Saint Fan CaM

Can't buy-in team spirit. Can't buy-in what the Academy lads learn and take into the 1st team. I don't have a problem with Lambert going - he's done his tour of duty. Shaw is a different proposition entirely. We'll not replace these things with £34m. I hope Koeman is as good a Manager as his CV indicates he is.

Very disappointing regardless of the fee in my opinion. Yes he will earn a huge amount of money and play alongside some top players - but nothing can soften the blow of the harsh confirmation (once again) that Saints are a nothing more than a provincial little selling club, acting as a feeder to the so called 'big clubs'. I hate the fact that we're not able to keep hold of our young stars and have to revert to buying in lesser players. And no amount of money in the Saints coffers will detract from that feeling of disappointment - even if all of it is re-invested in new blood. The whole affair typifies to me why English football is in the sorry state it's in and will continue to be, all the while clubs like Saints who are on the brink of breaking the mould, have their squads broken apart by the foreign money-men controlling the Prem. I've contributed to Shaw's development - enjoyed his performances - nothing more to say really.

I suspect that IF they are to receive new deals, those deals will be ready to go although possibly not rubber stamped by Koeman. I'm not convinced either will be retained - Fonte the most likely of the two I would imagine.

For some reason he's not realised his potential yet at Saints, but there is a chance that Koeman may find a way with him IF Gaston wants to make the effort. If so, this could be his season to shine.

Exactly. Just as likely as any other scenario when one considers Saints spunking £70m.

Seriously disgusting...lifetime ban.

Anyone considered that quoted £70m might include monies to keep Lallana, Shaw and Lovren here?

Most definately this.

Well of course it's only going to be met with cries of derision from the usual suspects on here, but I for one am proud of the club to once again be leading the way ahead of all other clubs in the Prem.

The key point so many are missing is the VALUE of Luke Shaw to Saints - not the price tag. He offers a clear link between the Academy and the senior team and is experienced enough to hold some gravitas with the younger players. Not only that, but growing a team that has synergy is vital to what the club wants to achieve. If you only concentrate on 'big' names and don't play enough importance on TEAM then you will ultimately fail - for evidence of this Google 'Englands 2014 World Cup'.

I would agree, however Woy has not tested the system Saints have adopted and using Lallana and Lambert to link up might give him an idea of how it might work. Highly likely he will not start, but perhaps a chance.

No mention of Rickie...bench warmer specialist now?

Sounds too much for those two.

Have not been overly impressed in his field play, however he is one of the few in the team to have a really good dead-ball technique whether from a free-kick or corner - probably technically better than Lambert even. Now if he can develop like Shaw has over the next season, he could become a hugely influential player. If he doesn't step up to the plate, he'll find himself being loaned out to a Championship side quickly.

You're right...Lukaku is terrible and there are no other strikers to be found. Anywhere. We're doomed.

Brilliant!

Well it's news...just not very good news.

This.

Agree with Hoddle. He has learnt much since his time as England manager.

Good post. FA is rotten to the core. The only glimmer of hope in English football at the top is Saints at the moment trying to break down the status quo by resisting the likes of Liverpool and Utd.

A good news transfer announcement would be nice.

Agree with pretty much all of this. Plus the fact that Woy chose who he thought were his best player, instead of his best team.

Who the hell do the scousers think they are FFS?! I'll tell you what they're trying to do - hoover up the best players from one of their rival clubs...they know we could pose a serious threat to them next season and they're trying to de-stabilise us. Wait until they offer what we've asked for - £30m - no less - up front. With some decent incoming players we'll be making their life a misery this coming season just like we did last season. As for Lallana - frankly if all the rumours are true he's really let himself down. Instead of attempting to stand head and shoulders to the likes of Gerrard as Captain of a top 8 Prem side, he looks like some whining little subservient boy. Man up Lallana and stand up for something that matters - something you've helped to create. The alternative is obscurity and eventual rejection as a nobody in scouser history.

Disagree. Jones was not long out of the Academy and so had little responsibility to the club. Lallana has been given all his career chances by the club, plus crucially he is team Captain which to my mind should mean something. It would appear if only through his silence that it means diddly-squat to him.

Sounds very positive. As always, proof of the pudding is always in the eating when it comes to Board members saying things and then delivering.