Saint86

Would be spectacular if we moan about having no squad depth, then let our two second choice full backs go out without reply. Is there some kind of small print clause on this loan were we don't want to finish top half as we'll pay higher interest.... How bad are the Diallo and Walcott injuries as well?

Would be a major error by the club if we let him go.

Not much, but the game was over as a contest by that point tbh.

I would have thought that the reality is he'd be benched for weeks until Ralph has him drilled. Which would give him a few games to earn a transfer (similar to KWP). Any loan deal the club would make is likely to have an option to buy in. Whether United and Brandon would accept all of that is anyone's guess. Ditto whether we can realistically afford a reasonably priced player right now? It is a shame we weren't able to get him last summer, as he'd have had a full pre season with us and certainly have been part of the action given all the congestion, injuries and suspensions.

Some fans needs to remember that we've faced some of our toughest fixtures in a period of high congestion, all coupled with widespread injuries (+ the odd suspension). Last night is the low point for squad availability: We were missing 3 of our back 4 (KWP, Bertrand, Vest) - and the first goal was directly Stephen's fault with that needless pass giving away possession from which they scored. No Romeu - The heart of our midfield has been a JWP/Diallo pairing that will struggle to be as fresh as teams that are rotating (although great engine on diallo tbf - looks a proper player). No Redmond, Djenpo for several matches now - Meaning that Armstrong (what a goal and engine) and Theo must be struggling for freshness. Ings and Che Adams have missed games with Covid and concussions! Even our younger squad players have been out injured in Tella and Smallbone. Some perspective needed for some of our fans i think. We've been on a run that included Arsenal (twice), liverpool, city (Top and on form), United (went top and on form), Leicester (were top and on form). For a squad as stretched as ours, this was the perfect storm - and despite all that we've knocked Arsenal out of the cup and beaten liverpool. And we are still very much still in the running because our players will gradually come back - and despite all of the above, we have still given a very good account of ourselves in the above games! COYR!

Is he blocked out in red because he is injured and unavailable? 🙈

The club could call ings' bluff on this tbf. Next year of his contract he'll be 30 and carries a bad injury history. His stock may not be as high then either... Leaves him with a dilemma over long term security should his form drop off or he get badly injured etc. Equally his suiters may look somewhere else if he doesn't move this summer. Would be a very bold call by the club and could back fire ofc.

Yeah I know that, but he'll be a sub midway through the second half. So likely a minimal impact.

Its going to be a tough game tonight. KWP, Rom, Vest, Red, Djenpo, Bertie all out is a massive blow us and would be for most sides! Still, its games like this (where we have to trust the kids) that have turned up some great results historically - and at least we know we'll have a go and put in a performance to be proud of. I still fancy us to get a result!

And people think club debts can be cleared by selling players. We're seeing the face of football for a while to come I fear - Most clubs have accrued large debts, and their main assets have become significantly less valuable since few clubs can afford to buy. I wonder how many administrations will happen as a result of COVID, and likewise, will there be many wealthy investors queuing up to buy clubs once that happens?

Who remembers this legend 😅

Honestly, need to call their bluff and kick the big 6 out and shut the door behind them. Most of their teams exist currently because they are very big fish in small ponds. Put them in the same league, and you can only have 3-4 teams dominating. The league would naturally settle out to a similar format as the premier league. How long would fans of Tottenham or arsenal stick around when they're playing turgid football and struggling against most teams every week... Arsenal fans have booed out their last 3 managers (nearly with Arteta) despite top half finishes and silverware... Love to see them competing at the bottom of the league playing 4-5-1 against teams of world superstars 😆

Who was the guy who signed off all his posts with Love and Light (or something like that?). He seemed to have a very short stint in the sun!

Are the ITKs are keeping stum on this one? That in itself is interesting.

You're lack of faith disappoints me! He's not called Nathan "Henry" Redmond for nothing...

Yeah right, meanwhile for some of our fans, their biggest fear is only that Ings will join Tottenham...

You jest, but you have to wonder whether Chelsea will look seriously at Ralph partly because of the Werner angle. Who better to improve their misfiring striker than the manager that developed and made his reputation?

It looks like a sunday league kit to me! 😅

Having a go at Ings is very unfair IMO. The guy is a class class player, but his best years were ruined by injuries. He's got one final crack at playing at the highest level, and also has the Euros and World Cup to think about. Its just not reasonable to begrudge him that chance. All you can reasonably expect from him is that he gives his all to saints until he maybe leaves. Besides, as Ralph has said himself - if Ings is on fire until the end of the season, he may get CL football with saints next year.... 😆

I mean, i did state this when the accounts were released So, i certainly agree with going for someone like Daka. "If it comes to it, we should sell ings whilst we can and get the money in for him. Then go and get someone like Daka and be proactive. I love ings and he is a quality player. But he is starting to get old, he has injury niggles, and his value will only decrease from here on. If he wants a release clause that means he's already thinking about leaving (and no issue with that - its fair enough especially give the above points), but saints have to do what is best for us as well. By this, i mean sell him when we want strategically, not wait until an offer comes in and then potentially miss out on other players."

Sell him for £30-40m in the summer and sort out a deal to sign Daka immediately.

1. Home shirt is nice. 2. Its nice but a little too "Sweden" for me. 3. That mock up gets a run out every year ^_^

You've seen our benches recently. These days our "reserves" is basically the u23's (plus maybe Shane Long and forster). So I'm curious, do you confortably expect a starting 11 made up of our u23's and Shane long / forster to win or not? I'd personally expect something along the lines of: Forster Vokins Stephens Bednarek Valery Diallo Chauke Tella Armstrong Long N'Lundulu As a starting squad - but only if we are resting players / rotating.

If it comes to it, we should sell ings whilst we can and get the money in for him. Then go and get someone like Daka and be proactive. I love ings and he is a quality player. But he is starting to get old, he has injury niggles, and his value will only decrease from here on. If he wants a release clause that means he's already thinking about leaving (and no issue with that - its fair enough especially give the above points), but saints have to do what is best for us as well. By this, i mean sell him when we want strategically, not wait until an offer comes in and then potentially miss out on other players. Technically i'd have thought we can just restructure and service the debt / pay it down slowly? Ultimately the issue is that most clubs are going to be in serious trouble financially - and trying to raise funds whilst not spending much..... So i personally don't expect there will be much wonga sloshing around to justify transfer values like we've seen before. Or perhaps only in the cases of financially flush clubs. I'd expect to see a reduction in average transfer spend / spending trends.