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January Transfer Window - 2020 Edition


SuperSAINT

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If that is the case with the club and the new owner has no money and no money to invest, then the club simply need to stop professing otherwise and lying to the press in every single transfer window (they have lied from the outset of the new chairmanship and the lies have grown bigger) as to their intentions. That’s the crux of the issue and the source of frustration to many, it’s as simple as that.

 

Whether the club PR or divisive social media spin is operated by the club, Jordan Sibley, by Gao’s media underlings or by a separate entity, the source is largely irrelevant as it speaks from the club to the fans. Like you, I’m bored of this and it’s been done to death.

 

The fans deserve honesty and respect and it’s up to the club to build an honest and trustworthy dialogue with the fanbase and community rather than prevaricate and treat them like idiots, purely to generate gate receipts. That’s not a lot to ask is it? If some of us fans expect - or hope (not demand) - for a signing or 2 to improve the team during a transfer window, that’s perfectly understandable.

 

Agree totally but they are not going to admit that and trot out the self sufficiency line which hasn’t changed since Marcus just our recruitment has been f******* terrible to put it mildly.

I had hoped for a left back Bertrand was terrible yesterday and has no pressure for his place to up his game. He looks tired along with Ings and Armstrong

 

 

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Agree totally but they are not going to admit that and trot out the self sufficiency line which hasn’t changed since Marcus just our recruitment has been f******* terrible to put it mildly.

I had hoped for a left back Bertrand was terrible yesterday and has no pressure for his place to up his game. He looks tired along with Ings and Armstrong

 

 

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To be fair, you can’t blame them for looking tired. They’ve played almost every league game (other than possibly Armstrong, sure someone will correct me if wrong) since Nov. So many games in Dec. Without meaning to sound like a stuck record, once again, that highlights our lack of depth. Ralph has no choice because he doesn’t have any suitable back up and that is with a strong medical and physio team. We really are riding our luck. Pongracic looked decent and affordable. We missed him. Maehle seems to have slipped off the radar despite being known also by Ralph and affordable. Arguably, we can use Danso as CB back up If injury or suspension happens. Then sign or loan a utility full back if money is so hard to get signed off. Surely justification enough.

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Chilwell out of the squad for Burnley v Leicester. Could he be going to Chelsea and Bertrand off to Leicester? Generally, clubs tend to drop players when there is a transfer involved (he could well be injured, I don’t know) very much unlike the Quincy Promes façade. I couldn’t miss that chance to make a point. :lol::lol:

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No argument but clearly we don’t have much to spend but full backs don’t cost much Celtic and Palace looking at one for 2m .

Why are we taking way under our allocation for away? Why are we giving Spurs 500 tickets more?

To me it seems we don’t have a pot to pee in.

I just don’t get Gao at all why he bought us and sticks with it if not going to play with his toy.

 

Where is Kat our 20% stakeholder?

 

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Edited by Give it to Ron
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Chilwell out of the squad for Burnley v Leicester. Could he be going to Chelsea and Bertrand off to Leicester? Generally, clubs tend to drop players when there is a transfer involved (he could well be injured, I don’t know) very much unlike the Quincy Promes façade. I couldn’t miss that chance to make a point. :lol::lol:

 

Probably dropped because he was useless last Saturday.

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Apologies if mentioned elsewhere, but fair few rumours flying about that Romeu is off to Celta and is nearly done. Seems a strange one in that we don’t seem to have much in midfield if he goes? Would be a shame, always liked him.

 

Well if it is true and I hope it's not then surely we will be bringing a new CM. Otherwise we are going to be extremely light in this area after Prowsey and Pierre.

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If he goes, I suspect the club think that Smallbone is very close to his level, and with big potential

 

Completely different players, Smallbone is an attacking mid, with virtually no first team experience. Selling Romeu would be ridiculous.

