Miltonaggro

One way to look at this fee is that £6.5M pays Jack Stephens contract for the next three years or so @£40k a week.

I think so, and I'd still be hoovering up as many decent loans as poss until midnight.

Can happen when defending against a Brazilian.

Lucky it wasn’t Prince Andrew.

Garner was terrific tonight, a step up and bossed it. Well done to the Saints contingent too, showed how it should be done. Roll on the big title shot at SMS next summer. Highlights here:

Or Guido Carillo v ...

Despite Eriksen being 34 in the new year, more chance of Hans Christian Anderson, I would think...

I think we need to give it more time before reaching that conclusion. At least three weeks.

Your friend, el duce, also said "People are like women, they go with the winning man!" That must be why Russell got the Spanish archer at Saints.

Think we may see some proper movement next week after the Spain trip. Media and body language of the players and Will Still suggests that this trip was the last chance to stake a claim for a good few - more head down sullen faces than smiles and back-slapping. Unfortunately, it's going to feel like we are leaving it late again but I get the feeling that this is different to last year and Still isn't keen to get close to the squad until he is sure who deserves a place in it and his full attention - poker face and very little bullshit on display. He'll know we need to add quality, and to replace any of the big money quartet who get serious late offers. Keeping the faith for now.

That's because he clearly isn't to anyone who has watched him for Saints over 90 minutes.

My view too. He's evaluating not competing currently.

I think so, though who is leaving and how Still intends to play could also be factors I suppose, but given the source it's probably fluff anyway.

Yep they've certainly nailed the ropey old tart market.

Dale Vince, one of Starmer's dinner party circle, an absolute tool!

Looks a lot of money for Championship Saints for an 18 year old from that league, but he's seen as a genuine hot prospect. Athletic 6ft 2ins target man striker, already capped by Senegal and originally from Mane's old side.

Known locally as Jack Gremlish...

Good point about language, and Ramsdale or Downes could do the job, but I think given his performances last season when he was frequently attempting a one man version of the Alamo, broad shoulders well beyond his years. I think back to when McMenemy made Steve Williams skipper and drew criticism with much older pros in the side, and it added another 20% of bite to his game. I saw flashes of that in Fernandes last season.

Agree. Think he was 29 when we sold him to Girona, and still would be a crucial player at 33 had he stayed.

Fernandes is the absolute jewel. If we miraculously get another season he needs to be skipper and the team built and focussed around him.

I've heard from a previously reliable source that Solak personally wants to keep those two at Saints 'at all costs.' Despite that, I doubt that we will pull it off but heigh ho. I also think Will Still adds another layer to this selection as his 'if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem' radar feels quite strong. Certain players prefer cuddles and ego massage, maybe Harwood-Bellis and Dibling fit that profile. Could also be a ginger gee up to Spors as well of course.

Correct, in it's correct usage. Really hoping to see Jack with the water bottles and bingo cards with an official announcement before the season starts.

Maybe. Some decent keepers at the end of contracts, but a loan more likely. Also, Fraser Forster and Angus Gunn both out of contract and currently looking for clubs - on balance that would be a tad Lallanaesque - but still think I'd probably take either over Bazunu.