Average? Youngest player to play for Arsenal, 2 FA Cups, represented England at U16, U17, U19, U21 and 34 full caps under two different managers, played in the World Cup Finals and European Championships. Average indeed.
He needed that payout to afford time off?!
Strangely though he didn't have the operation to several months later I seem to recall.
Maybe you're getting confused with ol' 'Arry and his excuse for leaving Rangers.
For what it's worth Merson didn't rate our window, or West Ham's for that matter.
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/15205/10559733/paul-mersons-club-by-club-transfer-window-grades
It's quite re-assuring that there are some poor teams in the league this year. I don't think we'll finish above West Ham so I'm going to say Saints to finish 11th - 15th.
Three options;
- find a way to play the formation Puel wants
- bring in a player(s) who will fit the system
- abandon the system
Whatever option they go for, and they are all possible, do it sooner rather than later.