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The closest player we had to Romeu's style was Harrison Reed (?) but can't see anyone currently in the U23s that could fill Romeu's boots. Would certainly be a head scratcher if Romeu goes without being replaced or having no obvious successor coming through the ranks

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I think the club would consider it a successful window if it shifted some deadwood rather than recruitment.

 

If we sell anyone from the regular match day 14/15 and don’t replace them, I hope we go down as we’d deserve it.

 

Romeu is poor but if he went and we didn’t replace them we’d be outrageously short in 3 or 4 positions.

 

I still think a CB is top priority. Not convinced on Bednerak or Stephens, despite their good form.

 

However, in typical saints fashion, we’ll get no one or some youngster on loan as cover.

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If we sell anyone from the regular match day 14/15 and don’t replace them, I hope we go down as we’d deserve it.

 

Romeu is poor but if he went and we didn’t replace them we’d be outrageously short in 3 or 4 positions.

 

I still think a CB is top priority. Not convinced on Bednerak or Stephens, despite their good form.

 

However, in typical saints fashion, we’ll get no one or some youngster on loan as cover.

 

FFS, Romeu is not a poor player! As others have noted, he was clearly our best player for the first part of this season. While he's not lightning quick, nor are the likes of PEH/JWP. We got a glimpse on Saturday (2nd half) of how fragile our two man midfield is, once the press falls off due to fatigue and against the power and pace of sides like Wolves - which in turn heaped pressure on the CBs. Romeu is also more than capable of picking a pass - and linking with attacking players. He has, or should have, a very important role in getting the Club across the line of safety.

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The closest player we had to Romeu's style was Harrison Reed (?) but can't see anyone currently in the U23s that could fill Romeu's boots. Would certainly be a head scratcher if Romeu goes without being replaced or having no obvious successor coming through the ranks

 

If Romeu goes, it will be a shame as he’s been a very good midfielder and a loyal servant to us. That fact shouldn’t be overlooked or forgotten.

 

If we get the purported 10 million from Celta Vigo, I think it is actually good business considering what we paid for Oriol and how long he’s been with us. His pace and legs have gone a little and whilst he’s often been the best player on the pitch, I don’t think he’s suited (at his age and mobility) to Ralph’s style of pressing, pace and high energy pushing the opposition. Romeu has often dominated and held our midfield, single handed, so people should not diminish that fact.

 

I also really liked and was impressed by Harrison Reed a couple of years back so I find it odd and a little frustrating he’s never had his chance yet Ralph persisted with players like Gallagher who clearly lacked the quality. Reed was a hard working, little dynamo of a player (reminded me of Alan Ball despite being before my time) whom I thought would suit Ralph’s profile of player down to the ground. Smallbone is a really good prospect whom I expect big things of so earn your money coaching staff. Ramello Mitchell is an interesting one, on a 2 year contract.

 

I don’t think we will be able to replace Romeu mid season. Who would want to sell a key, holding midfield mid season? We will have to wait for that I feel. I don’t fully agree with it but kind of understand it as can’t see us recruiting such a key, specialist position mid season (much like CB). As long as we have substantial funds for a big rebuild and appoint Walsh or this player trading chap as we will practically need a squad’s worth of players next summer with Long & Yoshida out of contract too. This time we need to recruit substantially and efficiently. No more wasters. I hope the club are already on the case with this as Crocker will have a mammoth task and baptism of fire to prepare for the new season. Whichever league the club prepare for.

 

Buenos suerte Oriol.

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I’m having issues copying the full article, but a piece in The Athletic this morning stating Crocker will start on 1st Feb to oversee the youth academy, sports medicine and science departments. We’re still on the hunt for a head of recruitment but not expecting an appointment before the end of the season....

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I’m having issues copying the full article, but a piece in The Athletic this morning stating Crocker will start on 1st Feb to oversee the youth academy, sports medicine and science departments. We’re still on the hunt for a head of recruitment but not expecting an appointment before the end of the season....

 

I believe it’s because preferred candidate is in employment already.

