CSA96

Eckert (and Spors) have spoken a lot about the importance of physicality (and height) in the spine of the team. Ronnie Edwards is under 6ft so I’m not surprised he wasn’t compatible for what they wanted. Ahmedhodzic has a reputation for being great on the ball and being able to step into midfield and spot a good pass, so that bodes well if the reporting today is accurate

You’ve got to live in the real world, though. Those fees aren’t happening

He won’t go unless the number starts with a 3 and he asks Saints to sell him

Celtic fans collectively shrugging at this news

Noticed that too. Lucas is the BBC Radio Stoke main presenter/commentator so he sees plenty of Stoke. He hasn't disclosed who he supports and I don't think he's actually a Stoke fan so his opinion is probably fairly balanced as someone who isn't a fan but watches all of the games in a professional capacity These were his comments for what it's worth, for anyone who didn't hear them: Feel like I can talk on this one having seen the bloke play for half of last season. He had a horror injury against QPR in January and then we didn't really see him in a Stoke City shirt after that. But early signs of Divin Mubama, really exciting for the Southampton fans. He's clearly a player with talent and quality. He showed it in glimpses, I would say, at Stoke City. I think once again he is an example of, and this is coming from someone who gets frustrated by Stoke having to bring in players on loan who've not had a lot or any Championship experience previously, but I think he proved that. He was sort of raw but he clearly knew where the net was. I think in a thriving, exciting team that can create lots of chances, he will find the back of the net. I think sometimes he had a habit of a bit of overthinking when it comes to wanting to make a good impression on what was his first senior loan. He clicked really well and found a really nice partnership with Sorba Thomas off the left and Million Manhoef from the right. So I wonder if gametime will be important for him in a Southampton shirt. But I think he's going to be better for having had that season, or half a season, in Championship football. When Stoke were a fit and firing team, they were a better team with him in it. I think the next thing for him is what he does when he's off the ball as well as when he's in chances that he could potentially score from. But I think there's no doubt about it, Divin Mubama is a really good pickup for a side like Southampton that will create lots of chances for a season.

We gave £22m to Rennes for Kamaldeen Sulemana so they owe us one with this James deal, send him our way!

Reminds me of these comments from the Wolves technical director Matt Jackson at the end of last season

Aren't they still £103m in debt? £303m for a League One club without debt is a huge commitment... I don't really see why anyone would try to complete a deal before it returns to being a Championship club and bringing the debt down some more

on Divin Mubama... TE: The first time I saw him went a little bit further back to when I came into the job for the Under-21s. I saw the last games prior to me coming in and I saw the games between our 21s and City. I watched that and he was a very clear number nine. Someone who knows how to score goals and very ambitious. I think he already has some good experience on the senior level, I think that he played a good game here at St Mary's last season as well. Very good impressions. We did some finishing yesterday and today, obviously stronger with his left foot but can finish left and right. We've had a longer meeting with him yesterday just to go through teammates to get a quick understanding of who he has around himself and he has prepared himself before he came in here. He knew most of the players and their preferences. He is very eager to learn and a player that I think we will enjoy this season. on whether Mubama will be used like for like as Larin/Stewart were last season or whether he might go back into the market for another forward player... TE: Let's see. I think that Cyle is a lot further physically than he was when he came here in January. Even now he looks good. He played 30 minutes in the cup and he's ready to play some more. I think we'll see a little bit how that develops physically. But I think they can be a very good combination, obviously different age profiles so I think it's more father and son than two players of the same age but the nice thing about Cyle is that he doesn't see another nine coming in as a rival but as somebody that he can help to develop. I think that's a very nice trait for him to have with Divin coming into the building.

on THB being linked to Benfica and his previous comments having a lot of praise for his conduct... TE: And that's exactly the same, he was exactly the same in training today. on whether he's worried about the possibility of THB leaving... TE: I think every transfer window brings you those moments. It's not just Taylor, I think there were a few players who performed on a very high level last year and it's normal that this attracts some interest. Also over the next weeks it's normal that there will be some names popping up every now and then but what I can say is I see the boys, they're focused. We've had a good meeting this morning prepping for the game, I've seen the training session and they look sharp and ready to go.

How happy are you with your squad? Do you envisage bringing in many more? TE: No, not a lot. I think it's quite similar to when we talked in January. I prefer the squad to be rather smaller than bigger. Everyone that we sign just needs to be spot on. I prefer to do less but make them the right ones. There are a couple of boys from the academy who have shown that they are ready to knock on the door, then we'll see a little bit where we are in the last week of the window to make the final decisions. In general, I don't expect that we need to do a lot more. But I still think that there are players coming in. Shea Charles has completed his move to Fulham. Do you plan to replace him? TE: Yes. So you're in the market for a replacement now? TE: Yes.

Pretty sure Blackmore said in one of his shows this summer that after speaking to Solak in Slovenia, he had shared that Charles and Harwood-Bellis could go with his blessing this summer if there was an opportunity they wanted to pursue and the offer is acceptable, because they've been here for a few seasons and been good servants to the club, haven't caused the club issues etc.

I don't think it's ever been disclosed. I know Dilks has now set up on his own on YouTube and TikTok doing Championship coverage though. I always got the impression that they were good mates pre-podcast but the vibe could be a bit off at times where it felt like Ryan was just digging/winding up Justin to get reactions and just challenging him on everything for the sake of it I did see that at the end of last season that the relationship between STP and Stak (production company who do support a lot of podcasts, Football Ramble for one) had come to an end after 3yrs and wasn't renewed. I guess that may have been a factor in Justin continuing the podcast off his own back with a new host, leaving Ryan doing the shouty hot takes I always quite liked Justin and felt like he was more considered with his opinions (and largely knows what he's talking about) so the new format works for me. It does feel like they are making a bit of a concerted effort to be less confrontational/clickbaity now, but let's see once the season gets going

Have been giving it another go this summer and it feels like a considerable improvement replacing Dilks (who I also couldn't stand) with Lucas Yeomans as the new host (believe he commentates/covers Stoke for BBC Staffordshire) alongside Justin Peach

It's not realistic to think we'd have Vipotnik, Larin and Mubama for one position

Not one of the TV games

YouTube video from the club of today's open training session

By....?

Nice intro for the lad

Not surprised by the lack of option. City seem to really believe in him, at least enough for him to have a really good season here and drive his price much higher in 12 months' time than it would be viewed right now

As the title says

Makes sense on paper. Third choice striker who gets 10-15 mins here and there and warms the bench if one of the first two options gets hurt. Archer and BBD are both capable of 5-10 goals a season based on their records at this level. Downs... not so sure but maybe he's the most receptive to playing third fiddle right now