egg

I don't do distinctions like this. One CM sitting, one slightly more advanced, and one getting up with the striker, (a 6, 8 and 10 in new money) isn't much different to 2 in the middle with one going box to box, plus one in behind a centre forward. However you cut it, both involve 3 men in midfield areas doing slightly different things, one up through the middle, and 2 out side. Both are variations of the same thing, but most importantly, both are a million miles from the back 3 he's having to play.

To put it another way, we clearly have a few short not so good players.

Yep. I've said before and say again, he doesn't want to play this system, but he hasn't got the players to play his preferred 433. We're a RB, CM, wide player, and arguably a CF short of that. The bloke is managing with one arm tied behind his back.

If we're being honest, we'd all have taken a point away to Ipswich before kick off. Loads to improve on though.

I thought the same. Pretty remarkable that he's playing at this level at 40. Fair play to him for looking after himself so well.

Yep. I doubt Still wants to be playing 343, but he ain't got the players for his preferred 433. Hopefully that changes.

Without a decent RB, and a decent 3rd CM, we can't play 433. Still is working with what he's got.

Yep. Quarshie isn't ready yet imo. Edwards or Wood need to be playing instead.

At least one winger is needed. One more would be nice...but Edozie needs to be shifted first. I'm not sure that Still dislikes BBD as much as the fans though. CM/AM urgent if/when Fernandes goes, but we won't buy until one or both of Smallbone or Aribo goes - just too many midfielders on our books. Yep, GK not a priority, but we can't carry on with Moody as 3rd pick.

Our inability to keep hold of Fernandes, isn't due to the chasms between the Prem and others. He will be going as that's our business model - buy them, develop them, make a profit. The minute we try to keep hold of players who are the subject of an offer that they are happy with, and make us a profit, is the minute that those players don't want to come here. The same applies to Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford. It's an imperfect model which largely gives the power to players and their agents (even when the player is under contract) but there's no other way in reality. I'm not sure MF will go this window, meaning that we won't recruit a decent CM/AM to replace him. If he does go late, we'll be left scratching around.

No doubt, but realistically are we adding to Smallbone, Charles, and Downes if Fernandes is still here? I don't see it. Aribo would be ok in a Still team imo, but I don't see us moving to replace him until his wages are off the books.

Absolutely. Transfermarkt has stats for goals and assists, but as you say, he (and many brilliant midfielders) were all about being busy, breaking up play, being ready to pick up the ball, using it well, probing, creating openings, etc. Anyone criticising a midfielders performance because he didn't score or assist isn't worth listening to. Re Rudoni today, the Coventry Telegraph (assuming their version of the Echo), said this about him: "Lively in and around the final third where he worked the ball well to create openings - a constant threat to the Rams". I'd be happy with a player who does that most games, and chips in with some goals.

There aren't many strategies to make unattractive players on big wages more attractive, and the players attracted to a move.

Agree, although I think big cash for Fernandes is still possible. Also I'm not sure we'll get a CM if one of Smallbone or Aribo stay.

Yep. The first team squad has over 30 players. We're not going to add to that for all manner of reasons including cash flow, wages, number of players to coach/train/keep happy. I think we were expecting to cash in big and quick on Dibling, and to offload some deadwood, then bring in more players. That hasn't happened, and I think we've been unrealistic about Dibling's value in light of his contract position.

Cook

Decent midfielders can be brilliant without scoring or assisting. Case scored 12 and assisted 1 goal (he got more red cards than assists) in 245 games for us. He controlled games and is one of the best CM's I've seen in a Saints shirt. It's a sad state of affairs when people focus on 2 stats rather than watch a game and judge the player on what they see.

You can talk about it, but decent people aren't pricks about it. Of course the club want to win the title in his honour.

Ha! Depends what you hit. Pensions within the lifetime allowance shouldn't be, and even then, I doubt the government would pay for actuarial values of government defined benefit schemes, so that the government would tax them. That'd be an interesting one.

Agreed. The detail and implementation is vital, but I'd rather see a hit on people who have monster wealth than every person pay for VAT for example.

A wealth tax should be on the agenda, ditto some way of hitting the tax dodging corporations. We'll get a VAT rise instead imo.

I'm waiting for the "Rachel Reeves has doubled the GDP of the UAE" headline. Should be anyday now.

Is it that 16? If so, my 15 must be a winner? If it is, can I have an Oyster with 2 flakes please. Mate, there's far too much dissent in the lounge for it to anything like an echo chamber.

I'll go 15.

I know a lot of wealthy people and not one has contemplated emigrating. They realise that in 4 years time we won't have this government, and that the best CGT avoidance is to do delay crystallising assets.