RobM Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 Let's be positive and say we're in the Championship next season... Which positions do you think we need to strengthen in order to be successful? IMO, we need a solid centre back first, a powerhouse like Jaidi... just Jaidi five years ago. I'd also like to see some quality competition brought into our wide positions, so we aren't so reliant on AOC and Lallana, but also to allow Lallana to move inside a bit more. I hope we don't make too many changes though, as keeping some consistency from this season would be of benefit and I do think we have some quality in our squad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conaero Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 The keeper is the main area for me, this will then stem into a more stable defence too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mowgli Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 or you can read the thread already running http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?29111-New-Season-Signings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 (edited) CB - god knows who Winger - Cheeky bid for pilkington..? Striker - CMS maybe..? maybe a keeper - W******d from cov..they are in financial mire, he is rather good.... we have a good core of a team/squad Kelvin Fonte Butterfield Hammond Morgan lallana Chaplow OxO Lambert Barnard throw in the likes of richardson dickson stephens harding bart not bad really Edited 3 April, 2011 by Thedelldays Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitch01 Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 IF we go up then we need to make some changes IMO. I agree about a new CB to partner Fonte, I would also like at least one new CM as I don't think Hammond or Chaplow are good enough to put us in contention for a top half finish, which I think is a realistic ambition. If Lambert plays like he did last season then we don't need a new targetman, if he plays like he is this season then maybe we do. I'm a big fan of Kelvin but I don't think he would rank as one of the better keepers in that division, so if we can sign a promising young keeper (like Leeds did with Schmiechel) then that would be a boost. Somehow I doubt Adkins would be that ruthless, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simo Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 Just a keeper imo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 A pacy striker with composure would be a great addition and will need a good winger when Chamberlain leaves. A quality partner for Fonte and a good centre midfielder and that would be a good start. As Norwich and Leeds have proven, its addig quality to what you have that is the best move, not quantity for the sake of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nexstar Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 Another decent winger (Pilkington would be great) A solid CM (Can't see Hammond/Chaplow doing the business) GK (Bart.) Another striker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopkins Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 Would without a doubt need a goalscorer. I imagine this will be Adkins first position he'll look to strengthen. I doubt Morgan will be here next season also so a CM will be needed, maybe Stephens on a permanent if he does well. But first and foremost we need a striker. Lambert, Barnard, Forte, Guly whoever, all unproven at that level and personally other than Lambert and possibly Guly (But more as an attacking midfielder) I don't see our strike force scoring goals on a consistent basis in a higher league. 1 or 2 top rate strikers needed imo. CMS will be a target and I hope someone else with him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Marco Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 I think it depends a lot on what our expectations are in the championship? Those who went up last year are in the chase to go up to the prem league this year. At least one of them will go up. Personally i think our aim should be the same as this one, playoffs at bare minimum. But that really depends on how backed Adkins will be in the transfer market. If we have just signed that nipper from Plymouth for £125k then i think you have to say chances are he is going to be backed pretty well. With that in mind i think the squad needs to be strengthened in nearly all areas. Keeper - Davis has done really well overall but has started to make more mistakes then he normally does. It is time to get a new number one. Defence - Jaidi is getting on and we will need a big strong centre back to partner Fonte. Midfield - Lallana,Chambo (assuming we keep him) Morgan and Hammond is a good midfield. However we will need to get better cover for the wings. If we can get Puncheon back and sort his head out then he will do. Attack - Lambert and Barnard will be ok. However we seriously lack a pacey striker. And in the Championship and beyond if you don't have that you can be seen as predictable. So i think a proper pacey striker will be needed. But as i said it depends on what our expectations are. The team as it is now should easily be a mid-table championship team. If we want to go on from that then we are going to need a few more class players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Jonny Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 Norwich and Leeds are doing rather well on the back of promotion from League 1, and Millwall aren't a million miles away from the play offs. Don't think we'd need much strengthening at all IMO. Not to say that I would be against it, just saying we shouldnt buy for buyings sake. If we even go up that is...! