Saint86

Its a fairly reasonable set of predictions imho.

I tend to agree... we'll find out in the coming months. Colchester managed a couple of founds of "you cheating bastards" and then gave up soon enough - i imagine this will be the case for the vast majority of sides. Personally I prefer NTT20 over 2nd tier (although now Ryan Dilks has left the 2nd tier has improved), and they made far less of a deal of things. A common theme throughout has been that none of them want to bet against us, and all of them think we have a shot at the title if no further spygate hangups come home to roost.

Excellent news, the victims were convinced they were getting him last week 😄

We won't thrash the victims. I would expect two very tense and combative games there. I'd be happy with 4 points from them right now.

I like the sentiment, but this year will be super competitive and will come down to winning ugly (at times) and in effect seeing out games with narrow wins instead of draws etc. I don't think any side is in "the driving seat" for the title for example, but I think there are 4-5 clubs that all have the ability to go up top 2. Could be a bit like 23/24 again in that regard. Take Norwich for example, if they can get off to a strong start and get 4 points Vs Millwall and Burnley, they would be away by the international break... Give a good side like that momentum and it goes a very long way. I think we have an excellent chance to stall any early momentum for west ham by dumping them out of the cup... Would knock them back a bit, and their fans wouldn't like it for sure. Sadly, I think there is a reasonable chance the -4pts could screw us over for a 2nd season and allow Middlesbrough to get above us for example. Which would be absolutely sickening. As for Middlesbrough, on paper they have to be a contender, and they've got a very gentle start in truth. They are another side who could be away early. The 2nd tier reckon we'll have every team in the league putting in a top performance against us because they (and their fans) won't want to lose to "cheating bar stools"... I think that's giving too much credence to the impact of spy gate on other clubs and their fans (we'll find out I guess), but I do think we are incredibly united right now, and I do think we are a team that spent half a season chasing down a target and winning against the odds... It's exactly the same for us this season - so there is a chance we could do something special... Going to be a fascinating season all in - you can make a case for loads of different scenarios and teams to get promoted.

I watched a fair part of the Victims vs wrexham game. I thought they looked much like they did last season - i.e., nice attacking football, look like they create a lot of chances (but not that many clear cut chances), and quite exposed to direct teams playing straight through them once they've committed. Lincoln have to be the most direct side in the league and will be going to the Victimside full of confidence and vs an expectant home crowd and a squad that has had the most spent on it this summer (i think anyway). There is certainly a chance that Middlesbrough come unstuck on the weekend. Frustratingly, i reckon they'll be the league's darlings this year however, and accordingly we should probably brace for them to be given a helping hand by the officials at various points through this season, probably starting this weekend 😑. Can't have poor old Hellberg crying on national TV about thinking he's a failure again (although after 3 bottle jobs and no shots on target in the play off final, i'd argue all evidence suggests he is...)

He's a class player, i think Fulham is a very good move for him (and its nice to see a player leave us for a sensible step up rather than chasing straight to a big club (or a fraudulent big club like Everton). He should be able to establish himself well at Fulham, shine for a couple of seasons, and then get himself a big move in a couple of years. Easy to forget hes so young still as well. He'll be one we look back on with bitter sweet memories - had we gone up last year he'd be shining for us in the premier league in the coming years. Seems a genuinely great guy and you can only wish him all the best really.

I like that he states good movement as his key attribute - if true he'll swap in and out with Larin very well.

Are saints not selling streams with the Solent commentary through the website this season?

That's fair. I just don't think i'd be shifting him unless doing so allows us to strengthen. He's the sort of player i could see doing well elsewhere this season (potentially at a play off rival for example), or coming back to haunt us in a crucial game etc.

Sets of a slight concern with me re some of the Stoke comments. He knew he wasn't staying there, and his effort dropped off. An uncommitted player is not something Saints can afford in the championship run in. Compare it to THB, who knew he was playing for a move should we get promoted. People can grumble about spending money to stand still, but i prefer players who have a bit of skin in the game.

If he is available at the right price, its a no brainer bringing him back imo - He'd bring us quality, professionalism, experience - and is a player who we can take into the premier league next season. Although whether we can afford to do a sensible deal with west ham for him is another question 🤷‍♂️

Of all of the ones we look destined to get rid of, Archer is the one we should probably keep imo. We saw during last season's run in that we can use him. There is a good player there, its not worked for him at saints, but i don't think we'll get better than him for the money - plus he could strengthen a rival club potentially (if they use him in a way that suits his game). Potentially Edozie as well - depending on whether we can replace him in a financially sensible way. We need depth on the wings imo.

Perennially cup derby shirkers.