Glover is handling anything in January window.

Crocker appointment is exactly what’s needed and where it’s wrong in academy, hopefully new guy will sort out the shambles of recruitment.

 

 

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In todays presser RH basically said unless we have an option to sign a player permanently posy loan, then there is no point loaning til the end of the season.

 

I would tend to agree.

 

He said we are still looking for the right package.

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It must be so frustrating for Ralph. He said on a couple of times we 'MUST' do something, and now he's having to wind that back and tone down a little as the club are once again failing him.

 

We will get to the summer with the same holes we have now, but with even more holes to try and fill as other players leave.

 

Is it a case of just wait until the summer and do an entire rebuild? If that would happen, I'd probably be content, but we all know it won't and we'll be left even more short than we are now.

 

Gao has really taken us to another level.

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It must be so frustrating for Ralph. He said on a couple of times we 'MUST' do something, and now he's having to wind that back and tone down a little as the club are once again failing him.

 

We will get to the summer with the same holes we have now, but with even more holes to try and fill as other players leave.

 

Is it a case of just wait until the summer and do an entire rebuild? If that would happen, I'd probably be content, but we all know it won't and we'll be left even more short than we are now.

 

Gao has really taken us to another level.

 

Absolutely.

Classic case in point was when Ralph said in that latest fans forum "Jake Vokins is not up to Premier League standard yet" only for that to be revised four days later by saying "hes improved better than we hoped" or words to that effect.

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Don't worry, we'll only get 1 of each full back at most, possibly just one player to cover both positions so Val and Vo can be first choice.

 

I expect we'll also promote Klarer or Jones to 4th choice CB as well, so more money saved!

 

We'll probably end up signing a 19 y/o goalie and another wide player/striker instead of a CM, too.

 

We have to work hard to challenge for the net spend trophy, after all.

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It must be so frustrating for Ralph. He said on a couple of times we 'MUST' do something, and now he's having to wind that back and tone down a little as the club are once again failing him.

 

We will get to the summer with the same holes we have now, but with even more holes to try and fill as other players leave.

 

Is it a case of just wait until the summer and do an entire rebuild? If that would happen, I'd probably be content, but we all know it won't and we'll be left even more short than we are now.

 

Gao has really taken us to another level.

 

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/18172850.southampton-boss-ralph-hasenhuttl-happy-squad/?action=success#comments-feedback-anchor

 

Genius leadership!! The Gao system of mindless, fan insulting, media spin. Don't shoot the messenger...

 

I worry with the utter complacency and incompetency of this owner since they take Ralph's patience for granted and they are pushing and embarrassing him continually to the world's press...everyone has a breaking point to which they will be let down no more. Let's hope we don't find out Ralph's breaking point.

 

I used to have a small sense of optimism and I was guilty of this mindset despite my criticism but this "next window", "next window" thing has become an absolute farce now. I really don't believe we will do anything with this asset stripping joker at the helm (helm being the operative word!!) :rolleyes:

 

Talk about exploiting goodwill and fragrantly taking the p*ss!! We lost Saturday due to a lack of depth and no defensive ability in defence (not the pace to contain the hungry Wolves)

 

Utterly mind boggling way to run a PL club, if you read into the pretext. Just sign a full back at least to give Bertrand or JWP a rest as players are being overplayed and there is no option for rotation.

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https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/18172850.southampton-boss-ralph-hasenhuttl-happy-squad/?action=success#comments-feedback-anchor

 

Genius leadership!! The Gao system of mindless, fan insulting, media spin. Don't shoot the messenger...

 

I worry with the utter complacency and incompetency of this owner since they take Ralph's patience for granted and they are pushing and embarrassing him continually to the world's press...everyone has a breaking point to which they will be let down no more. Let's hope we don't find out Ralph's breaking point.

