Bucks Saint

For next season in the Prem. IMHO some of the people we have now might prove to be good enough, but there must be some doubt about how many Guly or even Lambo will score against quicker and stronger defences. Lee has to settle in the country and is a real unknown. Sharp? No idea. I am sure the pursuit of Hooper, including the call placed yesterday morning by us, at a huge price is very much about a future in the Prem more than it is strengthening the promotion campaign

Saints called Celtic first thing today to make a final offer for Hooper. Celtic chairman refused to take the call so we went for Sharp. From a good mate who is with players now. I understand Celtic are looking at a few strikers themselves today.

Yes I think that's what Hughes has been accused of

Yep understood of course, its just that most players get a bit of grief from their old fans and when they do score, reactions tend to vary between no celebration / muted celebration / normal run to your team mates punching the air type celebration. Only a few do the exaggerated in your face / FU type and its not a quality to admire. As has been posted, he is probably a very different man now and fair play if so

If he does sign, then my hope (apart from the obvious that he does very well, scores and creates plenty) is that he does not do what he did to Sheff Utd after leaving them, which was to score against them and then go right up to the touchline in front of their fans and lord it massively to them. Shades of Charlie Austin behaviour which is not something to admire. Hopefully that was a one off, and Billy was still quite young and has moved on since then. Welcome (if you do sign!)

This. He may come good over time with coaching but so far he is fringe first teamer (and with new arrivals may not make the bench in future) for good reason. Everyone likes a direct, speedy player but the quality is a disappointment

Yep players who have said they are happy where they are, have never moved on a week or two later have they. Players who seek a much improved deal, but have been turned down by their club and offered a lot more somewhere else also never move. Young, english, pacy forwards who have a great track record but also have a lot more potential to come are always available for peanuts when under contract at a large club. Clubs who have plenty of finance and a very real prospect of premier league football soon, and who need to strengthen now as well as prepare for the very tough challenge next season never would spend decent money. Thanks for clearing it all up

You dont know this. Dont have to believe it of course

His mate and relative

We are making a third offer for Hooper very soon. Hooper's request for an improved deal has been turned down by Celtic, until the summer at least

This is fair point but there is more to it: NA might be prepared to pay more than some others might offer, not just because it is not a risk but because NA knows what makes Hooper tick, his family / upbringing, his attitude and his overall potential better than anyone (outside of Celtic), so he can judge the value better.

Heard that Celtic have said no to Hooper's request for a much improved deal, via his new agent, at least not now, in the window.

But mainly it was because I am not anywhere near as good as Hooper, but ssshhh

That'll be the bunch of players we already have (including Lee)

NA spoke to Hooper's Dad first (knows him well). Cleary there is a pull, but he is enjoying it there. IMO the main issue is what we might offer in wages -v- whether Celtic would agree to the the improved deal he wants http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?35130-Here-is-the-proof-of-Gary-Hoopers-Skills!&p=1237782#post1237782

Thats because he signed from S****horpe where he was on £2k a week, hence a massive rise for him. They did not need to pay him more when he was low profile and a gamble. Now that he has "done the business" for them, he has changed agents and is pushing for a better deal / a move - take your pick

He is talking to Celtic about an improved deal. This statements fits well with that. If they dont agree / concede to the pressure he and his new agent are building up on them, he can easily say "I really wanted to stay, I was happy there and the club had promised me a better deal, but then they went back on that and I dont know why. Its obvious now they see things differently to me, and perhaps wanted to sell me after all, so I have to consider my options"

Do goals from further out count double?

Adkins relationship (hence NA sounded out his Dad first). Very good chance of Prem. Most of his mates are in London. Nothing certain but dont dismiss it

This. Plenty of championship clubs have spent circa £3m on single players, often strikers, who help them secure promotion but then fail to make any real impact in the Prem.

Newcastle are 7th, have been higher than that, sold their best player (apparently) and were in the Championship not so long ago. Just saying

Yep. His place is not an issue - is a hero with the supporters. He has a new agent and apparently the new guy is seeking a much better contract at Celtic for him.

I understand we have enquired about Gary Hooper. Obvious connection from S****horpe days. But he is happy there and probably wont move

"There goes the whistle, and, oh, much of the away end is empty already. Southampton were excellent and frankly I dont remember Brighton troubling Kelvin Davis at any point in the game" Thanks Radio 5L extra - priceless - and thanks boys for a fantastic win, again!

Agree with the OP I used to go to every game, including cups, and, sad old me, even some reserve games at Staplewood. When I moved away (4 hour round trip) I still went to every league game for about 5 years. When we went down in 2005 I kept going to most home games, probably 15 /16 per season. The first season in L1 I went to about 13. My circumstances have been different since then, and I go to only the odd home game and maybe 4 or 5 away matches per year. So as we have turned things around, and climbed the leagues, I have gone a lot less than I did when we were sh%t. What is the opposite of a JCL?