Chez

Luton have to go down as one of the most `unready for the prem' sides ever, but they gave it a bloody good go.

go back one page on this thread and you will find a few posters suggesting we need to get someone in. Personally, I think it will be very tough to get a player that can impact this season, but no reason why we should not sign someone in January that we think we need next season.

It's really hard to give a squad an overhaul. Long contracts are great when you unearth a Dibling, but restrictive when given to a Larios.

I seriously doubt he will be going anywhere until the summer, but having shown he can play at this level, he is not going to sign a new contract for a championship side in waiting.

...and Glen Kamara's agent has done his job with links in the press to all manner of clubs including Saints. Cornet back to West Ham and then out on loan again. I suspect the Lesley Ugochukwu loan might continue rather than be terminated as has been suggested. Ajax fancy Sulemena. Obviously Dibling was linked with Manchester United.

There was a Ronnie Edwards to Sheff Wednesday on loan rumour.

I suppose we can reminisce about the 0-0 draw away at Fulham where we got out of our own half once.

Taylor has another year after this one, Manning another two years (as does Larios). We will be paying them more than any other championship side is willing to pay. I'd be surprised if either went anywhere.

Can't see a Dutch international that has just joined Manchester United willing to join us on loan.

that is basically buying them, but delaying the payment. I don't think that is what he was suggesting. I've no objections to that, I just wonder whether a Chelsea or City star youngster will realistically sign for us on a permanent contract. From their point of view, a loan to a championship club next summer makes sense, allowing them to sign for a Pre side the following season like Delap did.

You are suggesting we loan someone? How does that help us get promoted next year? Or we buy them and if they are good, we sell them in the summer. How does that help us get promoted next year? I don't see the point (and the club won't either) of signing a guy for 5 months. Any signing will be partly with this season in mind but definitely with next season in mind. Let me rephrase my original question. What player good enough to score goals in Prem will sign for us in January knowing we will want him to score 20+ goals to get us promoted next season? Very tough recruitment ask.

they have us on the 16th Jan. If they don't win before then...

I'm all for improving the first team...always, but how do you attract a guy good enough to score goals in the top flight that knows he will be playing in the championship in 8 months time?

Dire.

Why did Les not start?

horrible defending. Lots of people standing around doing nothing.

own corner ends up 2 v 4 at our end. Nothing changes.

We break quickly but Armstrong's complete lack of confidence shows as he decides to turn back rather than drive on and the break stalls.

I've got Dowie. You?

Probably a foul, although Palace might argue that he was just out muscled, but it's been coming. Last 15 minutes it's been all them. We are not doing nearly enough and have bene chasing shadows.

possibly. If he can continue to do it in the second half of the season that won't hurt his value. The short length of his contract is a massive concern. He holds all the cards.

What is the manager's style? Why does Aribo not fit it? Is it about him not getting around and up and down the pitch enough?

He's had a couple of poor games. It happens. I wonder if off field stuff really effects players once they cross the white line? I thought he should shoot. Don't blame him at all. It's easy to spot a pass from the stand. I want to see him in a Saints shirt for as long as possible. He is brilliant to watch. It's been a horrific season, and he has been the only bright spark. We are going down. No signing will change that.

Dibling came on in the 73rd minute. He was fresh as a daisy. I am certainly not expecting Dibling to do what Salah does, but he should have done better. Hit the target or even just got near the target. My point really was that we seriously lack quality in the final third. Even with a good performance and chances created, we still lose and we will continue to do so without talent up front and out wide. Dibling has been brilliant to watch. It's fantastic to have a talent come through once again, but we need goals this season, so if he can't be expected to deliver them, someone else must.

I expect the side to improve as a functioning unit (it would be hard not to), and player confidence to increase with results, but in terms of talent and ability, that is only going to improve with better recruitment. Is IJ going to be involved in that?