TijuanaTim Posted 1 August, 2009 Share Posted 1 August, 2009 So excuse me, however...I have been in and around a load of teams 'transitioning' and therefore I would be astounded if we achieve anything higher than about 16th. It's not gonna be a 'long season' - it's gonna be a very long season. Sincerely hope I'm wrong :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oxfordshire_saint Posted 1 August, 2009 Share Posted 1 August, 2009 Consolidation is probably the true aim, no matter what noises AP makes. Hopefully we can get the deadwood out and some useful players in by the end of the transfer window, unless things speed up rapidly it won't happen before Millwall. I still think we're a lot better than the worst this division has to offer, but at the same time we seem to be way behind the likes of Norwich when it comes to having a decent squad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNSUN Posted 1 August, 2009 Share Posted 1 August, 2009 I'm glad I just have a team to support this season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deppo Posted 1 August, 2009 Share Posted 1 August, 2009 I'm just glad to be on this thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 1 August, 2009 Share Posted 1 August, 2009 How did you feel after the Hearts game? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNSUN Posted 1 August, 2009 Share Posted 1 August, 2009 I'm just glad to be on this thread. I'm just glad to be alive. God punishes dickheads, and I've made it to 28 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unionhotel Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 I'm fed up with all this negativity. We've got a lot to look forward to. If you can't get behind the team in a positive way keep off the forum and pleasedon't tell me that you have the right to air such views because, in my mind, you're the most dangerous type of quisling "supporters". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rattlehead Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 Good point unionhotel, we have to keep the players motivated by t'internet. At this rate we will be down by October. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintdownunder Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 I'm fed up with all this negativity. We've got a lot to look forward to. If you can't get behind the team in a positive way keep off the forum and pleasedon't tell me that you have the right to air such views because, in my mind, you're the most dangerous type of quisling "supporters". +1 The season hasn`t even started and the doom merchants are at it on here predicting misery Why not wait and see what areas we need to strengthen and go from there, i don`t see the need to rush out and buy players for the sake of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skintsaint Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 Dont take too much into pre-season results. Im glad we played a higher team away as it exposes our weaknesses and AP has seen that and will correct it. Expect a few signings this week, especially a centreback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arizona Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 +1 The season hasn`t even started and the doom merchants are at it on here predicting misery Why not wait and see what areas we need to strengthen and go from there, i don`t see the need to rush out and buy players for the sake of it. One heck of a naive statement IMO. Firstly, we don't need to wait until 10 games into the season to see where we are weak. We've had a handful of preseason games and it's pretty obvious we need AT LEAST another CB or 2, a couple of midfielders and a striker. Secondly, "signing players for the sake of it," what does that even mean? :-s. There aren't people on this site going "aaagh, sh*t, lets sign 15 left backs" We need to sign quite a few players to have a decent squad. We're not just doing it out of boredom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintdownunder Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 All i`m saying is instead of chasing stop gaps for a short fix, look at the bigger picture and build a solid squad for the future. AP and this staff only have till the end of the month before the window close`s to get much needed players in so the clock is ticking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panda Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 What is it with this 'let's sign a load of new players quick'? There was a good thread on here last week showing what changes other teams have made. Sure, Norwich have brought in five new faces but they have let a good number go and did you recognise any of the names they have signed? They have cut their cloth to suit the position they are in - expensive players out, a few 'prospects' in. Just because they have signed five players does not mean they are stronger and does not mean they will automatically walk the league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red&white56 Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 In 6 days time we'll start playing Lge 1 football then we'll see how this squad of players performas relative to others in this league -I'll reserve my judgements until then but I respect the right of folks to be nervous and anxious about the prospects as well as excited and confident. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gingeletiss Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 Ferk me.......another wrist slitting thread started, why don't you boys have a get together, and do us all a favour...........meet on the Ichen bridge or something!