Monk

Double jabbed here, still testing negative on LFT.

Been off the last two days with it; the missus, me our four year old and now our 3 month old. GF's temperature shot up to 39.2 two nights ago, worst thing is I feel like I've been hit by a truck one minute and then okay the next. Spent a small fortune on decongestants, vapour rub and the usual crap. Testing negative for COVID too. All a bit shit really.

MLG, if you could add/change one feature, what would it be on FM?

No coincidence that the England squad and standard of players also picked up. Significant player in the creation of England DNA and development of the EPPP. Nice guy as well.

Bit bored of Ralph and the team if honest. I find him incredibly naive, both tactically and regarding personnel. I completely disagree with the decision to keep Moi on the pitch today, he was incredibly ineffective, if it wasn't for his header in the first half, I don't recall him positively impacting any transition attacking/defensively. Walcott, incredibly poor, his lack of decision making is so alarming. Incredibly re-active upon receiving the ball, never appears to have made a decision before being in possession and actually slows play down ironically. The game plan to draw a press from Burnley before hitting longer ranged pass was odd given the majority of the switching of play was in straight lines and not on the diagonal (ironically we has some success from this).

Anyone else's streaming jumping between the 1st and 2nd half?

Fairly well documented but for those that didn’t catch the show https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/claus-lundekvam-southampton-drugs-alcohol-24927833

Just about to start on TALKSPORT. Feature on ex professional sportsmen after retiring.

He didn't train with them in the end. Was constantly rumoured between Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton.

Just waiting for MLG to point out that they will actually have two different shirt numbers.

This would be favourable, wouldn't want to lose Obafemi completely.

Surprised he hasn’t released a social media post saying goodbye/thank you given the alleged deep connection he had with us.

Profiling this striker is essential, Ralph needs to lead on this signing rather than Crocker/Blackbox. Ings was much more than just our top goal scorer and this is where any ‘moneyball’ approach won’t work. Ings ability to combine on the edge of the 18 yard as well as the midfield/attacking third is a significant way we play. He was also incredibly effecting during attacking transitions. Very good at stealing possession, delaying play and forcing errors. It’s not just about replacing goals, other variables such as character and conduct are clearly essential to Ralph. The players linked so far are a mix of profiles, Sorloth & Abraham in comparison to Armstrong and then Madueke are very different. Then the financial package, the market is over the odds at the moment. 95% of the fees are well inflated, we will have to do very well get a striker on a financial package that presents a ‘good deal’. I think personally, we’ll move for Armstrong if wanting to replace Ings ‘like for like’. Still not convinced Edouard is out of the picture.

This launch is fucking horrendous, poor Kenzie having to ask ' found anything interesting one litter picking folks'?

Fair play, shame it's not all in time for the season kicking off but plenty of factors to delay that. Looking forward to seeing the changes.

Wouldn't surprise me if it's Matt Crockers/Dan Ashworths brain child back from at The FA. It looks to me that the individuals getting employed are academy graduates that fit the 'seasoned pros' that have played across multiple divisions rather than just PL players. I imagine their personal profile and coaching aspirations are a big consideration and almost a placement opportunity to complete their UEFA A/PRO licences. Personally, it's just a more structured and rationalised process of having a reserve team.

Dan Ashworth vs Matt Crocker this transfer saga

Strange, I don’t ever remember him joining on loan. I remember him playing in a friendly as a trialist at The Dell against Le Havre. (As I’m typing it, I’m starting to remember an England U21’s game @ The Dell so might be getting it all mixed up - think Beattie played)

Disappointed to say the condition of the stadium look's poor. The transparent plastic that circulates the stands is almost green with algae, the roof inside the stadium is almost black, a number of the metal joining's outside the entrances have running rust. A significant number of seats now discolored, yet we're prioritising padded seats. Must say the concourses appear to be in decent condition and having work done. Hopefully the items above are on the to do list this summer.

Coaching set up is an issue across the club. Look at the latest England youth squads and lack of Saints representation across all age groups. Do agree, buck stops at Ralph but there are much better coaches available.

Usual bellends chirping up with Jankewitz jibes. The lad is decent, wind your neck’s in. Perfectly viable shouts for him to be in squad.

MLG, any idea if you can edit the stadiums using the ingame editor? Currently a Hampshire Premier Team but the stadium has four stands. I've changed the stadium capacity and rating but nothings changed.

Let's just say it's caused a few shockwaves at a particular club regarding those not being offered deals. A number of those released are on trial with PL clubs as we speak.

Had to do an analysis report on him from the U20 World Cup, incredibly talented footballer. Youth team news but Saints also looking at Harvey Rew, released by Pompey, due to offer a trial.

JWP just scored the winning goal in the World Cup Final. He's since moved to Chelsea for £53 million, Ings has gone to Arsenal for £74 million.