KelvinsRightGlove

Chambers is really good. Shaw is probably the best in his age group in his position in the world. It's in no way whatsoever a slight on Chambers, but he just isn't up to Shaw's level. Not even close in my opinion. Don't get why people talk about Shaw going forward, he gets in good places, but his end product isn't amazing (no great worry, the lad has loads of time to perfect that - I'm sure he will). What is most striking about Shaw is how resolute a defender he is at his age. Chambers will be a very very good FB at Premiership, possibly International level. Shaw is going to be the next Ashley Cole, probably the best FB on the planet.

Because most people hadn't heard of him until he joined Fulham, and then they went down. Also, apparently he is hard (MP immediately implemented double training systems), and is often not liked once he leaves a club (MP is clearly loved here now). As I said, I'm not advocating his appointment, but it could be much worse. He was something of a coup for Fulham, I agree (as I said above) I'm fairly confident he would have seen them safe if he was appointed when the appointed Rene Icantspellhissurname, the Dutch Mancunian.

Obviously

Yes, I'm the one having daily meltdowns. Clearly, I need to get a grip. These are the first fixtures announced. We are playing two Championship teams, and a League 1 team. That really isn't that poor a standard. Considering the dates of them, most players who have been involved with World Cups probably wouldn't be involved anyway. So if playing higher level opposition, they are hardly likely to be playing full strength teams anyway. There is going to be more friendlies. Pick up your toys, and put them back in the pram. It's really nothing to get so worked up about.

But going to switzerland and playing Amateur teams is? As I said above, get a grip chap.

What is this strange world of which you prophecise oh wise one?

No idea why, but I'm pretty confident it won't be Magath (watch it be him now). He may be harsh, but he has a good track record. So he clearly does something right. I really think if he was given longer at Fulham, they would have stayed up. They looked doomed when he came in, and at one point it looked like they had a chance, (after they beat Norwich & before Sunderland started flying). Note, I am not saying I want him at Saints, I just don't think he is as bad as he is being made out. You don't win the I'm not massively convinced by reports we have asked to speak to him personally.

If it isn't going to be the first team, then what is the point in going?

Get a grip chaps.

Don't know for sure, or if he has altered his stance since they went down, but he did say before they were relegated he would stay on even if they went down. Seemed convincing at the time. Sorry, not much help that really. EDIT: found the beeb article I Saw it in http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26812097#top-link

As I said above, I'm not overly fussed on him. Had talent, but never really kicked on as was hoped at Everton, the. Took a (silly) big money move and his career has completely stalled. Again, pretty injury prone too. Maybe, the right move could kick start his career, but I'm not advocating that be with Saints.

Hmmmm, hadn't considered him to be honest. Who do you drop for Davis, in an England midfield already bolstered with Bale and Ramsey?

Could not agree more re: Hughes. Have said several times I'd love us to sign him. Even if it's expensive. The boy is a serious talent. I do also agree with Rodwell, could come good wit the right move, but it's an expensive gamble (obvious hypocrisy in relation to above) and the boy is injury prone. Shame, as he looked a potential star at one point. My Everton mate was convinced he was going to be their Gerrard.

Are either of them frees? Hard to judge with Sinclair, clearly has talent, but is so sporadic. Also, did the square root of nothing at WBA last season. Granted, they weren't great for a lot of the season, but still. Rodwell started well, but never properly progressed at Everton. I think in the end their fans weren't that upset about him leaving. At the right price he could do a job, but I'm not convinced he is a step up from anything else we have in the same position, which is also probably the position that least requires any attention at the moment.

Yep, he really is. Also lost his place towards the end of the season. Heitinga, Burn & Amorebieta were preferred in a back 5 (well, centrally at least). He was never quick to start, but can now barely move. And as Smirking says, he is shocking on the ball. Same goes for Stekelenburg who's name I keep seeing mentioned. Nope. Useless, also lost his place to Stockdale. Yeah, bad team, but he was part of that bad team. A bad team that let in a stupid amount of goals all season. No thanks.

Because he's way past his best, and would most likely be after a packet?

He's not been able to get into a not very good Villa team the last couple of seasons. Fringe player at best. He's not awful, but midfield isn't exactly a priority, and he is hardly a step up from what we have there I feel.

I don't disagree with any of that mate. It's true, English players are over-valued and over-hyped. This is probably the main reason why so few move abroad. There is rarely any value in a British player to a foreign club. A GB team would be good I think. I don't really get why we are a Britain as a nation and England in sports. Though, that said, without any intentional arrogance. The team would most likley be England, with a few Welsh players (Ramsey, Bale). Can't off the top of my head think of too many others that would be in the first XI.

Sorry, I'm not deliberately playing the if 'x' is worth 'y' then 'a' must be worth 'b'. It's just that Prem to Prem transfers always go for more, especially when the player involved in English/British.

English talent, playing in the Prem moving to a Prem club. Can't be compared to non-domestic to Prem transfers. Carroll = £35m, Michu = £2m. It's bonkers yes, but that's just how it seems to work.

Look, as I said above. It was poor grammar on my part, I meant to say Saint Charlie is acting like Alps wet sister. Which he has been of late. No doubt, when he realises how ridiculous he has been it'll be "Oh I was just winding people up like my drop out of the league thread" lmao pmsl rofl.

If you want to fly me out, and put me up I'll come along mate. We'll discuss it at glasto Taking the mothership to see Arcade Fire on Friday, bit annoyed that Lorde is supporting Saturday but not Friday (yes, I like Lorde, blah blah blah). Sure my 6.30 train to Leeds on Saturday am for a wedding is going to be great fun.

Have to say Alps (absolutely no offence whatsoever intended), you surprise me with those first two choices.

Surely, that is why it is important to get someone that fits with what you have going at the club already? A good example is Swansea, I think. They've had a great 10 years, and it has been helped by trying to appoint managers with a similar outlook, to minimise transition periods between managers.