Sunglasses Ron

Sounds hopeful, very glad this should get done before the season kicks off (rather than 3 weeks later).

Seems pretty obvious to me, he's not for sale unless a crazy offer comes in. If Villa offered >£50m I don't think anyone could hammer the club (or Blackmore) as that would be lunacy on their behalf IMO.

I was thinking this myself. Who’s to know what talks have gone on in the background and that there isn’t some kind of agent, club, player plan afoot? All just theory of course, but dialogue could have started months ago. As you say, time will tell.

Those 9-0s will be an unwanted stain on our history for many years. However, I do agree with you, I've always wanted Saints to dine at the top table, even if it's a struggle a lot of the time. I have a mate who supports Coventry, a club that were basically our twin sister back in the 90's. They were relegated from the Prem 20 long years ago and following them has, quite frankly, been pretty dire ever since. Not looking for an argument with anyone, I just have my view and respect that others have a different one. I just think our glass is at least half full.

LOL I didn’t realise it was a crime to get a name on the back of the shirt if you’re over 13. Anyway, it was a shirt the club gave away for free after the sponsor changed and they offered free name, number, badges. No evidence he was off at that stage so went for it on the basis that I might end up framing it one day (like my Le Tissier one).

Sign up and invoice Ings for £5! You can get in the queue behind me as I foolishly got his name on my shirt earlier this year FFS.

20 years on, the seats have gone pink and those things will be dragging along the ground.

We can’t afford to take that chance surely?

One hopes that this may be a warning to others in the future. It’s not like things have turned out bad for Ings but, as you imply, I very much doubt Aston Villa was on his list of destinations.

Is it unreasonable to think that Armstrong was our target on the basis that Ings would possibly stay until the end of his contract? Am hoping we've now upgraded our search to a more substantial signing rather than assuming the worst (that we've messed the transfer up).

Will it though? By all accounts, it sounds like the 'right offer' would be a ridiculous sum (like north of £50m).

Very much agree with this. How many of us were honestly happy we had Ings just 2 years ago when his impact was pretty low in his first season IIRC.

You’ll be back!

Is that your opinion or a fact? 🤔😃

Didn't help that she thinks it's Tuesday today 🙃

This is going to be INSANE!

In fairness to him, I think most people lose their edge when their heart is set on something else. Doesn't mean he's isn't trying IMO. This is why it's important to sort Ing's future out too, I don't think the current situation is good for either party so he needs to sign up or move on (if there's a buyer).

I'm in the optimistic camp too. Think we've done pretty well at balancing the squad out so far and pleased to see the back of several that were surplus to requirements (and on chunky wages). Still plenty of work to be done, and there are a few clouds looming above us, but I generally feel we are in better shape than we were 12 months ago. I expect this optimism to remain until at least 15 minutes into the Everton game 🙂

I guess time may tell! Always been fascinated with how the world of football has negotiated its way through the ever-evolving world of employment legislation!

I guess if it's a contract thing then he would have little choice but to rejoin whether he wanted to or not. Freedom of movement is a bit of a moot point as he effectively has none for the next 5 years anyway (he couldn't just walk away from Saints). Let's face it though, if he is a hit then he won't be looking to stay with us, so returning to Chelsea would seem very attractive to him you would think?

Trust me pal, insane probably doesn't quite cut it. By all measures, this is a signing of biblical standards that has shaken football to its core. If you don't believe me then read the article about it on the BBC website!

Fodden for me!

Great post @TWar and I love your use of the term 'our 9-0 risk '! Let's hope they can get this down to only 6 or 7 next season 🙂

Yeah, sounds a descent prospect but I'm not rushing off to get a shirt with his name on it. Probably much better than a costly loan for Williams if true though. 👍

I hope you’re not saying that a player can be of use primarily because he wins set pieces. Next you’ll be saying players should also be picked because they’re good at taking them 🤔🙂