MarkSFC

Getting rid of Puel yesterday or today would of been tough given the game tomorrow but then we basically have 10 days until the thrashing by Liverpool and two weeks until the next Prem game. It's the start of the window too so tomorrow night, Tuesday morning will be the best time to get rid.

After yesterday's debacle of a game I'm now in the "need for a serious change" camp. This means of course that Puel (and his staff) must go. Having said that and although it couldn't happen, Puel strikes me as someone who is better suited to Development coaching, i.e. the U21s / U18s. I was quite hopeful when we appointed him but never truly convinced by what I read about him despite all the connections to some excellent players. Our football has gone from basically having one plan under Koeman and playing counter-attack football with Mane and Long, to a very slow paced, controlled and almost routine method. It's very boring. When Romeu is not at his very best then we become vulnerable and there is no one else who can do the role, we need to get back to a more 4-2-3-1 type of formation and move the ball much quicker. I'm not convince don't the Puel will do this and will rely on being in a "comfortable" league position to see the season out - very boringly. The only credit I would give him is his integration of more youngsters and the fact that even with the many changes he makes virtually every game (understandable to some extent but overall probably too many too often) has meant that the levels are very similar regardless of the team selected. But it's just not good enough. The question exists though, who to get instead and the main candidate I would like is working 35 miles down the road, the other inNewcastle. Both wouldn't leave mid-season and only Howe is realistic for us now. Les Reed as good as he has been has banged on about our succession planning......maybe now is the time for his successor to come aboard....

I would think that a train station somewhere between St Marys and the pier would make a lot of sense in the long term because of all of the planned development at the old city depot, Ocean Village, and the pier. Having another station would ease the burden on Central and the subsequent journeys from central. A station near the cruise liners also may be of benefit. Not that like to mention the place on here but its a bit like Portsmouths two.

I think it's an interesting one this. People are saying we are well covered in this area but I'm not so sure. I only really trust Romeu in the real holding role, although all the others can do a job they really are not as good as MS. I would have him back if we get him for less than 20m. At (just) 27 he is in theory just coming into his prime and regardless of those who criticise him for going he has had a major impact on the recent success (when a player only stays for a year or two it's very different) and I think he would be a great addition, probably playing as one of the two in front of Romeu in a midfield 1-2. Wages won't be an issue as Saints hold the cards and he would have to accept a decrease or not join. I have no doubt if the club had conversations with him and he chose to re-join that his head would be in a good place. The real question is whether there is a "better" MF we could get for the same price..... I suspect he will go to Spurs though!!

Its abundantly obvious that we need goals. Some of these need to come from the Romeu, Clasie, Davis, Hoijberg, JWP midfield, but more has to come from Long, REdmond, Tadic and Boufal forwards. Sadly I think it is time to let JRod move on to re-ignite his careeer, somewhere like Newcastle might be perfect for him, and to replace him with a more expereinced player (particularly if we get through tomorrow night) who can offer a Pelle/Lambert type style. I also think we need to replace Fonte for next season and if that happens in Jan all the better.

I cant and I would. Even though we sell players we do not sell in January. You like many others take what you read in papers as gospel when actually they (and Sky) are masters at peddling gossip to effectively drive income. Their agendas are all based on the "big clubs" because they have the most followers. They have no interest in the sport itself. Occasionally think for yourself based on logical thought and sporting sense!

I expect that our january window will be fairly quiet both ways. I can only see replacements if we decide to let Jrod, Martina or maybe Fonte go. Its fairly clear that we need to replace Fonte in the not too distant future but I would expect that to be in the summer. We obviously need more goals but in 4-5 weeks time this could be a very different situation on the assumption that Long and Boufal start hitting the back of the net. Again I would expect a decent signing in this area in the summer.

