Shroppie

N'Lundulu may fit that bill. Has pace and a big physical presence

No. They claimed that, "of course it was reviewed" but it's hard to see how that wouldn't be given serious consideration

But they don't make a team. No cohesion.

It is before the game. 12:01 am Weds

There's an argument for keeping the same team but I'm pretty sure Djenepo and Redmond will feature, possibly Redmond from the start to rest Walcott. As Danny played 90 mins yesterday I do wonder if he'll be rested.

Let's get another one or two first

Won't be happy until we get at least another one. They'll get chances

Glad to see one of my pre-season predictions taking shape. I think N'Lundulu has potential.

Not even on the bench

A player can make zero mistakes (whatever that's defined as) by only passing backwards and sideways, never taking any risk. Exactly what plenty of fans complain about and guaranteed to create no chances, no goals. To win games you have to be brave and take risks. Sometimes it will come off with big rewards. If it turns into a "mistake", the character of a team is shown by switching into the transition and winning the ball back. This really is everything that is wrong with football analysis and says nothing useful.

Agreed. I think we've learned the frustrating but realistic lesson from the VVD saga that we can't hang onto players who want away. At the Fans' Forum yesterday the message was very much that we want players who are committed to Saints, and not just for the money. If someone wants away, they can go at the right price. No-one is indispensable and there has to be evolution and change.

I would say hopeful. It was emphasised that each contract negotiation is a personal matter with many factors. The club have to consider overall wage bill as well as any precedent set by a deal. Danny, I would guess, is balancing being happy at Saints with earning more elsewhere, maybe with a last chance of bigger success with a CL team, but there again, having bigger competition for a starting place and maybe not fitting in another team as well. As well as maybe keeping an agent happy and considering personal issues. Saints believe they have a selling point in being a well-run club, currently on the up, having great training facilities and a manager who can develop and get the best out of players. And a team with great cohesion and hunger that can be bigger than the sum of its parts. Not simple, is it?

I, and 23 other fans, heard it direct from Martin Semmens, Saints CEO.

The first bit. As far as the second bit is concerned, it's all down to whether he wants to stay on the terms we can afford.

Or maybe his accidental but silly handball was still annoying him a d he just thought Danny was calmer? In which case, good call.

They're working on it.

Not true.

Fair points but I'm just reporting Ralph's comments. And JWP was captain. His decision. Danny scored. We won.

My pleasure. It was a good forum. And everyone was heaping praise on the management of the club, especially Ralph

On the Fans' Forum tonight Semmens said Crooks' report is not true. Discussions ongoing. Club want Danny to stay and hope he does too.

For anyone interested, a quick(ish) summary. I found it very good: no silly questions and fairly open, honest answers. Ralph agreed that teams are learning how we play and both copying it and trying to counter it. This means we have to do it better. Can’t stand still: must keep improving. Things have to evolve. Ralph tries things that don’t always work, but they need trying. We are playing “cool” football that he hopes fans in the stadium will get behind. Sometimes he’s scared it’s too “cool” - risky, but no risk, no reward. Our style looks intense and energetic but we work in short bursts at the right time and try to make the opposition work harder. Players are working fantastically hard and deserve support. There is great team spirit and togetherness. When Ralph first came, after training players talked about cars (for example). Now they’re discussing tactics. All on board. He suggested we’ve got more savvy. Described players as lovely people, but horrible on the pitch to play against. On ownership, Semmens said the current owners are very committed and supportive (especially when we’re doing well) but don’t interfere. There could be future investment if the opportunity arises in addition to current owners, but 99% of press reports are false. The model must be flexible. We have lost £20m through Covid. Don’t expect big name signings. We still need the right players to fit Ralph’s system and players who can improve - look at Vest, KWP, Bednarek, JWP, Ings and others coming through. The whole team has a changed, hungry mentality. No room for journeymen. After the big six we attract players because of our infrastructure and potential. We are well-run. Having 2000 fans back doesn’t make financial sense so it’s really hoped they’ll get behind the team. Semmens feels we are back on track after the club plan had gone wrong. Asked about timing of subs, Ralph said timings may be late as the worst thing is to have an injury or player tiring when there are no subs left. Danny didn’t start Monday as he knows he was only good for 60 mins, so one sub would have had to be used to replace him. Keeping him on the bench gave the opportunity of using him or not. BTW, JWP is first designated penalty taker but gave Monday’s to Danny as, having messed up once giving away a pen, JWP didn’t want to risk doubling up by missing. On contracts, what Crook wrote isn’t true. Negotiations are ongoing and the overall cost of all the contracts is a factor, rather than just settling each one separately. If we sell players, or bring through Academy players, there’s more flexibility with the top earners. The club want Danny to stay, think he does too and are hopeful it will work out, but all discussions are personal. Interesting that nothing said about Bertrand. The club’s stance is that any player who doesn’t want to be at Saints can leave. Players must want to be here and to buy totally into Ralph’s plans. That’s why Theo came back, despite not fitting our model and him having better offers. Apparently he really wanted to come back, is utterly committed and loves it. Sorry, that wasn’t brief!

No way you break up JWP/Romeu and Diallo doesn't fit anywhere else.

Carragher really bad. Suggesting the ref lacked experience. I think the first contact was on the line anyway and it followed through into the box. Clear pen

As I expected. Suddenly that bench looks quite strong.

I can't think of any reason whatsoever for doing that. JWP and Romeu have been the pivot on which everything has been built. Ralph simply won't put new players in the team just because they're new.