Saint Fan CaM

I would add Thomas - too expensive at this level unless the club can re-negotiate. I would keep Wotten and Holmes as squad utility players - good enough for that - and we will need to have experienced players to step in if injury strikes...not just youngsters.

From what I've seen of Tyson, he's a little bit better than Dyer in that he actually gets past his marker.

He might be funding the acquisition of infrastructure, but that is investment in the future growth of the Company. It has nothing to do with operational expenditure and NC has already stated that the club will fund itself. Unless I see concrete evidence to disprove this why should anyone doubt it now? It's fundamentally loopy to worry about something that there is no proof of, especially when we have good evidence that these guys know how to run a healthy business and then some! Simple fact is we've got the ownership we desired - we're getting players in that are going to be good for us for a little while, but we've got a very long way to go yet. This stuff is the least of our worries for the foreseeable future - we have a small matter of getting out of L1 to contend with - not easy whatever anyone says. Not only that, but I would take issue with the moaners/worryers who don't turn up and contribute to the coffers (because frankly in terms of support that's close to all we can/need do to influence the future fortunes of the club now).

No idea where you get that from - got any hard facts? My guess (based on AP's words) is that we've got room for another two players at least before that is the case. Then we've got some deadwood to shift including at least one bench sitter and very high earner in Thomas (possibly).

That is because (a) the best academy players were hardly ever given the chance to mature at Saints but sold on by Lowe as a commodity to 'bigger' clubs (because we could not afford to compete...and (b) the academy has suffered due to the running down of essential club functions such as the scouting team to bring in new talent. There is so much repair work to be done on the whole infrastructure of the club still and in the case of young talent it will take even longer to sort out. The big test of our new regime will be when the best of the CURRENT youth team are ready to step up - will they be sold or gradually drafted into the 1st team in a manner similar to Walcott here (a little) and then at Arsenal?

Don't agree. Any sensible and successful business person will know that in times of depressed demand it is best to invest in new design and improved infrastructure ready for when a market picks-up. In football terms and particularly Saints, it is clear that Markus and Nicola consider now is a good time to invest in their business to reap the rewards of the future (and on behalf of the supporters also). It is THEIR money - their risk - so why not? While I appreciate your concern, I think it is completely misplaced and somewhat daft also. We've spent 10 years bleating on about a lack of investment in the club and now we have it, something is wrong?! It's our turn in the sunshine - why not enjoy it while we can without all the navel gazing?

Weston as usual (well mostly :wink:) is spot on with his analysis. However, I would be slightly more forgiving and say James is an adequate RB at this level playing the lower half teams.

Whatever it's about it's b*ll*x - largely because of the bit highlighted above.

I really do not think it's Ward for one reason - we don't need another CB at this level and AP said nothing on Solent that indicated we were in for another CB. I reckon the Ward interest was in case they didn't get the Fonte deal sorted. Who else it might be I have no idea (apart from Stock? He has been injured and therefore not featured so much).

Superb signing which shows fantastic intent by the club. I think this guy could be our next Claus (or better). Big question for me would whether he is intended to replace Jaidi or play alongside him? And will they compliment each other? On both counts I feel we'll need to give him some time to settle in L1.

Or to put it another way, that is the obvious contender for most rubbish transfer 'story' for many a year!

I think he has much to prove here and he strikes me as a man of principle. Never say never, but I would be very surprised to see him go until he can do no more at the club. And I truly hope I am right in that belief as I consider him to be an excellent manager.

Well I've got to say I'm somewhat disappointed so far in the lack of news. There's a way to go yet in this window, but I kind of expected a little more movement in and indeed out by now. Oh well, patience is needed I guess - let's hope tomorrow brings some good news.

Good to see they are opening all sections of the ground so we can actually have our own seats or a decent choice this time. This will be a good match to see assuming the weather gets a bit better.

Oh well...gonna miss the footie so that means more DIY I guess. Or shall I spend my time on FIFA10 climbing out league one? Mmm, choices choices.

Top, top post. You've said everything I wanted to say - considering this is just loan extension, keeping hold of this lad is a good move. If he keeps developing well at Saints, by the time he's 24 he will be a real handful.

Err, what new on this? Never expected him back and didn't want him back. Not good enough for our team.

Pulis is hanging around Saints like a bad smell. Terminate his contract with a severance agreement and get shot. He needs to consider what career he might actually be credible in, coz it sure ain't professional football.

Wow - great minds etc. That is one of the excellent suggestions I made.

I'm not warming to that new player... ahem.

Check out those barnets! Great clips - thanks for the memories.

Stock would be a fantastic signing if true - the exact type of player needed alongside Hammond or Spiderman. Would make the whole midfield more dynamic. Exciting times indeed.

This surely, surely has to be a wind-up? Surely no-one is that insane.

As others have said, I would not judge him fully on his previous time with Saints otherwise we would be slating Lallana etc. So, as he's a big experienced CF that could take on the duties of Lambert against lower league opposition, I think he could be a good squad addition. Shame we're not going for someone quicker, but hey it's January and who else might be available on a free, because I don't think there's a never ending pot of money for another striker. My thoughts are that AP will be spending any transfer money on a CB and midfielder.

I agree that they have more about them in midfield and defence. With Lambert and Connolly we have as good a strike force. In terms of play, they appear to be more mobile and close down opposition much more effectively than we do at the moment.