MarkSFC

I read APs statement as meaning he has already identified who he ideally wants and those players are likely to be courted by others because of their quality. So, making the first move may not be the best strategy this early in the window. The selling clubs will probably need to replace and that has the knockon effect of price being upped depending on what we are paying. You also have the potential that a selling clubs' fans may not want the player to leave so the selling club will need a replacement before or very quickly after! I also read APs as a bit of a smokescreen to play down our expectations of who and when is coming in.

The words "first port of call" are significant ones. The article is slightly ambiguous and doesn't actually say whether 70% of responadants to the survey use the OS at all OR whether 70% use the OS "as their first port if call" on matters relating to Saints. Clearly in relation to other clubs the website is hugely successful. Sure, the level of "detail" in a few of the pieces on the site could be better and more "why" sometimes but actually the amount of stuff coming out is good. Recently the has been at least one new "story" everyday.

Been on the OS weeks ago!

You are still using money to pay their wages and possibly signing on fees. You are no where near as complicit as those complete cheats down the road but it is the same principle.

sure Demarcus Beasley went back to the states

I agree in essence, Im sure no-one "wants" to sit on the bench,but think someone llike Austin would be able to "do a job" in Lamberts absence alongside Barnard or Connolly, and would also put pressure on all of them to perform. What if, Lambert AND Barnard or Connolly get injured at the same time, would you fancy Henderson and Barnard/Connoly to be good enough for 10-15 games? I think Austin wont be as prolific this year (second season syndrome) BUT is definitely one who could go along way. He wont with Swindon and who will he learn off there?

Greatest hope for this season?-Champions Biggest fear?-not gaining promotion Most important player?-Whoever partners Fonte Terrace favourite?-Lambert Keep an eye out for...-Aaron Martin Player you'd happily drive to his next club?-Pulis, but I dont think there would be anywhere to drive to One change you'd make at your club?The Bar service on the concourses (and the beer) Have we got the right manager?-No question What advice would you give him?-forget the media, its all abot the football Which team do you most want to beat this season?-Swindon Opposition player you despise?-cant think of one! Opposition player you secretly admire?-Charlie Austin Where will we finish?- CHAMPIONS!!

In the CCC when we were crap?!! Suppose he could do a job. Still hope for better!

Varney and Henderson don't have great scoring records....we can do better, and hopefully will!

Agree, Im sure OxC will be used primarily from the bench hence we need a quality pacy player up the right/through the middle. Pardew may give OxC a full run in the cups. Id love to see us sign Charlie Austin, tall, good pace, eye for goal, young, and I think he can play off Lambert, with Barnard/Connolly or even out wide.

Of papa and Antonio I would go for Antonio because I think he improved greatly and finished the season best. Not overly fussed if we get him but definitely need someone of his type. Ox-C is probably at a similar place in his development to where Antonio was 12 months ago if not a bit ahead. The big diffeence is that Ox-C is 3 years ahead!! Very excitin prospect.

NickG, where is AP quoted as trying to sign one of the pacy wingers we have lost? (I assume you mean Papa and Antonio?!). Good if he definitely is. I predict mid-high nineties and champions.

Looks like a football-rumours.co.uk rumour...they date and timeeveryone!!

he's a left-back so very unlikely!!

Agree Chez....the club will definitely have sold some full season tickets on the basis that half tickets wont be available!

The maths is to do with the difference in ST prices form last year. If I read your earlier post right you said the increase had priced people out. It is based on a single ticket price but sure, a family will have to find a higher "lump". Ive gone through my thinkings weeks ago on another thread about payments but I will concede that a few people will have been affected. I still dont think that the club should take all the blame. The pricing is actually very reasonable....maybe the lack of installment plan was a blow but other methods and planning are/were available (not going to go into detail again) and the "window" could have been longe

The OS quote is "Season ticket sales are now well past the 13,000 mark, far in excess of the total number from last year*which also included half season ticket sales" so unless the club are lying 13500 is a figure that appeared from outside the club. DBP you truly are a ridiculous example of human being. Just accept that you were wrong and move on. Seems fair to assume that we may reach at least 15,000 ST holders by the start of the season. However you choose to spin it to attempt to stop looking so stupid, the pricing structure, payment methods, and purchasing window HAS NOT culled the the enthusiasm of Saints fans. IF any fan now can't afford their ticket from last season (chez) I think it's unfortunate but in no way should the club be blamed. If what equates to roughly £2-3 per week is the difference then that persons finances suggest that they maybe shouldn't go anyway. The true success os the pricing structure will be seen throughout the season when attendances Im sure will "easily exceed last years average"!!! If I had to guess I would go for 24k+!!!!! Can't wait for next seasons "advertising and marketing campaign"!!

I can see why you may feel that but I reckon it's PR because the corporate hospitality side of the business has been awful for a couple of seasons and I would guess a he'll of a lot of "bridge-building" is required with companies. It's relatively easy to sell 15000 STs compared to 40 Boxes for the season.

good luck to him...an average league one team for an average league one player...always looked like he was giving his best for Saints.

The dates not that surprising, I'm sure he would have a reasonable notice period. Sounds like a great appointment but am amazed that DBP didn't get the role, after all he knows everything about everything!!

Another free transfer missed out on.....Joe Cole signed for Liverpool. C'mon NC and AP sort it out!!

Perfectly summed up!

The quote is that he'll miss the "start of the campaign". Suspect they were waiting for confirmation on severity.

Could think of worse people involved with Saints!!

yeah from our point of view that would make sense but at his age surely he would want longer?