Minsk

First of all, please show me where I said that I would like 3 or 4 players on top of last year's squad. I didn't. We have lost: Kelvin, Stek, Wanyama, Mane, Gaston, Juanmi and Pelle - 7 players, 6 of whom are/were full internationals. We have signed 2 - 1 full international whom I think will take time to adapt to them prem. I am not asking for 10 or 11 players to be signed; just the 6 to take us to close to where we were last season. He didn't look as he was running through treacle, as he did last season, but he looked far from his old self. I can't remember JRod taking on and beating a player - unlike Sam McQueen, who was playing LB, who seemed to breeze past them. JRod also missed a couple of opportunities that he would have previously buried with ease. Hopefully it was just rustiness and he will come good. Once more, I fully agree with you.

Fully agree with. Fully agree with this too. I think you are right in that we will only bring in a 'keeper and an AM, but I really hope we also bring in another striker and midfielder. Can you honestly see/would you honestly be happy with that squad playing Thursday - Sunday - Wednesday - Saturday (repeat) for much of the season? It is a squad game nowadays. We need a competitive squad, not just a match-day squad. Given the 18 you mentioned above, let's say JRod and Austin get knocks, Romeu has a suspension, illness for one or two others - that would make us look extremely weak, and in no way able to be competitive twice per week. However, I do understand that we can't have too big a squad, as that also has an adverse effect on playing time, morale, etc. Therefore, I agree no room for 6 signings, but let's please have 4.

I'm not sure this is the right thread for this discussion, but there are some good points in the posts below which I would like to comment on. However, just so my post is on topic: I really hope Dusan not only stays but signs the new contract that we are said to be offering. I think he is a class player who will fit the new manager's preferred playing style very well. I think you are right in that we won't be bringing many more new players in. I also suspect you are right in that Redmond is to replace Mane and Hojberj is the Wanyama replacement. I also think this leaves us weaker than last season. Most people agree that Austin was pre-bought as a Pelle replacement, so maybe you shouldn't have included both your random match-day squad? And yes, we do we only one new 'keeper to replace the two who left (Stek end of loan; Kelvin retired). We did also lose Juanmi (who, I admit rarely featured for us) and we lost Gaston's sizeable salary. I would imagine Juanmi was bought as a Gaston replacement, so this would be the one outfield position I am sure we will buy someone for. To go with my comments above...... Absolutely we need 2 good (or at the very least, decent) players for each position. Indeed, ideally, we should have 3; to allow for injuries, suspensions, etc. Obviously, the third choice for each position could be filled by a player more ideally suited to another position or, better still, one of the U21s/U23s. One position that definitely needs 3 recognised players for is, of course, goalkeeper. With that in mind, and Puel's preference for 4-3-3/4-3-1-2 it gives us: GK: Frazer/Gazza/Lewis RB: Cedric/Martina (3rd choice Stephens/Maya/Valery - the letter really impressed me on Friday) CB 4 for 2 pos: Jose/Virgil/Maya/Gardos (5th/6th choices - Stephens/Turnbull - feel the latter will go out on loan again) LB: Ryan/Targett (3rd choice Martina?? McQueen played there against DC Utd, but not his usual position) Midfield 6 for 3 pos: Romeu/Davis/JWP/Hojberj/Classie/Reed (back-up Hesketh/Gape?) FWDs 5 for 3 pos: Austin; Long; JRod; Redmond; Tadic (back-up Gallagher/McQueen/Isgrove/Olomola) Given all the above, I personally feel that we need: Another goalkeeper. If Frazer was to get an injury I wouldn't be happy with Gazza and Lewis. Defence looks just about okay. Another midfielder. Whilst we are okay with quantity, just - if you include Harry Reed - I feel we are lacking a bit in quality and experience. It took Hojberj until 12 games from the end of last season to get any sort of starting run in Schalke's team; and I am not sure if that wasn't due to injuries/suspensions. I am really not sure he is ready to walk into a PL starting 11. That. effectively, leaves us with 4 (Romeu, Davis, JWP and Classie) for 3 positions. Not much wriggle room if we get an injury or two. Definitely an AM. Realistically, Dusan is the only player in our squad with the necessary skill-set to play the 'No 10' role, and even then he somewhat lacks the shooting ability. This is our one 'must fill' position imo. Fwds: Austin, Long and JRod can all play the central role of a 3; with Charlie being the only one of these who doesn't seem able toplay a wide position. Redmond and Tadic play wide, but not central. If we play with 2 'up-top' it seems to be 2 from the first three mentioned (Austin, Long, JRod). This is way to few, especially considering how little football JRod has played the past 2 seasons (andhow 'off the pace' he looked when he has) and concerns over Charlie's knee. Therefore, I also feel that we definitely need to bring in another striker who is capable of playing as one of a pair, or in a wide position of a 3. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think Berahino would be perfect for us in this regard (or Theo, but that is far less likely). So, to summarise, I would like us to sign a back-up 'keeper, a midfielder, an attacking midfielder and a striker. However, I expect all we will get is the back-up 'keeper and a player for the 'No 10' role who can also play out wide.

