Saint Charlie

Wanyama is our best defensive midfelder which is why he always starts when available. He will start this one.

Maybe but you replied which puts it near to the top. This thread has been good. Nearly 400 replies, full of opinionated comment and cardiovascular debate. Basically like Call Collymore on talkSport.

Nice touch

Good interview. Seems genuinely pleased to be at Saints.

This. Definitely lifted all aspects of his game, finishing aside. The running is now useful rather than just a crowd pleaser and the midfield, especially Davis, like having someone to pick out rather than a more static striker.

He probably did feel a bit of pressure to prove himself when it was clear Pelle was going to miss a few games and ahead of the transfer window. Chance to play up front, if he hadn't made an impression he would probably have lost Koeman's faith. Noticeable improvement to his game based on what he had shown before, so hopefully he keeps it up.

Koeman said he is just getting fit but has missed 5 weeks so needs to build fitness.

£80k a week. Nice work if you can get it!

Think Pelle's knee is a problem and restricting his training. Seems they would rather not use him unless required at the moment.

Played very well today, especially second half when they went more direct and played with Rondon and Anichebe. When he plays simple on the ball he is extremely effective and is better in the team rather than out IMO.

Another good game from Long. Since the 5th Dec when I wrote the OP he has gone up a few levels in his performance, if not always the finishing. Fair play - he has made Pelle a lot more dispensable than himself and has taken the chance Koeman gave him. One of my main points was that Koeman hadn't seemed to trust Long and never really seemed to want him, but maybe Long has changed his perception? Good stuff.

Great performance from start to finish. Great free kick from JWP and he had a very good game. Perhaps Clasie will rue losing his place through "lack of freshness"? One main point though: anyone who still doesn't rate Davis is an absolute lunatic. He bossed the game today and showed ludicrously high skill levels on the ball. Worth adding that Wanyama also did a great job especially second half when they went (even more) direct and physical. Also, WBA, absolutely dreadful and deserved to lose for being so negative in the first half. Waste of a PL space, would far rather see a Bournemouth type who actually want to progress.

Pitch isn't looking its best today! Bet the groundstaff will be happy for a couple of weeks to sort it.

@bigadamsport: #saintsfc midfielder Jordy Clasie not injured as such - which is good news for club - but not fresh enough to be involved today

[emoji38] I posted an article from the Times linking him to Watford. Hardly the same. Just enjoy the signing and the game (and the cricket). Lighten up!

Think 26 is the first free no aside from 13. Edit: Confirmed as 28. Obviously didn't want the memory of Hooiveld's 26

Yep. Imagine some of the squad, especially the ones who have played in England for a while, will be happy with that. Nice to sign an English player too.

His wages probably covered by Ramirez departure. Caulker also.

I'm not against signing him. But not sure he is as good as some think, and he also has injury concerns. Will certainly contribute more than Ramirez!

Pelle the only one of the existing forwards who wouldn't appear to combine well with Austin. Any of Mane, Long and Jay Rod could. Worth noting Koeman also said Pelle's knee issue means his training will likely be restricted for a while.

Austin said he didn't know Saints was an option until a couple of weeks ago and had intended to stay until the summer but once he knew he wanted to come here. Apparently he was keen to move south again. Poole Town legend.

Good signing. Easily equal to anything any othet club has done so far in Jan and gives our squad a strong look. Shame his first home game so far away!

#SaintCharlie

To get rid of Ramirez wages and replace with Austin's is a good deal. Hopefully we can offload in Jan.

First and foremost he is as Koeman would say "a scoring player" rather than a "running player" (Long) or a "strong player" (Pelle). Austin and Long could work but its very hard to see Austin and Pelle playing together. Neither are capable of playing wide, so Pelle's days numbered I reckon. Austin and Mane, Jay Rod would combine well.