This is an intriguing scenario. It is clear that in this world the capacity of the stadium has a big influence on the potential success of the club. Of course this is not the only factor but the expansions to Old Trafford, Anfield, and the new grounds built or being built by Man City, West Ham, and Spurs shows very clearly how important this is. With Ms Leibherr at the helm i am not convinced that this would happen, at least not in the short to medium term, and by then it will likely be too late or at least much harder to catch up. IF and its a big IF, a takeover occurs shortly by this Chinese group then I hope it is only on the basis of significant investment into the ground AND the team. If not I am inclined to accept our mid-table position and the stability of KL. Interesting few weeks ahead by the sounds of it.....

increase the capacity.......

I'm guessing this is merely business acquaintances of Ms Liebherr being shown around "her football club" simply to see it. I bet they are in business together in another industry. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I can't believe that Puel is still in this country. How the hell are we ever going to win a game of football if we give the ball away as much as we do. Redmond is a winger FFS, so why play him in the inside forward role.....I dont care if Puel sees Henry in him.....we need points now. We are so clearly being asset stripped by the owners because f the lack of spending and getting terrible players in, McCarthy, Pied, Hojbjerg (what is it about him that people think is good..seriously), Redmond, League 2 at most, and Boufal, is probably as good as me. Reed needs to make another video to explain the point of himself and why we are playing this hoofball give the ball away, run around like headless chickens football. fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuming.

I refer EVERYONE who is asking "where is all the money going" (which on the face of it sounds accusatory) to the summer of 2009. In very simple terms, as long as our club exists and competes in the Premier League every season the owner can do whatever she wants. I for one will always be grateful to Markus Leibherr and subsequently his daughter for saving the club I love and for the experiences since....

I would describe myself as a realistic optimist who suffers from situational moments of pessimism! My thoughts; - GKs......we are probably better off, I like the little I've seen of McCarthy in the past and he's a good age to be here a while. - DEFENDERS....after the injury to Pied I think we are in a state of equilibrium here. This is though where I think we are most vulnerable to injuries and suspensions. Imagine the (unlikely) scenario where our defence is McCarthy, Targett, Martina, Yoshida and Gardos or Stephens!! - MIDFIELDERS.....One in one out. Right now probably worse BUT I am certain Hojbjerg will be far far better than Wanyama. This is a big season for Romeu, Clasie and JWP. Depending on how it goes this could be the area we need 2-3 replacements next summer unfortunately. - ATTACKERS......Two out two in. I really like Redmond, and if the coach who Thiery Henry credits with converting him from a winger to more of a striker or at least coached the skills to become so, sees similar traits in Redmond then that's a great thing. Boufal looks like a fantastic signing and regardless of his delayed season start I'm sure we will be loving him before too long. JRod needs to have a good season as does Austin but I believe they will both hit double figures. I actually think Long will have a slightly less impactful season. But we do have good options. - MANAGER......I like him, I think he fits our ethos well. Generally he stays in places for quite a while and clearly is focussed on development, which whether our fans like it or not, the sustainable growth and success of Saints is centred on this to produce our results, as opposed to simply focussing on results with no concern for the future. Clearly we need a win sooner rather than later but he has good experience. - REED.....Surprisingly quiet this summer but proving our processes are in good shape. I suspect we went for one or two others but it seems like this transfer window was tougher for everyone. I like the fact we appear to stick to our principles rather than compromise our standards and bring a player who perhaps doesn't hit enough indicators to be much higher on the list, just to get a body in! - YOUNGSTERS.....I think the pipeline has slowed down but anticipate it will speed up again over the next 18 months. I've not seen a ought of Isgrove to suggest to me he will make it with us but from things I've read perhaps Puel does. I really like the look of Olefema, strong, quick, skill full and can finish. I think he may well be the next one to get into the first team squad. Valery looks technically sound but perhaps a little lightweight so we will see how he develops. Alfie Jones from the handful of games I have seen looks pretty good at CB, about time we produced a decent one of those! Prediction / hopes for the season; League.....8-12th. Satisfactory Europe......2nd in group behind Inter....Quarters FA Cup......Quarters League Cup.....lose in Round of 16 EFL Trophy.......god knows!! Overall I predict some bumpy patches compared to the last couple of seasons, mainly because other teams in particular the "big boys" have significantly strengthened, but also because or Europe but I am sure the style of our football will be one we all enjoy watching. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Lack of decent CB signing. (I know, technically 6 words!) Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Its not as simple as that. Its also critical that the "first period of speed development" is maximised which for boys is between 7-9. Linear, lateral and multi-directional speed should be developed and the duration of the repetitions should be less than 5 seconds. It is also about recognising the onset of Peak Height Velocity (growth), which is influenced by genetics and environmental factors (climate, cultural & social), as a reference point for the design of training programs which on average is 14 for boys. Get these stages correct and you have great potential. To use a cooking analogy, you could purchase the best raw materials in the world but if you dont know how to prepare them, the mix and how to cook and for how long you can undercook, or burn (out) quite easily!! But I get what you mean......Saints are looking for players who hit most if not all of the important indicators. Vision, of the 3 factors you mention re Tadic is a learnt/trained skill. So if not Haller...who?