Yes, absolutely. I honestly believe he is exactly the sort of player who will fit into Puel's playing style and, imho, we are short in that area. Indeed, I feel we need him (or a similar type of player) and one is more suited to the typical No 10 role. Puel likes to play 4-3-3 or 4-3-1-2. The defence we are pretty well covered for. we now have 6 players for the midfield 3 - Romeu, Davis, JWP, PEH, Classie and Reed - I would like to see one more but doubt we will. Up front is where we are short. We have 5 first team players - Tadic, Long, Austin, JRod and Redmond. None of these is a No 10 type player; probably Tadic is best suited to the role, but for me he only really fits into a wide position with 3 up top. Redmond is more of a winger, so again only fits into a wide role with 3 up top. To me, Austin is only suited to the central striker in a 3 or one of a 2. Long and JRod could play any position except the No 10. I hate to say it, but I have doubts over JRod. He did nothing, in any of his appearances, last season to indicate he will get anywhere close to his pre-injury abilities. And, in any event, JRod plays best out wide in a 3. This means we really only have Austin and Long as a front 2 - for a 4-3-1-2 - for an entire season! We really do need a player like Berahino; who, I feel, would give us other options. Young, English, pacy, eye for a goal (and from distance), can play in any of front 3 positions. He is also our type of signing (except concerns over attitude) in that he is not the finished article and we could make a profit on him in the future - if he does the business for us. Plus, of course, we also need a number 10; AOC please!

Excellent stuff! Very happy for Jose and Cedric!!

I will be far more excited about us signing Berahino than I was Redmond (and I was genuinely happy we did sign the latter). I think Berahino is exactly the type of player we need, given that Puel apparently likes to play by breaking fast - and often with 2 up top. In fact, Berahino is the one player - who we can genuinely sign - that I really want us to get. (I would also be happy with signing Theo, but think that completely unrealistic.)

It looks like we are really going all out to win some silverware this season. Another U21 to add to the books. Come on, let's bring that EFL Trophy back to St. Mary's where it belongs! Højbjerg certainly does look like a good prospect. I agree with those who say he seems to be a Morgan type of player. So let's not forget, it took Morgan a few years to become as good as he did; which included playing in the lower leagues. Therefpre, I will keep my feet on the ground and not expect him to come straight in and dominate the midfield. Indeed, seeing as he only started 13 times in the league last season (plus 10 sub appearances) which were at the end of the season, it may be a while until we see his best. However, he did also start 4 times in the Europa League (plus one sub appearance) so has some experience there. As for those who think is more of an AM, I really hope we are not signing him to play there. 2 goals in 68 BL matches is not very inspiring. Good luck to the lad, if he signs; but I am still hoping for a VW replacement who will be able to walk straight into the first 11 - ditto with Mane's.

Pelle's penalty last night really was one of the worst I have seen in a long time. It certainly demonstrated to me why he has never taken one for Saints (thankfully). Even if it had been on target it was so weak Neuer would have saved it with ease.

I would be happy with that.

I said it jokingly at the end of the season but will repeat now: if we use the money for Wanyama and Mane to re-sign Morgan and Theo I will be very happy.

Links to French players? I guess this is a good indication of our new manager then.

Living where I do I know many Russians. Also, virtually every year I holiday in places where they make up the majority of the tourists so have meet thousands of them. In my experience, the vast majority are nice, decent, people. As with everywhere else in the world, including Southampton, you get the occasional tw ats. In regard to holidays in particular i have experienced far worse from ****ed up Brits than Russians. To lable an entire nationality as 'not nice people' says more about you than them. As for the football, well done to Slovakia for the win today. Now all England has to do is beat Wales and them to top the group...........

Cheers for that. I think this is worth a link too.... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3640007/Graziano-Pelle-fires-Italy-Euro-2016-win-Belgium-model-girlfriend-Viktoria-Vargas-poses-blow-doll-striker.html

There is certainly a significant hooligan element in Russia and a fair bit of racism. Unfortunately, travelling to that tournament will not be without risk. However, I watched the England/Russia match in a bar in Georgia (the country) with around 30 other people. Four of us (myself, my wife and daughter, and one Ukrainian guy) were cheering on England, the rest were all Russians. I enjoyed a fair bit of banter with the Russians and it was simply handshakes all round after the final whistle. As with all football related violence, the happenings in France are the mindless minority. We should not let the idiots beat the rest of us with their intimidation.

