Badger

Stephens has done well at Swindon twice, but last season was a wasted one as far as he was concerned. Same can be said for Reed, and also Gallagher. I think they need Championship and L1 loans next season.

Good job you didn't have to take him whilst Branfoot was our manager or he'd never have grown out of the kick and run, high in the air tactics.

I was aware of the background to our satellite in Bath, but don't thinlk Steve Lansdowne or his former manager, Clotterill fully appreciated it. http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?48706-Steve-Lansdown-accuses-Southampton-of-quot-cheating-quot-over-Bath-Academy#.V0qw5fkrKUk In Cotterill's case another excuse to gloss over the fact he's crap above L1, and Lansdowne should reflect on the fact that neither Bristol club have produced a significant player from their juniors (not academy in those days) since the Mabbutt brothers in the 1970's. (The better one of the two coming from Rovers anyway).

That will **** the Bristol City chairman off and reignite the debate over our 'area'...

Agree.

I think there was a change of emphasis when NC left. During his time the club spoke against the idea of loaning out players,but as richardc says this changed soon after his departure, and Stephens & Turnbull - for two - went off to Swindon, and probably benefited from it. Personally I think its a good idea to farm some of them out to benefit from the 'rough and tumble' of league football in a competitive first team environment. But it will be interesting to see what happens this coming season after last years experiences. Gallager & Stephens went to Championship clubs in Septembeer which looked a good move on the face of it. Neither featured much and both were back in January.Both really had a season wasted. The critical thing is for them to go somewhere that they'll get game time in a team trying to play it the right way. No point sending Reed to a club who by-pass the midfield for example. One problem is that we've lost our best 'nursery' club with AFCB coming up. Can't see us supplying to any other local team for match experience. Swindon, Exeter, Plymouth perhaps are the next local options. Nect season I'd like to see a few out on loan, Gallagher, Reed, Stephens, & Gazzaniga spring to mind, because I doubt any will be in RK's immediate plans other than early rounds of the League Cup perhaps.

We'll have to wait for the detail to come out, but I suspect its a new two year deal. Would be no surprise if it ends by mutual agreement next summer; RK fulfills his three years initially agreed, we have 12 months to plan our replacement.

Probably worth remembering that Paul Mitchell was still in control of the Black Box when that joker was 'recruited'.

missile

Isn't he meant to have had a falling out with Mourinho at some stage ?

"spuds" is the one that infuriates me.

For those reasons I wonder if RK wouldn't mind seeing them out of the door, whilst of course making the approporiate noises about the club trying to keep them etc, then bringing in players he believes are better disciplined and he can rely on.

Ronald

you forgot 'the pensioners'.

Sign him up to extend his contract, with the promise he can join RK at Barcelona in a few years.* Sorted. *for £60m

Do wonder if we'll witness a 'Clough to Leeds' situation unfolding. Hope so

Some of these names are constantly linked, Ziyech for example, and other were mooted last summer, Praet and Hiljdemark. Janssen from the little I've seen and read looks more of a goalscorer - in the Austin mould - than a replacement for Pelle who has become more of a target man. Of the names mentioned Dost appears the closest to a direct Pelle replacement. I'd give Redmond (two relegations is that now in three years?) a miss, and never convinced by Townsend. Neiether up to Manes standard. Wanyama ? MS won't come back. So no idea who that leaves, someone we';ve never heard of perhaps (although the link to the Denis Zakaria bloke looked as if his 'job description' matched up, although only 19 and unproven). Praet linked in a few places now, anyone any knowledge of him ? (Youtube clips aside). Personally, I'd like to bring in a couple of young up and coming players from the Championship, Hughes at Derby,Cook at Leeds. And bring AOC back. Almost pointless discussing it though as our recruitment phase will probably change direction again once Zlatan signs and we've raised our profile in the market. VW et al will be begiing to stay.

Are you a speechwriter for David Cameron ? If not you should be. He'd love this scare factor to touch a chord with the ordinary bloke.

RK might fancy chancing it with Depay, but I expect he'll be looking for stupid money. No real knowkledge of Son so can't comment, but the Morgan suggestion is fanciful in the extreme. If Mourinho turfs him out I'd expect Poch to be at the front of the queue.

With Leicester in the CL next year there's every likelihood that he'll get game time as they look to rotate the squad a bit more.

No doubt he's happy here, but would he be able to resist the lure of Anfield ? Klopp,Kop, tradition, most special fans with their terrace wit, (second only to the bestest), YNWA making your spine tingle every game, and of course those special European nights. All of which adds up to ££££

I wasn't the one suggesting the squad was fine without them. I was replying to the post from Nolan showing a depleted squad and saying "I don't see an issue"

Black Box didn't really cover itself with glory last summer though did it ? (with exception of VVD).

I certainly see a few "issues" there tbh. RB needs improving, CB cover is possibly weak with Yoshida and a largely untried Gardos returning from injury. MF is too weak by far. Two of your strikers are unknown quantities in terms of fitness. Apart from that, and the need for a bit of pace, no problems.

farts