 

I used to have a small sense of optimism and I was guilty of this mindset despite my criticism but this "next window", "next window" thing has become an absolute farce now. I really don't believe we will do anything with this asset stripping joker at the helm (helm being the operative word!!) :rolleyes:

 

Talk about exploiting goodwill and fragrantly taking the p*ss!! We lost Saturday due to a lack of depth and no defensive ability in defence (not the pace to contain the hungry Wolves)

 

Utterly mind boggling way to run a PL club, if you read into the pretext. Just sign a full back at least to give Bertrand or JWP a rest as players are being overplayed and there is no option for rotation.

 

I meant no adequate defensive players with mobility on the bench

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I think we probably have the worst owner in the Premier League at the moment.

 

Can't argue with that (I also realise JWP isn't a full back which is misleading in my sentence. Badly worded)

 

Surely people can't defend Gao anymore? The man must go. Not overreacting but this is suicide if you consider things. We are riding our luck already. Safeguard yourselves FFS. It only takes a relatively small gesture to galvanise our status. It isn't too late. We have just over a week. Sort it out Saints....please :mcinnes:

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Ralph wanted up to five signings last summer. He got two (and the pointless Danso) and according to the likes of Adam Leitch was disappointed by our lack of activity. Can’t see this summer being any different until we rid ourselves of all the deadwood under contract.

 

(Cue MLG or somebody else on spectrum informing us that Ings was technically signed last summer).

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So then we have articles talking about how we will be signing multiple players in January, then Ralph saying the backup players aren't good enough and a matter of days later doing a complete 180. It looks like we will be signing no one yet again, failing to improve the team over yet another transfer window and making the rebuild job in the summer even more difficult (where no doubt we will do a half a*sed job assuming we stay up, going into yet another season with glaring weaknesses and pirating we don't get a long term injury.) I enjoy watching saints but it's very disheartening to have pretty much the least ambition in the league and its going to result in relegation sooner rather than later.

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Ralph wanted up to five signings last summer. He got two (and the pointless Danso) and according to the likes of Adam Leitch was disappointed by our lack of business. Can’t see this summer being any different until we rid ourselves of all the deadwood under contract.
Absolutely. We didn't even do an adequate job getting players in last summer, before you even get to this window. I though last year was going to be a big rebuild and we got hardly anyone in.
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I don't have a major issue with Gao not loaning the club money. I never thought he's come in and gift us a wedge of money and who wants a club saddled with debt? Being self sufficient won't change us into the next Chelsea, City or Wolves. But if, and its a huge if, we spend the £150m TV money we get every year more wisely in future, there is no reason we can't be successful. We have simply got to buy players that go straight into the starting eleven and improve it. Adams, Djenepo and Danso haven't done that and lets not bother looking further back as we all know what lies there.

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Whilst I would love an owner who was going to plough a fortune into the club allowing us to buy big-money signings like West Ham [emoji849] or Everton [emoji849], it wasn't really Gao that wasted all the money that we got from Liverpool etc, on dodgy signings was it? It seems to me that all people want to do is find scapegoats. We are not a "big" club. Unless some billionaire Sheikh wants us as a plaything, we have to be reasonably self sustaining. If the same money that has been wasted on bad players had been invested in good players, would the moans about Gao be the same?

 

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Whilst I would love an owner who was going to plough a fortune into the club allowing us to buy big-money signings like West Ham [emoji849] or Everton [emoji849], it wasn't really Gao that wasted all the money that we got from Liverpool etc, on dodgy signings was it? It seems to me that all people want to do is find scapegoats. We are not a "big" club. Unless some billionaire Sheikh wants us as a plaything, we have to be reasonably self sustaining. If the same money that has been wasted on bad players had been invested in good players, would the moans about Gao be the same?

 

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I was thinking about this earlier, how many clubs actually have owners putting investment in? I am not really sure.

 

Clearly we don't, to my knowledge then Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Arsenal, Spurs, Watford, Burnley, Norwich don't. All those clubs seem to be running sustainably/off PL earnings essentially.

