austsaint

I still have faith in a midfield setup of Downes Charles and Fernandes - mind you another Lavia would be handy with his half-turns, passing through the lines ability and box-to-box qualities. We are badly missing a Stu Armstrong “type” with his strong, direct runs; a creative 10 which Fernandes isn’t, and presumably the never-to-be-seen again Armenian is. You realise how good KWP was with his wing-back qualities which are largelymissing now. While the sales of Sulemana and Edozie were probably the right decisions; starting a season without fast , counter attacking wide players is an obvious problem. Earlier in the transfer window there were people wanting SR to push the boat out for a proven striker even if it meant a Club record fee rather than relying on Armstrong, Archer, a fragile Stewart and the unproven Downs. Let’s not even include BBD………it’s looking increasingly like that need is more important than ever.

It was a superb free kick by Manning, but as you say, Still’s apparent rating of Wellington as first choice LB sits well with me. Manning is proven back up and will undoubtedly be subbed on in the second half.

Agree. Saints getting 30m GBP for a 30 year old JWP was good business, though you could argue we overpaid somewhat for Flynn Downes.

I understand your thinking about commitment, based on his apparent standoff after Martin left. I get the feeling though that Downes is on board with Still and is good enough to (re) establish himself as one of the best central midfielders in the Championship.

Well as long as you’re not totally unconvinced by Downes. In the Championship he’s much, much better than your typical crab footballer. I’d call Smallbone more your recognisable crab midfielder - Downes can easily handle a holding or box-to-box role this campaign; particularly if we play 4-3-3 formation once the dust has settled on the transfer window.

Aye, well said. It was the late, late show… but well done to Ryan Manning and Captain Jack. Much maligned by many, including by me. Magnificent fee kick from Manning and match saving tackles and a match winning goal from Stephens. Great feeling; happy for Will Still.

Oops, too much pal ale! Yes, from memory Fuller joined us for 90k. The Japanese lad at 10 million GBP is looking like a shrewd buy for Brum, don’t you think?

Looks a good signing for 10k. Wonder why Celtic let him go.

They’ve been pretty happy with Luke Shaw though!

What should he let go of first though - the pop psychology or the love for Russell?

Good call on formation and CB personnel, and also the idea of Archer up front with Downs. Downes alongside Charles is a crucial need for the midfield. Has to be Wellington though for Manning; an all round better player and superior wing back - needed if we play the 3 CBs and with the current shortage of wide attacking players. Please, not Smallbone - in the absence of Dibling and Fernandes, hoping for Armstrong and Robinson. Fraser off the bench on the wing.

Yes, he was a “visionary”, our Dalek. I hope he is still with us. His cautious pessimism acted as a bit of a handbrake, even in those progressive days of Poch and Ronald.

Wasn’t that Dalek? Alpines forecasts were a lot gloomier than that.

It will be interesting to see whether any one refers to him as that “big black bloke”, given the descriptor doing the rounds on the Women’s Football thread. A lot depends on who stays. If THB does, then he, Edward’s, Wood and the Captain may restrict his time. You get the feeling though, that as the season goes on, he might become one of the first (CBs) picked.

Let’s hope at seasons end there’s a nomination for Shea Charles.

I’m thinking that too, but I thought I’d be diplomatic.

Yes, if Aribo stays, he will be an asset in the Championship. Don’t think Still will muddle around with defensive midfield or CB roles for Joe. He and Matsuki look like good attacking midfield prospects with Charles and Downes the defensive midfield picks - perhaps there’s a need for a third central/defensive mid. I’m seeing Smallbone as a squad player at best.

Sorry mate. My mistake in giving the credit to Egg. You’ve done well - your thread caused me to ponder why I sold and gave away all my vinyl and cd’s without putting them on some sort of digital keepsake. I’ll take your “send off” as a friendly bit of banter.

Great thread Egg. Keep on Running - Spencer Davis Group Under My Thumb - Rolling Stones Where Did Our Love Go - Supremes I Won’t Share You - The Smiths Something’s Got To Change - The Stranglers Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag - James Brown Do You Want To Know A Secret - Beatles Stranded - The Saints So What - Miles Davis Spooky - Dusty Springfield

Thought it would have been fetlock-ed by now.

One difference appears to be the confidence Pochettino has in the lad. I’ll back his judgement in. Still think we need a better strike force than Downs, Stewart, Archer and Arma though.

You make many good points. I’d be very happy to see both Armstrong and Archer stay. I see a big risk though in going in to the new season with a strike force of AA, CA, Downs and Stewart. What if Downs doesn’t make the grade or takes time to adapt and Stewart succumbs to another injury? I think we need another striker…..sure a Mitrovic or a Toney is unlikely but hopefully Spors has knowledge of a gettable target who is likely to both complement and improve what we already have.

You’re right. I see the argument for only one of Archer or Armstrong, although I’d be happy to keep both. If it’s one or the other, I choose Archer; with the right supply ( not the likes of Will Smallbone) he can have an outstanding season. Stewart may be handy if he stays fit, but that can’t be relied upon. Despite BBD’s record in the Championship he’s got an awful record with us and I’d be happy to see him go. That leaves the possibility of Downs as the up and coming central striker and the need for one other…..and it has to be a “star quality” signing at Championship level. We need a star factor strike force to achieve what’s needed and wanted. Automatic return to PL.

Good news if Harwood-Bellis stays; still have a faint hope of MF staying - thinking of a reprise of the Morgan Schneiderlin situation where he gave us that extra season. Fernandes is far too good to play Championship; but maybe he will.