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 Secondly, "signing players for the sake of it," what does that even mean? :-s. There aren't people on this site going "aaagh, sh*t, lets sign 15 left backs" We need to sign quite a few players to have a decent squad. We're not just doing it out of boredom. It means a heck of a lot more than a lot of the dross posted on here. I'm fast coming to the conclusion, in fact might already believe, we have the most fickle group of fans in the country. Not only get a grip I say but get a life, football is meant to be enjoyable isn't it and without the downs we would take the highs for granted a la Man Utd etc; It took 5 years to almost destroy this club, how in God's name can that be rectified in 5 minutes :smt102 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 Pardew's comments yesterday - lacked size without Thomas in defence lacked experience and power like to think will have couple of players in for next week and Thomas back. Sounds like Murty is in. I am excited about the season and confident that Pardew will build a good side. The owner has spent £16m to buy the club. He has cleared the debt. He has afforded a manager we couldn;t have done last year. He has allowed us to turn down bits for younger players that we couldn't before. He offered KD a contract on his first day. He is affording Saga and Rasiak - we couldn't last season. He offered John a competitive contract -we couldn't last year. He has said that he realises year on year investment is needed to return the club. Pardew has said new signings likely this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 Pardew has said new signings likely this week. Which for me is the main point. I'd much rather we find out a player has signed than speculate as to who has been seen walking his dog past St Mary's and then becomes a probable transfer target ! Just hope Wayne Rooney, John Terry, Fernando Torres et al don't decide Southampton is the place to do their early Xmas shopping ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 +1 The season hasn`t even started and the doom merchants are at it on here predicting misery Why not wait and see what areas we need to strengthen and go from there, i don`t see the need to rush out and buy players for the sake of it. But he does need to rush out and obtain 2 centre backs. That's our problem, fix that and we'll have a decent side,hope McLaggon will soon be back, he'll tear league 1 apart but that will do no good if we've got Perry and Lancashire conceeding by the shedload at the other end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lordswoodsaints Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 So excuse me, however...I have been in and around a load of teams 'transitioning' and therefore I would be astounded if we achieve anything higher than about 16th. It's not gonna be a 'long season' - it's gonna be a very long season. Sincerely hope I'm wrong :-( Don't worry tim it will all be over by Christmas at this rate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alain Perrin Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 hmmmm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 So excuse me, however...I have been in and around a load of teams 'transitioning' and therefore I would be astounded if we achieve anything higher than about 16th. It's not gonna be a 'long season' - it's gonna be a very long season. Sincerely hope I'm wrong :-( No one knows how we will do this season because it is based on what the club wants to achieve and how they want to go ahead. ML owns the club and it is his decision on what is going to happen and as yet I dont think he has in anyway outlined his plans. It is unlikely that after spending in excess of the reported £12m that he will want to own a club that is not successful. The coaching and management staff is taking shape and probably new players have been lined up. However problems with overpaid strikers from previous regimes still have to be resolved and are clouding the issue a lot. Last season with a lack of funds and a lack of fan approval meant that the club was going to struggle this season this is not going to happen but how we progress will depend on how the club wants to proceed and we will have go a long with it. With -10 points and currently with ann under performing team with little confidence an immediate return to CCC seems unlikely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verbal Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 Pardew's comments yesterday - lacked size without Thomas in defence lacked experience and power like to think will have couple of players in for next week and Thomas back. Sounds like Murty is in. I am excited about the season and confident that Pardew will build a good side. The owner has spent £16m to buy the club. He has cleared the debt. He has afforded a manager we couldn;t have done last year. He has allowed us to turn down bits for younger players that we couldn't before. He offered KD a contract on his first day. He is affording Saga and Rasiak - we couldn't last season. He offered John a competitive contract -we couldn't last year. He has said that he realises year on year investment is needed to return the club. Pardew has said new signings likely this week. Keep trying, Nick. It's a losing battle. Optimism seems to have gone out of style on here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 Keep trying, Nick. It's a losing battle. Optimism seems to have gone out of style on here. God Knows what the mood would have been if ML had not turned up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obelisk Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 I seem to remember there was a lot of positive thinking at this time last year from those with a more optimistic outlook. The mad experiment in the intervening months would seem to have indicated that blind optimism is at best misplaced. I am going to trust a manager with a decent track record to see what many of us can see for ourselves and to rectify the situation, especially in defence. The first measure will be to see how quickly the 10 point deficit can be overcome and after that I would hope to see us take the league by storm even though I really expect a decent mid table finish. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 There are obviously a lot of free transfers available but most of them could be disregarded on the 'no better' criteria. A lot more on the grounds of required position, more still on unrealistic demands. Once we get to the season start several things occurr. Unrealistic demands drop, players already with clubs can see whether they are wanted by their clubs and are now willing to move. Clubs have finalised their squads and now know those players they would be happy to release, or better still from our point of view loan. Whilst the Bosman players may be attractive we are right to wait for what we really need. It may well be that fees will have to be paid to solve our problems, however we have brought in approximately £3m in fees without selling Raziak and Saganowski. They may well go and if they do, it will see another £1m in salaries available. 99% of the transfers in this division have been free to date. We are in a marvelous position now in terms of resources to exploit the situation. Alan Pardew is right not to rush in and just sign available bodies, we need quality and strength and that may become available this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheCross Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 Are both outlooks mutually exclusive? At present, I can easily see us struggling for quite a bit of the season. We have frailties that AP has rightly pointed out. Even with a couple of signings, it's going to take a while to instill the confidence into the team, not to mention coaching some improvements. Hopefully, a few choice older heads will help lead the others along. We're at -10 and there are better prepared teams in the league than ourselves. I don't see this as wrist slitting, or pessimistic, just practical. We've been pants for quite a while and it's only sensible that it's going to take a while to turn the ship around, let alone get it onto a new course. It's also a check to the posts that seem to think we're a certainty to get promoted or that bulk buying a load of expensive journeymen is the solution. Now with that said, I'm *also* very optimistic. The thought of improving the club, gradually over the long term is very appealing. Being able to play the older heads from the start of the season, without trying to force them out of the club is also a nice change. It's not just about relief that the club has been saved, it's that feeling that we've finally got a manager who knows what he's doing, and is being given time to implement what he knows is needed. If that takes a couple of seasons, then that's fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elmore Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 As has been said since the takeover, this season is all about staying up and building a team. Next season is the key one. Looking at the other 23 clubs, only those recently relegated have better squads than us - the only advantage all the others have is that they are better prepared. By the sounds of it we are going to strengthen the squad even further with some more experienced and stronger players so I would expect us meeting this season's targets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 As has been said since the takeover, this season is all about staying up and building a team. Next season is the key one. How many times have we heard that though in the past?! Its the standard excuse and its the fans that have to suffer with poor performances from a team not up to the job. Why should we pay good money to watch an inferior team? I don't know about you, but I am sick and tired of my team losing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elmore Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 How many times have we heard that though in the past?! Its the standard excuse and its the fans that have to suffer with poor performances from a team not up to the job. Why should we pay good money to watch an inferior team? I don't know about you, but I am sick and tired of my team losing. Boo-hoo. Its going to be tough as building a team takes a bit of time. If you don't want to watch the team develop as you really can't stand losing any more then don't watch for a few months. Pardew has said this season is about getting rid of the -10 points and then seeing how far we go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 (edited) I'm not just happy we have a club to support but elated. That doesn't mean I'm not ambitious nor does it mean I am stupid enough to think that this set of players is good enough to challenge. Having said that I'm not going to start moaning about our lack of signings to date. Clearly the players we want are not there. If the right money is not there then fine. ML has saved us and if he doesn't want to spend more now so be it. Edited 2 August, 2009 by Chez Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 I'm not just happy we have a club to support but elated. That doesn't mean I'm not ambitious nor does it mean I am stupid enough to think that this set of players is good enough to challenge. Having said