SNSUN

I don't think it's alien to Ralph that he's been under pressure but this result and the come back last week will do wonders for his confidence and decision making going forward. If he can keep it up then I'm all for him sticking around. It seems our signings have been good and possibly could make all the difference going forward. It took a brave manager to start Djenepo at left back today but he did it and respect to him for that. Subs have worked for us too, how much of that is down to Selles or him I don't know but Ralph surely has the final decision.

And unsold. It would be Saintsy to do so.

Who's their best player and CHDAJFU? 😁

Funnily enough I said this to the wife last night (Norwich fan). And nearly posted it on here that he's what we need right now. Young, decent right back that has been linked with big clubs but for some reason hasn't quite reached the heights he was expected to. It depends on the price but it makes sense to me. Gets in good positions going forward and is quick. Probably not as good defensively but can be worked on. Reminds me of Nate Clyne when we signed him from Palace, Championship player but linked with the Prem, young and with potential. Get it done Saints. Hypothetically Aarons, Garner, an attacker (Ramos?) and another CB (Chalobah?) Would make for a brilliant end to the window.

Bazunu Lyanco/Stephens ABK Salisu KWP JWP Lavia Djenepo SArmstrong Aribo Adams I have a sneaky suspicion that’ll be the line up. Stubborn Ralph sticking with the 3 at the back but perhaps with the possible departure of Bednarek one of the others lads will come in. Mara on off the bench but Aribo to start. We hope for a back 4 but typically we are struggling for the full backs to implement it.

Plays CB too... perfect for the three CBS.

He’ll need a “welcome to the Premier League” introduction from Romeu and JWP. Although knowing our luck he’ll slot straight in and pull the strings. Still it’s a good time to be playing United.

9 years ago today we signed Osvaldo. I'd take someone as talented but less of a nutbag. IMO we need 4 strikers. We have Adams, Armstrong and Mara currently unless you consider Redmond and Walcott as options upfront, or promoting Ballard. Ergo we need one striker and I have no doubt we'll bring one in. I do however think we will see Adams or AA and I think that would be a mistake. I can't see us bringing in two strikers.

Fulham signed 16 the year they went down so it'll be interesting to see how they fair.

I don't know if anyone has seen but apparently we've been linked with James Garner of Man Utd. Any news on a full back? It still needs strengthening while Tino recovers. Weren't we linked with two Spurs youngsters? I'm assuming the other one is still happening...

I'd say Mara was one of two strikers we needed with Long and Broja going out the door and Walcott being about as useful as a colander condom. We need one more, hopefully tall and physical, and that's before we let Adams or Armstrong go, if we do.

Gomez is the pick of those but very injury prone. Then Lindelof, then Chalobah, then Holding in that order. Sanchez yes please but linked with Milan. Soyuncu apparently not been as good as he was a couple of years ago according to Oeicester forum. Not sure about Boly but Everton fans think Keane is crap. From a younger perspective but with Prem experience there’s Tanganga and Adarabioyo.

Michael Branch is one that springs to mind. You could argue Osvaldo’s career probably didn’t turn out the way he expected.

Use your body and your brain if you wanna play the game

Unbelievable

...and it’s looking likely they’re going to get more money from Chelsea for Gordon.

I think back to my early years supporting football and when I became aware of Leicester really was probably '96 from playing CM. Claridge, Elliot, Izzet but the player synonymous with them for me is Heskey the battering ram. Decent side back then. Anyway Leicester away will be a tough game. A point would be nice. Leicester are going through uncertain times like us right now so it would be nice to prove their problems are worse than ours. However despite their problems they still have a very good side. I don't think Perez will score his usual hattrick against us but I think Vardy will be his usual dirty self (he dived yesterday and VAR spotted it... didn't even get booked). From the MOTD highlights their keeper Ward flapped at a few things (he did also make saves) so getting balls into the box will be key. Play like the last 20 minutes yesterday and we have a chance. Please can we not play Valery, Bednarek or Elyounoussi. I will be positive for this one and say 1-1. Depends on the line up and formation.

Didn't he play wider for Blackburn? Maybe that's his best position. He has pace so maybe we should class him more as an AM than a striker.

That's 12 first team signings for Forest. Definitely Fulham 2018 levels of signings (although I think Fulham hit 16 transfers in that summer) when they went down.

It'd stop him scoring against us! (Iheanacho not Woods). Left footed, hardly been first choice at Leicester (and City), wouldn't be a bad shout.

I’ve said it over the summer that the new transfer policy (talented youngsters to improve and sell for a profit) is risky and didn’t make me feel entirely comfortable (bar Aribo who is proven) but if they keep going as they’ve started then I’m all aboard the Sports Republic transfer policy bus.

That's not far off half a season of games with one win and hardly any draws. If that form happened over one season we'd be looking at Derby County levels of points. I hope for Ralph's sake he can turn it around and hopefully with the new boys seemingly settling in well it's not impossible but Ralph has to stop being stubborn and select his best side from the start, even if it means changing his formation.

Agree, but Pellegrino was awful with no redeeming features of his tenure, and while I do want Ralph replaced now he has had decent spells here and is fairly likeable. We also spunked a record transfer fee on Carillo under Pellegrino before the club realised almost too late he should be sacked. His reign was a farce from beginning to end and it was only because of players we already had that we survived that season. If Ralph were to break that record of one win in 17 though, that would be unforgiveable. Luckily we have to play United... 😄

We've played Salisu there before too so that's also an option but either way means having 3 CBs on the pitch anyway so we may as well keep playing the 3 CB formation (for our sins). Hopefully Perraud isn't far away from full fitness or we bring in another RB meaning KWP can play the other side. Ralph has also played 4-1-4-1 before and with Lavia settling in so well then that would be a good formation for us IMO, Lavia in front of the two CBs, JWP and Romeu pushing up a bit and two wider attacking players supporting a lone striker. Anyway I will be watching MOTD tonight. 👍

The system most of can see favours our players better than the 3 CBs. Hopefully Ralph can also now see it and play it. 3 CBs may not be a bad idea against the likes of Liverpool or City away but against the likes of Leeds at home it should have been a no-brainer. Problem is if Perraud is not ready we only have one fit (good) full back, so perhaps we will have to keep playing wing backs to fit Djenepo in. And thus the 3 CBs will remain. Big transfer week ahead of us I think.