Saint Fan CaM

Yeah…unsure…31 year old winger doesn’t get the juices flowing much, but who knows, he could be another Fraser and full of energy?

Based on this looks like he’s got a better shot on him and moves faster than Che. Big unit but is he carrying a bit of timber at times so perhaps could be fitter (and therefore even better).

Think you’ve inadvertently answered your own question there. The systems are similar in design, but England didn’t deploy the system very well atall. And there are similarities to some Saints performance’s - for example, sometimes there is no movement up top…anyone watching the last season would recognise this.

That’s very true actually. Think that was a reflection on the general useless communication of the tactical ideas the coaching team were trying to implement. It was quite frankly one of the worst examples we’ve ever seen in recent years.

Got to say (again), watching England was like watching Saints to a large extent. The system is wide open to counter attack, a bit boring for large portions of the game and a lack of closing down/press in numbers.

Thanks that’s useful, however I reckon that’s going to change over the course of the season.

Trouble with comparing how Shankland fares versus Che in the Scotland team is that Che is not played to his best ability - I.e. the tactics/system employed means he hardly sees enough of the ball. The question IMO is how different are the two players in their clubs systems and does Shankland have the nouse to play in a RM team? For me, I’m not sure either of them are good enough.

Have to say I’m so glad the Northam has sold out - proved a point about the concept of expanding the ‘home end’ / cop. I’m looking forward to seeing it in person for the first time, so I hope everyone’s in good voice for that! Quite surprised also to read that ST’s have all but sold out - I wonder how many matchday tickets will be available to purchase?

Horrendous

Anyone got a link(s) to where the tv games are listed?

I refer you to my post above! ^^^

Likely perhaps, but not inevitable. There are some key issues that I think will influence our season… 1. RM’s ability to adapt his system to the Prem in a squad that’s not significantly strengthened. It will be less ‘physical’ but faster, meaning counter attacks in particular by even the weakest teams will punish an open midfield and weak defence. Passing accuracy in the final third needs to be much better than we saw in the Championship. 2. Whether there are players in the squad that still have room for growth/improvement meaning that collectively some of the weaknesses from last season are corrected AND/OR somehow the club are able finance 1 or 2 Prem quality players in their prime. For example, replacing Che with a really good striker and improving quality of RB position is crucial. 3. Bringing in Downes. This player is fundamental to the RM system - fundamental to the 1st teams ability to perform at its highest possible level. He is the main cog in the system that makes it work. There will be no time to find a replacement to hit the ground running before the season starts unless huge money is spent (not happening). West Ham have us over a barrel which means the deal will be very difficult - but it’s arguably the most important signing since Lambert’s in L1.

Not sure where it fits in exactly, but I was told there was a debt left behind by Goa but it was the interest on that debt that was increasingly crippling the clubs finances. Promotion to the Prem was absolutely essential to maintain any sort of decent squad and infrastructure.

Think by November we will be reflecting on how cruel the gap in quality at PL level is, regardless of the order of games.

Can’t see even half of that happening plus Ghoddos and particularly Ings have yet to join us (is Ings really on the radar anyway?). GK’s will be McC and Lumley, with Baz coming back next year. CB’s will be same as those on the books…maybe with the addition of ABK. LB’s will be Manning and Bree - RM will want to give his mate a shot at the big time (a big mistake IMO). Smallbone will be given a shot at sitting next to Downes - Charles and Ghoddos if he joins will be cover. We’ve got an abundance of AMF players on the books. I don’t think Sulemana is going anywhere and unfortunately I suspect Mara will be given more rope too. Adams will likely move on in which case a new bargain basement striker will be required - maybe Ings. We're not splashing big money around this window…it’s just not financially viable if the information I’ve been told is accurate. I’m hoping it’s not, because that line up will not be enough to keep us out of the bottom three.

Damn - thought for a minute there was some juicy rumour about him being sold.

First away - Man City First home - Brighton Get the tougher fixtures out of the way early doors

I think it’s pretty obvious his years contract is to help bed him into position for a coaches job ready to be Russ’s successor when he gets the call from a bigger team or more likely gets sacked.

What a complete shitshow for Scotland. Looks like Saints in our relegation season…totally bereft of ideas and/or skill.

This is nothing like the Walcott signing - he came in when the club was in terminal decline during a torrid season, whereas Lallana is coming into a squad on a high with a renewed purpose. I reckon if he scores a first goal he’ll be the darling once again. If he sits on the bench and does the same role as Armstrong and Rothwell in terms of offering experience and leadership then it’s probably good business. Now, having said all that and resolved my mind to where we are, I’m still of a mind that it feels uncomfortable taking back has-been players when you’d think we’d want fresh talent. Perhaps there’s some form of Brighton empathy for Russ & Lallana. Whatever, he’s here…he’ll be wearing the red and white again…he’ll need our support.

I would expect there’s some negotiation to be had on £20m, however even £1 would be wasted if he’s in the treatment room for the majority of the season.

Saints don’t do ambitious nowadays…more left-field, unknown, bench-warmer types. 😉

Absolutely this - hence my concern that it could take quite some time to bring Downes in. There’s no guarantee a Downes replacement will bed in as successfully as he did and waiting until no pre-season is available will make things very difficult indeed. Probably the most important position to resolve IMO.

Agree with all that…just would like to see Downes over the line sooner rather than later.

Have to say it would be a huge leap for the lad, however he does look a very tidy player albeit in a lower league.