Saint Fan CaM

There’s Lallana and Aribo to consider before Charles - both experienced players at a decent level. Unless Downes gets injured or suspended (more likely), he’ll be starting and finishing the majority of games.

If I was to buy a kit it would not be one with Rollbit on it. Having said that, has anyone actually researched the ethics, policies etc etc of Starling Bank? Thought not.

This entirely! ^^^

Great news to know Downes is across the line. I’m not of the opinion he’s necessarily the best midfielder out there, but he’s the best we could expect in terms of a player that knows the system, works well in the system and clearly likes being in the club. I hope he settles in for the long run because he continues to play an important role in our continued success.

Guessing he might have meant which airport did he fly from?

Yeah, so actually he’s signed for Goztepe in reality because the chances of him getting into a Saints EPL team are minimal. Hang on, he’ll be ‘oven ready’ for the Championship next season…brilliant!

No significant striker rumours as far as I can see. I do hope the club don’t fail us in this position again in this critical window.

Yeah, just seen that - thought it was done Wednesday.

Wonder why the club have dawdled to announce Suga - something to do with KWP’s exit perhaps?

Icarus’ - a man - had his wings made with honey, so obviously it’s Millwall midfielder George Honeyman. Easy! 😉

Is this the point in the window when the lilly-livered start complaining we’re getting relegated as we’re not signing our main transfer targets? Out of interest, at what point in the window do we actually start getting worried? Is the current team capable of surviving? What else do we need as essentials? For me it’s Downes or a equal/better replacement and a striker equal/better than Adams - everything else is nice to have.

Found this article interesting - not really heard of these guys except SKD’s son. Could we have some jewels already in the Academy without spending £m’s? https://www.southamptonfc.news/opinion/3-southampton-u-21-gems-who-could-catch-russell-martins-eye-in-pre-season-friendly-v-totton/

Report saying we’re walking away from Ings due to wage demands… https://www.givemesport.com/southampton-distance-themselves-from-danny-ings-move/

What’s he like on FM23 and FM24?

Obviously those numbers can be taken with a large dose, but can’t see £10m + Downes being the final deal.

It’s about KWP only having 1 year left on his contract, meaning our options are limited given his value will only diminish further (if he stays with us) until such a time he leaves for free. WH are probably almost thinking they’re doing us a favour giving us the opportunity to recover any form of a fee - basically a fee worth one year of KWP’s service.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/333350813484448/permalink/2901618169991020/? …not sure if this will work?

Just seen a link saying we’re back in for Clarke at Sunderland. Wasn’t aware we were previously interested?

Interesting to see he’s back with the squad training now and the club has not been shy in showing him off on the FB feed.

Well that’s what I said - difficult to imagine him being left out, but there were some suggesting a line-up of THB and one of the new guys (Edwards?). I’m not so sure you could say he’s our best CB…THB runs him close I reckon, but still can’t see him being left out unless we’re selling.

Think Sugawara will take a while to settle and initially there will be some on here saying he’s crap and what a rubbish job the recruitment team have done. Eventually though I think it’s a good signing and he’ll come good, but I do wish it was not at the expense of losing KWP. We seem to have a good number of options across the back 4/5 now and I’m of the opinion that in defence it’s often about getting the right combination of players…particularly the CB pairing…that wins the day, above individual players strengths/weaknesses. This actually introduces a little cause for concern, as it may entice RM to tinker rather than persist with regular starters who can learn each others games. It’s difficult to see RM leaving all of Bednarek, Stephens and Manning out of the starting line-up. We’ll see.

Yeah, I’d be highly surprised if we managed to secure his signing - huge talent.

Yeah and I’m skeptical that our interest being much more than a cursory glance - we must be looking at lots of options.

Home truths hurt eh? 🤣 Back in the late PLC era I bought shares just so I could help influence the removal of the arsehole - great satisfaction when he was gone!

I think the point being made is that we were linked, but nothings materialised yet. Same could be said for 3-4 other strong rumours at least but nothing happened. My guess is that we’ve got the easy ones over the line and now they’re working on the ones that will take more detailed negotiations. Just hope they don’t leave it too long to identify and capture a high level striker.