that I'm not going to start moaning about our lack of signings to date. Clearly the players we want are not there. If the right money is not there then fine. ML has saved us and if he doesn't want to spend more now so be it. However 6 million £ has been obtained in outgoing transfers and ST sales so far, we can't be looking at players in the mega-million bracket so the fact that we have spent nothing at all although it is quite clear that we need 2 or 3 players is somewhat worrying,I know the man has saved the club but there is now a return and as we've cut our salarial mass by quite a bit already I would have thought that funds would have been made available by now to bolster the squad where it is distinctly lacking. You don't need a crystal ball or 6 weeks in the job to know that Lancashire and Perry ain't up to the job in hand and that Thomas is a glass fairy who only looks good on a shelf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Saints Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 It would of been an even longer season if we didn't have a team to support, doesn't even bear thinking about. Stop ****ing moaning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 However 6 million £ has been obtained in outgoing transfers and ST sales so far, we can't be looking at players in the mega-million bracket so the fact that we have spent nothing at all although it is quite clear that we need 2 or 3 players is somewhat worrying,I know the man has saved the club but there is now a return and as we've cut our salarial mass by quite a bit already I would have thought that funds would have been made available by now to bolster the squad where it is distinctly lacking. You don't need a crystal ball or 6 weeks in the job to know that Lancashire and Perry ain't up to the job in hand and that Thomas is a glass fairy who only looks good on a shelf. Just because there have been so signings it does not mean that no neogiations are in progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 Come on Tim! Where's that famous LA positivity? Stay strong man for god sake the season hasn't started yet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Block 5 Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 I'm sick of all the positivity and negativity on here. Why can't everyone just sit on the fence and be completely non-committal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rallyboy Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 Why all the doom and gloom panic? I'd be worried if we'd spent the last few months teetering on the edge of extinction but we had a fantastic end of season run-in and then a major squad rebuild, so I am sure we can win this division, maybe by a record margin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BadgerBadger Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 I'm glad I just have a team to support this season. Exactly - wish everyone would get off the doom and gloom wagon and the 'why haven't we bought 25 new palyers yet'. The bottom line is we're lucky to have any sort of a team to support, let alone one with enough money to ensure our future security and an excellent manager. Ok it's gonna take time but as I've said before after the summer we've had I'd be happy (relatively) to finish 1 point above relegation if it mean't we were growing and moving in the right direction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 Exactly - wish everyone would get off the doom and gloom wagon and the 'why haven't we bought 25 new palyers yet'. The bottom line is we're lucky to have any sort of a team to support, let alone one with enough money to ensure our future security and an excellent manager. Ok it's gonna take time but as I've said before after the summer we've had I'd be happy (relatively) to finish 1 point above relegation if it mean't we were growing and moving in the right direction But did not the manager say recently that he was looking at a top 2 finish this season? I can well accept that it's a transition season but there are so many contradictory signals coming out of the club at this time it's hard to know what the plan is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WealdSaint Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 (edited) Would have happily settled to be in this situation a few weeks ago. Will be interesting how Pardew plays things. After Charlton he will not want another failure. I would happily settle for a season where the players play as if they really care and we improve the squad. Promotion would be an unexpected bonus. Promotion the next season with the nucleus of a squad capable of getting up from the championship the season after is however a must. Edited 2 August, 2009 by WealdSaint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 It amazes me Tim, that you were normally upbeat and positive throughout the reign of terror, but now that the bloodsucking vampires have been replaced with an avuncular billionaire, you get fidgety and morose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TijuanaTim Posted 2 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 2 August, 2009 It amazes me Tim, that you were normally upbeat and positive throughout the reign of terror, but now that the bloodsucking vampires have been replaced with an avuncular billionaire, you get fidgety and morose. Fair comment Wes and I accept it sounds rum. My current opinion is based on the fact that we have a much weaker squad (to start) the season than last year and we are already three wins and a draw down the tubes. New management, structure and strategy yet again and the young players will need to get in the plus column or off the