UpweySaint

Agreed on Clasie. Shows flashes with his ability to pick out the occasional top class ball but so rarely does he dictate play or the tempo of a match. Hate to say it but was enviously looking at Leroy Fer last night when he took the ball and drove forward with purpose from CM. I don't think Bertrand is the best solution, largely for the reasons you say, but I would not be against us using him at CB should it be required. I hope Gardos and Stephens can fill the void but have little faith in Gardos and feel that Stephens is going to be under a heavy burden for such a young lad. Targett does lack the pace of a Shaw, Bertrand or even McQueen and is unlikely to play the same sort of role of quickly overlapping and directly running at oppo full backs but the lad can cross, reads the game fairly well and can tackle. Understand you say right now he is not the answer (his injury obviously means as much either way!) but we may well find ourselves looking at the 'least worst' options should we have another injury at the back etc.

Wing backs don't necessarily mean defensive but agree it could be perceived that way though was picturing Bertrand as a makeshift CB in a back four. Respect your opinion on Targett. Though I think he is still developing I think he is decent enough now (especially when you consider it as a back up plan) and both he and McQueen could develop into good players for the first team. We did seem to accomodate Bertrand and McQueen in the same side last night when we switched to something akin to a 4-2-3-1 with McQueen as a wide player in the 3.

Equally gutted about the lack of CB but I suppose we could always see Bertrand cover and McQueen or Targett (when is he due back?) in at left back where we at least have decent options. Or, as somebody mentioned elsewhere, let's hope Jones is ready if called upon. He is young and inexperienced for a CB but often the best do start young. Whatever happens Reed has ballsed up. My other half suggested that maybe LR is a fan of these 'alternative facts' when it comes to replacing Fonte.

How about the kitman? Tea lady? Nope, sod it. Everyone out of good ship Southampton!

The high lofted kind that our big centre forward will challenge for all day ...

I'm not quite ready to join the Puel out crowd yet. We have played an absurd amount of games which no doubt has had an impact, we are having a mini injury crisis and the recruitment has been below par of late but jesus wept we are frustrating to watch at times this season! The Tadic/Cedric link up down the right looks decent but we lack anybody to hit in the box from our crosses while nobody in the midfield three drives beyond, or at least gets up with, Long. Playing keep ball is fine in itself but without direct movement to take advantage of the gaps when they are found it is rather sodding redundant. Oh well, cup final, new Italian, Boufal back and a second half that cannot be much worse!

We as a club produce good players, don't see any reason not to be proud of that. God knows how each of the players feel, imagine some are proud, McQueen comes to mind ... either way it's not really relevant. Some people are determined to be negative about everything and anything on here!

Probably in a minority. Our club doesn't have a cabinet full of trophies to be proud of but a lot of us are dead proud of our academy and those that come out of it both as players and people.

Pure bullsh*t thing to say by Reed, we all knew it, but it's an opinion I suppose ... Back to topic, none of us actually know what is going in with Fonte and/or Les. The only facts appear to be a transfer request has been submitted and Jose may leave in the window after serving the club well. Like it or not or strength has, largely, came from being able to replace and recruit well (some may point to examples where replacements have not been to scratch but, speaking generally we tend to do better than most at this). Thank you Jose. Who is next?

In. Rather disillusioned like many for similar reasons; style of football, hapoel game, lack of obvious passion (yes not all managers need to be raving loonies but a bit more oomph might be nice), comparisons with last season etc. Don't get me wrong if we were perilously close to relegation it might be prudent to gamble but replacing him would be a gamble. For every great escape there is a dramatic collapse. As long as we don't find ourselves in a relegation dog fight I am in favour of giving Puel time to get his own players in and settle his style of play (two seasons seems a fair chunk to judge - if we can afford the luxury of time). He may need time to adapt to the league and the players to his ideas - we all know our schedule has made this difficult. He does have a reputation for developing young talent which is massively important for us as a club and, for most, a genuine point of pride. As mentioned by others his only real signings were Pied (unlucky to be crocked so soon but we shall see ...) and Boufal (who looks like he may have some real magic).

Some of Theo's early games were a highlight for me. He would get on the ball and there would be a genuine sense of anticipation as he ran with electric pace, such a shame he has not become quite the player his early promise hinted at.

Points for the father Ted reference!

They are forwards. We play with three forwards rather than out and out strikers. It is quite common in world football right now and can work well.

Ha!

There is different opinions about how we play and what we do as a club which, of course, are to be respected. On the other hand there are some who find every negative they can and trot out 'we shouldn't ever sell anyone' at any opportunity. There are some people on this forum whose sole purpose is to act like bellends. Had not included you in my, admittedly a tad childish, dig. I don't agree with your view that we were crying out for a striker but can understand why you would feel that way. I hope Long and Rodriguez are both a goal away from finding their form. Often all it takes. Shame Jay's legitimate goal last night was chalked off.

Some real f**king bellends on here. We just went to the san siro and outplayed inter milan. We had a legitimate goal chalked off and watched a keeper pull a few worldies out of his locker. Yes disappointing not to win and we could be a little more clinical but Jesus wept some some of the trolling on here. We may still go through into the knock out rounds of European competition. Let that sink in, 6 years ago stadium MK, now here. Get a grip.

Tell her to enjoy herself and wave away, worry about the consequences later, Inter away may be once in a life time

http://eachgoal.com/2016/10/blackburn-rovers-vs-nottingham-forest-2-1-highlights/ Both goals here. Have to say I was unsure if Sam would fulfil his potential after a tricky time but a good season for Rovers is a very good step.

I'm a bit mixed on Clasie but his £8 million price tag actually seems quite cheap in context. When you have Jeff Hendrick (sp?), Ryan Mason, Shelvey going for more it shows we continue to find value through our continental recruitment.

Was linked with a few 'bigger' clubs but has had some bad luck with injury, still early days though so may kick on this season. Personally would love to see a few from the academy force themselves into the first team picture by the end of the season.

Understand the obvious concerns but maybe having to fight it out for a team like Wycombe with a small squad, young manager and challenging season may actually have a positive effect both on his on the field ability and resilience. If you can deal with the pressure of putting in a shocker of a performance for a struggling club where relegation has an immediate impact on the livelihoods of many around the club then still have it in you to go out the next week and still try and play the right way then that would show the sort of character needed to forge a decent career.

That was a peach, did think bloody hell we might have something here ... alas all we had was a prize A d**khead!

I would suggest perhaps we have not seen enough of him to really judge though I do share your concerns. Hopefully he can adapt his game because he has some qualities we need.

That would be a good idea, not sure how much WBA could really ask for him with 6 months left on his deal though imagine we would not be along and having an interest - particularly if he starts scoring again.

Could see him playing well in the diamond and would love to sign him up. With our reputation for developing players, the supposed Puel/Wenger links and the extra European games this season we might be a good fit despite him being a rather un-saint-like signing.