Saint Fan CaM

I agree with your assessment of Cork to a point, but think he is more defensive than you suggest. I think many would like to think Schneiderlin is that type of player too, but he isn't. That's why when he was played alongside Hammond our central midfield was on many occasions ineffective for being too defensive. I'm not against Schneiderlin, just don't think he's a good match to Cork necessarily. However, perhaps Adkins can train them to work well together - if I'm wrong and they start consistently together, I'll be pleased to admit to being wrong TBF.

OK, let's deal with this line by line... Can't beat experience in the spine of the team. Not only that, but name me a youngster in the senior team right now that can act as lone striker replacing Lambert? And even if we did have someone, let's not forget we tried that before with the Dutch and it delivered what benefits? If you think Connolly is a Rickie replacement then yes, you are delusional.

I think some are confusing Cork being a better player than Schneiderlin with more in his kit bag to offer, with them being different style players.

You're right - we didn't lose the 1st half. I am not making a judgement on just that game though, but on video clips I've seen of Cork and of course the manner in which Morgan plays. It's only my opinion sure, but I really do not believe we will see them start together and as such meaning Hammond gets left-out. Personally I would prefer to see Cork and Chaplow together. While I think he's useful, I do not subscribe to the hero-worship view some have of Schneiderlin - not yet anyway as he has much to do to convince me he has what it takes to be a success in the NPC let alone the Prem.

See above...

Experimental - meant next to nothing I would suggest. Plus we lost and scored how many? Mmm, dynamic midfield that worked really well then?!

LOL at Saints fans dissing BT. Not good enough now? Delusional. If he was brought in and made match-fit he would be as good as any other LIKELY candidate we might sign.

Cannot see Cork and Schneiderlin playing alongside each other in a 4-4-2 TBH.

What is a "no 10"?! The issue was who would play in the central midfield position in front of two deeper lying CM's. It's never been Lallana or Guly to the best of my knowledge. Chaplow is far more capable in that role - he knows the centre of the park and can attack the box - with pace. I'm not confusing anything. As I've said above, Lallana or Guly don't play that CM role in a 4231 formation...why? Must be a good reason. And I would argue that with Lallana out on the left, Oxo OR Guly on the right (as he normally is), Chaplow would be the best player to link the deep CM's with the striker(s) as he has the ability to get back and defend the CM area if Lallana or Oxo/Guly get forward. If we play at home, I would not advocate 4231 anyway.

Sorry, but I can't agree with that nuts statement atall! Particularly wrt Chaplow who has a great box to box motor and if you watched him carefully last season, you would see that he was one of the first players to attack the opposition penalty area (typified by his excellent goal against Manure). And if Guly and Lallana would be best at CM, why are they NEVER played there? It's because either they're not suited and/or we have better options - like Chaplow and Hammond for example!

It's pretty exciting thinking about the depth and quality of the squad in midfield and attack this coming season. It will be interesting to see how Adkins manages the likes of Hammond, who despite being Captain, may not be the obvious 1st choice at NPC level. Having said that, what we do know is that when injuries and suspensions start to dig into the squad the position will look different. I think the 4-2-3-1 system will work particularly in away games, however a more 4-4-2 shape with a strike partner for Lambert might suit home games more. There are so many permutations - the midfield/attack might look like this perhaps... ------------- Cork Morgan OxO/Holmes Hammond/Chaplow Forte/Lallana ------ Lambert/Barnie/Guly/Connolly In fact, the more I think about it, the less likely it seems we will sign a striker (unless there are big concerns with Barnies availability post-October). The key gaps at the moment seem to be more at CB.

BT - watch this space.

It will take a club like Saints to drag English football back from the brink of despair - I really believe this. The likes of Manure and Chelski will not do it. Even Arsenal will not lead the way in the manner Saints will offer. The key though will lie with the English FA and their ability to change - to see past the 'names' - to rid the national team of the has-beens. Will it happen? I doubt it because there's too much money getting into the hands of people who have a vested interest in things NOT changing.

Thats harsh.

THAT...is a disgusting kit and one I would not wear if they were giving them away!

This is pretty much exactly my thoughts.

I agree that we will need another striker, but the way pre-season has shaped up, I'm not so sure NC will be sanctioning another player. It could be a waiting game for January to see how the squad copes as I am not convinced this season will be about 'going all out for the Prem'. We'll do our best to get there with the squad we've got obviously, but I doubt squad unity will be risked just in case Connolly breaks down (which I think is less likely than some seem to think).

It think this must be something to do with wanting to learn to speak French. It's not easy accepting that there are languages other than English, but it's not too difficult if you really try. The first word "Le" is formed by placing the tongue firmly to the roof of ones mouth and then saying "eh" which is exactly the same sound you make when you've not heard what your mate has said in a noisy pub. "Fondre" presents a trickier challenge and is outside the scope of this lesson, however further help can be found here... http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/french/ HTH.

With Connolly back to fitness we'll not be signing another striker perhaps. Lambert, Barnard, Connolly, Guly, Forte + Doble and the other kids. Can't see another coming in and disturbing the pecking order TBH.

I would wager we'll not start with Cork AND Schneiderlin - I'm not sure they will compliment each other and we'll lose any midfield battle as a result.

I've renewed this week and I know of one possible new ST purchase. I predict 14.5k ST's going before the season starts. HTH.

Great minds!

Yeah I agree - like keeping an ear to the ground in a tracking kind of sense? (:

Nice!

Sign up the Safari bloke - he's an animal. I'll me coat -------->