UpweySaint

Probably in a minority but bloody loved that, amazing to see just how far we have come as a club. I still have memories of seeing us being relegated amongst a pub full of WBA fans and having a sense of dread for the club. Don't get me wrong still very keen to see one or two more quality additions but sometimes it doesn't hurt to take a second and reflect on just how brilliant our journey has been over the last seven years.

We could just do a general pundit predictions thread?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36976438 Not sure if this is a good omen or not ... Lawro has us winning 2-1, 'The Blossoms' (a band) fancy us to get spanked 3-1!

Little bitter about it but it's a good step, hopefully we can look forward to other similar initiatives from teams across the league going forwards.

Is there any actual evidence of this? Think Fonte has earned being given the benefit of the doubt.

I would agree but to be fair we have developed a rep for bringing players on a level and the pre-euros rumours are what made me consider us as a possibility. Not sure he is the signing we are crying out for but could possibly fit into Puel's tactics and would be a good freebie to help give us a bit of squad depth at worst.

Putting two and two together and probably making five but this from gossip pedallers sky ... "Hal Robson-Kanu - It is understood that he's close to signing for an unnamed Premier League club. Negotiations over personal terms are at an advanced stage and it is hoped he will sign before the start of the season. Robson-Kanu was all set for Hull City last month, that deal is definitely OFF." Might fit with us. Attacking signing, close to being wrapped up and 'unnamed club' could well be us as we tend to play cards close to chest.

Cart very much before horse.

In that case very glad not to have deposited funds!

They say they live stream it for accounts with funds ... I tried to knock up an account to watch the game but don't fancy putting funds in simply to watch a friendly - hopefully the weekend game will be available somewhere.

bet365 claim to be streaming it, does anybody who has an account with them want to check that out?

He was no rent-a-quote but Adkins came across with a great deal of class IMHO. Him reciting the man in the glass was rather special.

Sky seem to think it's as good as done. Seems like a deal that makes sense all around.

The question is what we can actually afford under FFP and a desire to be a self sustaining business. Frankly I don't know and I don't believe you do either. You might be right that we are taking the cheap option but I think the board have earned a little patience and faith. Personally I hope we are not quite done and will wrap up a few deals by the end of the window. In my mind a keeper (McCarthy) and a forward with a bit of creativity (like Sisto but that might just be me being a footballing hipster!). Do you think the money made is not being recycled back into the club? Investment in academy, facilities, commercial development, long term contracts, contingency, transfers etc? If you consider the tying down some of our key players as big signings our transfer window looks a little better. Again maybe your view is correct but I think any definitive judgement could, and should, be saved until the window ends.

I think our ambition is to use that to build a platform for future success. Whether we can realistically fulfil that ambition in the current climate of big money swishing around is entirely different. I guess we either hope that our model - which could be considered a source of pride - works or we can draw in a big investor to let us do what some other sides are doing (with varied levels of success). It's clear you're not happy with the current situation but do you believe we have other genuine alternatives?

August 6th, unveiling at Bilbao friendly the following day.

Probably drivel but a friend said we had been linked to Moussa Konate. No idea where he came across the rumour and can't find it myself but ... Senegal int. striker, can play up top or wide left/right, decent enough goal record and one year left on his contract so he may not be big bucks. Also happens to have same agent as our new manager.

Thanks

Anyone know when, and at what price, this is likely to go to general sale? Can't imagine it will get anywhere near selling out.

Have to say I am a little envious, would have been happy to see us in for Ibe and Cook (6mil for young, english talent is a relative snip!) but wont throw the toys out of the pram until we start making our own moves and will try and remember the Stoke/Palace/Villa talk from this time last year.

Plan, growth, reality of football etc etc ... sure in time I can rationally make peace with this deal but sometimes it is tricky being a saints fan. Loved watching Mane play too, as others have said lad had real x factor about him that so few do. Yes we are punching above our weight and can't complain but losing a core of a side every season is bloody depressing. Off on holiday for a week - hopefully by the time I come back we will have Puel in and the black box magic will have whirred into motion once more.

Don't see it happening but would be pretty happy with that.

Reductio ad absurdum .... Yes we are committed to developing young players but that does not mean an entire team coming through the academy. We all know a replacement for Victor will likely have to be found outside the club.

Believe some of the stuff doing the rounds the new owners have only taken the club to allow them to develop the land around the stadium - http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2016/5/31/11820830/reading-fc-royal-elm-park-enabling-development-mk-dons - and therefore it would not be surprising to see them be willing to sell/let players leave.

Say it is many times as you like but it does not mean people will agree.