david in sweden

6 weeks to the January transfer window - and already the media are carrying out " their versions " of possible transfer deals - thick and fast. It seems likely that we will sign 2 or 3 new players -perhaps more - but the big question has to be .....who will go? Ramirez and Osvaldo will continue to be loaned out, either until their contracts run out, or some club is willing to buy them cheap. Hooiveld and Yoshida are nearing the end of their contracts are will likely move on, as is Jack Cork (although his move would be somewhat regretable - unless re-signed soon.) Boruc also close to the end of his contract, and surely one of the younger keepers (Cropper or Gazzaniga) will find themself - surplus to requirements. Bruno Martins Indi is in the headlines (another Koeman favourite) , as well as the much-vaunted move of JayRod to Spuds - in exchange for - Harry Kane and Andros Townsend. (on a personal level, I've never been convinced about Townsend, but Kane looks a good prospect.) My own choice would be the Swedish-born John Guidetti (officially Man.City reserve) presently on loan to Celtic, who had a successful spell at Feyernoord under ---who else? - Ronald Koeman. There is a lot of time until the end of January, and surely miles of newsprint forecasts to come before we get those answers, but already it looks like it'll be another " interesting " window. My guess is it will include, at least, one we never expected to sign..... or even one or two we've never heard of.

only likely solution (at present).... would be to ensure that (a fit ) JayRod stays ......and resists the temptation to jump ship in January.

good analysis , but it sounds like Pochettino is trying to buy himself more time by bringing in Mitchell.....before Levy's axe falls on his neck!

One might almost suspect... that he still harbours a grudge against Saints....(as Chris Nicholl let him go during his managership). He shouldn't complain he got a much better career AFTER he left SFC. IMHO Wilshere is a waste of space in midfield, and couldn't be more egotistical .......unless he played for Spuds.

...........one might argue that the " weaklings " are those who jump ship......... and have so little faith in the Southampton Way.

absolute class, trousers - isn't it? Makes you wonder who is next. The kit-man perhaps?, NO.. he's a dyed-in-the-wool Saints fan and wouldn't go.... ........Cue .....yet another re-vamp of the Hitler " melt-down " video, someone.

AGREE. Surely it will be less of a task to replace someone like Mitchell, than it was to replace Pochettino. Just as long as we get the right person in place - no matter.

Historically, goalies and centre-backs are difficult to bring on at an early age, and take longer to develop. Somewhat reminiscent of when we had Matt Mills and Martin Cranie at the same ages. Were OK ..but ??? Both the lads mentioned (in OP)....did well in the Academy and loans to clubs like Swindon are part of the format for up-and-coming talents. Remember both Jack Cork and Ryan Bertrand both had lengthy loans to several clubs before they eventually came good (for us). If Swindon are clever, they'll extend the loans on one/both especially if they get promotion...although I think that Stephens rates a bit better than Turnbull..or ?... I might expect to see one of them return in May ....and the other stay permanently at Swindon. Precisely who ...will depend on Swindon's transfer budget and Saints' evaluation of them both.

all this conjecture about CB /LB and who's first choice?. Of course, it's fine if everyone's on form and fit... but just now Jay Rod ( Pelle's alternative ?) is still out. JWP will be out another 1-2 months, Steven Davis was injured last weekend... as was Schneiderlin. Mane will be away ..3 weeks in January for African Cup of Nations... and possibly Wanyama, too (if Kenya qualify). WE may end up playing people out of position just to be able to field a good side. It goes to show you can never have enough talent available, if we qualify for a Euro. competition, we need all the back-up we can get (injuries, suspensions etc,) and a chance for them to " play themselves in". If either of the above-mentioned (or anyone else ) comes it can only give us extra cover.

Agree with that, but one might argue that Fonte made him look a bit better than he really was. At Liverpool, there is no-one around to cover his a**, when he makes a mistake.

IMO, that's all Ramirez ever was....rarely finished a game that he started, and used as a sub. far too often. Bad buy. Never really got to be better than Lallana, even when he got the chance to play. As for Osvaldo.....I can't believe he was on " one of our lists " , he was Pochettino 's choice for sure , but MP just didn't know how to handle him. £12 million worth of trouble.

easy ......commentator Andy Townsend picked him out as MOM ....(what did you expect?)

nice for them, but with all that money, they really ought to have a " state-of-the -art team" by now. They must really need Mitchell desperately. interesting note ; heard an interview on Sky Radio?....saying that Spuds were the only Prem. club without a proper scouting network.

agree totally, but until UEFA change the rules properly , it's hard to control a few hooligans in a crowd of 40-50,000. You can't frisk everyone.

well that can't be too bad- even talking up an injured player. Although he's still learning, JWP oozes confidence and communicates well. In 5 years ...possibly even Captain material?

interesting observation Duncan, a bit of a change from the expression " getting your fingers burnt ", I suppose. Firewalking ?....mind over matter ...........still if they don't mind, it doesn't really matter.

.....and of course our response is..... .......thanks for all your good efforts, Paul.....now you can s*d off. We only want people who want to work for SFC. (Just remember that when Spuds (eventually) move.... you'll be back working in a Portacabin for several years).

.....not really a good cure for bunions, though

........will serve them right - if they lose..... or maybe they 'll need him to come on with 10 minutes left and win the game for them....

.........and says so .......in English...........without an interpreter.

well....it's their money, if they buy him. I really like JayRod and think he drew the short straw after being signed and then played wide on the left by Adkins. His good run of games in the Spring came when he was essentially playing up front - shame about the injury - but he looked class. However, the £20 million question - IF he moves, (a Northern lad going back up North)...would he be able to get 100% fit and regain that sort of form at another club? We need " another Pelle ", not because GP isn't good, but if we were without him for any length of time (as with JayRod)...we'd end up knac*ered without any cover for top striker. ....even though we've made it to 2nd in the table whilst he's been in rehab. the whole time. In short, I hope Jay Rod stays - but if he goes..RK will doubtless conjure up another striker to replace him. My money would be on John Guidetti (presently on loan to Celtic from Citeh. RK knows him from his loan period ar Feyernoord and surely doen't need convincing about the lad.

..at last ! ........and not before time.

well if he gets sacked ....along with Pochettino, he'll be a rich one, anyway.

RELAX! .......yes, there probably are still a few who don't know, but their excuse is that they're still in junior school .....and haven't learned to read properly yet....

....just as long as he didn't download a copy of the software bewfore he jumped ship ...............