santolijador

I worry that Norwich played a 3 at the back and won against them earlier in the season, and that WS has seen that

I was about to ask the same thing, but AI is not reliable in this case. For example, we have no players with the U21s: https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2025/Aug/29/england-mens-under-21s-squad-announced-for-kazakhstan-game-in-september-20252908 By my reckoning, a more manual search, players unavailable are as follows: Bazunu + Manning + Azaz - ROI Robinson - Eng U19s (+dipepa from u21s) Damion Downs - USA Charles - NI Am I missing anyone? Jander and Quarshie not in the Germany U21s, I know Jander was in the summer but might be too old now. Would have liked Downs to hang around and practice getting on the end of Scienza and Fellows crosses, but that is a pretty good group to stay together. Jander will practice stepping in for Charles i would imagine which is decent too.

Would be 7 new signings in starting 11 plus Charles. I suspect a lot of us would have been happy with that level of player change had it been proposed at the start of the summer. The only uncertainty is how long they take to click together. Long season though so thats on our side.

Downes out for Robinson. I guess Fraser slots in at CM?

This Watford team was dismantled by Norwich playing 3-4-3 in the cup earlier in the season. I suppose not having the desired players or time to train 4 at the back is what holds us back today

The Athletic (and sky sports) said it was his decision https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6506390/2025/07/23/josh-sargent-wolfsburg-norwich-transfer/

I don’t have the source off the top of my head, but I’m fairly sure that earlier in the summer Norwich agreed a fee with Wolfsburg (or Werder Bremen or one of those middling teams) but Sargent decided to stay at Norwich. I think the feeling from Norwich fans at the time was that he was holding out for a Prem move, which has yet to materialize, and now many expect him to stay until January at least. Personally, I still think a Brentford or a Burnley could take a punt on him, but by all accounts if that doesn’t happen, he is happy to bide his time in East Anglia. The Ipswich link mentioned above was a spoof account in light of the Nuñez signing (which btw, rivalry aside, is good business for Norwich given he is made of glass and was going to go for free at the end of the season) but in summary, Sargent leaving Norwich for the championship is wishful thinking I think.

Some window this. I think that one of the biggest challenges coming into this summer for Spors was a squad refresh. Shipping off players who have had their chance and have been scarred by system managers. I appreciate that there are a fair few pending outgoings, I would say that I think that it is normal that those are taking their time, what with the demand for those players being naturally low after the season that we have had. But adding a manager who doesn't care about style and just wants to win is a massive plus, but bringing in 3/4 players who by the end of the season would expect to be starting, plus hopefully getting rid of plenty who have been too close to our starting XI for too long is some going. Not done yet, but all these rumours - the new RB to replace Bree, Scienza to replace BBD and Edozie - even if they don't come off, I think that we can take some confidence from this, in that it appears Still and Spors have a better talent ID than previous individuals in those roles. I tihnk it will take a couple more windows yet to do in it's entirety, but I am enjoying the rebuild so far.

It's their mascot for some reason - https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-45081943

Announced

Press conference might be more interesting than the usual dross today at 1.30. 3rd player also intriguing, surely Alfie would have named Guilavogui, having played him down just yesterday. Scienza perhaps? Happy with either if another winger comes in.

2nd and 3rd goals are class

Record number of viewers for the presser at 1.30? 👀

I mean, second worst team in Prem history is probably a bit of a red flag for the top top clubs

In fairness, we signed Matty as a 'future promise' kind of signing, he came highly rated after a loan to Estoril, but really having only played in the Sporting U21s. Similar vibes to this one

£££ i suspect, softens the blow I'm sure

I wouldn't be surprised if last seasons absolute shit show burnt Matty out. More managers than wins. Then he went to U21 Euros, and I recall him giving an interview saying that he was so done with football in general. Fwiw, he has only showed touches of class this season and he has played a bit like his head had been turned. Wasn't involved in our best half of the season against Norwich reserves and the funds will hopefully allow us to reinvest. I quite like the look of this Jander kid, comabatative high press tackling midfielder. For the avoidance of doubt, this is very much a 'cope' post and I love the guy, but this is what relegation brings unfortunately.

I’m trying to work out when this will be scheduled for. Assuming it will be week commencing 22nd, as if I’m not mistaken, there is a UCL fixture the week before? By complete chance, I am in England for the first time in a long time and I happen to be up North, flying in on the Tuesday night. Fingers crossed for a 23rd Wednesday fixture, shouldn’t have trouble getting tickets…

Would probably signify a return to 4 at the back. Taylor can play there if needed too though it seems.

On current form Charles - Fernandes Azaz with Downes providing excellent back-up. Im not convinced we've heard the end of Fernandes leaving yet though

Alfie confirming it here;

If nothing else, this is a man who has not been poisoned by Martinball. I quite like this personally (providing he isn't our only attacking signing). Physical player who St Pauli fans like (and wanted to keep) - if i'm not mistaken, he was amongst their top scorers in the Bundesliga. Contributed goals to a team tasked with staying in the top division in Germany. International experience, top flight experience both in Germany and this season he has some, albeit very few, minutes in Ligue 1. Him + Rak-Sakyi would be some nice depth on the right, allow Fraser to continue his utility player role, and likely doesn't cost much either. That, plus he likely knows how WS wants to play. I'm all for scrutiny, but we have very little to go on, other than this, a goal every 4 games in his career, and soem versatility across the front 3. Obvs, if we were prem, I'd perhaps be less positive, but I don't think this is as disappointing as some are making out. And, as ever, he might be inspired in a Saints shirt. Or not. We will find out I guess.