UpweySaint

Financially they are very well run, they've established themselves as a stable mid table side under Dyche and they're probably much cheaper to invest in than we are. Certainly you could argue we have more potential value in the long term though!

Seconded. Some real quality young players at Norwich but they are likely to be unwilling to/not need to sell anybody unless significant offers come in. I would like Godfrey, Aarons, Buendia and Cantwell but can't see any going for under £30mil even post Covid. It would be Ryan Fraser I would look at if we're being realistic. Reports he is asking for mega bucks but if better offers don't materialise for the lad a good wage could be offset by the lack of any fee. Could really see him flourishing under Ralph.

No point us publicly briefing we think he's dross and he won't have a look in if we hope to get a fee for him. Instantly weakens any negotiating position when we already have a poor hand as clubs know we've got plenty on big wages we don't want to pay. If honest I think between Gunn and McCarthy we are 'okay' and there are certainly areas on the squad I would rather we focused investing on particularly if funds are going to be as tight as we expect.

Fair to say we've lacked end product but f*ck me Arsenal are boring and rather average these days! Some job on for Arteta to get them anywhere near the Liverpool's and City's again ...

Fair point. I guess we're basically safe now so can afford to think long term.

I can't help but feel we're crying out for Djenepo but Boufal would have been good too, have to wonder why he's not even made the bench.

Fingers crossed if we can pick up three more points soonish we can give the young players plenty of match experience, especially with the need for rotation with such quick turnaround of games. Personally hoping to see what Jankewitz and Ferry can do before the end of the season.

I agree we'll miss him and think plenty don't rate him highly enough but he's more replaceable than Tadic. On his day Tadic could mix it with the best whereas Hoj, while an accomplished centre mid arguably capable of surpassing our current level, has not often been a 'match winner' for us. I would also suggest capable centre mids are more plentiful (and therefore theoretically cheaper to replace) than flair players like Tadic.

Thanks, let's hope it's better than the home. Failing that fingers crossed for a third kit. I can't remember the precise context but the 'one off' we wore against Bournemouth a while back was actually okay!

Away kit looking any more promising??? The logo does seem to make a mess of the kit however it is to be fair ...

Good finish but that's a pen, no question. F*cking embarrassing officiating today!

Seeing the video on Saints twitter was a nice watch, he's not always been without fault but there is no doubting Yoshida's professionalism and dedication over his time at the club. Sensibly I think we all knew he was likely to move on so it's understandable all around but still tinged with sadness. Best of luck Maya, as per twitter a saint forever.

Closer to Utd in 5th than Bournemouth in 18th, some turnaround. Massive credit to Ralph and the players who have really found another level!

Not seen enough of Julian but I caught the derby and, though I expect Maehle is more likely, I'm a fan of Tavernier and he looked decent in the old firm game. Not sure he is top draw but decent going forwards, good at set pieces, can win the odd header too ...

I read somewhere else (BBC IIRC) Celtic had bid 1.2mil but Motherwell wanted 2.5mil. Relatively small change for us if he has premiership potential.

Rather agree. A few good seasons with us or similar and he can always have that big move.

BBC has him as a City target too ... quite possibly the same source or an overzealous agent!

4-4-2 or the fabled 4-2-2-2?

I rate Howe and yes he's turned the game but give Ralph his dues. It's not really 'his' team. Howe had built his and their style of play over years. They've had a few quid too and recruited relatively well. Our turnaround since Ralph arrived has been cracking. Let's see how he presents tactically after a preseason with the players and a few of his own faces.

Fair point. Games, a goal or two for the confidence ... he could really crack on and be the sort of player we hoped he could.

Christ! Game has roared into life. Bit more composure from Sims in either occasion and that could have been that! Do feel we'll need another goal at least to win this one. Good link up play at least, just give Sims some of whatever Redmond has found this season in front of goal.

Tactically a very good display from us, shame an offside goal (albeit small margins) has meant we're not going in at half time with a lead I don't think many could have begrudged us. I hope we can get something out of the second 45 but bugger me I had almost forgot what it felt like going into games against 'bigger' clubs thinking the manager had a real plan on how to get a result that could actually work! Strange feeling this hope, hello old friend ...

Look okay going forward, not loving the shape when they turn over possession though.

Wolves have dropped Doherty and Jimenez to the bench away to Burnley, think Burnley will see that one as a must one based on their run in.

I'm a fan of JWP but can understand that Barkley is a more proven entity in an England shirt and offers more physicality. JWP has added more to his game under Ralph and is progressing well. Hopefully he get's a chance on Monday and does himself justice. Always find it weird when some on here seem so determined to run down our own players. Most reasonable observers surely agree he has good technical ability and is tactically adept even if they don't rate him as highly as others.