SaintBobby

In effect, Sully is the replacement because it was assumed he’d leave. And he didn’t.

In effect, Sully is the replacement because it was assumed he’d leave. And he didn’t.

In effect, Sully is the replacement because it was assumed he’d leave. And he didn’t.

I’m holding out for Kasper Schmeichel…

Amateur hour now on twitter…..they can’t get Blackmore online….

SSN just reported Stewart signed and Adams staying.

If we had the chance to sign Ings for £60k per week and said no, I’d be amazed.

Total absence of KWP rumours is odd (and possibly encouraging)…probably speaking too soon.

If the speculation around Ballard and Mara is right, I agree that indicates we have other targets. But obviously we need to be sure of the incomings before allowing a swathe of outgoings. I’d say we are going to look great in every slot apart from perhaps CF. Get that right and I’m a lot more optimistic about promotion.

My biggest worry is our CF deficit continues. The worst case scenario of Adams, Mara and Ballard going and just Stewart coming in is grim indeed. If Che somehow stays, great. I’d even take Mara staying at a pinch. But I’m probably being too pessimistic. I assume Ings on loan is fantasy? (Or could we get him for a % of his wages if he is surplus to requirements?)

We’re after Patrick Roberts and Ross Stewart. Why not combine the deal and just sign Patrick Stewart?

Hope everyone is “braced” for the next two days. I’m feeling a bit more optimistic about keeping Che & KWP - simply because every hour that passes without them moving is an hour closer to deadline. We should play hardball with Sully and if he stays (even if he sulks for a while), we don’t need Paintsil. ABK and Tall Paul leaving, Che and KWP staying and Stewart and THB joining would be a great window. But it probably won’t be that smooth…

Thank God we seem to have offered him a completely fresh new contract. I'd have been annoyed if we hadn't. I fear he is still off though.

I'm not overly fussed, but I do think the more artificial atmosphere you try and create the more you dampen any real atmosphere.

Who was the skipper when Jack came off? Some on here saying Stu A, but the bloke next to me was certain Jan B had the armband.

What is going on with Armando Broja?

I'm no medic, but a strain/pull would not be too bad....a tear however....?

In his interview, RM said it was bad. I'm not sure of the injury? He did walk off the pitch (with support), seemed he couldn't put weight on his right leg. (do we not do stretchers in the Championship?). Is that a hamstring tear?

3 points, so am happy. Upsides: Downes and especially Fraser look good. Fraser turned the match, not just by his great play down the left but by that meaning their defence got stretched. Stunning debut. Arma had another good game - yeah, he's not a top no. 9, but his tracking and tackling back is stunning. Shea Charles looked good at CB too. Downsides: Alcaraz was woeful (and I'm a big fan) - it was as if he was drunk (not saying he was, but his head wasn't in the right place). Injury to Stephens looks bad. I assume ABK is off (weird he was on the bench but not subbed on for Jack). Didn't create enough clear cut chances (in fact, QPR had more, I think). Also, conceding a minute after going ahead is getting annoying - especially as our supposed USP is possession/control. Overall, 6.5/10. Credit to RM on the subs and game management.

It just depends what's in the offer. making an offer isn't the last word. You can change it, amend it, improve it. Anyway, I'm guessing we have lost him.

I want us to keep Che and KWP, but the idea that our chances of promotion completely hinge on that outcome is mad. I’m not sure we could find good enough replacements at a reasonable price - but it’s not a case of our promotion chances being blown to pieces. It just, perhaps, dials them down a smidgen.

Isn't the problem that we need both CA and AA? It doesn't matter which you prefer...we are weaker if we lose either...

yeah, that's true of all financial arrangements - from buying a house, to buying shares to placing a bet on the horses.

Yep. If JWP had said "I'll stay if you give me an extra fiver", I'd have said "yes".

The value to us is he plays this season for Saints rather than for another club. I can't work out why - in principle - it's much different to any valued employee of any company getting a pay rise.