bottom as quick as possible before they start believing (in themselves). Yes, sure we can win a few, all the same if we don't and pretty quickly players may start thinking 'here we go again'. I really hope I'm wrong and also share the opinion that I'm glad we still are playing....like most of you though, I want more than to just survive in Div III Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedAndWhite91 Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 So excuse me, however...I have been in and around a load of teams 'transitioning' and therefore I would be astounded if we achieve anything higher than about 16th. It's not gonna be a 'long season' - it's gonna be a very long season. Sincerely hope I'm wrong :-( Either way, it's going to be 46 games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offix Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 With a 10 point deficit at the start, a woefully weak squad, a new manager/system, absolute bruisers in all the opposition teams, I would accept mere survival this season. Still, hoping for more than that of course, and I still have it in the back of my mind that AP may strengthen us enough at some point during the season to get us in or near the play offs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redondo Saint Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 (edited) We all know that the current squad will struggle in this league. Let's wait and see what AP does before we start getting the rope out and finding a tree. He knows what we need and where we need it. I've just watched the round-up of yesterday's friendlies and our performance looked embarrassing. Norwich and Leeds looked good and so did a few CCC teams against Premiership opposition. Barnsley looked really good! Getting out of this league will be tough, getting out of the CCC will be a massive task. Let's all calm down, relax and enjoy the season. If we can get a play-off place well done, but if not we will be better prepared for the next season. Edited 2 August, 2009 by Redondo Saint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 I'm with the negativity tbh. Even though we've only played a handful of pre-season games, it's painfully obvious where we need to strengthen in the squad. The squad we have at the moment is not a bad squad by any means, but we won't achieve anything near to what the fan expectation is without bringing in some new faces. We definately need cover at centre back, because Perry is ancient and Thomas seems very injury prone, and Lancashire is a bit gash. 2 new centre backs please, Mr Pardew. We also need a pacy winger who can provide good service to strikers. In retrospect, keeping Nathan Dyer would've been the best option because I think he had a lot more to him than some people realised. I do, however, acknowledge that his transfer fee helped pay the wages and keep the club running for a bit longer. We also need a goalscorer if Rasiak goes, and if he stays, a hard-working player who will do Raz's running for him, because he won't do it himself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintdownunder Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 In 5 years time when we`re hopefully pushing for the top six in the premiership and a spot in Europe, the steady as you go rebuilding of the club will make sense. (I hope) COYR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SP Saint Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 Fair comment Wes and I accept it sounds rum. My current opinion is based on the fact that we have a much weaker squad (to start) the season than last year and we are already three wins and a draw down the tubes. New management, structure and strategy yet again and the young players will need to get in the plus column or off the bottom as quick as possible before they start believing (in themselves). Yes, sure we can win a few, all the same if we don't and pretty quickly players may start thinking 'here we go again'. I really hope I'm wrong and also share the opinion that I'm glad we still are playing....like most of you though, I want more than to just survive in Div III I think it's a fair point. The key of course is that Pardew is allowed to bring in some new players asap. We just have to hope to f$ck that they mesh very quickly otherwise we will be struggling in the lower reaches at the end of the season as TT says. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eurosaint Posted 2 August, 2009 Share Posted 2 August, 2009 However 6 million £ has been obtained in outgoing transfers and ST sales so far, we can't be looking at players in the mega-million bracket so the fact that we have spent nothing at all although it is quite clear that we need 2 or 3 players is somewhat worrying,I know the man has saved the club but there is now a return and as we've cut our salarial mass by quite a bit already I would have thought that funds would have been made available by now to bolster the squad where it is distinctly lacking. You don't need a crystal ball or 6 weeks in the job to know that Lancashire and Perry ain't up to the job in hand and that Thomas is a glass fairy who only looks good on a shelf. I think that too many people are writing Perry off ! Sure Lancashire is gash but CP reads the game exceptionally well, is good alongside a big, commanding CB and is absolutely a vital squad player IMHO !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atticus Finch of Maycomb Posted 3 August, 2009 Share Posted 3 August, 2009 I'm just glad to be on this thread. only thing on this thread worth reading Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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