take it you have never had a knee operation? Even a routine one takes a bit of recovering from, let alone being back playing professional sport. Partly physical, one thing running in a straight line, another entirely to twist and turn. Then also mentally to have full confidence in it. If he is back playing by Boxing Day then thats a decent outcome, and nothing to suggest that won't be the case.

Doubt it as he is primarily a RB who can cover at LB. Much like KWP. I don't think he will end up here as doubt we have £10m+ to spend on a backup full back.

On the latest TSP Semmens basically said most of the rumours are rubbish but acknowledged that something could happen before too long. Not an exciting answer, but probably accurate. Either way, lets hope he (Semmens) remains involved.

No suprise. Ramsay is always injured.

Definitely! Lets just hope if we do get taken over that Semmens is kept in role. Also seems like he is tight with Ralph.

<<<<<<<<<Richardson>>>>>>>>

Nor Walcott.

Jeez that Harry Lewis error last night was a shocker. He seems to be extremely error prone and I will be utterly amazed if makes it at Saints.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/we-wanted-to-sell-him-ralph-hasenhuttl-speaks-about-southampton-transfer-business-and-his-own-future/ Ralph seems happy.

Think he only signed a four year contract, I would be offering an extension in the new year if he has stayed fit. When he plays he almost always makes an impact and creates chances. Also appears to be a character that adds to the dynamic rather than draining it.

I doubt JWP sees them as pointless matches. He has only recently got back into a competitive squad and is in great form. Euros on the horizon. It must be a genuine concern for him to pull out.

Good that he gets a rest but bad in the sense that JWP is one of the few players that you can imagine really would not want to withdraw from a squad at this point...so it must be troubling him.

Best case scenario is that he scores 20+ goals and we can sell him for close to what we paid. He isnt going to be a success in the PL, hence Ralph has loaned him out twice.

So the most pressing contracts would appear to be: Urgent: Ings, Bertrand, Romeu, Bednarek Probably time to talk: Armstrong Towards the end of this season: McCarthy, Djenepo and possibly Vestergaard if he keeps his form up over a longer period, never thought I would write that.

Interesting both Valery and Vokins played. Great result. U18s conceded twice in injury time to draw 3-3.

Ralph is class. And he suits Saints perfectly.

As is now the norm...no Saints players in any of the Eng U21, U20, U19 or U18 squads. A few years ago we probably had 8+ across those groups.