NickG

I only had a look at their forum (think they managed 10 pages on it!) vast majority were somewhere between not caring to moaning about him. Certainly didn't read as fans favorite. Sounds like we could easily have got Howard so guess those who probably watched them both decided against it. Got to say was quite excited about Howard after Derry's comments, but this guy sounds like he maybe better - look forward to seeing him.

don't think so - even if not promoted

thought you said saints didn't follow up their interest? Guess when they knew they could get this lad. My guess was Howard would have been signed if Stephens had fallen through.

you can hope!

Stephens is currently performing and scoring in this league. Reading seemed happy to let Howard until we stopped our interest. Really don't mean to sound like I am attacking him, and appreciate you know him, but can you not see that it is possible that saints watched both players - more than either you or I have - and concluded that a fit goalscoring in form midfielder, wanted by his fans maybe better idea for the next 10 games than a player who isn't scoring nor rated by manya lot of fans who are watching him - and question his fitness and committment?

As long at BR beat Posh, Walsall win at MK, cherries lose at Charlton, Orient against Yeovil, Hudds lose to Notts C and posh/cherries is draw I will be happy.

Reading fans on Howard to saints: It hasn't really worked out for him here, and if we get some money for him all the better PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE Unfortunately i think it's a done deal. Adkins said he's looking to dip into the loan market and has a CM on the cards. I think Brian is criticised too much at Reading, he's joint top goal assist getter alongside Jobi and he's played what, half the games. I guess Tabby is coming up to shine a bit now, for the first time really so McD sees this as an opportunity to let Brian go. Does suggest we'll be buying Ledge if the view to a permanent deal is to be believed as then we'd have Ledge and i'd assume Karacan in the centre with Tabb on the bench for cover although i don't like the thought of one of those guys getting injured at the minute. I guess Brynjar will have to be staying then - not that i'm against that. All in all i think Howard is a lot better than RFC fans or media give him credit for. Good luck to him in the future i say FTR I agree with what Ian Royal said about Howard on the Church/HRK thread. He offers something a bit different in terms of craft - but I'm not sure an RFC midfield with him in it is sturdy enough. Ledge plus one is proving a pretty useful formula this season. He's a half decent midfielder on his day, but he doesn't have enough of them. In L1 he'll be a good player for anyone Only creative midfielder we have at the club. If we sell him we need to replace him and not with Ledge (who we should get anyway). We can't rely on our only attacking threat being long balls and pace down the wings, it's too easy to cotton on to and stop us dead Good riddance Agree with . He is capable of being very good, but he looks half-fit and not caring enough most of the time. I'd say "lightweight" but that doesn't quite sound right Can't tackle, can't pass, can't head, too lightweight, goes missing, doesn't score. Thats not 'creative', just crap he's got no pace either Without the Southampton link, with the usual forum research of viewing other fans forum guess a lot would have been unimpressed with Howard! Most posts from Reading not fussed about him going - albeit higher level club

joining up after tonights game

Derry Thank you for taking time to comment on my post. Couple of points though, Stephens may well be on lower salary (almost certainly so) but Oldham may have held out for a bigger loan fee due to him being their best player and top scorer. Howards high wages maybe a reason that Reading were not after a loan fee for player who has played less than 50% of their games. Also Stephens scores Howard isn't - we are lacking goals from CM Not saying who is the better signing, not seen enough of either of them, just perhaps be more open minded that maybe Stephens was better not cheaper option?

ok, will widen it Alps how about I bet your prediction, will not be closer to what actually proves to be realisitic, than the prediction that you said was made by loons? if you are closer, you choose a charity and I will make a donation. If you are not I can choose one for you? Charity wins and it can be done on trust and what you are happy to give.

I agree that Peterborough are the most likely, after us, to be 2nd. I also agree that Fergie has done well. I would not want to disappoint and miss out on a stat opportunity; If Peterborough gain points, as they have since Fergie returned they will finish on.... 82 points. Assuming nothing crazy happens with goals meaning we would need another 16 points to finish above them.Personally think this is bit low, but shows 20 is no more loony than 28 (personally think its closer) I will make a donation of a reasonable amount to a uk based charity of your choice if 28 is needed to get 2nd

loon

you said we NEED 28, that means less will not be enough, I strongly believe, due to reasons explained that as usual you are wrong. Not only that but you insulted those before with more realistic replies. You are becoming more and more a joke on here - to all.

you were calling those, with more informed view loons!! I feel sorry for depressed chalet maids

think 88 is max they will get, but think could easily be around 83/84

fell out with the charming Fergie! But 3 points will leave you with: 1) With CM of Chaplow, Morgan, Hammond - we already have some quality and are not in the same situation when we needed to start from scratch 2) Stephens could easily be more expensive with fees than Howard 3) we are lacking goals from CM, Stephens scores Howard doesn't I am not knocking Howard, just pointing out that don't think we, with our limited knowledge of these players and their contracts, have anything to suggest NC is not backing the club financially for promotion

clearly not worth £3m - but you could easily argue as good as Howard

sorry not sure what you mean? It could be we went for a more expensive ambitious option - who isn't as well known to us? Don't know but due to above can't imagine Stephens' total package much, if any cheaper

We signed the likes of Fonte / Lambert when we had no-one in those positions. If you look at the signing of Chaplow, only a few weeks ago - he is midfielder approaching his peak age, who has played at CCC level had transfer fees of best part of £3m, added to Morgan, and Hammond personally don't think we are looking cheap in CM

maybe a 21/23 year old midfielder, who is his clubs top scorer and vice captain, who signed 3 year contract a few months ago and seems to be a fans favorite is not much cheaper than a 28 year old midfielder, who hasn't scored this season, played less than half of his sides games and is towards the end of his contract?

or perhaps it putting some faith in our manager, and a those who know more about football than us - who would have watched all options and know exactly how they see them fitting in?

Who knows the fees involved? When is Howard out of contract? Potentially fees may not be different - persuading team to lose their young star and regular as opposed to another losing a reserve. I don't know, but it doesn't jump out as an anyone who is cheap option

their OS says he is playing

don't think there is any evidence of us being tight

so 27 wouldn't be enough? if we won 9 out of 10 games to get 27 we would have 92 points and an amazing goal difference. This would mean Peterborough would need 93 points. Their maximum possible if they win 9 out of 9, would give them 92 points. To do this they need to beat Cherries, Huddersfield, Orient - win 5 away games. If you think we need 28, think you are a loon!