Saint86

Aribo would work well centrally in a 4-2-3-1 by all accounts. Although we don't really have the pace to play proper wingers in that setup as it stands. We'd be relying on redmond, tella, and theo.

Its only "exposing" if you're expecting him to fail? I'd argue illuminating, or perhaps say that its now an opportunity for him to prove his worth. I guess it depends on each persons outlook and how they feel he's done so far - i.e. glass half full/empty. And in all fairness, i don't think we can definitely say he'll have "no excuse" yet either. Judgements on his performance will always depend on the circumstances at the time. I.e. if we end up selling our better experienced players (like say JWP, KWP, Salisu, Romeu) to pay for the young kiddies we're signing, then all of a sudden the squad won't look as good and people won't be as positive as they are currently 🤷‍♂️. Similarly, if we go into the season and get ravished by injuries to senior players its hard to blame the manager... In some ways, maybe the tough start will benefit the team - gives them a chance to blend (with so many new faces) without the pressure of "must win games" against league rivals. But yes, if we struggle, then he should face a similar level of scrutiny to other managers in that sort of situation.

They just need les Reed to join him... Actually, I'm not sure I'd even wish that on the skates 🤣

There was another club brugge attacker we could have gone for - for less money aswell 💔😭

That is actually the makings of a solid side. Especially when you consider you have romeu/lavia on the bench, and bednarek/BK. Plus 2 from redmond, Ely, tella. I actually think that Armstrong and Adams is a well balanced partnership provided the defence is sound and the midfield can feed them. They aren't so good if we have to chase games and until now our defence has been too shite to hold on to leads.

Kwp's best chance for England is at left back 😉

All i've read here is that we won't suffer from a tiring squad, bad injuries, and a losing streak over the second half of the season - so we're on for Europe 🙈 😋

Don't the Lionesses have a vaguely competent manager? If so, it should stand them in far better stead than the men's team! Hopefully they do well at any rate. Do saints have much representation in the tournament?

Ah fair enough, that would explain the lack of final third / end product in the highlights reals. Agree that for £6M it's a low risk gamble, but still not convinced he's going to be much better than what we have.

I hope we're looking at others - even if that does come across as greedy. Not at all sold on Aribo atm, based on his record in Scottish football. 5 assists and 8 goals from 34 games last season - most of which were played vs league 1 opposition for a team that were European finalists. What is noticeable in his highlight reals is a lack of decent end product and a mixture of some great touches and some really sloppy touches in key areas. Not sure he is any better than Redmond and will probably be quite frustrating to watch - he may offer something better than we have, but surely would prefer we went for better still i think. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/scottish-premiership/top-scorers/assists He was 11th for assists and 16th for goals in what is a very weak league whilst playing for one of the two runaway best sides.

Doesn't look like he did, and he looks to be in for a lot of bother. But obviously speculation currently and he's innocent until proven guilty regardless (if indeed it is him).

Odd for that twitter account to post an article that is now a season out of date? It basically takes no account of last season so its relevance is lacking. Given they posted it 2 hours ago, surprised it hasn't been updated post Bertrand and ings...

Tom Ince and Alex Bruce.

You're desperate for this to happen 🤣

Yeah exactly this. The players we are signing now will give us depth and potential. If they come in and play at top 10 level consistently over a 38 game season then they've had blinders. I know its looking like a good summer (and far from the "shambles" some posters feared at the outset 😋), but we still need to keep expectations at a sensible level, otherwise that awful start to the season is going to bring a huge amount of negativity onto this young and inexperienced team we're building!

Watched a load of clips this morning. Lots of midfield tricks - notably has some nice touches, but also an awful lot of loose ones that I think would be punished in the prem. Initially I thought he reminded me of lallana, I.e. has some skill and is used to a more physical league (before reaching the prem). But similar to your view, now my overriding impression is that he plays against league 1 players for a team that made the europa league final, and yet, what was most notable was the lack of quality end product - I.e. chance yielding passes, assists, or goals. Suspect a Nathan redmond highlight real would look similar or perhaps better? 🤷‍♂️

I will have to watch his career from afar 😢💔

Its not the same thing is Ings at saints. Ings was released by saints as a boy... But he came back an had a fantastic season for us before leaving for more money and a club with significantly more ambition and means at the time. He didn't owe us anything really, and we got a lot of money for him. I don't get the bitterness towards ings tbh. Our business model is going to be selling our best players for a profit... 😅. As for kalvin, he loves Leeds but he has still left for a large cheque and to sit on the bench hasn't he 🤣 🤷‍♂️. Actually in that way at least he's done the same as ings.

Catering to the Fifa / FUT crowd. But tbf its not a bad kit.

Thierry small as well!

What? I never read anything about that? But tbh, we would have been in the shite if we had sold him then.

Reckon he's good mates with openda... Just saying.. 🤗😅

I don't disagree. There is a player in there. He needs some coaching and some confidence, but he has the attributes to be a good striker. Perseverance is needed to bring it out. But if he wants to be up north because he hasn't settled, then get it sorted and go sign openda...

If all he cares about is money then fair enough. But looks a mistake from a footballing perspective. If he's as good as rumoured, then he'd likely play for saints this season - after that anything can happen, including a much bigger move that includes game time.