 

I am not really sure on teams like Brighton, Wolves, and Sheff Utd. Wolves have the link with the agent so it's interesting how much money the owner is putting in. I know Brighton got money from their owner for their stadium and stuff but whether he puts money in for signings it doesn't look like it and I think Sheff Utd don't either and have an ownership dispute.

 

Villa might, but then I wonder whether their spending is basically leveraged loans from the PL money in the future.

 

Very clearly City, Everton and West Ham seem to, the hammers to a lesser extent than the first two.

 

Man Utd don't but are such a financial behemoth they have lots of money to spend anyway, (Arsenal probably similar here but don't spend) and similar for Liverpool but their spending has also been sustained in part by two huge sales in the 5 yeas or so in Suarez and Coutinho which is probably approaching £200 million from just two players sold right there.

 

Chelsea used to but Abramovich has cut back.

 

And Leicester maybe but not so much in recent times, and they have added added revenue from the league win, champions league football and selling Mahrez and Maguire.

 

So really our owner doesn't seem do very much different to half the premier league to be honest.

 

I mean really in recent seasons the likes of Wolves and Leicester for example have not really spent anymore than we have, or at least not massively and have not bought players we couldn't have.

 

Let's be honest we could have bought players like Maddison, Ndidi, Syoncu, Maguire, Troare (he was right in our £15-18 million signing range), Robertson that Liverpool picked up for just £10 million, Mahrez who Leicester got for next to nothing, etc.

 

We just didn't identify those players, we used to like 4-5 years ago, hence Mane, Tadic, Van Dijk, Pelle etc. we just haven't recently and that is the real problem not really the owner.

 

IIRC we spent over £50 million this year, £50 million the year before, and over £50 million the year before that, most seasons spending about £15-20 million on each player.

 

But the cold hard issue here is that in the last 3 seasons the only signings that have established themselves as first team regulars are Ings and Bednerak, and Bednerak cost just £5 million. Every other signing (and yes it's early for Djenepo/Adams and Armstrong is making a case) has not established themselves.

 

The first team is essentially the same team it was about 3 years ago, McCarthy, Bertrand, Cedric, Yoshida, Redmond, Ward-Prowse, Hojberg, Romeu, Long, Stephens etc. have all pretty much been in the match day squad for 3-4 years, barely any signing has made an impact.

 

That is the real problem, it's not that we are not spending, certainly not compared to most clubs around us, its that we are spending it badly, recruitment used to be a our strength and is how we pushed to be best of the rest. Now it is Wolves and Leicesters strengths and they are where we could have been if the recruitment team had kept up its record.

 

Aside maybe abandoning our ~ £15 million price tag (which apparently the club has recognised) it's not about spending £100s of millions because we can't, it's about making core quality upgrades on the first team squad that give good value for me.

 

Recent signings haven't done that and its pretty much a miracle that we have had basically have the same team for 4 years and not got relegated.

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There is no chance that Bournemouth are run sustainably, they've spent a sh1t tonne of money vs their revenue over the last few years. It's no surprise we're are always at the bottom of the expenditure tables. I'm not saying that we should go and splash the cash and go ridiculous, but we're the only club who has to sell to buy, whether thats right or not, is another question, but it's no surprise we're fighting for premier league status every year.

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There is no chance that Bournemouth are run sustainably, they've spent a sh1t tonne of money vs their revenue over the last few years. It's no surprise we're are always at the bottom of the expenditure tables. I'm not saying that we should go and splash the cash and go ridiculous, but we're the only club who has to sell to buy, whether thats right or not, is another question, but it's no surprise we're fighting for premier league status every year.
Are we struggling for survival every year? Finished 8th (?) Under Puel. Koeman and Pochettino hardly struggled. It's the bad recruitment of players and managers over the last 2 or 3 years that have been the problem. It's not about how much money is spent....it's about how wisely it's spent....and that include paying up contracts to sacked managers...

 

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