CSA96

Yep. Instead of overlaps, Martin looks for underlaps to load the box up. Means the wingers pull further wide and the likes of KWP go inside and look to create space/pull defenders around. It's why he likes Manning presumably (a LB who used to play CM).

And? He’s now in his final season before becoming a free agent… so this is their final chance to cash in. Norwich financially can’t really justify letting him walk out for free He’s also said he’ll be leaving and won’t renew his deal: https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/23554558.norwich-city-max-aarons-ready-next-step-summer/

Daily Mail reporting that if we sell Livramento we will use some of the money to try to buy Max Aarons from Norwich City.

Third kit leaked after the programme cover for the Bournemouth friendly was uploaded too early...

Apparently Besiktas found an issue in the medical and then requested to put a clause in Lyanco's contract to mitigate against the injury - which he, quite rightly, refused. A bit cheeky, if true, and could see why is would fuck him off and kill the deal. http://sportwitness.co.uk/southampton-exit-becoming-mess-player-refused-contract-clause-negotiations-still-ongoing/

Thought today's press conference interesting when RM made a point of elaborating and highlighting that he was appreciative that the ownership completed the deals for Manning and Charles 'when we reached a point where we had to move' - sounds like we have irons in the fire but are having to stall things because we need to get people moving out of the club first. RM said a few times that the squad is huge and even training the group is troublesome - especially when he wants to integrate academy lads - and he seems to be very aware that having a large squad is a recipe for continuing disharmony behind the scenes. Presumably we reached a stage where Manning's camp and Man City were going to have to push things along with another club and so Solak had to sign off on just getting them in immediately to avoid losing out. Makes sense, given Manning was a free agent but still missed the first week or so of preseason.

It’s totally off. Flying back to England apparently.

The problem with his medical being that they couldn't find any sign of a brain, presumably?

Abu is a U21 squad signing, as the club made clear at the time. So far they've signed a 27 YO left back and spent £10.5m (£15m poss) on a Lavia replacement with similar pedigree and age profile.

Yeah, that's not unfair. Would've been far more interested to see a piece where Wilcox sat down with some of the beat reporters or with a panel.

First official interview now available to watch via the OS: https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/video/interview-director-of-football-jason-wilcox

We've not managed to put the likes of Sulemana, Tella, Alcaraz, Adams all on the pitch together for a sustained time yet (as mentioned by Saint86 we've just cycled through random combos like Djenepo, Aribo, Amo-Ameyaw) so I'm not too concerned. But yes we definitely do need better goalscoring options and we also need another midfielder who is minded to look for the forward pass (like Charly is).

Noooooooooooooo

Praise be!

I always think the Saints crest looks absolute cack on the knock-offs. Still looks terrible this time around. Maybe 2024 will be the year they finally master it

Sounds like Liverpool are about to come into a lot of money and lose Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi...

Sounds like Liverpool is the likely destination. Either that, or getting them to bid will smoke out a competitor