I would happily take both Chambers and Blind. They would be excellent additions to our squad. However, I wouldn't want either just as a loan; loan with agreed purchase price guaranteed, should we choose to do so, also acceptable. If we were only to get one of them then I would opt for Blind.

Indeed they are.

A trip to Belarus would be awesome. Would prefer Dynamo Minsk to Bate (as the Borisov Arena is a good hour away from Minsk - and Dynamo are nowhere near as good a team). Vilnius or Riga would be nice too. Or possibly even somewhere in Ukraine.

Thanks for this. Absolutely fantastic. Gutted I couldn't have been there.

Not that I particularly disagree but, to be fair, Henderson didn't even play today. Can hardly blame him. Maybe they would have won if he had played? As for Milner, he does have a good game now and then; well one in ten, maybe......

About a new RB; maybe we could make a bid for a lower prem league team's player. One whose team won't be in Europe next season but who, I think, would absolutely jump at the chance to play in Europe. A certain Nathaniel Clyne? Heck, we could also bid for his AM team-mate, Adam La Llama, or something like that.... Apparently, he only moves to clubs who finish higher up in the league and to get games in Europe. Nothing about higher wages, no siree!

It won't happen, but I wouldn't be too upset with swapping Mane and Wanyama for Morgan and Theo.

What an excellent day! Emphatic win; Wet Spam fall at the last; Spuds capitulation at regulated bar codes; and, the icing on the cake, an injury time winner for Plymouth!!!! Fantastic season. I honestly didn't think we would continue to improve on points and position this season, but we did!! Looking forward to an enjoyable summer; to a better run in Europe; and to seeing Ron lead us to even greater things. I have no doubt he will stay, and feel confident he will sign a new contract. As for today's match, hard to chose a MoM. Main contenders being, imo, Fraser, Virgil, Ryan and Steve Davis. Happy, happy, days!!!

Ox, to play in the No 10 role. That is what we need the most.

I was going to reply to this post with: 'Kaiser Soze', anyone else think he is a sh1te poster? Don't see what he contributes at all.' But then thought, 'why drop to his level of childishness/stupidity?' So, in order to enlighten you, what he adds is back-up for left-back and the ability to play a back 5 utilising Bertrand as the left CB. Sorry to state the obvious. Maybe you think Yoshida would be a better option as a wing-back? If so, you are entitled to that opinion. Exactly! He doesn't have the physique of Luke Shaw or the pace and left foot of Gareth Bale. There are very few players his age who make a first team spot in the premier their own. He is developing. He has certainly improved a lot during this season. How has Keoman messed him about? He gave him a good run in the side when Bertrand was injured. Then, when our England international LB was fit, dropped him to the bench in favour of our first choice player. Not 'messed about' rather 'used appropriately'. He then, appropriately, utilised Target when switching to a back three. Something we don't do (or need to do) for every game. It is a squad game. Matt Targett is a young, developing, player. Many say the way to bring such a player on isn't to 'throw them in at the deep end' and certainly not to 'burn them out' but to use them from time to time, when the most appropriate situation occurs, with good coaching in between. But, hey, if you have an agenda, feel free to say he is being 'messed about'. I fully agree!

England are going to get humped tomorrow. Just read on Sky Sports ticker: 'England training for Netherlands with only Forster and Heaton in the squad'. Not a single out field player! WTF is Woy thinking? Will we be playing 'rush' 'keeper? Nearest one to goal can handle the ball? And, on a more serious note...... My squad for the finals would be: GK: Hart, Forster, Heaton Def: Clyne, Walker, Cahill, Smalling, Shawcross, Jagielka, Bertrand, Rose (it will be Stones vice Shawcross) DM: Dier, Drinkwater, Henderson AM: Alli, Barkley, Welbeck, Walcott, Sterling, Milner (for versatility) Fwd: Kane, Vardy, Sturridge or Rooney - depending on fitness However, I can't see Lallana missing out so expect to him in the squad instead of Drinkwater As for a starting 11, I don't think Vardy should be put on the wing just to fit him in. It isn't his position. So, Hart Clyne Cahill Smalling Bertrand Dier Drinkwater Welbeck Barkley Alli Kane (Possibly Walcott vice Welbeck)