Peanuts spent this Summer

[Smalls]

In all honest im amazed we have only brought in 3 players but lost or let go 13. Also one of the new players will be probably be out until oct/Nov. Actually we have brought in more backroom staff than players.

Just really surprised with the lack of genuine speed within the team now but ha ho im only a supporter hopefully management know what they are doing ?

[Joesaint]

All very good I feel, we have a squad capable of winning league 1 (book makers think so) as do many neutrals.

 

Don't forget we should still be sensible with our money being in league 1, when we get to the championship (if) I would expect a couple more signings as 'good' investment.

 

I as so excited not just about this season but about saints moving on up!! BUT I don't want to see stupid spending, what I want is good youth and clever signings.

[sussexsaint]

When does the window shut? And for loans

[Bwanamakubwa]

As Pards has said previously, our "tactic" in the transfer market is to wait until there is movement. When you see the three players leaving Middlesborough, or Man United loaning out their young striker to blackburn etc etc. These types of moves will result in players becoming available either to buy, or to loan.

 

Given the squad we already have, I would rather wait until the last day and secure 2-3 great signings than get 2-3 ok ish ones now.

 

As I see it, that is exactly the way we should be working.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

We will bring in 1 or 2 more. Why spend money for the sake of it? Money we make will be reinvested.

[ART]

Sick. sick, sick of reading posts about the amount of money we've spent this close season. There's plenty of time to make signings, and the policy about loans is one that the new regime has followed. Signings will be made, if and when we need players. Just because the club has money, it doesn't mean it has to burn holes in our pockets and be spent for the sake of spending.

[SO16_Saint]

We've spent what, £1M, this close season? Not bad for L1

[gaz]

Think about it, we were the in-form team last season. Apart from Antonio and Papa, we're still that same side, plus a couple of quality additions. Add in a few last-min surprises, and we'll be fine.

 

Remember, we're the bookies faves, and they have their finger on the pulse of football...

[MarkSFC]

GK. 2 really good ones. CHECK

LB. 2 really good ones. Plus Mills. CHECK

RB. 2 very good ones. Harding as back up while Frazer out. CHECK

CB. 2 very good ones. Martin good potential. seabourne ok backup. Maybe Someone needed better than Martin.

LM. At least 3 good ones. CHECK

RM. Mmm! One lefty in Punch, Ox-C developing. NEED ONE!

CM. 1 really good, 1 good, then Wotton and Pulis!! NEED ONE better than Hammond.

ST. 3 excellent ones. NEED ONE similar style to RL and probably one with potential.

 

In my mind I feel we definitely need 3 good players and possibly a good back-up CB.

 

Otherwise I think a long term injury to one or more of the "spine" and we could struggle a little!!

[alpine_saint]

As Pards has said previously, our "tactic" in the transfer market is to wait until there is movement. When you see the three players leaving Middlesborough, or Man United loaning out their young striker to blackburn etc etc. These types of moves will result in players becoming available either to buy, or to loan.

 

Given the squad we already have, I would rather wait until the last day and secure 2-3 great signings than get 2-3 ok ish ones now.

 

As I see it, that is exactly the way we should be working.

 

So goes the theory. Lets see if it works out like that. It also contradicts his comments from the end of last season.

 

Me, I reckon we've done sod-all strengthening in pre-season and will do sod-all in the run-up to the window closing.

 

Then we get the baloney about not worrying, we'll get loans in...

[Danish Saint]

Alpine: Spend some time on the "Pompey Takeover Saga" in the Lounge, and you will see a club, with millionaire backing, buying their way to succes by adding players on huge wages, fees and so forth.... and now they can't get rid of them. It looks to me, you're advocating for much the same approach to succes at Saints. Spend, spend spend......

Yes, granted, we need a rw, cm and maybe a striker, but we've got quality at each position already.

 

What happends if Ox-C proves he can make the mark, and claims the rw-spot after Punch? What do we do, with the rw we just signed on a bigger wage than Ox-C?

My point is: All through the summer, people on this board have been complaining that English Premier football is dominated by imports, thus leaving few spots available for English players. The three "open" spots on the first team, must be a prize in the eyes of the youth at the club. They know there's a spot, and the lack of transfers in these areas could be a reassuring factor in the development of home-grown players (just as NC wanted in the first place). We've recruited heavily on defence, giving the youth players a security. They know there's plenty of experienced help in the side, but they also know that these players and the manager, demands the very best from them in every game.

