Holmes_and_Watson

A quick chat with a Celtic friend, and a peek at some forums, and the expectation is that he'll play. I've not seen a line up that he's not in. Their reasoning is that the club have set out the value. There are plenty of clubs circling, and all capable of paying it. No issues with contract length. So, they just get on with getting as good a start as possible in the league. Tying him up in Euro games might be different.

Growing up, my gran was always pointing out the local punks and saying, "why aren't you more like those nice folks? They've got proper haircuts." 🙂

Dibling's contract expires 2026.

I think the first scoreline is a bit surprising, in that it means we're keeping a clean sheet. 🙂

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/articles/c51yyd8g3ylo Khelif will get at least a bronze, as it stands.

Transfer Meercat...meh! https://www.saintsweb.co.uk/topic/41841-keeping-track-of-the-contracts-2024-25/ 🙂

Hopefully won a lottery and grudgingly having to enjoy every moment of it.

Taking the 11 below (posted earlier), compared to the side that went down (even if the formation was different) McCarthy (improvement overall on Baz, though miss that passing) Sugawara, THB, Bednarek, Stephens, Taylor (unproven with Sugawara (KWP will be a miss), Taylor has experience and considered an upgrade on Perraud. Central defence improved on what came down in Salisu, ABK and Lyanco (although we loaned Bednarek and Stephens out at the time) Downes, Smallbone, Aribo (a decline, but different. JWP at a level above. Lavia talented, but might not have lasted, while Stu wasn't at near his best. We've now got an excellent Downes, Smallbone who developed really well, and a fitter, more mobile Aribo. AA, BBD (AA didn't have a good PL season last time, but was key last season. BBD has had PL goals, and we'll just have to see how effective an Adams replacement he is in other areas. Finishing would seem likely to be better. A lot relies on Martin getting the best out of a side that is in a much better place than the one that went down. But the side obviously can't just match the lot that came down. It has to be a lot better to stay up. I see 6 improvements (McCarthy, THB, Bednarek, Stephens, Taylor, Downes) 2 same (AA, Aribo) 2 unproven (Sugawara, BBD) 1 decline (Smallbone against JWP - so not a disaster here)

A near peak RussBall midfield ! 🙂 Also an 11 with 3 new signings, 2 loans made perm and 1 resign in McCarthy. More than half the side with some work done to it. Looking at the backups, there's not a lot screaming out as direct competition. That 11 is the strongest by a fair bit. Hopefully, it's knowing that it's starters/direct competition that will take a little longer, if required, this window.

McCarthy Sugawara, THB, Bednarek, Stephens, Taylor Downes, Smallbone, Aribo AA, BBD Backups: Lumley, Lis, Bree, Edwards, Wood, Manning, Larios, Lallana, Alcaraz, Stewart, Edozie, SAA, Dibling Probably on their way: Sule, Mara, ABK, KWP, TP, Meghoma

Spectrum

Defeatist. Champions or nothing! 🙂

My New Model Army for our civil war.

Order

It's a start. But I know I won't stop wringing my hands until I protect everyone from any risk I could moan about. Bikes, Fast walking... Oh, why must we trade speed for lives?! Join my campaign for zen walking now!

Break

Back home. Opens thread. First post I see quotes SOG using dead babies as part of whatever the discussion has turned into.

Sub cover / stand in across a number of midfield roles. Leadership qualities Big club experience to help players and staff Looking to develop as a coach, so will be assisting there too. Free transfer Useful for the squad. But I'd like to think the club are looking at a Stu replacement, and someone else to cover Downes (unless Charles is serious first team competition).

In his brief appearance he did fine. With us being light in that area, I was wondering if we were going to see a little more of him next season. Wishing him all the best for his loan season. It will be great for his development.

I wouldn't either. If I'm being asked to fund the side you're all going to have to cheer on your team of subbuteo players. Happy to sacrifice club success for my own personal stinginess. 🙂

Sorry to hear about your dog. 😒

Friendless

And that's all I want. A decent year's pay for a decent day's work.

I'm going to pretend that the smog was a bit thicker than it actually is, when I get back from this coal delivery. That's bought me a couple of mins to write this, before giving it to a passing urchin who will take it to SaintsWeb Towers. It's great working for modern companies. So much better than the old days.

I had a sniffy approach to the Scottish League. But our own successful recruitment from there, put that to bed. Also, the recruitment there is working hard to unearth even cheaper gems than perhaps even we would have gone for. They can't afford to make too many mistakes, and we get the benefit of that.