I guess that's true. I think Fernandes is top class but not sure anyone else would get in. We've undoubtedly been lucky with timing getting into and staying in the PL as the gap widened but have also had mostly good player buys . Saints bought too many average players instead of a few proper PL ready players
My input as a Bournemouth fan, is that when we had him on loan he was okish. He wasn't Beckenbauer but he wasn't the worst CB we've had in the PL. I don't know if injuries have knackered him or just playing in a team with no confidence, but from when I've watched Saints I'd say he's no worse than your other CBs. THB seems to get a relatively free pass but can't see he's much better honestly
Maybe it's my age but I remember Ricky Villa, 'and Smith must score' , Coventry's win, Trevor Brooking but I'm buggered if I can remember last year's final because it's no longer an event. Cheers FA and PL for ruining it