VectisSaint

Not lies, just changes of philosophy. Getting rid now won't help except in the longer term. But what he should do now is relieve CP of his duties. If we do avoid the drop this season then the sooner the entire Board is replaced the better. Need to have more than one football person on the Board.

We have a game next week. No-one is one card away from a suspension (according to the FA). Only a red card for dangerous play (3 game ban) would result in anyone missing the final as far as I can see. You may have a valid concern next week if Romeu gets a yellow today.

People who take the **** should be sure of their facts. A Release Clause represents the minimum amount at which a player will be allowed to discuss a transfer, as eddie stated (and it certainly does not mean how much the transfer will be settled at). It is not a maximum. We've had this before on here and it seems to be a common misconception that it is a maximum. You may choose not to believe me, fair enough, but the below links will confirm: https://www.theguardian.com/football/charles-russell-sports-law-blog/2014/jan/20/rooney-cabaye-buy-out-contracts-premeier-league http://www.danielgeey.com/buy-out-release-clauses-in-football-the-basics/

The only thing you can take from that article is that there is so little difference between any of the teams (except possibly Liverpool) that it is statistically meaningless. You cannot take from that that any team does it any better or any worse than any other. Range 51/7 to 56/10 is nothing.

Ruptured his achilles tendon last Feb, hasn't played since, been without a club since June. Even if the injury has healed how long would he need to get back to match fitness. Probably not much sooner than VvD.

No one thought we would be involved in a relegation battle in 1973/4 either. While the gap is less than 10 points it remains a possibility. 5 defeats in 6 league games is relegation form.

Probably due to him being injured.

Think you are picking up on how he was reported to feel earlier in the season. Recent reports have suggested things are different now that he is starting regularly (at least every week).

This. Would be mad if we let JRod go now. Austin won't be back much before the end of the season, possibly last couple of games, if that. Gabbiadini is an unknown but has only played a couple of full games this season from what I understand, and Long has only scored 1 (?) premier league goal. If they decide to let him go at the end of the season that would be understandable (but still nuts) with Gallagher coming back, Austin fit, Gabbiadini settled in and Long. Even playing the current formation having 4 strikers is not a luxury.

But he will be rested :-)

With respect its not up to Morocco to decide, he will be eligible to play as determined by FIFA rules. I don't know when that is but suspect its at the conclusion of group games. Seems from rumours that he was in contention for yesterday. Anyway lets hope Egypt win tonight then it will hopefully be academic.

Agreed, think that one experienced head in this team would have made a world of difference, problem is that we don't have many that aren't injured. Romeu, Davis or Yoshida probably the only real options (I'm ignoring Tadic as he wouldn't have brought what was needed), situation made worse by letting Fonte leave early in the window. Problem is that this could seriously damage the confidence of players like Stephens and McQueen.

Winning the FA Cup would be worth more than one place gained in the PL though when the TV revenue and gate receipts are taken into account, making the Final is also a ticket to Europe. Still would prioritise the League over the Cup at this stage. Biggest problem with today's team is that apart from Long there is not an experienced leader on the pitch, think I might have put Davis in there with that in mind.

Is injured. What we need is someone to cover for him.

The Bloomberg article this morning suggested Lander may buy control for as much as 200 million pounds. This is not definite, but would be a controlling interest, not just an investment as suggested by many on here. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-26/china-s-lander-to-buy-stake-in-southampton-premier-league-team?cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business&utm_content=business&utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

May have been a bad night for injuries, JRod, JWP and possibly Maya Yoshida.

Not certain that Yoshida will be 100% either, looked like he may have hurt his rib(s). He played on but saw him whince a couple of times.

Not sure once counts as multiple. Might have known you'd have a pop. But he's looking a bit leggy, what happens after an injury. Gave the ball away appallingly once, and his shot was abysmal, still made numerous chances and interceptions. JWP also playing well (again). Romeu and Bertrand guilty of dallying on the ball too often in defence. Redmond having a very good game. Shame we don't have Boufal instead of Tadic. Well done Jack Stephens so far, only slight blot was the corner give away which wouldn't have happened if Forster had been awake.

Pelle certainly wouldn't. Too cold. Mane wouldn't have been playing.

You're right, sorry, he was 17 (born 27 Jan 1994, signed 5 Apr 2011), my brain doesn't work any more, going senile :-)

He was 16 when he was signed. Academy certainly includes under 18s, so yes he does count as Academy, even though he was originally at Argyle. Promoted to first team at same time as Shaw, Ward-Prowse and Chambers. Difficult for central defenders to break through at the same age as wingers, full backs and midfielders. Forgot he made his first team debut 5 years ago though. I think only Pele has won a World Cup aged 17, he was somewhat special, and was closer to 18 when he actually won it (Norman Whiteside was younger when he played in the Finals) http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18176183

I think anyone would be surprised. Apart from van Dijk we have no-one else that we would get £20m for at present (Bertrand at a push maybe just). Your "valuations" are based on what we would ask, but to sell a player you have to have someone willing to pay, and no-one would pay the amounts you suggest, no-one, not even in these crazy times. That's no reflection on the players, just football economics. It works differently in the imaginary world of FIFA17 I am sure.

Anything known about when Boufal may recover from his "injury"? Last group game for Morocco tomorrow.

You missed at least 2 tackles in quick succession in the first half then, early on, and he won several headers. Broke up play several times. That's why he was MOTM, not just because of his goal and assist and numerous other good passes and general all round play. I'm not his biggest fan, but credit where its due, today he was by far the best on the park. Really beats me what game you were watching or indeed whether you were watching a game at all.

Good result and importantly performance today. JWP had his best game in a Saints shirt and was excellent (from one of his biggest critics). Yoshida showed why Fonte really won't be missed. Just hope VvD's injury does not keep him out of Wednesday, we are light without him as clearly Gardos remains unready as he didn't even make the bench today. Hojbjerg was very industrious and worked his socks off, but some terrible passes got us into some bad situations. Someone really needs to sit down with him and help him with his shooting, needs to learn to take his time and that power is not always the solution, got into some terrific positions but barn doors must feel safe tonight. Well done Saints, now at least the gap to 18th is back into double figures which always feels like a safe gap to me. I guess Fraser's goals to shots ratio must have improved with the two dollies today. Mind you Leicester were woeful but you can only beat what is put in front of you.