Forester

Different division and a year older though

I think Still is simply talking common sense in the Blackmore interview. In terms of trimming the squad, I would have thought that most fans would say it is not controversial to assume the following would go between now and end of window: - one of the three keepers, replaced with cheaper 3rd option (a la Lumley) - one of the three left backs - ABK & Bednarek - Dibbling - Matsuki Others may have more names on their list but that is six more exits (albeit a keeper coming in too).

I blame Eric Black

Can I just check, as this argument is presented as an unanswerable headline, that you are aware of extent of revenue drop and FFP rules? So before you are tempted to say “yes, but if we get promoted it doesn’t matter”, wind the clock forward one year when we have been promoted (we hope). What do you then want to happen? The answer should be massively more investment in quality than that which happened last year when we went up. But every pound we spend now, or pound we don’t raise through sales now, will constrain what we can do in a year’s time. That was part of the problem last time in that we had racked up ludicrous bills on total shite over the prior season. So it isn’t quite as simple and myopic as the argument you put forward.

Well said but I fear falls on deaf ears for morons like Lighthouse. Hopefully he or she never experience the need for urgent support for them or their family. Well done to your daughter for doing great work

We won’t let Smallbone contract run down as would get a decent fee for him to a championship club. Same for Stewart if his fitness holds up

I still think we will make some further sales or loans out, but am pleased to see that Still sees this largely as a retention window given quality we have for this level, rather than Premier League. The other factor I think Saints will consider is whether any of Rambo, THB, Fernandes or Dibbling are likely to FALL in value in a year’s time if we don’t go up. I would have thought not, other than injury. And so unless someone offers really big money we aren’t in any kind of hurry.

Have you factored in the contractual cut that most players have for relegation? Or just assumed they are flat from last season? The players you list would all be strong championship performers in my view, albeit I expect Kamaldeen to be sold

I think he will do well, a good match for him. Despite the snarky comments he did a good job in championship, but was tactically inflexible in Premier League and it was a disaster given inferior players. Some coaches get more out of good players than many by creating a good environment and I think he is that type. So needs better than average players, but may then play that strong hand well.

I think this is a pretty good list, albeit I would also be open minded about BBD in championship and would retain Manning. I am astonished that so many other people are letting the frustration of this season overtake judgement on some good pro’s for championship like Armstrong, Aribo etc. For me this season is primarily about retention and small number of sales and buying even smaller number to reduce squad somewhat. It is unrealistic to buy “ready for Premier League” players with championship budget. It’s horses for courses.

Good to hear, is there are particular contact/email address you have been using?

How do you know? Can you post the short list you have access to for Leicester, Rangers, West Brom and Norwich, along with Bundesliga clubs? Or is this a guess?

As I mentioned in a post a couple of days ago, Still would be a good appointment. Has done well in two different Ligue 1 sides, so not a one off, just signed off at Lens by beating runners up Monaco 4-0 in final game to secure eight spot. We should be grateful to secure any manager with a good record of managing in top flight of England, Spain, Italy, France or Germany in my view as a championship club. Throw in his age and high potential, what is not to like? I remember the white handkerchief protest at newly appointed “Mauricio Who?” when we sacked Adkins….

Not getting the negativity from a few on here for both Still and O’Neil. Yes the latter was a Pompey player, but so was Crouch when he joined us and he did well and was liked here. Taking the two in turn: - Still now in his second top flight job at the age of 32 and widely seen to have done a good job at both clubs. Lens guaranteed a top half finish ahead of final game against Monaco. - O’Neil took over from Parker off the back of poor start to season at Bournemouth, newly promoted, and kept them up comfortably in their first season back. Then goes to Wolves, widely predicted for the drop which is why Lopetegui walked out on eve of season starting. Took them against expectations to comfortable mid table finish. Was sacked in second season, but how many managers don’t have at least one disappointment on their CV? Strachan, Poch and Koeman all had one when appointed. To be clear, I would also be happy with Danny Rohl, Steve Cooper or Sean Dyche, so not touting these two in isolation, but it’s depressing to see people with good track record written off.

Refreshingly balanced view