Saint Fan CaM

Mmm, I like the thought, but starting with two players fresh from injury might be a bit risky???

Radio Solent news have said that Papa's permit has come through in time for him to be included in the squad (Jaidi's has not) AND both Mills and Holmes are both fit to play if needed. Anyone else heard that?! If true, this has to be a massive boost for AP and the team.

That's what being a showbiz personality is about...if you put yourself into the spotlight be prepared to be shot-down if you do something irresponsible and/or morally wrong or at the very least remembered for an attribute other than the key skill you've demonstrated. Even as we discuss this, Radio Solent are reporting on the matter via a bookmaker who is suggesting possible litigation! Whether that is a real possibility is irrelevant - by using this in his book he has opened himself up to public criticism twice over...once for the original 'sin' and then again for using a stupid error of judgement in a light-hearted way to sell his book. And one other thing - if any of you had bet a significant amount of money AGAINST MLT's bet, I expect you would be mightily p*ssed off to find a pro-footballer (never mind it being one of your idols) had swindled you out of your winnings by deliberately fixing the result. Sorry, illegal or not, you can't gloss this up to be anything other than plain wrong IMO.

Unfortunate that he has made this public. Shocking to find out one of your heroes was less than honest, however the biggest shock is that it is deemed OK to publish it for the world to see. He will probably now be remembered by the general public more for this gaff than for his football skills and that is a real shame.

Yep, guessed that would be the case but I was thinking more about hwne they are available.

An excellent summary.

Would the 'negative' posters be shouted down by the happy ones because they were not getting with the Ali Dia program? Serious question.

With Murty and Fish out, it should be... KD Thomas. Jaidi. Trottman. Harding Papa. Hammond. James. Lallana Lambert. Saga Bench: Perry, Spider, Mellis, Bart, Paterson, Wotton

I think we'll get promoted as Champions. We're too good for this league...

In terms of salaries don't forget AP has brought in more backroom staff which has increased operating costs. Something is telling me that either we are running at break even or ML has already agreed to fund the clubs recovery in the short term to help Nicola steady the ship. Might therefore be different situation entirely next season.

At last a balanced view. Agree with this entirely.

This appears to be an inspired signing, not to mention a bit of a shock. Well done AP - can't wait to see him and Jaidi in action.

LOL

Look, despite you thinking this is a forum to discuss Saints, you are displaying tendencies to the negative. In fact, as you have not included a positive statement of some kind it is clear that you are not getting with the new program of postiviness. Please correct this or... we'll call you a nasty name. In the meantime, be thankful that we've signed Jaidi (forget the fact he can't playa game yet) and say nothing more until Saturday at 5.00pm. If we do not win, then and only then, can you post negative thoughts because its then all the 'postive thinkers' get dispensation from a higher authority to get negative for a couple of hours.

No problem with his attitude or work-rate to a degree. My problem with him is his goal scoring record over the last couple of seasons - for an international striker, it stinks. Now this has something to do with the players around him perhaps, so hopefully things might change, but he also needs to be more aware and help create chances by intelligent movement off-ball without getting caught off-side.

Let me be the first to provide a really positive comment by stating that having Murty and Holmes back will be like having two new signings. In relation to Holmes, that's not too far from the truth actually.

Get down all you negative thinkers!!! We're due a win and it could be this weekend...why the hell not?! It's only Boothroyd and Colchester - at home to the mighty Saints. We'll show 'em. There - that's positive thinking for you. COYS! 0-0 draw it is then. lol

Clearly on the left wing and I think it might be sometime before he is challenged by Holmes for the place TBH. Personally I would even seriously consider playing him at CM next to Hammond actually (providing he showed commitment to track back) - I think he would terrorise defences in that role and more akin to his attributes IMO. James could be utilised as a RM winger, although I would prefer Thompson for his pace.

Given the current injuries and now Jaidi is in defence, I would go with the above meself...

Good signing (subject to work permit) and will solve a few headaches at the back. In terms of other signings, I think we might be seeing James alongside Hammond in future as our surprise playmaker CM. I think he has an eye for a good pass and is in fact not scared to take on defenders (e.g. Brum game). And from AP's comments I think he's impressed with him so perhaps AP has decided to hang back on that one and concentrate on a loan RM winger.

Err, if you're referring to the game, I don't play it...got better things to do. What is it with you - why do you find it so hard to comment on the subject matter without resorting to personal insults? This is a fans forum and my understanding is that its a place to represent your views on Saints. Of course I want to know why certain decisions are made at the club - I pay good money to be a part of it and its of great interest, so why not? Just calm down dear, its only a fans forum.

I am hoping that the club are able to notify the FA of intent and then get on and finalise a deal with the player(s) later than 5pm, ready for a next day (Weds) announcement. Straws.

I agree with you. The problem though is what value do you put on a player that transforms your team into something resembling success? A player that is able to enhance the fortunes of others in the team? And that's just half the picture - what about free agents where there is no fee, just the money needed to get them to play for the team? I have severe reservations about the make-up of the squad...it is peppered still with inappropriate players IMO...either players that are not good enough or have no confidence or are just plain not what we need right now. If we set-aside individual players for a moment and concentrate on the TEAM, I would suggest there is still significant work to be done. Jaidi will answer the questions at the back. Midfield is a major problem still without a strong playmaker and without some wide outlet either left or right. Saga seems to be here still, so I guess another striker would be a luxury and who knows, he just might come good. So in short, improving midfield is key to improving our chances of avoiding another disaster of a season IMO.

Nice sentiment in OP - I don't like what you say so you're negative and a troll. Jog on. The problem many don't seem to register is that it is not about spending big money on 2 or 3 big names. It's ALL about getting the balance correct in the squad and installing some pace WITH skill into the side. I guarantee that Lambert will have his worst season for 3-4 years here if we don't get the ball moving to him quickly. This does not take Prem or even CCC quality players in L1 - just players that are suited to delivering those attributes. However, I think many posting on here will have recognised the need to alter the team dynamic, because even against the poorest L1 teams we are looking lethargic at times. If we ever have to rely on the services of Wotton or Pulis I think its safe to say we will go down again. If AP cannot get the players then I would like to know why - perhaps its because Saints are a very unattractive prospect right now? If thats true then its up to ML and Nicola to ensure players are enticed by salary perhaps?

You may well be right and I hope you are. For me though, to rid this team of its losing mentality we need to see a sizeable number of players from the Dutch era leave and get replaced. Now, its a mark of ML and Nicola's intent whether they get replaced with better or worse.