 

We have a strong starting XI and there's always room for improvement in any side. But we have a set-up that allows young players to make the grade in a side where quality reigns over quantity.

[Danish Saint]

....continued....

 

This could also explain, why there has been more back-room signings at the club. We are strengthening the development at the Academy with the focus on youth, not "buying" our way to succes as has been tried and failed at other clubs.

[alpine_saint]

....continued....

 

This could also explain, why there has been more back-room signings at the club. We are strengthening the development at the Academy with the focus on youth, not "buying" our way to succes as has been tried and failed at other clubs.

 

I really think you completely miss the pulse of the club, especially NC with that comment.

[Danish Saint]

Well, feel free to educate me on "the pulse of the club" then

[Torres]

 

Me, I reckon we've done sod-all strengthening in pre-season and will do sod-all in the run-up to the window closing.

 

You are clearly wrong that we haven't strengthened at all so far (2 much needed right backs plus Dickson are living unarguable proof of that) so why so sure there is nothing more to come? You think Pardew is a lying when he says he wants to bring more in?

[alpine_saint]

Well, feel free to educate me on "the pulse of the club" then

 

Simple really. NC has a 5 year plan to get us to the Pl, and one year has been wasted already.

 

He's spent well-and-above the norm for L1 assembling a team, and he thinks it should be good enough.

 

I personally reckong hes not interested that much in youth / the academy, too long-term for his performance targets.

[alpine_saint]

You are clearly wrong that we haven't strengthened at all so far (2 much needed right backs plus Dickson are living unarguable proof of that) so why so sure there is nothing more to come? You think Pardew is a lying when he says he wants to bring more in?

 

Oh, I am sure he does.

[Rebel]

problem is at the moment we are not the same team that finished last season - we really missed Antonio and Waigo today - for the pace they bring to the side and as something different to come off the bench

 

we also lack cover for Lambert - which was proved beyond a doubt today

 

and without Schneiderlin or Hammond we have no one to make the play in central midfield

 

at the moment we've got weaker - whilst Huddersfield have got a lot stronger - Sheff Weds have strengthend and Peterborough and Plymouth hae kept their squads together so they will all be in the running - and then there's Swindon, Charlton and Brighton who could all be contenders as well

 

automatic promotion is a big ask at the moment

 

and a slow start to the season with a couple of losses or draws will cost us at the end of the season - those 3 points lost today could make the difference between finishing 2nd with atomatic promotion or 3rd and going into the play-offs in May - and the play-offs are a lottery

[Nidger]

GK. 2 really good ones. CHECK

LB. 2 really good ones. Plus Mills. CHECK

RB. 2 very good ones. Harding as back up while Frazer out. CHECK

CB. 2 very good ones. Martin good potential. seabourne ok backup. Maybe Someone needed better than Martin.

LM. At least 3 good ones. CHECK

RM. Mmm! One lefty in Punch, Ox-C developing. NEED ONE!

CM. 1 really good, 1 good, then Wotton and Pulis!! NEED ONE better than Hammond.

ST. 3 excellent ones. NEED ONE similar style to RL and probably one with potential.

 

In my mind I feel we definitely need 3 good players and possibly a good back-up CB.

 

Otherwise I think a long term injury to one or more of the "spine" and we could struggle a little!!

 

We need at least 1 winger with some pace and skill to run at defenses and break down defensive teams.

We have a severe lack of competition for places in CM. We only really have Schneiderlin and Hammond as players in that area with any quality. Wotton and Pulis are the back ups, need I say more!

A Rickie Lambert double is a major priority! If this player could have some pace as well, we would have a great signing!

[S-Clarke]

This thread could sum up the transfer window in general, other than Man City - there has simply been very little going on. It's a tricky market this year but it'll open up in the next few weeks as we see clubs go for their panic signings. Let's hope we really get who we want, i'm prepared to wait and i do trust what they're doing - they did enough last season to earn that trust.

[MerceSaint28]

Yep i think every Saints i have spoken to has said the same, where are the signings???

Well i like Pards but a couple more losses in the next few months and he will be gone, Antonio should of been signed months ago.

We knew we needed cover for Ricky and still nothing. One game down and a poor result on tuesday could be very bad.

Horrible start to the season and has put himself under immediate pressure

[sadoldgit]

Yep i think every Saints i have spoken to has said the same, where are the signings???

Well i like Pards but a couple more losses in the next few months and he will be gone, Antonio should of been signed months ago.

We knew we needed cover for Ricky and still nothing. One game down and a poor result on tuesday could be very bad.

Horrible start to the season and has put himself under immediate pressure

 

Pardew has talked aout bringing more in and we know he wanted Tyson. Is the fact they are not here down to him? Cortese aparently chose the last 3 weeks to be on holiday so I doubt if that has helped.

 

As for managers, I see that George Burley dragged himself out of the pub in time to get a win for Palace! Are you watching Alps?

[Thedelldays]

Pardew has talked aout bringing more in and we know he wanted Tyson. Is the fact they are not here down to him? Cortese aparently chose the last 3 weeks to be on holiday so I doubt if that has helped.

 

As for managers, I see that George Burley dragged himself out of the pub in time to get a win for Palace! Are you watching Alps?

 

why does cortese going on holiday not help..?

when did we sign butterfield again..?

[NickG]

GK. 2 really good ones. CHECK

LB. 2 really good ones. Plus Mills. CHECK

RB. 2 very good ones. Harding as back up while Frazer out. CHECK

CB. 2 very good ones. Martin good potential. seabourne ok backup. Maybe Someone needed better than Martin.

LM. At least 3 good ones. CHECK

RM. Mmm! One lefty in Punch, Ox-C developing. NEED ONE!

CM. 1 really good, 1 good, then Wotton and Pulis!! NEED ONE better than Hammond.

ST. 3 excellent ones. NEED ONE similar style to RL and probably one with potential.

 

In my mind I feel we definitely need 3 good players and possibly a good back-up CB.

 

Otherwise I think a long term injury to one or more of the "spine" and we could struggle a little!!

 

pretty much how I see it.

 

The priority for me would be a leader CM - much rather that than Antonio (as good as he is) as a sub to the 11 we have.

[alpine_saint]

pretty much how I see it.

 

The priority for me would be a leader CM - much rather that than Antonio (as good as he is) as a sub to the 11 we have.

 

Why ? You've said all along this squad is so much better than the end of last season - until today you said we dont need anyone.

[NickG]

not once said that.

[alpine_saint]

not once said that.

 

 

You've never said this sqaud is better ? You are lying.

[VectisSaint]

As for managers, I see that George Burley dragged himself out of the pub in time to get a win for Palace! Are you watching Alps?

Sounded like they were hanging on desparately in the end as Leicester pulled back from 3 down. Possibly due to Burley's continued inability to train and condition players. Its not just Alps that knew that Burley was a **** poor manager, briefly made to look half decent by the excellent Snodin.

[NickG]

would say first 11 is clearly better.

 

would say the squad is better balanced and probably a bit better.

 

think this squad -if it performs should be good enough - big if.

 

Have been disappointed in Hammond most of last season and often said we lack the leader CM.

 

Would prefer a better CB but not too worried with what we have.

 

Would like a forward as back up to RL but think it will be a youngster as hopefully will hardly play but again not that worried.

 

We will miss the quality we had on the bench last year.

 

Have been consistent with these views and not changed today.

[alpine_saint]

Pardew has talked aout bringing more in and we know he wanted Tyson. Is the fact they are not here down to him? Cortese aparently chose the last 3 weeks to be on holiday so I doubt if that has helped.

 

As for managers, I see that George Burley dragged himself out of the pub in time to get a win for Palace! Are you watching Alps?

 

I have no idea what happened in their game, but someone above reckons Palace ran out of steam and nearly got caught by Leicester.

 

Sounds about par-for-course with Burley..

[NickG]

You've never said this sqaud is better ? You are lying.

 

never said much better you are a liar and have explained - will accept your apology!

[alpine_saint]

would say first 11 is clearly better.

 

would say the squad is better balanced and probably a bit better.

 

think this squad -if it performs should be good enough - big if.

 

Have been disappointed in Hammond most of last season and often said we lack the leader CM.

 

Would prefer a better CB but not too worried with what we have.

 

Would like a forward as back up to RL but think it will be a youngster as hopefully will hardly play but again not that worried.

 

We will miss the quality we had on the bench last year.

 

Have been consistent with these views and not changed today.

 

You might have been thinking this 12" remix of your opinion, but we've frequently got the 7" Radio Edit - just the "this squad is better" version.

[NickG]

hope its clarifies your misunderstanding now

[alpine_saint]

hope its clarifies your misunderstanding now

 

Just about.

 

I hope you are not so "party-spin" and happy clappy this evening after that performance.

 

We can still get promoted, but it requires manager, team, and fans like you to understand fully the scale of the job ahead.

[NickG]

I think we will go up.

[Chez]

When does the window shut? And for loans

 

Well we loaned Antonio out on the 5th October last season.

[WATERSIDEIFASAINT]

Without the 3 players we need I don't think we will go up unless we are super lucky with injuries.i think Huddersfield,Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough all look better bets than us at present as they have better squads.

 

We have known all summer that we needed a back up for Ricky,a winger with pace to replace Antonio unless he returns and a box to box midfielder who is better than Hammond so its extremely frustrating that we have not managed to land these replacements in time for the new season.

 

It does sound that this years transfer window is a lot more difficult and depressed than normal from hearing a number of managers comments about it.A lot of ccc and premiership managers have been saying how difficult it is to land targets in this window.

 

If we don't land our targets by end of August 31st I will be concerned.Is NC still backing AP in the transfer market or is the inactivity due to him being unsure on AP'S future.Surely NC & ML can see we need these 3 players if we want to be in the mix for the automatics which they supposedly desperately want this season?

[Chez]

We can still get promoted, but it requires manager, team, and fans like you to understand fully the scale of the job ahead.

 

you think Pardew doesn't understand the scale of the job?

[Chez]

If we don't land our targets by end of August 31st I will be concerned.Is NC still backing AP in the transfer market or is the inactivity due to him being unsure on AP'S future.Surely NC & ML can see we need these 3 players if we want to be in the mix for the automatics which they supposedly desperately want this season?

Agreed. But they have spent a few bob on Richardson and Dickson. I can't imagine they'd hold back. They would either sack pardew or back him surely?

[Smirking_Saint]

I am not an out an out supporter of Pardew, in fact i think at times his tactics are a bit... lacking.

 

I cannot help but think however that if he goes that will signal the end of Lallana and schiederlin and perhaps even Lambert ?

[Professor]

I think we will go up.

 

There are committed fans for at least another dozen clubs who would say just the same about their team. Its blind faith and complacency but people are entitled to it if it makes them happy.

What is wrong is to criticise others who don't share that complacency and believe that more needs to be done to ensure we really do have the best side in this league and one that can make the step up to the next level. Leeds and Norwich have already found there is a difference at the next level, and it looks as if we might have learnt the same lesson today against one of last year's bottom 3 in the Championship. With only two sides guaranteed promotion, the 3 points already dropped coul;d make the difference next April. Anyone who thinks that it just needs Lambert back is implying that we are a one-man team, but we need more than just Rickie. Midfield is weak and it shows, and the cover for Rickie is inadequate as Connolly and Barnard are too similar to play together.

If we compare this year's squad with last year's, which a lot of the argument has been about, don't lets forget that last year's team, even after the January signings, lost to Tranmere, Lost to Gillingham, drew at Wycombe...........

[NickG]

There are committed fans for at least another dozen clubs who would say just the same about their team. Its blind faith and complacency but people are entitled to it if it makes them happy.

What is wrong is to criticise others who don't share that complacency and believe that more needs to be done to ensure we really do have the best side in this league and one that can make the step up to the next level. Leeds and Norwich have already found there is a difference at the next level, and it looks as if we might have learnt the same lesson today against one of last year's bottom 3 in the Championship. With only two sides guaranteed promotion, the 3 points already dropped coul;d make the difference next April. Anyone who thinks that it just needs Lambert back is implying that we are a one-man team, but we need more than just Rickie. Midfield is weak and it shows, and the cover for Rickie is inadequate as Connolly and Barnard are too similar to play together.

If we compare this year's squad with last year's, which a lot of the argument has been about, don't lets forget that last year's team, even after the January signings, lost to Tranmere, Lost to Gillingham, drew at Wycombe...........

 

I am not complacent and can see us mucking it up but do think we will go up. Ours isn't blind faith, like the dozen other clubs you mention but we are the favourites with every bookie.

Last years team did lose game - as, I am sure, will the team that wins this league.

[Professor]

The point of this thread is not what bets have been placed at bookies, but is about the failure to strengthen the squad in areas that fans, and the manager, have identified. There is view that the timing of that strengthening was crucial to get off to a good start. That hasn't happened, so that even if players are brought in over the next few weeks there is now an element of bolted horses and stable doors about it. We all hope the team will do well during the autumn, but more investment at the right time could have replaced hope with confidence.

[sadoldgit]

you think Pardew doesn't understand the scale of the job?

 

You kow Apline, he goes from 0 to 60 in Warpspeed on the frustration meter! Pardew in his interviews has always said he knows what is at stake and what is required. We know we failed to land Tyson and Antonia, probably because Cortese won't pay over the odds, so we know Pardew is trying to bring in players. Signing players is not difficult, signing the right ones is and takes time - especially if we are not doing a Man City and just throwing money at the problem.

[surrey1saint]

We clearly need to get in a 'back up ' striker for Ricky.

[patred44]

If you needed to hit the ground running, and we did, you need to get in players early.

Pardew wanted that, yet it didn't happen.

He had identified areas we needed to strengthen, including another striker in the mould of Lambert, another CM, as well as a right back.

However our only signings have been a left back and two right backs, all out of contract, all looking to leave their respective clubs (good, but cheap)

Bids for the other targets have all been described as either derisory or plain insulting, with little hope of tempting the selling clubs.

As a result we were unable to get Jackson, Tyson, Stock, or Philips, nor re-sign Papa or Antonio.

We are now in a catch up situation, as most of rivals for promotion settled on their squad early, got them in the team, and they are all fit and bedded in.

 

This leads to the question... is Pardew getting full financial backing from the chairman?

 

Yes, there will be opportunities for loan players in the next few weeks.

Remembering of course NC's dislike of loaning in players.

Will the chairman OK them, or is happy we have enough to get us promoted despite his managers obvious differing opinion.

[NickG]

this is the time for lower bids, there is not much money around football at the moment - clubs may have different views of any offer, if any, made when end of the window approaches and our money looks more appealing!

[sadoldgit]

If you needed to hit the ground running, and we did, you need to get in players early.

Pardew wanted that, yet it didn't happen.

He had identified areas we needed to strengthen, including another striker in the mould of Lambert, another CM, as well as a right back.

However our only signings have been a left back and two right backs, all out of contract, all looking to leave their respective clubs (good, but cheap)

Bids for the other targets have all been described as either derisory or plain insulting, with little hope of tempting the selling clubs.

As a result we were unable to get Jackson, Tyson, Stock, or Philips, nor re-sign Papa or Antonio.

We are now in a catch up situation, as most of rivals for promotion settled on their squad early, got them in the team, and they are all fit and bedded in.

 

This leads to the question... is Pardew getting full financial backing from the chairman?

 

Yes, there will be opportunities for loan players in the next few weeks.

Remembering of course NC's dislike of loaning in players.

Will the chairman OK them, or is happy we have enough to get us promoted despite his managers obvious differing opinion.

 

Interesting post. If it is true that the offers we made were "derisory" you do have to wonder what is going on (are you still on here Alpine, what is your take?)

[jam]

If you needed to hit the ground running, and we did, you need to get in players early.

Pardew wanted that, yet it didn't happen.

He had identified areas we needed to strengthen, including another striker in the mould of Lambert, another CM, as well as a right back.

However our only signings have been a left back and two right backs, all out of contract, all looking to leave their respective clubs (good, but cheap)

Bids for the other targets have all been described as either derisory or plain insulting, with little hope of tempting the selling clubs.

As a result we were unable to get Jackson, Tyson, Stock, or Philips, nor re-sign Papa or Antonio.

We are now in a catch up situation, as most of rivals for promotion settled on their squad early, got them in the team, and they are all fit and bedded in.

 

This leads to the question... is Pardew getting full financial backing from the chairman?

 

Yes, there will be opportunities for loan players in the next few weeks.

Remembering of course NC's dislike of loaning in players.

Will the chairman OK them, or is happy we have enough to get us promoted despite his managers obvious differing opinion.

 

When you mention bids being described as derisory, I wonder if it's a case of NC trying to drive too hard a bargain (either through naivety to player values or just tough trading), NC being unwilling to fully back Pardew's judgements, or maybe the fact that there is this general perception that we've got money to throw around and that's putting an extra x percent on any transfer fee or wage demand.

[Deppo]

So goes the theory. Lets see if it works out like that. It also contradicts his comments from the end of last season.

 

Me, I reckon we've done sod-all strengthening in pre-season and will do sod-all in the run-up to the window closing.

 

Then we get the baloney about not worrying, we'll get loans in...

 

You seem convinced of the doom. Fancy making a bet with me?