Badger

Hugh Fisher as well I think at The Dell.

My recollection of the Trevor Francis story was 1981/2 when we were top of the league, and Lawrie tried to bring him in to go for it that season. The 'deal' was agreed between the managers - how things have changed - Lawrie and John Bond, but the City chairman Peter Swales pulled the plug in fear of a fans backlash. This wasn't even a rumour at the time though it only came out later. Not sure how this would have worked though as you wonder if we could accommodate KK, Channon and Francis in the same team. Plus I think City wanted Steve Williams (as I recall), although they signed Graham Baker the following season so may have been him in part exchange.

Thanks.

I thought it was "the wife wanted to stay up north" line on Todd. Another I recall from the Souness era was the Oxford Utd CB, (first name escapes me) Elliot, who went to Leicester.

Going back years ago 1969/70 season Ted Bates tried to bring Tommy Gemmill (LB) from Celtic to The Dell. This made the press and it seemed an exciting prospect as he had played for their European Cup winning team, and was a full Scottish international ( at a time this was quite a recognition south of the border). He opted for Notts Forest instead.

I remember he was linked, although I also recall a Danish CB at some stage being touted.

Also some Danish CB at Juventus, although share owned and on loan in Italy. We did seem to like those complicated deals from Serie A ta the time (Ramirez being another). I think we may have signed Forren instead. That went well for us of course.

Remember Petter Rudi (Norwegian) being linked for ages (no transfer window back the) before he eventually signed for Sheff Weds. Also Tore Andre Flo when Souness was manager.

Terry Gennoe, for about half a season. Looked as if we had signed a GK to rival Shilton et al in his first few months, he often looked unbeatable (Reading away in the League Cup springs to mind), but his confidence was shattered after the League Cup final and he was never the same player again.

Yes remember after a pretty slugish start he was outstanding between January and the 8-2 win at home to Coventry.Moran & Wallace both scored hat tricks, but the largest and loudest acclaim was when he scored as he'd had a barren run in front of goal but had shown some great skill over the previous few weeks, especially during the cup run. I think he fell out with Lawrie shortly after that match though. In an interview that season Lawrie said he was a player he'd often thought of signing but it had never come off as we always seemed to have a few flair players. Great shame he wasn't at the club with Keegan, Channon and Ball.

i remember Fox's home debut for us (possibly against Forest) where he was a few yeards from the CB (Hoedvelt possibly), leaving almost the entire left hand third of the field for the opposition to have a free run into. Fortunately at that level very few teams either had the possession or nous to exploit it too often.

Mills was a RB. Although one of the few players who could easily make the switch to the left and still remained comfortable, and composed on the ball. I think he's largely forgotten among all the experienced 'coming to the end of their careers' signings Lawrie made, but really good signing at the time. Incredible to think of signing an experienced ex-England captain for £50,000 or whatever it was back then.

Not sure. I feel sorry for Adkins in that he has taken a few 'basket case' jobs since leaving us: Reading (in a financial and ownership state whilst he was there), and Hull who he turned round reasonably well with limited resources. Wonder if Huddersfield are better resourced than Hull despite the parachute payments. His time at Sheff Utd was a poor return, especially when you see what Wilder has done there since. Hope Huddersfield turns out well for him if he does go there though.

A day of developments for former Saints, now in the manager stakes: Garry Monk https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49610317 And Kevin Bond. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49538878 Neither of whom I'd regards as "defectors" as players, but Bond's association with Redkn0b and his following him from and back to the skates does make him fair game for this thread.

Or Dennis Hollywood. Although I stand by my earlier post re Mark Dennis and David Peach.

My preferred LB's in the 50 years I've been watching Saints: 1)Mark Dennis 2)David Peach. Obviously from different eras, not sure Dennis would remain on the pitch long now, and Peach probably not as athletic as the current generation so judged from their own era. Wayne Bridge might have been a better footballer than the above but Dennis and Peach were the most entertaining.

He's probably the best paid player in Leganes history. Problem being it's us footing the bill. NiceoneLes#

Not sure the two go together but reap what you sow and all that.

Remarkable bit of footage that is. The second goal looks to be scored by a CB called Forren. Just the sort of CB we could do with...wonder where he is now. The GK should also take 'credit' for his part in Ely's goal.

Agree. I fear that he is equally p!ssed off by the standard and level of recruiting this summer. Semmens and Ross Wilson may come across as an encouraging new breed in replacing Ralph K and Les but the management and direction still leaves a lot to be desired. In their defence they are still picking up the pieces of the Les Reed years and it will take some years to overcome that. Then there is the Mr Gao question, what does he want, and how does he magic up some funds to achieve it ?

I don't think he had the comfort of two games before the barracking started, I recall a few loons making sarcastic cheers after about 35 minutes or so after he won a header.

Pleased for him, hope he does enough to make the move permanent. If not it'll at least do his confidence a world of good.

No doubt their enthusiasm has been fired by some random tweet by some bloke called Wee Les McReed.

Agree with much of this. Adams looked strong and a 'handful' during the first half against Liverpool and showed some pace and ability to hold the ball up. A goal under his belt and his confidence will be up and we'll see a half decent return for a first season in this league (I'm hoping between 10-15 goals). Ings remains a concern in front of goal even if some of his passing and link up play is good to watch (Brighton last week).

Fair points raised. If only one of them could be relied upon and wasn't mistake ridden. Obvious excuse Danso from this as he's still to feature in this position.