S-Clarke

Like Mads, this is the sort of signing we need. Someone who can walk into the side from day 1, ready made improvement. He's a top level Champ performer, so it's a no brainer in a position we need. He's not quick, but he can play between the lines and isn't the smallest - so he's not going to get knocked off the ball easily, he can hold his own. Good runs into the box, shoots from outside of the box. Exactly what we don't have today, and he's proven as one of the best in the league at it.

This is the SR way though, spend all summer chasing an unrealistic option and then scrabble around in the final days and end up overpaying on lesser players because we're then seen as desperate. I'd still say, as I've said all along, our best value will come in the loan market. I'm still hoping for some top level loans. (I'm not counting George Long.....)

Putting an objective hat on, he had a productive loan last season in a Top European League. St Pauli saw enough in him to sign him, then Lens bought him back which was odd - and by all accounts, St Pauli fans were sad that it happened as they saw him as one of their main attacking threats. I think the negativity around this stems from the views of Lens fans who can't stand him nor do they rate him at all, and were infuriated when they bought him back. However, they're basing that on his season(s) prior to St Pauli and he may well have developed a lot in that year and is finally fulfilling potential. It's not the 'ready made' name I thought we'd go for, nor that we need, but we're clearly watching the pennies and he does add to our attack.

Is this the guy that Lens fans wanted to cart off to us for free?

Think they're after a GK from Brazil. Their transfer approach has always seemed confused to me though, they just flap around all summer. They've already got Mads Hermansen, Areola and Wes Foderingham as their GK's. Why do they need another? I've always rated Areola myself, but they seem keen to displace him at any opportunity.

Yeah he needs to sort his beard out, it's a bit naff. In terms of him generally, I'm pleased that he's getting through games and putting in decent mins. He had a decent contribution yesterday and got an assist for his work. Maybe, just maybe, we can keep him fit. Chances are slim you'd have to say, but it's more positive than it's ever looked.

He was third pick in our last Championship season though, he was never on the bench. Didn't play cup games. Only came in randomly out of the wilderness when Bazunu was injured.

He makes good runs off the ball, grew into it last night. Still doesn't look a huge threat yet though. One thing I noticed is that he seems alone? When they were applauding the fans at the end he was just on his own stood there, he doesn't seem to be fully integrated into the group 'yet'. Might just be his style, but I thought it was interesting.

Ah he really was holding out for the mega retirement payday then!

We are already stocked there - albeit not stacked with proven quality, but they're not going to throw most of the budget (20m) on another striker before anything else. They need to prioritise 10 and wide areas, if there's anything left after that then CM and only after then a number 9.

Possibly - I thought Will was quite candid in almost naming him, so it must have been close? I think he's the sort of profile we'd want, Bree is so far away from being suitable for us nowadays (if he ever was). Left back is an interesting one now too, as Wellington is out for a few months (confirmed by Will). Charlie was being offered around.

Wellington looks to be out for a few months. Still has said he still needs to see a specialist, but they're expecting a few months. I assume it was his knee. That probably puts an end to Taylor leaving.

Yeah I don't believe they would, as Verona have said they've got an option to buy it's probably safe to assume we have done so. We extended Tylers by a year, but obviously no announcement on tha.

I think I read somewhere that we triggered our option (to try to protect the value and get the fee we wanted - i.e 7-10m), so he's here until 2027. Bit of a dumb move as per usual if true.

Confirmed on the OS Bella-Kotchap heads to Hellas Verona | Southampton FC Official Site

I thought CM was our achilles heel last time out in the Championship, and that was with a committed Downes. From what I've seen, Charles should be the box to box energy in our midfield, but there needs to be power and physicality next to him to shield and anchor the CM. If we had that, with Charles and Fernandes pressing high, we'd have so much more control and domination in there. I always had my doubts if Downes would fit into a high press/high energy style, and it's bearing true at the moment it has to be said. He's basically a better version of Smallbone, but neither are the right sort of CM for this approach.

Don't be silly, the club were delighted to sign Bree having tracked him for many many years. (standard spiel)

Sunderland knocked out by L1 Huddersfield, and Leeds knocked out by depleted Wednesday. What an effort by Wednesday so far this season though, they can barely put out a match day squad half the time.

I'm not sure how good Watford are, they've signed 9-10 new players this window or something crazy like that. And obviously they have a new manager, that's pretty much par the course. Absolutely no idea what to expect from them. I notice they have Max Allayne on loan from Man City, isn't he the kid they nabbed from us?

He hasn't been infected by Russball, so he's free of all that pass back nonsense. It shows. You don't need to be an amazing player to move forward, but if you do have a tiny bit of quality when you do so it can make a huge difference.

Matski and Matsuki are quality. Who knew we had them both in our squad, maybe we don't need attacking additions afterall. In all seriousness he's someone I've liked the look of during pre-season, he's agile and can nip in and around in space. I wouldn't say he's a traditional CM, can probably play that 10.

First half was a bit dull and too slow, but we always had a tiny edge I felt - and then Archer got a good goal. Second half was much more of what I think Still wants from us. Purpose, driving forward and more control. We dictated that second half and Norwich had no real sniffs at all. Really good lively performances from Fraser and Archer. I've always liked the looks of Matsuki, and he's a really busy little player too - think he may chip in a bit this season. Mads slotted into the side like he's never been out of it, he's the sort of no nonsense sensible signing we need to continue doing. The most comfortable win since our Championship season last time out, it feels odd. (PNE at home I think)

It would be ultimate peak SR to extend Jack Stephens and sell Ronnie Edwards. We do have quite a few CB's, but he's one of the last I'd consider for dumping. Wood would come first.

It's been a bit shit to be honest, I think we've been the slightly more composed when we've strung a few passes together, but it's been rare. Wood comes across as thick as shit, like he's not all there. He plays and looks like it. The back 3 just confuses the lot of them too. It's been a bit messy. Lots of energy from Downes, but no real forward penetration and having Charles and Downes in there slows us down - without someone playing ahead in a 10. Fraser and Archer have been busy, albeit lacking a sharp enough touch. Archer with a great little finish. Highlight of the first half, feels a bit pre-season friendlyish. As we were though, not enough penetration up top and we're way too slow to build up. Mads looks our most accomplished player.

Think it was meant for Saint_Lambden who you quoted.