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 If we can get Puncheon back and sort his head out then he will do. Listen to Nigel Adkins comments about Puncheon and it is quite clear he will never play for Saints again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintscottofthenortham Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 Listen to Nigel Adkins comments about Puncheon and it is quite clear he will never play for Saints again. I don't want to see him in a Saints shirt again. He can f**k off, do the business at some other club for 6 months then go off the boil again. Amazes me that some fans want him back after he made it quite obvious he didn't want to be here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintandy666 Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 I do not think Lambert will make it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 I do not think Lambert will make it. what..someone who has scored a fuk load of goals for us and regularly scores loads at this level...has a fair amount of assists too...yet wont make it in the NPC ok then Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 Would without a doubt need a goalscorer. I imagine this will be Adkins first position he'll look to strengthen. I doubt Morgan will be here next season also so a CM will be needed, maybe Stephens on a permanent if he does well. But first and foremost we need a striker. Lambert, Barnard, Forte, Guly whoever, all unproven at that level and personally other than Lambert and possibly Guly (But more as an attacking midfielder) I don't see our strike force scoring goals on a consistent basis in a higher league. 1 or 2 top rate strikers needed imo. CMS will be a target and I hope someone else with him. why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trader Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 Don't. Count. Chickens. FFS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkSFC Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 We should hope for players in these positions that are better than we have; GK Left Back Center Back Center Mid Striker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 Millwall were on a par, just about with us last season. We have a stronger first 11 and squad this season than last. Millwall have kept the same team. They are just outside of play offs. Don't think our squad / side would be far off in ability next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintandy666 Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 what..someone who has scored a fuk load of goals for us and regularly scores loads at this level...has a fair amount of assists too...yet wont make it in the NPC ok then He isn't fast enough for the Championship in my opinion. He just doesn't quite have the skill to make it. I worry about Barnard as well at that level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopkins Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 why? Just a hunch really. I know from various sources (No i'm not naming names but I know a few of the players that left in the summer and friends of them) he was close to leaving in the summer but was persuaded to stay by various people. The French under 21 coach I heard a long while ago wasn't happy with him playing at this level and I doubt moving up one division in 2 seasons will be enough progress for the coach and Morgans ambitions. Fancy him to go back to France and try and get noticed in his own country in the top league there. I fancy him to be good enough but it will be interesting to see how he develops if he does. What is his contract situation? I don't know why really, like I said, just a hunch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 (edited) He isn't fast enough for the Championship in my opinion. He just doesn't quite have the skill to make it. I worry about Barnard as well at that level. grant holt is probably even slower than lambert...and not as good on the ball..hence why lambert scored alot more than him last season.. jackson on the other hand, is very quick and yet, cant get into the norwich team and is set to be sold after just 1 season personally, I think lambert would be good for 10-15 league goals in the NPC..which would be pretty good IMO throw in a CMS for example with barney and jonno forte...we would have a pretty good mix of forwards Edited 3 April, 2011 by Thedelldays Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalek2003 Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 Are we up yet ? Talk about putting the cart before the horse ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintandy666 Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 grant holt is probably even slower than lambert...and not as good on the ball..hence why lambert scored alot more than him last season.. jackson on the other hand, is very quick and yet, cant get into the norwich team and is set to be sold after just 1 season personally, I think lambert would be good for 10-15 league goals in the NPC..which would be pretty good IMO throw in a CMS for example with barney and jonno forte...we would have a pretty good mix of forwards Lambert is good at holding up the ball, but he just looks like he can not be bothered a lot of time. I do not like it, his body language is all wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 Grant Holt is the Championship's 3rd top scorer this season with 19 Championship goals. To think Lambert doesn't have the pace for the Championship is a nonsense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazza82 Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 Let's be positive and say we're in the Championship next season... Which positions do you think we need to strengthen in order to be successful? IMO, we need a solid centre back first, a powerhouse like Jaidi... just Jaidi five years ago. I'd also like to see some quality competition brought into our wide positions, so we aren't so reliant on AOC and Lallana, but also to allow Lallana to move inside a bit more. I hope we don't make too many changes though, as keeping some consistency from this season would be of benefit and I do think we have some quality in our squad. If Ian Harte can play at that level then i dont see why Jaidi cant, Plus we will play