Crab Lungs Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Yes, I know it's a bit premature. Yes, it could be conceded that it might appear a bit arrogant from those of a delicate nature however, should we return to the NPC as anticipated, what exactly will need to ensure we can challenge for a second promotion? I had a conversation with a friend who wanted us to establish ourselves in the NPC first before we even thought about promotion. I understand his point entirely, but it wasn't for me. What made more sense was to build on the momentum we already have, recruit sensibly and use the players of high calibre that we've already got to give it another go next season. Besides, I'm concerned that if we don't at least have a go next season then we'll be susceptible to losing our stars; like Chamberlain, Fonte and Lallana as our ambition will undoubtedly have to match theirs. So, where are we short? Where do we need to strengthen? Do we need more impact players? Do we need an alternative to Jaidi? Has Dale Stephens warranted a full-time contract with the Saints... and exactly how many of our players can do a reasonable to good job in the division above next year? Realistically, I think that if we are promoted then I would like to think we can attract some decent, established Championship players who would compliment our squad and give us different options. So, hypothetically speaking, if you were Adkins and you were given £5m to spend on new players (aside from their wages), what players would you be looking at to strengthen the squad? Also, what players would you move on? The likes of Forecast and Pulis are probably a given, however, what about long-term absentees and fringe players? What of Connolly, is he worth another gamble in the NPC? And lastly, tactics. Will we have to adapt much, assuming we reach the Championship? Are our players inferior to existing teams in the league? Are we as good and as strong as Doncaster, Palace and Derby, let alone Leeds, Millwall and Norwich - who have all come up from the third tier and not been outclassed? Will we have to tweak our tactics as well as our squad to adapt, or will our current tactics with sensible improvements work just fine? It's fair to say that our current squad is arguably better than the one we had in the last season of the Championship but is that enough? I'll leave it to you to decide... what do YOU think we need to do to mount a challenge for promotion in the NPC? Or would you be happy with establishing the club first? State your objective, your targets, sales, tactics, observations and then your conclusion and prediction. Might be interesting to see how many of us get it right this time next year! Anyway, excuse the essay style, I'll kick it off by doing mine in a minute but here's the subject headers... if anyone care's to have a go, that'd be great Objective Viable Player Targets (In) Players Out (Released/Sold) Tactics/Observations/Starting 11 Conclusion & Prediction * Like I said, all hypothetical - I'm not taking it for granted as we're not there yet... but just assume we do make it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gingeletiss Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Yes, it could be conceded that it might appear a bit arrogant You got it in one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 27 April, 2011 Author Share Posted 27 April, 2011 You got it in one. Personally, I don't see it as such. I see it as ambition and well, a hypothetical, fun exercise. It depends how delicate some people are... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 premature, just keep winning and heading in right direction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 27 April, 2011 Author Share Posted 27 April, 2011 To negate the "arrogance factor", you can also hypothesise IF we don't get promoted... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raging Bull Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Please don't tempt fait.....anyway save it for 5pm sat and it could be reality Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dockland Dave Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Very arrogant. We are by no means up yet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 27 April, 2011 Author Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Christ... does anyone really see this as arrogant? Hardly anything wrong in talking about a possible eventuality... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raging Bull Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 I personally don't see it as arrogant just getting ahead of yourself. There's nothing arrogant about planning for next year thought CL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panda Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Chickens waiting to hatch; cart then horse; we have had four threads on this already and I think it best left to the end of the season when we know in which league we will be playing next year before we start even thinking about planning for it. The second oldest cliché in football (after 'sick as a parrot') is 'take one game at a time'. Next is Brentford away ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 27 April, 2011 Author Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Fair do's.... close it down and let's see what happens then! Then I'll be interested to hear opinions... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 it wasn't that it was arrogant - just reminded me of being set essays for homework! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 27 April, 2011 Author Share Posted 27 April, 2011 it wasn't that it was arrogant - just reminded me of being set essays for homework! If some smaller club with a chip on their shoulder (that's partially arrogant comment, right there!) wants to get their knickers in a twist over Saints fans talking about a very real, very possible outcome that's up to them. It's speculative anyway, I think everyone knows that. I don't think people really care about that, surely... I get the impression as alexander says above that they'd rather not tempt fate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjsaint Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 We need Rupert Lowe back, he and his 'total football' clowns did a great job of getting us out of the Championship Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farawaysaint Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 We need Rupert Lowe back, he and his 'total football' clowns did a great job of getting us out of the Championship Be fair, they had f all to work with and we did play some gorgeous looknig football under Portvleit. Pity we didn't have a striker that could hit a barn with a banjo though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 27 April, 2011 Author Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Be fair, they had f all to work with and we did play some gorgeous looknig football under Portvleit. Pity we didn't have a striker that could hit a barn with a banjo though. Will always remember West Ham home... we tore them apart! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Tone Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Christ... does anyone really see this as arrogant? Hardly anything wrong in talking about a possible eventuality... No not arrogant, just tempting fate. I'm happy to save these discussions for the close season... maybe ... I hope ... fingers crossed .... not under a ladder ...nowhere near a black cat ... all mirrors intact ... not on the 13th ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFC Forever Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 All business has to plan ahead and do so keeping more than one aspect or range of possibilities open to them. Whether we get promoted or not we have to be already making plans for next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Looking at how well Norwich, Leeds and Millwall have done in the Championship this season there is no reason at all that we cant give promotion a right good go next season should we gain promotion to the NPC this season. I think the key has to be keeping with what we have done recently. Keep playing football but have that ability to be able to mix it up a bit when plan A doesnt work. Objective - For me, the play-offs are realistic. The higher we get in the Playoff places the better the chance we have of sneaking in to the automatic spots. Viable Player Targets (In) - I think we will need another strong centreback in the Jaidi mould. He's been quality but I question whether he can withstand 46 games in the Championship. Someone tall, good in the air, strong and vocal. Experience would also be a massive plus. Mike Williamson from Newcastle would be brilliant. I think Newcastle will be keen on retaining him but I did read today that they are after Ashley Williams from Swansea. If he became available he would be perfect alongside Fonte. Perhaps Michael Mancienne on loan from Chelsea if Wolves go down? I also think an experienced central midfielder would be good. Brian Stock, Brian Howard and Wade Elliott would all be good targets. Experienced at Championship level, all apparently Saints fans and could all add to the squad. Perhaps a move for Michael Antonio? I still think the side could do with a better, pacy option from the bench. His long throws would also come in handy. I would also bring in an experienced forward who knows how to score goals at this level. This would allow for us to give Ricky a rest every now and then. I reckon James Beattie would be willing to come on reasonable wages as his career begins to wind down. I am still confident if you get him fit and happy he will bang them in at Championship level. Players Out (Released/Sold) - Dan Seabourne. Despite his pace, he really does not inspire any confidence and will surely only struggle further if playing at a higher level. N'Guessan can go back as well. Not been impressed at all and Forte will do as our pacy "impact" player, as well as Antonio who I mentioned earlier. I'm sure there are a few reserves we could get shot of as well but not going to name them all. Tactics/Observations/Starting 11 - We have to keep going as we are. A footballing side first and foremost but able to change things round to suit the situation/pitch/opposition/occasion. I would go with something along the lines of: ----------------------------Davis------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- Butterfield---------Fonte-------------Williamson----------Harding ---------------------------------------------------------------- Chamberlain*-------------Schneiderlin---------------------Lallana ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------Howard----------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------Lambert----------Barnard**----------------- *if we manage to keep hold of him. I personally think he'll be sold. If thats the case bring in Wade Elliott (if Burnley arent promoted, he might well fancy it). **assuming he is not spending time as her majesty's pleasure. If thats the case he'll need to be replaced with a workhorse who is able to weigh in regularly with goals. God knows who though! Conclusion & Prediction I personally think the gap between the top teams in League 1 and the teams in the Championship is relatively small. Obviously a few tweaks will need to be made but in Nigel I trust. I would be disappointed if we missed out on a Play off position as Nigel supposedly has the resources at his disposal to ensure we have the quality throughout the squad to achieve this. My prediction is we sneak a play off place, perhaps 5th or 6th. Promotion would then be a question of form. If this was offered now, I would take it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Didn't Mike Williamson play for us before? I think he's a Winchester lad as well. HCDAJFU. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 I'll think about it if or when we go up to the NPC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Didn't Mike Williamson play for us before? I think he's a Winchester lad as well. HCDAJFU. Definitely was on our books. Not sure if he actually made any appearances for the first team. Was born in Stoke and raised in Torquay. Could definitely do a job for us, he's been excellent whenever I've seen him play. Not sure his desire to drop down to Championship would be that great though. If Newcastle did get rid there would probably be other Prem sides showing an interest. If there was any chance though, it would be a great signing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 I don't think Lambert and Barnard would get enough goals in the NPC...just IMO of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Bateman Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Am I alone in not wanting to rush up to the Premier League and watching us get beaten week in week out by teams full of foreign mercenaries? Championship would be good for a couple of seasons! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 27 April, 2011 Author Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Looking at how well Norwich, Leeds and Millwall have done in the Championship this season there is no reason at all that we cant give promotion a right good go next season should we gain promotion to the NPC this season. I think the key has to be keeping with what we have done recently. Keep playing football but have that ability to be able to mix it up a bit when plan A doesnt work. Objective - For me, the play-offs are realistic. The higher we get in the Playoff places the better the chance we have of sneaking in to the automatic spots. Viable Player Targets (In) - I think we will need another strong centreback in the Jaidi mould. He's been quality but I question whether he can withstand 46 games in the Championship. Someone tall, good in the air, strong and vocal. Experience would also be a massive plus. Mike Williamson from Newcastle would be brilliant. I think Newcastle will be keen on retaining him but I did read today that they are after Ashley Williams from Swansea. If he became available he would be perfect alongside Fonte. Perhaps Michael Mancienne on loan from Chelsea if Wolves go down? I also think an experienced central midfielder would be good. Brian Stock, Brian Howard and Wade Elliott would all be good targets. Experienced at Championship level, all apparently Saints fans and could all add to the squad. Perhaps a move for Michael Antonio? I still think the side could do with a better, pacy option from the bench. His long throws would also come in handy. I would also bring in an experienced forward who knows how to score goals at this level. This would allow for us to give Ricky a rest every now and then. I reckon James Beattie would be willing to come on reasonable wages as his career begins to wind down. I am still confident if you get him fit and happy he will bang them in at Championship level. Players Out (Released/Sold) - Dan Seabourne. Despite his pace, he really does not inspire any confidence and will surely only struggle further if playing at a higher level. N'Guessan can go back as well. Not been impressed at all and Forte will do as our pacy "impact" player, as well as Antonio who I mentioned earlier. I'm sure there are a few reserves we could get shot of as well but not going to name them all. Tactics/Observations/Starting 11 - We have to keep going as we are. A footballing side first and foremost but able to change things round to suit the situation/pitch/opposition/occasion. I would go with something along the lines of: ----------------------------Davis------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- Butterfield---------Fonte-------------Williamson----------Harding ---------------------------------------------------------------- Chamberlain*-------------Schneiderlin---------------------Lallana ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------Howard----------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------Lambert----------Barnard**----------------- *if we manage to keep hold of him. I personally think he'll be sold. If thats the case bring in Wade Elliott (if Burnley arent promoted, he might well fancy it). **assuming he is not spending time as her majesty's pleasure. If thats the case he'll need to be replaced with a workhorse who is able to weigh in regularly with goals. God knows who though! Conclusion & Prediction I personally think the gap between the top teams in League 1 and the teams in the Championship is relatively small. Obviously a few tweaks will need to be made but in Nigel I trust. I would be disappointed if we missed out on a Play off position as Nigel supposedly has the resources at his disposal to ensure we have the quality throughout the squad to achieve this. My prediction is we sneak a play off place, perhaps 5th or 6th. Promotion would then be a question of form. If this was offered now, I would take it! Thanks for being the first person to "sit the exam" You've pretty much summed up a lot of what I was going to write as well, which is interesting! Time to post mine... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 lets say we kept the whole squad...IMO to have a top 10 finish/stab at the playoffs...it hink we would need to add.. a Commanding CB (st ledger) a CM (howard) another good winger (pilkington) another striker. (sharp) add good quality in those positions with what we have, we will do well IMO... dencet examples IMO in brackets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gingeletiss Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Am I alone in not wanting to rush up to the Premier League and watching us get beaten week in week out by teams full of foreign mercenaries? Championship would be good for a couple of seasons! This Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Am I alone in not wanting to rush up to the Premier League and watching us get beaten week in week out by teams full of foreign mercenaries? Championship would be good for a couple of seasons! of course I would love it if we got promote straight away..but I see where you are comming from....the business end ofthe NPC is cracking stuff....you REALLY have to be consistant to finish top 6. SO many teams are like for like..that is why I think brighton will struggle, they have one way of playing..that is on the front foot at their own pace....