VectisSaint

The points dropped from a winning position caption will get an early airing.

Lyanco had his green kit confiscated by the club so not able to play. Didn't he go off injured in one of the home friendlies (though I thought they said it was cramp).

By which time we will have played 5 matches and preparing for the 6th the following day, more than 15% of the season. The lack of a front man is really going to hurt, I think we can cope until then in other positions. Perhaps we let Shane leave too soon.

Other than possibly Bazunu, doubt that any other wonderkids will play (or at least start). Aribo is not a kid, he might play.

Still under discussion from what I can see, but looks likely.

Don't think I would have selected Lawrie, WGS or Poch to back up this point (and I won't have a word said against Lawrie or WGS). Lawrie and WGS were renowned for not suffering fools. Hypos point is not well made and doesn't stand up to scrutiny in the real world.

Is there anyone who doesn't treat players differently depending on whether they like them or not?

We need a lead striker and #10. There are other places that would be a bonus but not a need. We aren't going to get another CB in when we already have 7 on the books (unless one or two go) and it looks like we are covering the FB/WB position with Djenepo etc.

He played internationals during the Summer so came back to pre-season late (along with Stuart Armstrong and Prowsey and probably one or two others) so pre-season was somewhat different for him (and them). Of course if we have someone lined up to come in then maybe he is on his way, but some of the guff in that article is utter nonsense, especially the bit about "down the pecking order".

In what way have we squeezed Adams down the pecking order. Since last season we have lost Broja and Long. As things stand I would say he is #1 striker.

The interaction between Lyanco and Tella was a bit odd to say the least. Lyanco looked none too happy. Surprised the media team didn't edit that bit out.

So who do you expect to play the full 90? I would assume Romeu, but could be Adams or Armstrong.

Hard luck, none of them are playing. Only 3 even on the bench. What a strange preseason game, you would expect them to want to integrate the new guys as much as possible.

I don't think Delap is done, we are clearly negotiating, you don't go in with an improved bid unless you get some sort of positive vibes from the initial one. Perhaps Will Smallbone will have a word in Rory's ear at Stoke and oil the wheels 😉

He won't be the next PM. That will be dimwit Mis Trust. He is what he is because he married a multi millionaire, Akshata Murty, reputed to be more wealthy than the Queen.

Ralph: "He is a young guy who will need time to adapt to a new country and a new league, but we are excited about his potential and what he can become in the future". So should we look to see him around Christmas time?

Given that we had a previous bid turned down (if that was true), this sounds like a new bid based on what City have hinted would be acceptable, or close to it. You don't just go putting new bids in unless you have some inkling that it will be accepted. We seem to be on good terms with City, so I imagine talks over the original bid were constructive, rather than laughed at.

If we can play him in MF as well, then that might be OK 🤣

I don't think the Academy is finished either, and I didn't even hint at that. It would still have a worthwhile function even if no players graduated to the First team as regulars, young players always need somewhere to develop, a good many will at least make a decent career in the lower leagues even if not the PL, but it is clear that it is very difficult now for a home grown academy player to make it at Southampton. The three you mention, I understood Dibling has gone to Chelsea, Edwards came from Reading, so Dom Ballard is the only one that is relevant (I think he has always been with Saints). The point is though that Smallbone has been on the fringes for a while, has looked good at least at times, got good reviews for Ireland u21 during the summer and was the only bright spark against RB Leipzig? We need competition in CM and Smallbone can provide that, providing we get rid of Redmond and Djenepo (at least). Can't see how going to Stoke is really going to make him more likely to get into our 1st team, if he is not considered good enough now, then surely its better to let him go than offer him a new deal and send him out to the wastelands. Is Michael O'Neill really seen as a great coach for young players, don't get me wrong I think Michael did a brilliant job for Norn Iron, just don't see how Smallbone and Michael O'Neill are made for each other. I think also that this argument that we couldn't attract the best kids when we were out of the PL is tenuous and beginning to wear a bit thin, the only years this may have been the case were the final Lowe years which is now what 14/15 years ago, once Markus Liebherr bought us were were seen as one of the best Academies in the country until the money started talking and the likes of Chelsea and Man City started hoovering up the talent when the rules were relaxed about the geographical location of academy catchment areas. Anyway, I think its a mistake.

Agreed, it's becoming very apparent that the pathway from our Academy to first team really no longer exists but pathway from other academies to our first team is the way. Smallbone really should be in our squad for this season fighting for a place.

Charlie plays for Brisbane Roar so would not have had much say.

Haven't we just recruited Joe Shields?

Adrian Heath getting one over his old team. Apparently Minnesota are known as The Loons 🤣

Still worth taking as one of two new strikers we need if we could get him.

I'm not sure why everyone has written off Delap, have I missed something? We reportedly had a bid turned down, but that says to me that we need to up the bid. I'm sure Rory will point his lad in the right direction.