lambtiss

I certainly will

Fingers crossed. The last 2 friendlies have shown that there is almost no creative spark in the starting 11. In fact, we seemed more creative when we brought the youngsters on; Edozie, Dibling and Ameyaw.

Let's leave this to a better judge of a central midfielder than either of us ..... Downes wishes he was 'as good' as teammate at 20 years old | Daily Echo

Yes

Charles had 32 appearances last season. Not bad for someone who couldn't get in the team. So yes, that was an OK signing.

Personally. I prefer to think that Larios and Edozie were bought for their potential. I dont think SR expected two teenagers to save Saints season the PL. There were other much glaring mistakes that season, such as letting Romeu go too early, trusting Bazunu, shocking managerial appointments, not buying a central striker and then spunking too much cash on Sullemana and Tall Paul in the January window. I

You have weakened your argument with your examples. Edozie, in 32 appearances last season, scored 6 goals and had 3 assists, many of those appearances from off the bench: a very good return for a then 20-year-old. Similarly, this was Shea Charles' first season as a senior professional and was only 19 on his debut. I think the majority would agree that he started very brightly, dipped in the middle of the season and then came again towards the end of the season. Definitely, not one to write-off by any means. It is impossible for anyone to judge Larios because he only made 2 or 3 appearances before getting injured.

So, real life football is different to a computer game. Enlightening.

I can't agree; Che was equal top 6th scorer in the Championship, that is not the record of a midtable Championship striker. Every Saints supporter knows that he misses too many easy chances (as do other strikers) but equally he does a lot of good work outside of the box and had no replacement as a target man who could hold the ball up and play other strikers in. His form got him a move to the 9th best placed team in Serie A, so he must be doing something right, good luck to him.

Che was in no way crap; he played 40 matches, scored 15 goals and had 4 assists. Similarly, Fraser was not a "squad player", he played 39, 6 goals and 2 assists which are decent stats for a winger and are a big factor in why we are interested in getting him back. I agree that Brooks disappointed after a very bright start, although he still managed 6 assists in 20 matches.

This is your post that I was replying to, perhaps there is an another "fucking discussion" as you so eloquently politely put it, where you mentioned the PSR era, but that's not my issue. We are all Saints supporters mate, supporting a common cause .... so try acting like it.

The discussion was about clubs that WERE yo-yo clubs but which had become stable PL clubs. I think CP fit that description

Crystal Palace are another

100% agree but chance of getting him, zero.

In 34 games last season, many as a non starter, he scored 6 and had 3 assists. I think that's a, reasonable return for a 21 year old.

I was just about to write the same, but you have put it better than I could. Stu's value to the team was always much greater than the bald stats and is why he will be a loss to the team going forwards. I'm sure we went something like 2 seasons when the only games we won, were when Stu was in the team. and his ability to break lines was key to this.

Very harsh, For his age and inexperience Shea has looked a decent prospect as a DM, he just needs to improve his touch and passing, which should come with experience.

I hope we stuff them

Thats the most important factor

I would 😉

I look out for your posts with interest because they usually mean the complete opposite is true... This is a perfect example.

I watched every game and while his form may have dipped at times, he didn't give me the impression that he clearly wanted out. Certainly not compared to players like Van Dijk.

I'm really pleased that Hojbjerg has gone on to have a great club and international career since leaving Saints (better than I expected, to be fair), he always gave his all and seems like a genuine guy.

Bit harsh of a comparison. I don't really get the hate for Che; okay, he is unlikely to ever score 12+ goals in the PL (not many of those around to be fair) but is hold-up play is well above average and based on his stats is going to score 7 or 8 a season in the PL which is not too shabby.

My feelings exactly