less games because we wont have the JPT just league, Fa cup and Carling cup. With the cover of Seaborne and Martin i think we may see another cb come in but not to replace Jaidi just to add more competion. I think if Preston go down and we go up we should go for Sean St. Ledger. I think we should try to get Norris from Ipswich aswell he is out of contract and has told Paul jewell to plan without him for next season, he is also there captain so imo would add to our squad, also if Swansea dont go up we should make a bid for Scott Sinclair he may be tempted to come here because his brother is already here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 Millwall were on a par, just about with us last season. We have a stronger first 11 and squad this season than last. Millwall have kept the same team. They are just outside of play offs. Don't think our squad / side would be far off in ability next season. ^This Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 since that disastrous January transfer window when Adkins refused to acknowledge how weak we are, we have only won 8 out of the 12 games - drawing 3 and losing 1. It would have been a perfect record if he had signed 7 new players Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr X Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 Let's be positive and say we're in the Championship next season... Which positions do you think we need to strengthen in order to be successful? IMO, we need a solid centre back first, a powerhouse like Jaidi... just Jaidi five years ago. I'd also like to see some quality competition brought into our wide positions, so we aren't so reliant on AOC and Lallana, but also to allow Lallana to move inside a bit more. I hope we don't make too many changes though, as keeping some consistency from this season would be of benefit and I do think we have some quality in our squad. I think you have just cursed us by speaking about us in the championship Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 He isn't fast enough for the Championship in my opinion. He just doesn't quite have the skill to make it. I worry about Barnard as well at that level. Rubbish that he doesnt have enough skill. Would say he has more skill than beattie. Did you notice he set up 3 goals basically yesterday? Wake up man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintBobby Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 A lot depends on our ambitions and the five year plan. I think the present squad is probably good enough to come mid-table in the NPC. Say, about 12th-14th. I think the issues are as follows: 1. Do we lose AOC anyway? If so, we're going to be £5m+ richer, but definitely need some serious investment on the wings. If not, then AOC as RM and Adam as LM seems to me to be a better pair of 1st choice wide players than we are likely to be able to afford/attract. 2. Central defence. We almost certainly need a serious investment in partnering Fonte. 3. Can Lambert cut it in the NPC? I think this is a huge issue, but one that's tough to answer. I'm actually a bit more confident of Barnard in the NPC than Lambert. Am not saying ditch Rickie. Not at all. But if he's not going to be the main man, we may need to at least think about a £1m-£2m striker. What worries me is that I'm not sure there's a middle road here. We either need to have him as the striker we're hoping to get 20+ goals from or get someone else in. Him being okayish and getting 10-12 goals would mean we were slightly hamstrung. 4. Central midfield. This is probably where I'd make the biggest investment. I like Morgan a lot, but wonder whether he will emerge as a superb rather than merely technically impressive player. If he can, we need to find him a partner he can work with. I'm not anti-Hammond or Chaplow, but not inspired by them either. I'd probably give them bothy a 7/10 in League One and maybe a 6/10 in the Championship. To invest in a player who is an 8.5 or 9 in the NPC in central midfield and can act as the engine room would be a huge boost. 5. Is there a goalkeeper issue? I think not. Kelvin as no.1 and easing in Bart as his replacement seems more than fine to me. But I do think this is a debatable area. 6. Are Harding and Butterfield good enough? In my view "yes", but I probably want better cover for Harding (neither Dickson nor a recalled Mills cut the mustard for me). I'm yet to be persuaded by Richardson as cover at RB, but am willing to give him more time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 3 April, 2011 Share Posted 3 April, 2011 GK (maybe) CB RM CM Striker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 Davis Bart Butterfield Richardson Fonte Jaidi Buy??? Martin Harding Dickson Lallana Pilkington Aoc Morgan Pugh??? Stephens Chaplow Gobern Lambert Cms??? Barnard Guly Out: Seaborne Holmes Hammond Puncheon Forte Nguessan Connolly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 You'd seriously keep Gobern over our captain, Hammond? Hammond will be a main feature in our side next year too. And what has Forte done wrong in order to be shipped out so soon? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 ...........................Davis Butterfield.....Fonte.....Jaidi.....Harding Pilkington....Morgan...Danns...Lallana .........…....…Lambert....Cms Subs: Bart New cb Dickson Aoc Chaplow Guly Chaplow Nice team! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 You'd seriously keep Gobern over our captain, Hammond? Hammond will be a main feature in our side next year too. And what has Forte done wrong in order to be shipped out so soon? I've never rated hammond. I think he's least technically gifted midfielder at the club. Despite his recent performances, I don't think I'd like to see him run our engine in the champ. Forte has been slow to impress, credit for last game but I like the idea of a small compact but power in every area squad! A streamline squad with a certain level of quality everywhere is needed to get to prem (hopefully) Gobern has obvious potential In our team so stays. I'd give the armband to Lallana next season. You can see the way he plays, he's a leader. Screw the age factor, captains lead by showing the way.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 A lot depends on our ambitions and the five year plan. I think the present squad is probably good enough to come mid-table in the NPC. Say, about 12th-14th. I think the issues are as follows: 1. Do we lose AOC anyway? If so, we're going to be £5m+ richer, but definitely need some serious investment on the wings. If not, then AOC as RM and Adam as LM seems to me to be a better pair of 1st choice wide players than we are likely to be able to afford/attract. 2. Central defence. We almost certainly need a serious investment in partnering Fonte. 3. Can Lambert cut it in the NPC? I think this is a huge issue, but one that's tough to answer. I'm actually a bit more confident of Barnard in the NPC than Lambert. Am not saying ditch Rickie. Not at all. But if he's not going to be the main man, we may need to at least think about a £1m-£2m striker. What worries me is that I'm not sure there's a middle road here. We either need to have him as the striker we're hoping to get 20+ goals from or get someone else in. Him being okayish and getting 10-12 goals would mean we were slightly hamstrung. 4. Central midfield. This is probably where I'd make the biggest investment. I like Morgan a lot, but wonder whether he will emerge as a superb rather than merely technically impressive player. If he can, we need to find him a partner he can work with. I'm not anti-Hammond or Chaplow, but not inspired by them either. I'd probably give them bothy a 7/10 in League One and maybe a 6/10 in the Championship. To invest in a player who is an 8.5 or 9 in the NPC in central midfield and can act as the engine room would be a huge boost. 5. Is there a goalkeeper issue? I think not. Kelvin as no.1 and easing in Bart as his replacement seems more than fine to me. But I do think this is a debatable area. 6. Are Harding and Butterfield good enough? In my view "yes", but I probably want better cover for Harding (neither Dickson nor a recalled Mills cut the mustard for me). I'm yet to be persuaded by Richardson as cover at RB, but am willing to give him more time. We matched Millwall last season once we had a side. They are pretty much using same side this season. We are stronger as 11 and squad this season. We have good young players who are getting better. Don't think current squad would be far off play offs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 I'd give the armband to Lallana next season. You can see the way he plays, he's a leader. Screw the age factor, captains lead by showing the way.. I've been toying with starting a "Lallana = captain material" thread for a while now. A shoe-in next season if you ask me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dellman Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 How many changes have Norwich made? Not many I guess and they are going from our league into the Premiership at the first attempt, so maybe our squad with some youngsters coming through will do the same, togetherness counts for a lot and I sense that is getting strong after not existing at all for about 6 years. Well done NC/NA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lighthouse Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 Bart in goal, he's the future. Defence looks alright, but I'd replace Jaidi and Seaborne. If Mills stays, would loan/sell Dickson. Midfield pretty good. Keep Stephens, replace Holmes and anyone else who leaves. Don't sign Guess. Up front Barnard and Lambert will be good, need at least 1 more. Nugent would be brilliant (on so many levels) if he'd take a wage cut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jones91 Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 Beattie? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alanh Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 I would expect about 7 - 8 signings for the squad based on replacing players who I guess won't get a new contract - Connelly, Holmes, N'Guesson, Puncheon - and players who might need replacing. Norwich and Leeds both signed about this number last Summer / Xmas. I think that one of the most important areas for us to strengthen will be up front as I'm not convinced LB is good enough for the NPC and if Connelly goes we will need quality replacements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teddy Nutkins Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 I would expect us to stengthen the "spine" of the team, even if we stay in this league. GK CB CM CF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachcombers Windowsill Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 How many changes have Norwich made? Not many I guess and they are going from our league into the Premiership at the first attempt, so maybe our squad with some youngsters coming through will do the same, togetherness counts for a lot and I sense that is getting strong after not existing at all for about 6 years. Well done NC/NA To be fair, have you seen Norwich's forward line? It's pretty mouth watering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Munster Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 Shouldn't we cross that bridge when we get to it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammysaint Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 Yep need to get there 1st defo get rid of DNG Holmes and Connelly. I think Bart in goal, a new cb and striker and were have a good team. AOC and Lallana should be 2 of the best wingers in that league which would help us maintain a good position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 4 April, 2011 Share Posted 4 April, 2011 If Sheff U go down, Ched Evans would be worth a punt. Good player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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