macca155

I'd say that was a good start. I was quite impressed with him today.

Ridiculous game, certainly have goals in this side. Midfield was powder puff, Norwich just strolled through at ease. That put a weak defense under intense pressure. Manning had a poor game, he'll improve, and the team's inability to cope with crosses continues to be a real issue. However today ignore that, they'll improve. Martin said after the game that with Downes Saints wouldn't have conceded four. Have to rely on him fixing it. The take out from this game was the sheer level of dominance Saints had. 30 shots and at times Norwich were defending desperately, collecting multiple cards. The impact of Sam Amo Ameyaw was a delight and Alcaraz was imperious. No way will Saints keep him if he keeps that up. Armstrong takes s better penalty than JWP and look a different player today. Stand out moment was Adam Armstrong sprinting 60 yards back to hook tackle a Norwich player. That deservedly got a big cheer. Norwich were a good test, they are no mugs and put Saints to the sword with lightening fast transitions. They'll be there or there abouts. Going to be a fun season

Both really, I've accepted that the squad will be degraded over the next few weeks. Hate it, but that's the reality. Hoping that the talent that remains can be boosted by a few decent transfers, to at least create a competitive Championship squad.

Last week I warned that there was going to be a lot of disappointment on here by Sept 2nd. Nothing has swayed me from that view. The majority of our Prem standard players will be bought, probably late on just to annoy us. KWP/Adams/ABK/Alcaraz/S Armstrong/ Sullemana/Tella/Bendarek will see themselves as Premier League players. If a bid comes in, you can guarantee their agents will be knocking on doors. If we are lucky we'll be left with couple of them. Then rinse repeat in January. The only saving grace is that SR are showing some marbles, and aren't being pushed around. In addition every blasted target player will be hovered up by the lower Premier League teams to boost their squad. All that shouldn't worry us. Still lots of talent left in the squad and with a healthy bank balance Saints will simply raid other teams. Most of the names above were part of our relegation, so can't be too worried if they leave.

Interesting midfield, really can't see how they'll line up. Wish they would play Charles in midfield, his proper position.

I thought that. Those corners were excellent. Can't see Coventry letting him go.

Good point but they spent £15m on Shea Charles, no way he sits on the bench. So not afraid to spend. I'm guessing he's Lavia's replacement. Can't see them buying Grimes on top of that investment. ATM it is all about trimming the squad, you can see it is frustrating Martin.

Well you can keep that feeling to yourself 😀

As good as it was to see the team click last night, the hard ice cold reality is that a number of those playing last night won't be with us next month. How much the club can salvage will depend on how much the Prem sides are going to pay. They haven't really started to splash the cash yet, its going to be rough few weeks. Tella was very impressive last night and I can't see him staying. I'm sure he's not overly bothered, all scenarios are good for him, but if Burnley stump up £20 million he will be put in a taxi pronto. Especially as we have other players who can play there. JWP was given so much space last night it was ridiculous, he was allowed to stroll into the area unchallenged for the 2nd goal. That would never happen in the Prem. His passing and movement was a step above the others. If West Ham don't want him, somebody else will come in for him. I'm sure Fulham and Brighton are watching very closely. He deserves to play on the main stage and deserves decent bids, not the insult from West Ham. I also think KWP will be off, he is a good Premier league right back, someone will want him, but like the others they have to pay top dollar. That may just be the salvation with him and Adams. The incoming money will at least allow Saints to loan out or pay off the likes of Aribo, and buy in decent replacements. I suspect there will be a lot of disappointment on here in 2 weeks time. However don't forget these players took us down last season so we shouldn't be too upset if they depart.

Smashing 3 points, showed some class, bring on Norwich.

Adams!

Midfield is being overrun or bypassed. Changes needed. Build up way too slow as well.

Classic Championship goal. Need to step it up now

Great goal, have to keep him.

That's the nightmare isn't it, come Friday Sept 1st Saints lose 2 or 3 crucial players (think Alcarez or KWP) as Prem teams become desperate. Absolutely no chance of replacing them before January. That will be uber annoying. The board really need to make it clear that all sales must be completed by 25th August, after that no dice.

That is an excellent deal for Tino. That takes the kitty well above £50m so far, and that is likely to be doubled with Lavia. That should help keep at least one of Tella or JWP. If you doubt our strength go and take a look at the other Championship dealings.

My thoughts exactly, neither deal was 'normal'. If either are sold I bet it only happens with City or Chelsea's approval.

You can keep some but not all, those are the realities of being a Championship side. Plus I doubt we are completely in control of Tino and Lavia's contract. Guess we'll see how it plays out.

Tino and Lavia are probably the most likely transfers. We knew they wouldn't be with us long when they were bought. Clubs simply cannot hold on to that much talent in the Championship. I also think Tino looks fragile, probably sensible to cash in. The club just need to rip the plaster off and get it done. Bring in some money and slim the squad down. Was always going to hurt, no point in prolonging it.

Spoiler! I was going to watch that with the Grandkids tomorrow.

The Lavia transfer is uber complicated, lots of people involved. I'm sure City retain a strong hand and will be involved somewhere, same for Tino and Chelsea. When the club made these purchases somebody on here observed that they were a complicated long term loan deal. With the way the transfers are going that seems pretty accurate. Have to remember Lavia is still only 19 and time is on his side. His advisors and parents will be doing most of the work with this transfer along with Saints and Man City of course. With the Euros up next year he needs European football, however if he goes to a suitable club he also needs to be playing. No point bench sitting he needs to play. However regardless how much we as fans think of him he'll remain a risk for whoever buys him, he certainly isn't the finished article and needs some hard minutes under his belt. Liverpool at the moment would seem to be an ideal club for him as they have a position ready for him and he'd probably develop there. If negotiations are really dead he'll play Friday, if he has a 'niggling' injury then we can safely assume that Liverpool are close to the deal and don't want him injured. The Ward Prowse situation is completely different, no other club involved and he just isn't the sort to kick up a fuss. £30m is probably a fair price for him as a player, the rest is a sweetener to persuade Saints to sell. I still think Brighton will buy him, a much better fit for him and they have the cash.

Hey steady we don't want to kibosh that deal

Oh come on that's unnecessary. Stephens is a perfectly good defender. Obviously not top PL standard but he brings commitment and a bit of steel. Be a good Captain. Certainly good enough at our current level. With the drop in income this year, he's an asset to keep.

Only an observation as to how it could be done.. Probably indifference now, but at the tine lt led to both boards being prepared to do business, thus Saints received a good wedge for Morgan Schneiderlin. Spurs the exact opposite, time wasters and chancers.