austsaint

Yes, the Club and Tonda obviously rate him, and as you say, he's young enough. I hope I'm wrong; I just don't see many attributes beyond neat and tidy passes and work rate across the pitch.

It's his other name I'm struggling with! 🤫

I don't put Bragg in the "bit of pedigree, still improving" category; he has time on his side but I'm not sure there's much more to come from him. Jander, yes, he's a gem, and is destined for bigger things. As things stand, he and Downes are the best central mids we have. We need a third, in the mould of Charles - that isn't Bragg unfortunately.

Star

It's not hate towards Prowsey or the signing of him. He's not really the type of midfielder we need, if Jander stays we need the third CM to be more of a Charles, box-to-box, running mid, that's not JWP. If he came back and competed with Bragg for the 4th spot and back up for Downes, Jander and the Charles replacement....bring it on. Not sure we need his corners and free kicks either with Manning and Leo on board. To be honest he wasn't much of a Captain either, adopting a passive on field demeanour. Someone mentioned that we would never sign a midfielder with such a long, impressive CV. While that's true, it's also about the past. I'd rather a player with a bit of pedigree, still improving and with time on their side.

Good call. It's not the gaining and loss of intel which has transformed an unstoppable team into a patchy one early on in the season; nor a bright, young Manager on a great run of success into a Will Still clone. What is likely though is the Spygate fallout has deflated both team and Manager more than most thought, and has probably eroded the trust some players had in Tonda. He was being hailed as a genius by some players; but in the end he's the guy who snatched away their chance to compete in the play off final. There may well be disgruntled players thinking they were robbed of a crack at the Prem, and don't want to spend another season of attrition in the Championship, They rolled a boulder up a hill in the second half of last season to be within touching distance of the great prize. Put yourself in that position; it wouldn't be easy to roll your sleeves up and do it again, for the Manager who, in part, has let you down. I hasn't helped either that we've been forced to play the likes of Bragg and Matsuki in central midfield, and to be suddenly without THB.

I'm with you on this one Fab. Quite a panicky overreaction going on. Just the same Spors has plenty to do in the last few days of the window.

I don't think Tonda wants to play Russball. But without THB, Charles, Jander and Downes you're left with too many habitual sideways and backwards passers. Unfortunately Bragg is a serial offender. Strengthen midfield and find a ball playing CB and a faster style of play will reemerge.

Akachukwu was the one bright showing for Saints. Though a different style of midfielder he is going to put pressure on the limited Bragg for the 4th cm place in the squad - assuming Jander stays and Charles is replaced. Noticeable how the "form" of Bree and even Peretz seems to have dipped; likely Peretz' performances affected by THBs absence.

Hardy could share the laurels with Nelson.

Still plenty of column to come on this one.

Yep, like him a lot; and Dobbin. They're both going to be major contributors this season. The fact that Man City didn't include an option to buy tells you something about their regard for Mubama.

That would do. Can Akachuckwu play RW?

Problem is, everything has gone up way beyond inflation, (supply shortages, price gouging etc) making sporting and entertainment tickets more of a discretionary spending item (for many) than ever before. On the pitch, I wonder whether the two WPs will feature for WH. Both likely to receive a good reception as popular Saints players. KWP, one of my all time favourite Saints.

Wails

Based on what I've seen of Akachukwu it will be a shame if his pathway is blocked by someone like Edozie, who, as. someone mentioned is out of contract at seasons end.

Edozie is four months older than Fellows. I'd say their crossing ability is on a par and if you measure decent shots by goal tallies there's only one winner.

I'm only operating on memory but Edozie, at 19, made nearly 20 appearances in the Prem the season Ralph was sacked. Then prior to that injury v Norwich in early 2024 he had scored 6 goals and provided as many assists. He was then bundled off on loan by Martin, and prior to being given a life line by Tonda, hadn't played much for Saints at all. It's true he's been at the Club a while but injury and Managers like Martin and Still not rating him has limited his opportunities. I like Fellows but there is a predictability about his game. Very seldom tries to take on a defender down the line and has a habit of cutting infield and running into dead ends. Last time I looked he hasn't troubled the goal statisticians either. I'd be happy if both are in the squad when the window closes.

He was having a very good season for us in the Championship prior to that horrendous ankle injury early 2024. Acquitted himself ok in the Prem as a 19yo. I've never understood the negativity towards him; still only 23, and to my eye looks a better wide player than Tom Fellows. If he stays will be a very useful squad player having an impact off the bench. One of the few direct runners we have, and willing to take defenders on. Hope he stays.

Mumble

You’ve mentioned two of Jack Nicholson’s roles there; what about his role in Chinatown as a private investigator? Recommended…..he and Faye Dunaway are memorable. Also, Broken Flowers, with Bill Murray, where in a depressed state he sets off to visit a handful of ex girlfriends.

Just the same, the space he gave Saints old boy Gallagher before he crossed for the Galbraith goal was way too casual. If we could combine the tight marking of Wellington with the attacking crosses and passes of Manning we’d have an excellent LB.

Funny how things work out. A couple of seasons ago, Martin was plying his trade in the Prem while sending a player like Shea Charles off to a Club who are now in League 1. They've passed like ships in the night....found their respective levels.

Spoke

Subs made a huge difference. Confident Dobbin is going to be a good player for us; likewise Mubama has something about him - great finish after the Dobbin, Azaz build up. Much better second half - it's obvious where the recruitment is needed at cm, cb and ideally another striker. Downes our best today, and Matsuki, though not a cm, did well but will need to drop the Sugawara "off your feet" tackling style quick smart. Massive win while not playing well and with key player losses.