Miltonaggro

As soon as they're not on their own with this transfer (i.e. if united come in or City veto) they will be fucked! Yet more victimisation...

To be honest all 'traffic' around the CoT has come from those outside it looking in, it's almost like a projected fantasy. Not that I'm able to comment of course - LLSS.

Good evaluation. As others have said, the monetary crux now is his value to us this season in terms of what he offers this young side in this league. If we are hell-bent on quick promotion and establishing as a mid-table side the Board should be all out to keep the player. Against Sheffield Weds he seemed to start off the pace (along with Alcaraz), but visibly grew into the game and by the second half was a metronome for the team, clearly enjoying himself. Then you have the personal side of things. Feasibly he could commute to West Ham or Fulham for a few quid more (probably not significantly more) without family upheaval, but its also feasible that after signing a three or four year deal he passes a rejuvenated Saints coming in the other direction next May. It's highly likely that he'll speak to Martin and Wilcox about the possibility of staying until January, which would allow him to see who Saints bring in and where we are, and also evaluate the midway predicament of any suitors. That's about as near to cake and eat it as you will get in modern football. However, the one scenario that would guarantee a late in the window transfer is if the likes of Spurs or Chelsea decide to join the London Prowse party, if that happens he'll be nailed on offski!

Just what we need to be honest, top pro, something like 450 PL games and 100 caps - zero risk at £2m. Perfect player to take the pressure off Bazunu and improve his game this season.

If we signed Warwick Davis he'd be a better target man!

One of the nicer things he gets called.

They need to focus on catching Rotherham.

I got the same, the boy a keyring. The badge retails at £500, the ticket £49.99.

Every Tuesday and Thursday 😂 ⛴️

This is actually key in this system, get them to change their shape to adapt to your attack, don’t change yours. All about patience and having the right players. We will need two for each position over the season. Also, before Sheff weds I was fairly ambivalent about JWP leaving, now, I can see that he could be the metronome and executioner in this side. Dream is Tella, Sule, Acaraz and Armstrong picking locks and JWP and a new centre forward clinical from free kicks and the middle.

Hummel, the home of happy accidents...

They need to do a second edition. There is public demand and interest.

Good piece, and interesting about the basis of his foundation, grounded and pragmatic. The old interview adage of 'would you enjoy having a beer outside of a work with this person?' is a good measure of the man here. Easy with Martin, and could likely stretch to a curry. With Nathan Jones the prospect of eight pints of Stella, Dixie Chicken and a punch up in the taxi rank not quite as appealing.

Agree, and last few seasons a horror film!

When he was announced sceptical, but a video binge showed that there was something about Martin in the same way it set immediate alarm bells ringing with Jones. Decent experienced playing career, a no nonsense, loyal type, happy to be the face of the club at Norwich and proud to play for Scotland. Lots initially made about his new ageism and ethics (the bhuddist thing) but this is underwritten by determination and some steel - if things go awry he will take responsibility but not take any shit. There is a good down to earth energy about Martin that you get with the best man managers in the workplace, it’s all about consistency and judgement and I see that in him. Looking forward to seeing the club develop and having space to do this outside the zoo of the premier league.

The Barnet needs some work.

Tell you what, that first half and last ten minutes were remarkable for a side with a new manager and system a matter of weeks ago. If we retain some of our quality players and add a focal point striker who can finish into this mix we are going to have a thrilling season watching technical football. Those game but limited Sheffield Wednesday players went in at full time and half time knackered after chasing shadows, we should have been out of sight first half and they knew it. I’ll take that over the disjointed dogshit of the last few seasons every day of the week.

Better than what he called Nathan Jones. That’ll teach saints to recruit a manager with interchangible Christian / surnames 😀

It’s all about that final decision / ball, end product. If Martin can coach that in and provide a clear target in the box we will likely have a player.

Main difference I could see in this first competitive outing was that he picked a team containing committed players and they did all in their power to play to his instructions. A definition of playing FOR the manager. So he seems to have done some weeding and galvanised the dressing room in a matter of weeks - highly encouraging. Thought I would mention the only clear ‘Martin’ signing we’ve had so far, Ryan Manning. Watched this lad run and run last night, tidy feet, play for the shirt, and did not give the ball away. Hopefully more like him to come in coming weeks, seems so long since we’ve had consistent identity, character and commitment in a Saints side.

Good summary. You could tell he was enjoying himself against the limitations of Sheffield Wednesday, a thoroughbred against hacks. Thing missing currently is decision making, but that takes time with young players. You could see that Martin was frustrated with Edozie several times in this regard, but it’s inexperience rather than lack of ability, and Martin will know that. Give the lad games, coach him, and for God’s sake buy that missing link of a target man (literally a target man in SE’s case) and he will likely emerge as a key player this season.

KWP has looked a tad disinterested pre-season but a different class tonight. Can’t see us keeping hold of him but if he can play a part in winning our initial series of games a fitting parting gift.

Shitting bricks tonight when the ball was being pinged about in front of goal. Something we are going to have to get used to 😀

KWP.

Will take that. Onwards!