Harry_SFC

McCarthy is a huge problem, not only because he doesn't make saves but because he can't really play football. Bazunu doesn't make saves either but at least his distribution is very good.

Based on what I saw tonight and on who I think will still be here come next Friday, this is the line up I'd go for. Bazunu, KWP/Tino, Bednarek, Stephens, Manning, Smallbone, JWP, Alcaraz, SAA, Tella, A.Armstrong.

Bednarek and Stephens are two of the worst CBs I can think of in terms of being able to play in a high line. Both seem ok when defending deep, but stick them in a high line and you're asking for trouble.

I think he's talking about the first goal in the first half where Bednarek gave the ball away.

Agreed. Bazunu had a nightmare with the second but the first wasn't down to him at all, just sloppiness from Bednarek.

Would obviously prefer to keep Tino but if he wants to leave and we get a decent offer then I won't be massively fussed about losing him. He's suffered two very bad injuries in the last 15 months and there's no guarantee he'll come back the same player. Plus we've got 2 other right backs who are more than capable in this league.

I've corrected it for you.

I agree with this, not just on the captain front but on the playing side. I would love an 8 who drives the team forward with the ball, I've never seen that from JWP.

He's out of contract at the end of the season, so they might have to unless they don't mind losing him on a free.

As others have mentioned, the two glaring weaknesses are at CB and CF. We need a proper ball playing CB to partner Bednarek and a striker who actually looks like a threat. If we sign those players plus someone to replace JWP when he goes then I'll be a lot more confident.

Sulemena is there now. Still no sign of S.Armstrong though.

The standout memory from Diallo's time here was when he came on for Lavia at Arsenal last season with 5 minutes to go. He got booked and we let in 2 goals in 3 minutes.

I know we don't need to the money but it allows us to strengthen in the areas required without the need to dip into extra funds. Surely that's a bonus considering the amount we've just lost because we got relegated...

Looking pretty likely he's gonna end up at Liverpool then. Tbh I don't care who he goes to as long as we get a decent transfer fee. £40-£50 million is 3-4 new signings at this level.

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.