You're such a clueess ****. Being stronger in reality compared to our team/squad last year is completely irrelevant to finishing position because in case you hadn't notice you tedious troll, every other team is attempting to do exactly the same thing and at least all the traditional "big boys" have done so considerably.

I doubt very much that Wenger would want Wilshire to go to any of the traditional challengers - Man U, City, Chelsea - nor Tottenham for obvious reasons but neither would he get into any of those teams as first choice. Leicester have a load of midfielders already and Wenger wont want to help the Champions!! That leaves Us, Everton, Liverpool, West Ham and I guess Stoke as potential destinations. If I was Wilshire I would want to play in Europe and so we are clearly the only choice (in this country) but I could see him ending up on Merseyside. Personally I would love us to sign him on loan, he is better than we have, with the exception of Hojbjerg, and given his career so far would bring some real quality and experience to our team.

Cmon AR-10 let us know which position this £10m ish player is?!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The signing of Boufal is a very good sign, highly rated around Europe, mentioned in different list for performance and or potential. Him, Redmond and Hojbjerg are an excellent trio of acquisitions, young and exciting. If as AR-10 suggests we are recruiting another player for circa.£10m then I wouldn't have thought he would be an attacker. And my preference if we are "only" going to recruit one more is for a CB who can pressure Fonte. Being greedy we get a striker too! Unlike many on here who just look at the headlines (result of games) I am excited by the intention of Puel to play high possession football with quick and skilful players who can play around teams and counter. Exciting times ahead. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think he changed after he got called up by England. It was the beginning of the end! Then Pochetino came in and clearly made players feel great and dream of bigger things. Great in the short term for a club but not in the longer term. From that interview he does come across as a someone who lacks confidence and needs a father figure. He comes across as a bit of a weak man, which I suppose was exactly what he was when he left. He will never reach the heights of adulation he had here, at Liverpool, but I guess money and association to a huge club is more important to him. Hopefully he will win very little there!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jeez...Difficult to fly direct from Lille to London / Southampton so Eurostar quickest. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Uninspiring yet pragmatic Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

On the basis of two good players per position this is how I see the squad at the moment; GK.......Forster McCarthy LB........Bertrand Targett RB.......Cedric Pied (Martina to leave) CB 1.....Fonte Yoshida CB 2.....VVD Gardos/Stephens (but I'm really not comfortable with those two!!) DM.......Romeu Hojbjerg LM........Hojbjerg JWP RM........Davis Clasie (Reed the 6th option!) AM........Boufal (hopefully!) Tadic LF..........Redmond JRod RF..........Austin Long So if JRod does go on loan we need another forward or if Boufal is actually seen as that, then another AM. And as I see it we then need a 3rd/4th choice CB who is better than Maya! Imagine a scenario where both Fonte and VVD are out for a few weeks......very scary! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Wasn't Targett linked with Newcastle earlier in the window? Perhaps they've decided it best for him to go on loan while maintaining our competitiveness by bringing in another quality LB to really pressure Bertrand. But this chap only joined Inter this summer[emoji57] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Barcelona also did quite well with a pair of 5ft 7 inch players in Xavi and Iniesta! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk