If you really think we don't need to buy...

[david in sweden]

....then think again.

I was one of those few who wrote (a few months back), that we needed more additions to the squad. There were torrents of criticism (if not abuse) suggesting ; our squad was good enough already, new players would upset the harmony amongst the regulars, and some would want away as a reaction. YES our squad is good (if they're all fit ) . New signings are unsettling sometimes..it's called "competition for places" .

Now we see that Rickie Lambert won't have a 30 goal season again. Lee Barnard (one of our most consistant players) has off-the-field problems, the outcome of which - he has no control over, and it's still not clear to anyone if Puncheon will still be a Saints player come 31st january?.. as no-one has met the club's valuation of his services, PLUS the media fracas over Oxlade-Chamberlain..will he go, or stay?

 

With three midfielders out - even temporarily, we've lost that synergy that was so briliant in the last month. IMHO We need to sew up those " quiet deals " that have been muted by NA. I don't mind the lack of publicity about signings - it's better than a lying newspaper journo's fanticising - but if we are to sustain our recent momentum we need reinforcements NOW - if we are to stay in the top six...

Not to mention the psychological effect of the Man. Utd. Cup game on the horizon.

Do we really want to win it..YES, but not at the cost of more injuries or having to field an under-strength side and lose because of it.

 

 

WANTED: One striker + (at least) one, even two new midfielders.

[Turkish]

....then think again.

I was one of those few who wrote (a few months back), that we needed more additions to the squad. There were torrents of criticism (if not abuse) suggesting ; our squad was good enough already, new players would upset the harmony amongst the regulars, and some would want away as a reaction. YES our squad is good (if they're all fit ) . New signings are unsettling sometimes..it's called "competition for places" .

Now we see that Rickie Lambert won't have a 30 goal season again. Lee Barnard (one of our most consistant players) has off-the-field problems, the outcome of which - he has no control over, and it's still not clear to anyone if Puncheon will still be a Saints player come 31st january?.. as no-one has met the club's valuation of his services, PLUS the media fracas over Oxlade-Chamberlain..will he go, or stay?

 

With three midfielders out - even temporarily, we've lost that synergy that was so briliant in the last month. IMHO We need to sew up those " quiet deals " that have been muted by NA. I don't mind the lack of publicity about signings - it's better than a lying newspaper journo's fanticising - but if we are to sustain our recent momentum we need reinforcements NOW - if we are to stay in the top six...

Not to mention the psychological effect of the Man. Utd. Cup game on the horizon.

Do we really want to win it..YES, but not at the cost of more injuries or having to field an under-strength side and lose because of it.

 

 

WANTED: One striker + (at least) one, even two new midfielders.

 

If no one leaves we dont have a problem, you say Lambert wont score 30 goals this season, probably not, but last season he scored half our goals, this season Barnard, Gully, AOC and are all weighing in more, even Chaplow has scored 3 (i think) in the time he has been here, i dont think a central midfielder scored many last season. OUr squad is good enough, provided no one leaves, obviously then we will need to look at it. How many teams in this league can bring in a player like Puncheon when a midfielder is injured? As i have already said if we can get in a couple of quality players for this league to improve on what is here, a Charlie Austin for example then brilliant, but i dont think just buying squad players to make up numbers is the answer.

[JustMike]

id be happy if we signed 2 more. 1 wide and 1 central midfield and sign Guly on a longer deal.

[dronskisaint]

If no one leaves we dont have a problem, you say Lambert wont score 30 goals this season, probably not, but last season he scored half our goals, this season Barnard, Gully, AOC and are all weighing in more, even Chaplow has scored 3 (i think) in the time he has been here, i dont think a central midfielder scored many last season. OUr squad is good enough, provided no one leaves, obviously then we will need to look at it. How many teams in this league can bring in a player like Puncheon when a midfielder is injured? As i have already said if we can get in a couple of quality players for this league to improve on what is here, a Charlie Austin for example then brilliant, but i dont think just buying squad players to make up numbers is the answer.

 

This - too much emphasis on one 0-0 draw after a sparkling spell of games. Our strength in depth is the envy of the rest of this division and too much should not be read in to a lack-lustre Saturday. There will be more games that we draw or lose that we should have won...we'll also fluke a result or two tio compensate but we have a talented & motivated squad.

 

Wishing it was February 1st & we can just get on with the season.

[West End Saint]

After Lallana signed & we signed Chaplow I was more than happy with this transfer window but the longer it go's on the more I think we will ose players looks to me Chambo is off Punch wants out & we probably get his wish with Lallana possibly out injured I think we are going to need reinforcements.

 

I hope we dont lose anybody if so panic over but if Chambo & Punch go we are going to need at least 1 winger depending how long Lallana is out we will need a attacking creative midfielder & depending on Barnard situation we may need a striker.

 

I just hope if there are players going it happens sooner rather than later dont want to be scrambling round last couple of days of the window to find relacements

[NickG]

unless multiple players leave or are crocked for season this squad is easily good enough. Improve if we can but don't need to. One draw to the in form side in the league is not a reason to panic buy.

 

We are still 2nd in current form averaging over 2 points per game

[Mowgli]

If the current squad perform to their potential we will go up without any trouble. There is no gaurentee a new signing will play to their full potential either. A new striker / midfielder would be nice but if not it's not the end of the world given the squad we have.

[Saint_clark]

I thought again. I still think we're fine.

[rooney]

I still think we need a big CF to cover for Rickie of the Steve Howard Ilk who would be happy to sit on bench at times, a strong tackling midfielder and a pacey winger like Antonio.

[doddisalegend]

I still think we need a big CF to cover for Rickie of the Steve Howard Ilk who would be happy to sit on bench at times, a strong tackling midfielder and a pacey winger like Antonio.

 

Thats the problem how many good players want to come and sit on the bench? Do we even want players at our club if they are happy just to sit on the bench. TBH these postions (4th choice striker etc) should be getting taken up by our up coming youth/devolpment players other wise how they ever going to progress?

[Barry the Badger]

....then think again.

I was one of those few who wrote (a few months back), that we needed more additions to the squad. There were torrents of criticism (if not abuse) suggesting ; our squad was good enough already.[/b]

 

...and here we are, despite injuries, if we win our game in hand we will be in the promotion places. So the squad IS good enough already then.

[SaintRichmond]

If no one leaves we dont have a problem, you say Lambert wont score 30 goals this season, probably not, but last season he scored half our goals, this season Barnard, Gully, AOC and are all weighing in more, even Chaplow has scored 3 (i think) in the time he has been here, i dont think a central midfielder scored many last season. OUr squad is good enough, provided no one leaves, obviously then we will need to look at it. How many teams in this league can bring in a player like Puncheon when a midfielder is injured? As i have already said if we can get in a couple of quality players for this league to improve on what is here, a Charlie Austin for example then brilliant, but i dont think just buying squad players to make up numbers is the answer.

 

Yes we do, and it's about time people realised it

 

(1) Lambert for example. My Granny could have moved faster than he did v's Notts County, and her wheelchair is still in for service

 

(2) We had NO midfield once Chaplow went off, did you not hear the crowd voice their displeasure at OUR lack of trying to win the ball back

 

(3) IMHO Jaidi is past it, good in the air yes, but a Charlie Austen would run rings around him. ( Come to think of it, so would my Granny )

 

Unless Cortese intends to invest NOW, we are in for a Great Big SLUMP, IMHO

im

[West End Saint]

Yes we do, and it's about time people realised it

 

(1) Lambert for example. My Granny could have moved faster than he did v's Notts County, and her wheelchair is still in for service

 

(2) We had NO midfield once Chaplow went off, did you not hear the crowd voice their displeasure at OUR lack of trying to win the ball back

 

(3) IMHO Jaidi is past it, good in the air yes, but a Charlie Austen would run rings around him. ( Come to think of it, so would my Granny )

 

Unless Cortese intends to invest NOW, we are in for a Great Big SLUMP, IMHO

im

 

I am not sure I agree with this IF we lose players & IF the injured players are out for an extended period we will need reinforcements if not we should be ok

 

The next few games are really important we need to keep our momentum & with players missing it wont be easy how react to being without key players will be interesting luckily we are looking solid at the back we ought to have enough to stay in & around top 3 we shall see

[Dig Dig]

Yes we do, and it's about time people realised it

 

(1) Lambert for example. My Granny could have moved faster than he did v's Notts County, and her wheelchair is still in for service

 

(2) We had NO midfield once Chaplow went off, did you not hear the crowd voice their displeasure at OUR lack of trying to win the ball back

 

(3) IMHO Jaidi is past it, good in the air yes, but a Charlie Austen would run rings around him. ( Come to think of it, so would my Granny )

 

Unless Cortese intends to invest NOW, we are in for a Great Big SLUMP, IMHO

im

 

Sign her up?

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

I too had expressed some doubts pre season regarding the squad, but much of my fears have receded now than Chaplow has joined and players such as AOC & Guly have done so well. Nevertheless I'd still like to make two points on this question:

 

1 - With the exception of Frazer Richardson's shoulder (well covered for by Butterfield) we have suffered no medium/long term injuries so far this season to any player who could reasonably be described as a regular 1st team selection - this unusual run of good fortune has been instamental in our rise up the table. This happy state of affairs is unlikley to continue.

 

2 - Our Chairman has publicly stated that the target this season is automatic promotion, but the record shows that for much of this season we have actually been outside of the top 6 places. With that in mind I say if we want to maximise our chances of avoiding the utter lottery of finishing in a play-off place then adding a pacy winger (such as Michail Antonio) and a better centre back to play alongside Fonte wouldn't do any harm to this squad - no harm at all.

[Barry the Badger]

Yes we do, and it's about time people realised it

 

(1) Lambert for example. My Granny could have moved faster than he did v's Notts County, and her wheelchair is still in for service

 

(2) We had NO midfield once Chaplow went off, did you not hear the crowd voice their displeasure at OUR lack of trying to win the ball back

 

(3) IMHO Jaidi is past it, good in the air yes, but a Charlie Austen would run rings around him. ( Come to think of it, so would my Granny )

 

Unless Cortese intends to invest NOW, we are in for a Great Big SLUMP, IMHO

im

 

1) Lambert has never been quick. His game is clearly not about pace. Not sure what your point is.

 

2) Were we actually any better before Chaplow went off? I didn't think we got any worse when Gobern came on.

 

3) This is the same Jaidi who is part of the second tightest defence in the division? He is clearly not past it, ok he's not as mobile as he once was but I can't believe you cannot see he is a great asset in this league.

[alpine_saint]

If no one leaves we dont have a problem, you say Lambert wont score 30 goals this season, probably not, but last season he scored half our goals, this season Barnard, Gully, AOC and are all weighing in more, even Chaplow has scored 3 (i think) in the time he has been here, i dont think a central midfielder scored many last season. OUr squad is good enough, provided no one leaves, obviously then we will need to look at it. How many teams in this league can bring in a player like Puncheon when a midfielder is injured? As i have already said if we can get in a couple of quality players for this league to improve on what is here, a Charlie Austin for example then brilliant, but i dont think just buying squad players to make up numbers is the answer.

 

Interesting how your tone has changed over the last week.

 

BTW, no-one has suggested buying journeyman for the sake of it. No-one.

[alpine_saint]

This - too much emphasis on one 0-0 draw after a sparkling spell of games. Our strength in depth is the envy of the rest of this division and too much should not be read in to a lack-lustre Saturday. There will be more games that we draw or lose that we should have won...we'll also fluke a result or two tio compensate but we have a talented & motivated squad.

 

Wishing it was February 1st & we can just get on with the season.

 

Nope. Not enough emphasis being given to the injuries we are picking up in combination with media speculation about at least 2 of our midfield.

[Window Cleaner]

Nope. Not enough emphasis being given to the injuries we are picking up in combination with media speculation about at least 2 of our midfield.

 

who's the other one then??

[david in sweden]

Nope. Not enough emphasis being given to the injuries we are picking up in combination with media speculation about at least 2 of our midfield.

 

Thank you Alps, someone understood my point.

 

I didn't mention the 0-0 draw, and it wasn't in my mind when I wrote the original thread.

My point was... good as he is Lambert isn't going to get anywhere near 30 goals..or even 20 on present form.

Barnard is v.g. IMHO , but his future is in the hands of a judge and jury !...will we go up , if he goes down for any period of time?

 

The absence of Lallana may be more serious than NA was letting on..if indeed he knows for sure.

Hoping he (AL) is back sooner than later ..could mean 3 months instead of a year if serious (as Oakley had years ago).

Hammond is also out, and we know that Holmes (who was getting a bit of form back) was inuured again, and won't be available again this season.

Chaplow went off ..injured ? ..if so , how long before he's back ? one week? ..one month ?

Only the media seems to think thay AOC is on his way..(according to comments) ..but what happens if he goes , too ?

 

We have hit the crop of injuries that inevitably comes sometime every season, and I don't think we should come out of an FA Cup tie v. Man.Utd with even more injuries...and be running around like headless chickens on 30th january, trying to fill the places.

Edited 18 January, 2011 by david in sweden

[david in sweden]

...and here we are, despite injuries, if we win our game in hand we will be in the promotion places. So the squad IS good enough already then.

 

winning the game in hand, which is one of several outstnding AWAY matches (BTW) isn't the problem..it's who will be fit and on-form for the next 3 months. Lallana ?...Chaplow?...Hammond...? AOC ?

[david in sweden]

This - too much emphasis on one 0-0 draw after a sparkling spell of games. Our strength in depth is the envy of the rest of this division and too much should not be read in to a lack-lustre Saturday. There will be more games that we draw or lose that we should have won...we'll also fluke a result or two tio compensate but we have a talented & motivated squad.

 

Wishing it was February 1st & we can just get on with the season.

 

You missed the point Dronski ..I wasn't referring to the " 0-0 bore draw " on Saturday, but the injured absentees, who may / may not be available in the next 2-4 weeks ..or if Lallana's injury is serious ...the rest of the season.

Do you want to play the same midfield as finished with on Saturday - for the rest of the season ?

[Window Cleaner]

winning the game in hand, which is one of several outstnding AWAY matches (BTW) isn't the problem..it's who will be fit and on-form for the next 3 months. Lallana ?...Chaplow?...Hammond...? AOC ?

 

As the club now sees fit to veil all injury information with nonsensical mumbo-jumbo we probably won't know the full extent of these problems until they've been ongoing..or not for a while.We will get posts saying XX has had/wil have an operation and the manager will hide behind"good medical staff etc etc etc.It's not his fault no doubt that's what he's told to say.Secret Squirrel stuff.Swiss bank secrecy applied to football.

Edited 18 January, 2011 by Window Cleaner

[Barry the Badger]

[/b]My point was... good as he is Lambert isn't going to get anywhere near 30 goals..or even 20 on present form.

 

Really? Because his present form is that he's scored 3 goals in his last 5 league games.

[MarkSFC]

The opinion that we are 'fine' and the squad is ok is one that lacks forsight. It is 'possible' to still get promotion or even win the league with the current group alone. However it is a risk. Since the summer when I and others voiced concerns about lack of signings we have only added Chaplow and Guly - as long as Guly stays! Only 6-8 weeks ago we looked vulnerable when certain players were injured and or suspended together with some not on top form. It does not take much to be back at that point.

 

Signing a striker is absolutely paramount even more so given Barnards situation. To all those who say we don't need anone would you 'potentially' be happy to play upto 20 games with Lambert, Guly if he stays, very unfortunately injury prone Connolly and youngster Doble?! If you seriously are then you must be very clueless!

 

I also think an out and put holding mid-fielder would be ideal preferably in his early 20s and although in knew nowt about him previously Josh Wright from Scunny sounds good.

 

Maybe not a perm signing but a right footed right winger - unlikely, but Andros Townsend would be great - just to take the pressure and limelight off AOC a bit. He is young his form will drop and playing punch on theright completely changes our play and shape.

 

Any established players we sign should be better thanwe have and although the summer would be ok if we can get a keeper and CB in now ready for the Championship only thenwould I feel confident that we can challenge next seasontoo without many additions by hitting the ground running.

 

Those who say that other teams have gone up withcheaper squads and lesser ability miss the point entirely. Southampton is building a squad that can move up quickly to the Premier League, not one to just get out of League 1. Scunny are a classic example, good enough to get out but couldn't stay up first time and maybe dropping downthis term.

[Wade Garrett]

Austin, Harley and Woolford would do for me.

 

To be honest though, I can see the sense in waiting until the Summer, when, if we get promoted, a whole host of other players would be in our reach.

 

The present squad is more than capable of getting us up this season.

[doddisalegend]

The opinion that we are 'fine' and the squad is ok is one that lacks forsight. It is 'possible' to still get promotion or even win the league with the current group alone. However it is a risk. Since the summer when I and others voiced concerns about lack of signings we have only added Chaplow and Guly - as long as Guly stays! Only 6-8 weeks ago we looked vulnerable when certain players were injured and or suspended together with some not on top form. It does not take much to be back at that point.

 

Signing a striker is absolutely paramount even more so given Barnards situation. To all those who say we don't need anone would you 'potentially' be happy to play upto 20 games with Lambert, Guly if he stays, very unfortunately injury prone Connolly and youngster Doble?! If you seriously are then you must be very clueless!

 

I also think an out and put holding mid-fielder would be ideal preferably in his early 20s and although in knew nowt about him previously Josh Wright from Scunny sounds good.

 

Maybe not a perm signing but a right footed right winger - unlikely, but Andros Townsend would be great - just to take the pressure and limelight off AOC a bit. He is young his form will drop and playing punch on theright completely changes our play and shape.

 

Any established players we sign should be better thanwe have and although the summer would be ok if we can get a keeper and CB in now ready for the Championship only thenwould I feel confident that we can challenge next seasontoo without many additions by hitting the ground running.

 

Those who say that other teams have gone up withcheaper squads and lesser ability miss the point entirely. Southampton is building a squad that can move up quickly to the Premier League, not one to just get out of League 1. Scunny are a classic example, good enough to get out but couldn't stay up first time and maybe dropping downthis term.

 

some points

 

When is a squad to big? you've named five strikers how many do we need? yes **** could happen but the idea of buying more players just in case **** does happen seems wrong to me. As you point out we're building for the future so do we want to bloat the squad up with players we can get now or wait until the summer see were the club is (hopefully promoted) and buy then when we have more players to chose from. Panic buying in Jan seems a sure way to fill the squad up with wrong'uns to me, of course if a player of real quaility wants to join us now thats fine by me, but I imagine the best targets would rather see what league we're in come the end of the season first.

[Fan The Flames]

I don't see why people consider any purchases now as a panic buys of a reaction to the County game, we have asperations to become a competitive Championship side so between now and then this team needs to morph into that. Lawrie Mac said that he built 5 sides between being a second division side and a competitive div 1 team and thats what we have to do again. So why not a controlled transformation of the team, the great sides do it, so I do not see why people are so adverse to bringing in players that will strengthen the team.

 

It's just romanticism to want the starting squad to remain unchanged all season.

[Dig Dig]

TBF, this debate is probably happens in any team in any transfer window....it's just something which the transfer window promotes.

 

I'm in no doubt that that our squad is more than good enough to get promoted from this league. That is a minimum expectation for all involved. However, should we sell AOX and Lallana's injury be mid to long term then I'm sure this will be addressed.

 

We are in a tricky situation regarding transfers. We have the ambition and seemingly the money to pucnh above our station (in league terms) but we also need to sell a long term project to players who have the opportunity to fullfil their ambitions now..take Austin as an example. This will mean that we may miss out on many targets I'm sure but at least we are showing the ambition to try and get them in the first place.

 

As the club have already stated that they have made substantial bids for players already, this shows that the club are actively looking to strengthen the side but they have also set expectations by saying that if they miss out on the targets then they are happy with what we have. I think the worry about the strength and depth of this squad based on too many if's, but's and maybe's

[Turkish]

Yes we do, and it's about time people realised it

 

(1) Lambert for example. My Granny could have moved faster than he did v's Notts County, and her wheelchair is still in for service

 

(2) We had NO midfield once Chaplow went off, did you not hear the crowd voice their displeasure at OUR lack of trying to win the ball back

 

(3) IMHO Jaidi is past it, good in the air yes, but a Charlie Austen would run rings around him. ( Come to think of it, so would my Granny )

 

Unless Cortese intends to invest NOW, we are in for a Great Big SLUMP, IMHO

im

 

to answer your questions,

1/ i take it you are judging him just on the 0-0 draw at not his superb performance against Oldham? Or his improved performances over the last couple of months, or his 3 goals in the last 5 games.

2/ Lack of trying to win the ball back? LOL! So the players weren't trying were they?! Gobern is our FOURTH choice CM player, Chaplow and Hammond will be back soon, how many Central midfield players do you expect us to have?!

3/ Jaidi, who your granny could run rings round apparantly, is part of a back four which has conceded ONE goal on five games and only 4 in the last 10. So unless you granny is on Back to the Future style hover board i suggest you have a rethink.

 

Massive slump, lol! based on what? One 0-0 draw at home? Did you think we were heading for a massive slump after winning 6-0 at Oldham?

Edited 18 January, 2011 by Turkish

[Turkish]

Interesting how your tone has changed over the last week.

 

BTW, no-one has suggested buying journeyman for the sake of it. No-one.

 

Here you go again, highlighting little bits. Last week i said a couple more players better than what we have would be welcome and this week i've said a couple of players better than what we have would be welcome, not signing a Lowe style "one for the squad" what is different about that?

Edited 18 January, 2011 by Turkish

[ThreeSixty]

Honestly don't think we need anyone. Maybe could so with a little cover in spots but really, if a player is coming in to be a squad player at L1 if we do get promoted they would be dead wood at Championship level.

 

Of course if first XI players leave then they will need to be replaced.

[david in sweden]

Really? Because his present form is that he's scored 3 goals in his last 5 league games.

 

so too has Lallana and Guly has scored 4.

Lambert is good, but like all strikers he has dry spells. Last season he got quite a few from set-pieces and penalties.

I'm fed up quoting it ...but in 2002-3 James Beattie went 10 games without scoring, and then got 23 upto the end of the season.

 

Last season RL was exceptional, but you are in a minority if you think Lambert is not good. He'll come again, but meantime we need someone scoring every week. Lallana is out for who knows how long...Guly has got some form now, but no-one is certain of Barnard future - except the judge and jury .. so YES ..I think we need some extra options if we are to maintain our current form and league position.

[david in sweden]

Honestly don't think we need anyone. Maybe could so with a little cover in spots but really, if a player is coming in to be a squad player at L1 if we do get promoted they would be dead wood at Championship level.

 

Of course if first XI players leave then they will need to be replaced.

 

We ought to define "squad player ". NA recently said that we had 20 players all wanting to get in the side....and most of them did

after the Dagenham and Blackpool games.

 

We have seen that the majority of those 20 could DAJFU on a regular basis, but given the present situation, we are not talking about buying people to " make up the numbers", but getting those who can challenge for - and get - regular games from the start.

[SaintRichmond]

to answer your questions,

1/ i take it you are judging him just on the 0-0 draw at not his superb performance against Oldham? Or his improved performances over the last couple of months, or his 3 goals in the last 5 games.

2/ Lack of trying to win the ball back? LOL! So the players weren't trying were they?! Gobern is our FOURTH choice CM player, Chaplow and Hammond will be back soon, how many Central midfield players do you expect us to have?!

3/ Jaidi, who your granny could run rings round apparantly, is part of a back four which has conceded ONE goal on five games and only 4 in the last 10. So unless you granny is on Back to the Future style hover board i suggest you have a rethink.

 

Massive slump, lol! based on what? One 0-0 draw at home? Did you think we were heading for a massive slump after winning 6-0 at Oldham?

 

(1) No, I am not judging him on one game. He was slow when he firts came, and has got slower

(2) I wasn't on about when other players come back. Against Notss County, we had NO-ONE who could challenge, let alone win the ball. What do you think the crowd were on about ? It wasn't because anyone was WINNING the ball

(3) Jaidi IS good in the air, but is very poor on the turn. Once teams suss that, he will be crucified

 

Massive Slump ?? YES, unless reinforcements are obtained in this window. Against County, we could have scored, but so could they if they had been a bit more ambitious

 

The Flaws ARE there to see, ignoring them will be misguided IMHO

[david in sweden]

As the club now sees fit to veil all injury information with nonsensical mumbo-jumbo we probably won't know the full extent of these problems until they've been ongoing..or not for a while.We will get posts saying XX has had/wil have an operation and the manager will hide behind"good medical staff etc etc etc.It's not his fault no doubt that's what he's told to say.Secret Squirrel stuff.Swiss bank secrecy applied to football.

 

Part of this "secret stuff " is not to hide information from the fans, but from the opposition. If they know they will have to play / or not play against Lallana, or Hammond or whoever, they will plan alternatively.

 

Do you want to tell Alex Ferguson now - whether AL will be fit....or if Chaplow will be up for it.

We've got the cards stacked against us already ...we don't have to give them - even more help.

[Window Cleaner]

Part of this "secret stuff " is not to hide information from the fans, but from the opposition. If they know they will have to play / or not play against Lallana, or Hammond or whoever, they will plan alternatively.

 

Do you want to tell Alex Ferguson now - whether AL will be fit....or if Chaplow will be up for it.

We've got the cards stacked against us already ...we don't have to give them - even more help.

 

the opposition no doubt have their ways of finding out stuff whereas fans don't. I really don't know who they think they're fooling with all that nonsense. plenty knew (apparently) that Barnard had had his hernia operation, did the club want to admit it ??? did they flip..Same with Lallana, fitness test blah blah blah, but in reality he had scans scheduled and even a visit with a surgeon if some are to be believed. It's ludicrous kindergarden stuff trying to hide things from opposing teams. Our players and coaches have

plenty of contacts out there, very little remains secret for long..why look at leftback...he knew stuff and was banned to shut him up.

[Barry the Badger]

so too has Lallana and Guly has scored 4.

Lambert is good, but like all strikers he has dry spells. Last season he got quite a few from set-pieces and penalties.

I'm fed up quoting it ...but in 2002-3 James Beattie went 10 games without scoring, and then got 23 upto the end of the season.

 

Last season RL was exceptional, but you are in a minority if you think Lambert is not good. He'll come again, but meantime we need someone scoring every week. Lallana is out for who knows how long...Guly has got some form now, but no-one is certain of Barnard future - except the judge and jury .. so YES ..I think we need some extra options if we are to maintain our current form and league position.

 

Not sure what your point is really. You were saying that RL on current form wont get to 20 goals this season. On current form he would score 13 over our remaining 22 games.

 

I'm just highlighting that you are getting too worked up about this. Of course if we lose players we need to replace them, I wouldn't mind another wide player either, but if we don't get them I still believe we should get promoted.

 

People are getting too carried away with the fact we have a bit of money now. They are still trying to run the club as a self sufficient business and we cant just spunk money up the wall just in case we get a couple of injuries.

[Turkish]

Not sure what your point is really. You were saying that RL on current form wont get to 20 goals this season. On current form he would score 13 over our remaining 22 games.

 

I'm just highlighting that you are getting too worked up about this. Of course if we lose players we need to replace them, I wouldn't mind another wide player either, but if we don't get them I still believe we should get promoted.

 

People are getting too carried away with the fact we have a bit of money now. They are still trying to run the club as a self sufficient business and we cant just spunk money up the wall just in case we get a couple of injuries.

 

one of the greatest ever threads on this forum had people on it claiming we can sign anyone we want and are the best club to join outside of the champions league teams and should offer the players we want so much money they cannot say no. I dont know how big a squad people think we need or how many player we need but one look at our squad says we have approximately two decent players, by league one standards for every position, of course players will get injured, suspended etc, thats the nature of the game but people are obsessing and panicing that we need to buy this, that and the other or we are going to go on a massive slump, it's just crazy!

[Turkish]

(1) No, I am not judging him on one game. He was slow when he firts came, and has got slower

(2) I wasn't on about when other players come back. Against Notss County, we had NO-ONE who could challenge, let alone win the ball. What do you think the crowd were on about ? It wasn't because anyone was WINNING the ball

(3) Jaidi IS good in the air, but is very poor on the turn. Once teams suss that, he will be crucified

 

Massive Slump ?? YES, unless reinforcements are obtained in this window. Against County, we could have scored, but so could they if they had been a bit more ambitious

 

The Flaws ARE there to see, ignoring them will be misguided IMHO

 

Just as well Lambert doesn't rely on pace to be effective then isn't it! 3 goals in 5 games, and by all accounts Superb at Oldham and very good against Huddersfield and Exter. So you think we should get rid of Lambert then? and replace him with whom?

 

So let me get this straight, no one on the saints team was winning the ball against Notts County? So by this then we should have been under non stop pressure because we had no one capable of winning the ball at all? Maybe now people are finally starting to appreciate the job Hammond does now he is not there.

 

Lol at you comment about people working Jaidi out, he has played in England for Bolton, birmingham and now Saints for around 8 years, he has played in league one for 18 months now, dont you think this is ample time to suss him out and and exploit this supposed weakness? Or is it more of a case that as an experienced international player and ex premier league player he has a good football brain and positional sense meaning his is more than a match for most L1 strikers, believe it or not not every player needs to be as quick as Usain Bolt.

 

And Notts County could have scored if they'd been more ambitious! LOL!!!!! The same could be said for any team in any game! Any team CAN score, if they do or not it's a different matter, one goal against in five games is a superb record, even more so considering we've got a a centre half who your granny could run rings round!

 

CAll me optimistic but five wins and a draw in our last 6 one goal against in five and 19 goals in our last 5 matches, (yes thats right, just short of an average of 4 a game) doesn;t suggest a slump is round the corner. Clearly i am mistaken though and it must mean this side is flawed for all to see.

Edited 18 January, 2011 by Turkish

[david in sweden]

Not sure what your point is really. You were saying that RL on current form wont get to 20 goals this season. On current form he would score 13 over our remaining 22 games.

I'm just highlighting that you are getting too worked up about this. Of course if we lose players we need to replace them, I wouldn't mind another wide player either, but if we don't get them I still believe we should get promoted.

People are getting too carried away with the fact we have a bit of money now. They are still trying to run the club as a self sufficient business and we cant just spunk money up the wall just in case we get a couple of injuries.

 

I was underlining that RL is not the goal machine he was last season and we can't rely on him winning games single-handedly,and Barnards future is up to the courts, not the manager. I know we have money, but I'm not advocating that we spend it for the sake of it, but the midfield is the powerhouse of any team, and we looked good a month ago, but Puncheon may well go, the AOC scenario is getting out of hand in the media and he may yet go before Feb. Hammond and Chaplow were not fit enough to play last Saturday..and the statements about Lallana's injury get more mysterious every time you read them.

 

Would you be happy to sit and wait, and maybe to be without Chaplow, Hammond and/or Lallana for an indefinite period, because NA says we are " not going to rush to bring them back " (correct thing to say) but sounds like a smoke screen because nowhere have I read that any of those three ..is back training and fit for Saturday!

Even if Puncheon and AOC stay, there was not much midfield experience available on the bench last Saturday.

 

I stand by my reasoning in the opening thread. One more striker, and another GOOD midfielder.

Edited 18 January, 2011 by david in sweden

[Dig Dig]

I was underlining that RL is not the goal machine he was last season and we can't rely on him winning games single-handedly,and Barnards future is up to the courts, not the manager. I know we have money, but I'm not advocating that we spend it for the sake of it, but the midfield is the powerhouse of any team, and we looked good a month ago, but Puncheon may well go, the AOC scenario is getting out of hand in the media and he may yet go before Feb. Hammond and Chaplow were not fit enough to play last Saturday..and the statements about Lallana's injury get more mysterious every time you read them.

 

Would you be happy to sit and wait, and maybe to be without Chaplow, Hammond and/or Lallana for an indefinite period, because NA says we are " not going to rush to bring them back " (correct thing to say) but sounds like a smoke screen because nowhere have I read that any of those three ..is back training and fit for Saturday!

Even if Puncheon and AOC stay, there was not much midfield experience available on the bench last Saturday.

 

I stand by my reasoning in the opening thread. One more striker, and another GOOD midfielder.

 

The club know more than we do. You are basing your entire argument on speculation over AOX, Lallana and Puncheon. We have a chairman who will move mountains to see us promoted this season so I'm sure if the worst case senario's happen then we will be busy in the transfer market.....in fact we are already accoring to NA!!!

 

So what's the problem exactly?

[Barry the Badger]

I think you just started badly, too sensationalist.

 

Saying we need reinforcements NOW if we are to make the playoffs is just ridiculous.

[Seaford Saint]

I think you just started badly, too sensationalist.

 

Saying we need reinforcements NOW if we are to make the playoffs is just ridiculous.

 

Nope I don't think it is sensationalist....how many teams will park the bus so to speak? In any case, we should be looking now for players who will play next year when we are in the Championship. Players better than thise we have....

 

I have no doubt that the main man is thinking further ahead than this season, exactly as Alan Pardew was doing until his mission got rudely interrupted

[Barry the Badger]

Nope I don't think it is sensationalist....how many teams will park the bus so to speak? In any case, we should be looking now for players who will play next year when we are in the Championship. Players better than thise we have....

 

But this is what I don't get. Do you really think we can compete for players better than the ones we've already got?

[Fan The Flames]

As I posted on another thread, here's some stats; points per game with Lallana 2.4 without 1. We have failed to score in two thirds of the games when AL is not playing.

[doddisalegend]

As I posted on another thread, here's some stats; points per game with Lallana 2.4 without 1. We have failed to score in two thirds of the games when AL is not playing.

 

So where are we going to get this Adam Lallana clone from then? Adam is a class player, I very much doubt we are going to find a replacement for Adam that wants to play in league one at a price the chairman thinks is acceptable to pay for cover until Adam is fit again.

[Deppo]

Just to be on the safe side and assure us of automatic promotion, this is what we need:

 

4 more strikers

4 more wingers (or 3 if one of them can operate on either flank)

2 defensive midfielders

2 attacking midfielders

3 centre backs

2 left backs

1 right back

Another reserve reserve keeper (just in case, but we could always rely on emergency loans for this so not a priority)

[SaintRichmond]

Just as well Lambert doesn't rely on pace to be effective then isn't it! 3 goals in 5 games, and by all accounts Superb at Oldham and very good against Huddersfield and Exter. So you think we should get rid of Lambert then? and replace him with whom?

 

So let me get this straight, no one on the saints team was winning the ball against Notts County? So by this then we should have been under non stop pressure because we had no one capable of winning the ball at all? Maybe now people are finally starting to appreciate the job Hammond does now he is not there.

 

Lol at you comment about people working Jaidi out, he has played in England for Bolton, birmingham and now Saints for around 8 years, he has played in league one for 18 months now, dont you think this is ample time to suss him out and and exploit this supposed weakness? Or is it more of a case that as an experienced international player and ex premier league player he has a good football brain and positional sense meaning his is more than a match for most L1 strikers, believe it or not not every player needs to be as quick as Usain Bolt.

 

And Notts County could have scored if they'd been more ambitious! LOL!!!!! The same could be said for any team in any game! Any team CAN score, if they do or not it's a different matter, one goal against in five games is a superb record, even more so considering we've got a a centre half who your granny could run rings round!

 

CAll me optimistic but five wins and a draw in our last 6 one goal against in five and 19 goals in our last 5 matches, (yes thats right, just short of an average of 4 a game) doesn;t suggest a slump is round the corner. Clearly i am mistaken though and it must mean this side is flawed for all to see.

 

With vital players now out injured, lets review this after our next three games ?

 

I may be in a minority of one who dares to suggest that relying on PAST form, will see us though irrespective of how weak our squad becomes

[Junction 9]

....then think again.

I was one of those few who wrote (a few months back), that we needed more additions to the squad. There were torrents of criticism (if not abuse) suggesting ; our squad was good enough already, new players would upset the harmony amongst the regulars, and some would want away as a reaction. YES our squad is good (if they're all fit ) . New signings are unsettling sometimes..it's called "competition for places" .

Now we see that Rickie Lambert won't have a 30 goal season again. Lee Barnard (one of our most consistant players) has off-the-field problems, the outcome of which - he has no control over, and it's still not clear to anyone if Puncheon will still be a Saints player come 31st january?.. as no-one has met the club's valuation of his services, PLUS the media fracas over Oxlade-Chamberlain..will he go, or stay?

 

With three midfielders out - even temporarily, we've lost that synergy that was so briliant in the last month. IMHO We need to sew up those " quiet deals " that have been muted by NA. I don't mind the lack of publicity about signings - it's better than a lying newspaper journo's fanticising - but if we are to sustain our recent momentum we need reinforcements NOW - if we are to stay in the top six...

Not to mention the psychological effect of the Man. Utd. Cup game on the horizon.

Do we really want to win it..YES, but not at the cost of more injuries or having to field an under-strength side and lose because of it.

 

 

WANTED: One striker + (at least) one, even two new midfielders.

 

I take it you mean Lalanna, Puncheon and Chamberlain?

 

Puncheon hasn't played any part in the "synergy" we have supposedly lost and Alex is still here. One 0-0 draw after winning 5 on the bounce and we've lost it? Ridiculous.