Harry_SFC

What a stupid comment about age. I've seen plenty of people young and old who would be happy to see Fonte return. I have no problem with people thinking he may be over the hill. That's their opinion. However his stats and performances over the last few years suggest otherwise. If he's on sensible wages and can contribute on and off the pitch, it's a no brainer for me.

This really. The Russell Martin clips look positive..because they are. Saints thought the Nathan Jones ones were but in fact I thought I was back at school watching an over-enthusiastic PE teacher.

Loves a through ball

I believe Perraud fractured his ankle.

The reports have clearly come from Newcastle's end. They are in talks with the players agent but they haven't made a bid yet. They are considering a £12 million bid yet we value him at £30 million. This is nowhere near done.

Would be surprised if S.Armstrong is still here given he only has a year left. Unless he just leaves on a free next summer. Surely we need to start making moves for players given pre season training is starting this week and there's a little over 5 weeks until the start of the season. We know Martin's teams generally start slowly, but this could be an incredibly slow start if he has this sort of team available on the first day.

I think Stephens would be decent back up next season but he just isn't good enough to be playing week in, week out. As Fabrice said, he lacks concentration, is slow and is actually quite poor in the air for CB. He's got a year left on his contract, so he either signs a new one (can't see it happening) or we sell now.

Despite not being a huge fan I do think it's better than last season's home shirt so at least that's something.

Think I'll stick to buying one of the away kits this year...

I'd be pretty happy with these. Would be a bit bemused if they went with a red sponsor though.

Yes it's crap but why would that stop us discussing a new kit?

They did score some pretty good goals last season and in possession were one of the best teams in the league. One area I am slightly concerned with is set pieces. Swansea were shocking at defending them last season and we've been really poor over the last few years. Not sure if that's due to their tactics or their players just being poor in the air. Our fans would be discontent if we weren't top of the league after the opening game. To be fair though, with the rumoured investment etc then I would be disappointed if we weren't in the top 6 come October/November but I think it's important that first of all we see the team playing with a proper identity again.

Actually what his records show to me is that it can take a bit of time for his style of play to be implemented - relatively poor first seasons but got MK Dons and Swansea playing some really nice stuff in the end. I'm sure we will have better players than both MK Dons and Swansea so fingers crossed it won't take as long for our lads to learn the tactics.

Maybe MK Dons should be careful what they wish for 🙄

I read somewhere that the PL AGM is happening some point next week. Maybe they will update it then.

Unless he has a release clause, how much do you feel he's worth? Given he's proved that he can assist and score at Premier League level, surely his value has doubled?

Whilst I agree with the general point, I think you've overpriced a lot of those players.

JWP certainly deserves a send off tomorrow. He's been an outstanding professional for us and would probably start for a lower half prem team next season. I think he is a decent player but no more than that. Unfortuntely he hasn't been the leader we needed this season and it's best that he moves on.

I'm hoping we will get rid of a large number of the current losers and it'll be a bit of a fresh start. We'll just have to wait and see I guess.

Well considering Martin hasn't managed us yet, how do you know he won't get results? I'll answer that for you - you don't.

McCarthy is one of the worst keepers I've ever seen.

I'm glad we are moving towards a more possession based style. Had enough of all the focus being on our ability off the ball.

I guess it depends how much of a risk Dragan wants to take..

Exactly. It's not just as simplistic as this is a style and that's that though. You need confidence, ability on and off the ball to make space, tactical awareness, vision. Most importantly you need to be coached correctly. Looking at that, I'd say last season we struggled in every department. There was no confidence to move the ball forward, lack of vision to see the right passes, a lack of decent movement off the ball. A lot of that is down to the quality of coaching. Hopefully with a better manager, some lower quality opposition and some fresh faces, it won't be as bad as some of you think.