sydneysaint17

wasn't clear from your post - apologies though.

If you read the rest of the post you'd realise that's my point.

Seen and heard the words "its a make or break season for him" an awful lot recently. Players this has apparently applied to; Adam Lallana (aged 25)- "poor last year, if he doesn't step up now he never will." Gaston Ramirez (aged 22) - "technically gifted but not consistent enough" Emmaneul Mayuka (aged 22) - "flashes of talent but no end product and not enough game time" Lloyd Isgrove (aged 20)- "One year contract, if he doesn't produce, he's off." Jack Stephens (aged 19) - "Hasnt broken the first team yet, if he cant this season then he's not good enough" Paulo Gazzaniga (aged 20) - "Was rubbish last season, League 2 standard, why did we bother buying him?" Jack Cork and James Ward Prowse (aged 24 and 18)- "Not enough goals/assists, with Wanyama and Schneiderlin around, if he cant start contributing then sell" Victor Wanyama (aged 22)- "Looked good in the SPL, but my gran could look good there so if he doesn't play well, get rid." Not the only players I have heard this said about but thought that these were the most salient examples. I don't necessarily disagree with some of the comments/criticism, but a lot of posters seem very quick to write young players off after a bad game or indifferent season. However, these same posters are also the ones praising the clubs policy of buying younger players and giving academy players a chance in the first team. Bale at Tottenham for example, was written off by most fans and was nearly sold for in 2008 for next to nothing. Closer to home, Jay Rod was heavily criticised after his first few months at the club for lack of consistency/contribution, and is arguably now one of best players. It clearly doesn't work both ways, younger players will make mistakes, take longer to adapt to a new club and are, in general, less consistent. So my question is, should we continue with our current policy of buying younger players and accept the inconsistencies or can you really not win anything with kids? Thoughts please!

source?

Okay cheers, Ill check the site

http://www.skybet.com/football/transfer-specials/event/15457864 Sky now offering odds on Banega.

Okay thanks! Do you have any footie courses going on anytime soon?

like the site, cheers for the link! What ages is it for?

no idea who this could be. Not going to be Banega, Osvaldo or Damiao so sounds like it could be someone completely random. Maybe the next preseason uncovered will reveal a face!

Was very very close to getting "Gaston" on the back of a shirt yesterday. Decision to wait until September looks wise!

SkyBet must be fairly confident that he's on his way otherwise they'd just offer me 1/5 or something like they were with Wanyama.

Just had a similar chat with a nice lady from SkyBet who said that they couldnt give me a price as Saints are the only club in for him. I also asked for odds on Ever Banega to remain at Valencia before September 1st - she said they wouldnt be offering odds on the market at all. When I asked why, she just said "it is a business decision."

Currently seem to be linked to quite a few players, but according to the normal sources, nothing seems to be imminent. Still around 6 weeks left of the transfer window, but only a month until the season starts. Do people think our next signing come whilst the players are still away on preseason or after?

Got a feeling there's something in the Immobile rumour - very good player.

Joel ward linked on twitter. Seems quite loose... 'A friend of a friend'

Trojans Cricket Club are very good. Big junior section and very well organized. Running a summer cricket camp this year as well I believe

4/1 on betvictor

get your wallet out then Cortese

Probably Jamie Redknapp

very poor tonight for Uruguay. Sloppy on the ball, wasteful when in good positions and didn't at any point look like exploiting a very very weak defence. I'm normally a big fan, but looked like he'd struggle to make even the Tahiti team...

Shared what I was told - don't know anything else about it. Don't quite understand the level of hostility, probably worth remembering that this is a thread which posters are likely to want to share and discuss rumours/snippets they've been told.

If my source is correct, there will be a signing in the next 2 days and before you ask, no, can't say who it is

Budget will be flexible on whether the right players become available. After the clubs recent ambitious statements and Corteses showdown with the Liebherrs, I find it hard to believe we will be looking to spend just £20m more this summer. Certain circumstances, positive (bargains) or negatives (unable to attract higher quality players) might dictate otherwise, but given that I'd expect us bring in 2/3 high quality attacking players, a holding midfielder and a utility full back, I can see us spending quite a bit this summer.

Banega for the reported £7.5m would be an unbelievably good piece of business by the Don. With him, a versatile full back, a pacy winger and another decent forward, I can see the squad quality/depth taking us to a top 10 finish comfortably.