Saint Fan CaM

I hope we don't lose KWP - I just don't think Tino (even when fit) provides the same level of defensive guile (yet). Our defence is one area where we cannot afford to rely on players that are "learning their trade".

Interesting take on Adams which I'm not fully in agreement with. I agree he has lots of potential and I would love this season to be the one he really shines in, but so far he has followed the path of other Championship strikers trying to make it in the Prem in my opinion (including Armstrong). Part of my observation with this is that he does NOT seem to find the right positions to take advantage, however to be fair that may be a facet of the lack of penetration and service he receives from a weak attacking midfield - i.e. the interaction between all our forward players is shockingly poor. Makes me wonder what form of attack coaching actually takes place. If he's only picking up half-chances then there's only half a chance (or less) that he's going to score. I think the other issue is he is very one footed which perhaps with specific coaching could improve his game significantly.

Not sure we should judge a quiet period as negative but I know what you mean. I wouldn’t be surprised if WHam have not made a bid because they’re just tyre kicking…we are probably in the same place with an equal chance of making a bid. Whether our offer is then favourable remains to be seen, but it’s not been ruled out.

Just set the starting price at £70m and the stories will evaporate. He’s worth that to us.

On the face of it this could be the signing of the window, but there’s reason to be wary in that it’s an incredibly low fee in relation to other deals. The vids of his tricks etc are reason to be optimistic though.

The update from the club is a bit out of date then if IKT is ITK. Personally my eyes rarely make it to the big screen unless something controversial happens.

Great appointment it would seem - just hope he fits in well and is able to utilise his talents in the Saints set-up/financial system. Welcome to Saints Joe!

I'm not sure Chelsea are as keen on buy-back options as Man City though - I reckon they'll want a straight fee if they decide to sell and Newcastle and Wet Spam will more than likely be the mugs who get drawn in to a silly demand.

Selling KWP would in my mind put a big dampener on the summer signings we've made so far - a weakening of the 1st team and importantly a defence that needed urgent surgery given 2nd half of last seasons performances. There are few players in the 1st team that I would protect at all costs this season and KWP is one of them - he makes such a difference to the success or otherwise of the team.

In my opinion that would be shame - feel he's got something to offer the squad...OK not a definite starter but such a great character and presence.

Oh dear - it's the fabled 9-0 on the cards at SMS! lol

The quality of football does not appear to be in the same league as Englands team although Norway have a couple of handy players. NI trying to play out and not making a very good job of it.

They look a definitely familiar putrid sun faded pink to me.

Loan or sale?

My view on Redmond and Walcott are that they're not the future and we need faster legs in the team, but they do bring huge experience / gravitas to the changing room which is so important for the younger players to feed off. For that reason I've no problem with their squad presence providing they do not provide a barrier to the younger players getting game time.

Think this is a no-brainer - guy looks class, flexible in role and in tune with Ralph's playbook. With our new improved coaching set-up think the season is starting to look brighter. Hope they get this one over the line asap.

I think he looks different in the sense that (a) he looks more composed, (b) can actually head the ball, (c) understands how to assist a team mate in front of goal. Broja was good but I think this guy is or can be better assuming Ralph's playbook doesn't rob him of his abilities/potential.

Regarding kalajdzic, I don’t know much about him. Anyone fancy providing a summary and the obligatory utube links? Edit: actually here’s something…this guy looks exactly what we need…

Think this is an exciting potential signing - another example of strengthening of the spine of the team and one that can be deployed immediately. Djenepo and possibly Walcott will be surplus, but maybe part of a deeper squad. Hope we see this one done and dusted sooner rather than later.

Would still like us sign Broja on a permanent but for not more than 20m which is unlikely I guess. Not sure Aribo is in the same mould or has the same ability?

I think this guy could be really good for us - an improvement on the spine of the team and more suited to DM than Diallo, Smallbone or indeed Armstrong/JWP. Just wonder if it's actually as 'in the bag' as is being suggested on here? Have there been any reliable links?

Can’t help but have a lot of respect for Longy … put in a lot of effort and had some amazing results at times. Overall though his scoring record meant as a striker he was pretty ineffective and in the Prem that’s a luxury we cannot afford to have with our meagre resources. Good Shane and thanks for your commitment.

Will believe this when announced by the club, but if it happens then its good news as he's clearly got potential in an area we need to strengthen. I wonder if he would play alongside Romeu allowing JWP a more advanced role?

I wouldn't buy it as I don't think it's what I would call a classic design and it looks a bit cheap and ill fitting. However as others have said, if the players in it bring about a successful season playing great footie, it makes little difference.

I’ve watched him carefully and in summary, while he has the ability to score,, his off the ball positional sense is severely lacking and he doesn’t create his own chances (like Broja did). To be fair that may be Ralph’s system, but that doesn’t remove the fact that he’s not right for the team. Sell and buy a fresh player.