Badger

Few random thoughts on reading this: Didn't ABK sign before Joe Shields arrived ? a few months ago none of us had heard of Joe Shields. Yes has a good reputation for signing youth players, but - as far as I’ve read - no track record in recruitment of first team players (although this distinction has become a bit blurred - can only hope SR see the flaw in the policy) Hoping Ankersen can spread some of his ‘Brentford’ magic at the club. Await to see if Semmens & Co go all Rupert, with a “we’re playing hardball on this one..” and if he does leave wonder how they will dress it up. Lastly,let’s not forget most things you read on the internet are rubbish.We know that to be true as Semmens told us at the fans forum.

Sensible post (but too rational for here).

Can hear it now: “Gareth Southflake’s red and white - and rainbow - army “

Wonder if Fosun will take an eternity fannying around looking for a replacement.

…. but still beat us

I’ve not seen any explanation as to why we didn’t sign him. Ajax let him take part in the trial match presumably with a view to a sale. Couldn’t afford him? Player not interested, or were we looking elsewhere thinking we could do better ?

Ally MacLeod - a Ted Bates signing. (No he didn't end up as Scotland manager).

On mentioning Ball, anyone else remember Eamon Collins ? Was destined to be a star, Bally brought him with him from Blackpool, (when he came back as a player)but drifted out of it. About 10 years later I saw him play for Colchester at Cheltenham in what was then the Conference.

Yes, I thought he'd thrive under Alan Ball but disappeared off the scene.

One of two conclusions to be drawn: SR are sitting tight knowing Ralph remains (possibly until the WC break, possibly longer), or they are waiting the nod from their preferred candidate.

How many games has that been said for ?

Too busy looking at other clubs to buy.

Don’t you think we’d hear about it, leaked from the other end ?

If Ronnie Ekelund qualifies for this thread with his season loan with us (latter part injured though), then I’ll nominate Tony Funnel. Key goalscorer in our promotion season. Really thought Lawrie had unearthed a goalscorer who’d take Division One by storm. Sadly didn’t get the chance/not deemed up to it. For younger Saints fans, he was a bit of 1977/8 version of Billy Sharp( although Sharp has had a longer and more successful career out of the top division).

Yes, think it was

At some point SR have to come off the fence and either publicly back the manager or make a change. The current state of uncertainty and media articles is in itself damaging.

I think his debut was v Arsenal (match included the triple Niemi save). Delgado scored (from memory) but think he hooked the ball in whilst laying in the ground (or it hit his arse and went in).

Except no one saw him play for 12 months or so after joining

Steve Neville looked to have pace and a bit of skill when coming on in an old Division 2 match (74 or 75) as a sub. Not sure he ever featured much for us after though he did make a career in lower leagues (Exeter from recollection). Osher Williams- looked a prospect as well but disappeared after a couple of run outs. Keith Cassells -good debut v Liverpool , but crap after.

We probably will.

On the subject of Tedescvo's departure from RBL I found this article: Source: https://onefootball.com/de/news/enthuellt-die-differenzen-zwischen-tedesco-und-mintzlaff-35836704?language=de So, a manager not involved in player recruitment as closely as he'd like to be, and undrrmined by a DoF. He'll feel at home here regarding player recruitment then.

I was aware of him, so to some extent the post was tongue in cheek, although I did add … to improve them in their game as there has been little evidence of that over recent seasons. Just about every GK has got weaker over time with us, which you’d be inclined to attribute to coaching and confidence. Just hope we don’t see Bazunu go the way of the earlier ‘prospect’ Gunn. I think GB is a better prospect but playing behind our defence and midfield will shred his confidence over the course of this season if we’re not careful to protect him.

Can’t see it. Magic mushrooms for breakfast, Roger ?

Obvious to all. But not on Planet Semmens.

Par for the course for us then. Wonder if we’ve ever considered employing a GK coach to improve them in their game. Novel idea, but it might just work.