Saint Fan CaM

And this is the key to the debate. You think there are some posters who are suggesting we sign 'X' number of players when this is not the case atall. Look at the performances and results of the games that exclude Lallana and Chaplow. For whatever reason the team does not do as well. Now look at the other casualties - Holmes, Hammond, Connolly. Then consider that Barnard might not be with us for much longer and that wantaway Puncheon might not either. All of a sudden our squad is looking somewhat weaker. You see, it's not about the numbers, it's all about the effects of not having the strength in depth in the squad. Fail to act and suffer the consequences. We don't need much more, but a midfielder with positional flexibility and pace appears to be essential at this point (depends on Lallana's injury) and a strong striker would also be good (but not absolutely necessary, depending on Barnards status).

Why do you think that when the ITK's confirmed the understanding that it was Tuesday?

Yeah, this forum chat business is real serious stuff. Not to be taken lightly. (;

You're talking semantics here. If we buy in someone like Ryan Harley for example who then plays well while Lallana is out, but ultimately drops to the bench because Lallana is the first choice player, does that mean he is "cover" and should never have been signed in the first place? Of course not! Sure we don't want a bloated squad, however we have two problems to contend with - (a) an impatient CEO who expects promotion this year and (b) a squad of players that includes a substantive number that are not good enough or prone to injury. There are players in the squad who need to be moved on and are a legacy from even pre-Pardew days that will never get anywhere near the 1st team now - i.e. Pulis, Forecast, Wotton etc. - are they classed as "cover"?! Can we afford to wait to ship these players out before adding some real quality and depth to the squad?

Why should we not bring in someone who can challenge for a place in the team? It's not about sitting on a bench - it's about being part of a squad that can challenge whatever circumstances prevail. If we were to follow your line perhaps Chaplow would not have joined - is he better than Morgan or Hammond who at the time were pretty much certain to start a game? IF we were to sign Ryan Harley for example that would be a perfect and shrewd move for player that could do a job in the NPC, but would also have the flexibility to cover across midfield if needed.

Doesn't really say anything new. If he was to join us it might indicate that Guly was not going to be retained perhaps? Doble is too young and inexperienced at this time...not ready for the step up clearly.

What you are sarcastically saying is not untrue, however those of us who consider the state of the squad a risk at a crucial time in the campaign are not suggesting a huge increase in numbers - we're talking two players that will be ready for the NPC.

I would argue that he probably is not, meaning he's too old and crocked to be useful to us now. Guly is better.

You're right in the sense it's only one game. But it's not. The drop in form when Lallana is out of the side is blatantly obvious if you care to check the stats. And now we've got both Hammond and Chaplow injured we're having to rely on the likes of Gobern who unfortunately is not up to the standard needed to obtain auto promotion. We need a striker to replace Barnard who will be seeing time soon (perhaps the Hereford French 21 yr old guy) and a CM/wide player who can step in and stake a place in the side while Lallana, Chaplow and Hammond are out (e.g. Ryan Harley is that man IMO).

Oh dear - do they know what they've done?! (; lol

Oh fook - I hate Sky messing with the game times. In fact I hate Sky completely.

Yes - we've lost two key components to that "synergy" (Lallana and Chaplow) so it's not ridiculous. You are being ridiculous if you are suggesting that their absence has not had an effect on the manner in which the team play and compete. It was so blatantly obvious in that 0-0 draw that I can hardly believe anyone not seeing what is so obviously a problem.

Completely agree - now is the time to act and get this guy in. With Wotton and Pulis away hopefully in the near future, our midfield options need to be bolstered and this is the guy to do it if we're only able to pick from this league. He stood out from the rest of his teammates and would do well with us and our style of play.

Ryan Harley - perhaps not as good as Lallana, but as good as Puncheon IMO.

There were a few things that worried me with todays performance... (a) set pieces were very poor, (b) Gobern is way below the standard we need to win this league, © we created very few scoring chances - their GK had little to do all game, (d) the injuries to our key midfield players are starting to look very serious indeed - we miss Lallana and Chaplow so much - in fact without them we looked pretty mediocre actually.

Ryan Harley - get him in. Now.

Sounds quite a concern and todays performance when Lallana and Chaplow were out said it all for me - our promotion credentials will be significantly tarnished without those two. I was of the opinion we didn't need to strengthen with the squad we have, but watching Gobern today was painful - we urgently need more quality in midfield now or watch promotion slip away. If you think that's 'wrist slitting' it's not - it's showing genuine concern.

My feeling is he will see a custodial sentence. I don't think the club or the footballing authorities will take kindly to this - not exactly the type of attention the club needs right now also. NA/NC need to be looking for a new striker.

Dont' need anymore new signings with one exception - Guly. If we lose him at the end of the loan period I think we'll be taking a step backwards - his workrate and ability to be in the right place at the right time has been key to turning the fortunes of the side around. He is doing the stuff Lambert did last season frankly and we need him to sign.

Look, is he ON or OFF the bus FFS? And if he's not on the bus, is he in the building?

Here, here. Well said that man.

All we can do is win our games and not worry about the rest of the pack. I think Brighton will beat Posh or at least draw, which means we'll not be going top Saturday. However, the way the fixtures are coming along, it will take a short amount of time to make up the ground.

Richardson for me - he has had some great performances.

3-1 Saints. Might just put a couple of bob on that one.

Come on then - please explain why you would take either Rooney or Gerrard over Oxo - or are you only capable of having a dig at other posters? I would love to hear why you would sacrifice a product of OUR academy - an excellent player already with many years of potential improvement in him and possibly sacrifice what is clearly an excellent team spirit and risk diverting from the big plan, for one of two has-beens that failed for their country and are at dusk of their careers! You might idolise these so-called stars, but they do nothing for me.