VectisSaint

I think the words "never heard of him before" are probably a clue (but then you never were much good at reading what people wrote were you). And yes it was an actual link, came from Mercato? and popped up on Google News with quotes from his Agent (though not specifically about Saints). I think this is a link to the Article I read, seems like Leicester are pursuing and Newcastle were interested. https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-fc-news/southampton-saints-st-marys-stadium-ralph-hasenhuttl-brais-mendez-celta-vigo/amp/

Not seen links to this guy before, if I have missed apologies. Brais Mendez of Celta Vigo. Never heard of him before. AM, perhaps a replacement for Redmond, sounds promising. Anyone know more?

JWP won't leave for the likes of Villa or Everton, the Villa links are just paper talk, Noel Whelan saying its happening is not a credible link. There is no way on earth that JWP would go there, unless he is stupid (and I don't think he is). But, to say that JWP won't leave is ridiculous. He would leave if one of the top 4 came calling I would think - City, Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool. Don't think even Arsenal or Spuds would tempt him away. Thing is I don't see any of the Top 4 coming in for him, except possibly Liverpool (yes Nofuckall Whelan has been touting Liverpool as well as Villa). As far as I can see there has not been any genuine, firm interest in JWP so far this summer and here we are on page 7 of this thread. I know there is not much to discuss at the moment.

Thought it was a good move actually, probably better than League One, at least some decent opposition, looks like guaranteed games, away from the spotlight of the EFL and with a decent manager/coach.

We didn't 'let him go'. We offered him a new contract but he declined, he never really signed up fully to Ralph's system. If Ralph had gone I suspect Bertie would have signed on, but when you don't like the system and are finding it tougher with age, losing some of your pace you have to make a decision. He was very complimentary to the Club, but notably made no mention of Ralph. He'll suit the Leicester system better and he goes back a long way with Brendan. As long as Perraud is as good as he is being touted it should actually be a step up for us with someone who fully buys into the system and has age and agility on his side. What we may have lost is a future coach because that's where I see Bertie going in 2-3 years.

Who knows but Stanley clearly planning for Savin's departure.

Accrington sign Man City keeper James Trafford on season long loan (Sky)

Too old.

He was in the video on FB and Twitter. Clearly No 2 though, but I expect him to be on his way soon.

He got Covid at Sunderland. Then heart murmurs as he was recovering. Think he would have got game time otherwise even though he didn't get off to an auspicious start.

No pre-season for Caleb Watts then, off to the Olympics.

Depends if we get something for Forster and taking into account we get his wages off the books. Remember that Gunn is already gone and there was a (Small) fee involved IIRC. We have been linked with the Albanian fella and the Accrington keeper, don't think cash for a fee is such an issue as you are thinking.

Suggests Forster will be on his way if true then. New keeper with Mccarthy as No. 2.

We are not well stocked in MF. We have no proper backup for Romeu. Ralph originally said he was looking to backup Romeu (at the Fans Forum I think but could be wrong) but he backed away from this later after Armstrong showed that he could perform in CM. Trouble is Armstrong performing well there means he doesn't perform in AM where he is our best performer, so though it is true he can do a job there it does not solve the problem for anything other than the odd game or two. Can't rely on Smallbone due to his injury, looks like Janko is off and it seems like Lemina and Ralph is a burnt bridge too far. I think we will bring in another DM in this window, once Lemina and Janko are out of the door.

Romeu is not and never will be back up to Diallo. This stuff from Villa is all nonsense anyway, but would rather sell JWP than Romeu. Selling probably our best 3 players in a position that we need to strengthen and with little or no backup would be utter madness. As I said its all media talk anyway.

I would be amazed if we don't buy a new keeper. One of McCarthy or Forster is surely being shown the door, that's what Ralph's tinkering was about at the end of last season. We have been strongly linked with new keepers already (the Albanian guy and the Stanley keeper).

Surprised that we have allowed him to go to a mid table League One club. For someone on the fringes of the 1st team, he really should have been put into a Championship team if he is to progress. Sounds to me like we have decided that he is not going to progress at Saints.

Just to be all MLG, he hasn't actually gone yet, he will formally sign for Anderlecht on Monday (21st). Agreement in principle only so far. Makes no difference, but the change of topic subject is inaccurate. We might get to know if there is any fee involved once the transfer becomes official.

So Theo still at Everton for start of season. Sweepstake on whi h fixture will be 9-0. Seriously though that seems like a particularly tough start.

£22.50 actually (30 dollars). Tiss would not get all of that either.

Depends what you mean by "announced". It was announced on 18th May that Theo would sign a 2 year deal, but his contract with Everton runs until 30th June, so technically he has not signed yet.

Haven't forgotten Smallbone, who I think looked like he was becoming a decent player. But can we risk relying on him coming back soon from injury,, look what happened when we relied on McQueen (heaven forbid that Will has similar issues to Sam). Also I'm not convinced Smallbone is cover for Romeu, seems to be much more of an AM.

We've already signed Theo Walcott, so the answer to the OP is whatever position Theo plays.

Tom Leach. Anyone who thinks that we wouldn't have got the work permit issue straightened out before entering negotiations is a bit dumb. There are clear rules and points that can be totalled up, it is really quite cut and dried whether a player meets the criteria or not. If it was borderline I would imagine we would have done some investigations before proceeding too far.

See Boris is back from Cornwall then.