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Am I alone in not wanting to rush up to the Premier League and watching us get beaten week in week out by teams full of foreign mercenaries? Championship would be good for a couple of seasons! No you're not I'd be happy with the championship, however the nature of the beast these days is that the cash from the PL is vital for any club with ambition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 (edited) Am I alone in not wanting to rush up to the Premier League and watching us get beaten week in week out by teams full of foreign mercenaries? Championship would be good for a couple of seasons! This Bizarre logic to that. Firstly, what makes you think Saints would be beaten week in, week out in the Premier League? Cortese has said in interview the money is there to compete in the Premier League and not to struggle. Secondly, have you forgotten that even if Saints did go up to the Premier League and get relegated straight away, they would then get £48 million of parachute payments to help them get promoted again and strengthen the club. Basically you are wanting Saints to not succeed next season and be beaten by teams in the Championship so to not get promoted. Which is odd. Edited 27 April, 2011 by Matthew Le God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 you are correct MLG... stoke and more recently WBA have NOT been beaten week in week out..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 First thing I'd have in my tooldbox was something to remove incorrect apostrophes. His surname is not Adkin. Second thing would be a reality check for people who think Saints in the Prem would be anything other than one of those run of the mill midtable-cum-relegation threatened teams without a massive cash influx, which will probably be against the rules by the time we get there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 I'd be quite happy not to get back to the EPL and be priced out of games.£90+ for my nipper and I to go to Chelsea or Arsenal. No thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Second thing would be a reality check for people who think Saints in the Prem would be anything other than one of those run of the mill midtable-cum-relegation threatened teams without a massive cash influx, which will probably be against the rules by the time we get there. I think you need to look at some Premier League tables over the last decade and you will see a number of teams without huge investment coming 5th to 10th. Including Saints under the stewardship of "big spending" Rupert Lowe. Saints now for the first time in 125 years have an owner with money and willing to invest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 27 April, 2011 Author Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Well, here goes. I don't believe, if we go up, that we should look to consolidate in the Championship. The NPC should be used as a springboard and with so many good-quality players in our squad looking to further themselves, we should be matching their ambition and at the very least, going for promotion within 1-2 years. If we don't, we could end up stagnating like Coventry. I don't buy "establishing yourself" in any other league than the Premier League. Every other league should be used as a springboard and if we were to just settle for mediocrity then we'll no doubt end up with players with parallel ambitions. That'll mean goodbye Chamberlain, goodbye Fonte, goodbye Schneiderlin and goodbye Adam Lallana. Can we replicate what Leeds, Millwall and Norwich have done? Yes, we can. Similar sized clubs with resources similar or lesser than our own have achieved and succeeded in the NPC so with a little tweaking and sensible recruitment to ensure we're covered for another gruelling 46-game season, it's possible. That and we hang on to our own best players, of course. They'll be no better time to have an opportunity of reaching than the Premier League. What we do next season could determine quite a lot. Objective As mentioned previously, the playoff mix has to be an absolute must. Depending on the resources available (let's speculate £5m plus player sales), it's fair to say that is a reasonable budget to recruit from. Likewise, with only minimal tweaking(not significant restructuring required) should enable us to pick up 3-4 decent quality players to build upon the squad we've already got. As above also, what happens next season could determine our short-term future significantly. Assuming we are promoted from L1, we are likely to still have Fonte, Schneiderlin and Lallana; possibly Chamberlain as well. We'll also have the momentum of a winning side and mindset, which, as you have seen in recent seasons, has catapulted teams from L1 to the brink of the Premier League: Leicester, Leeds, Norwich, Swansea and Millwall - or at the very least, kept them in the mixer. If we spend two years "establishing" ourselves than we'll not only lose that momentum, but we'll also lose the players with that mindset. Viable Player Targets (In) For those of you who saw my "Crab Lungs" cravings post, I have drawn up a huge shortlist of potential buys should we reach the Championship. Of course, we cannot have all 100 of them so I'll have to cherry-pick my favourites in the positions I've identified where we're short. As above, Radhi Jaidi is coming to the end of his career. For me, he's worth another contract but beyond that we have look elsewhere. It's probably too soon to throw Aaron Martin in straight away so an experienced, grizzled, no-nonsense centre half is one requirement. A Chris Morgan/Chris Lucketti type player who will blend with Jose at the back. Recently relegated Preston will undoubtedly struggle to keep ahold of their best players, one being Sean St.Ledger. He's one option, though I would also recommend we look at Matt Kilgallon (Sunderland), Matt Connolly (QPR) or even Graeme Lee (Notts County). The latter may come as a surprise but he'd be a very inexpensive stop-gap and is someone I believe could do a job at a higher level, given the right circumstances and team around him. Michail Antonio is another player I would love to see back at Saints. Like sambosa said, Antonio seemingly offers a bit more than Forte as an impact player, had a terrific throw, blistering pace, competitive nature and good attitude to hard work. He'd fit in well, even if he is a little raw. Irrespective, to have pace and power available as well as technique and determination just adds another string to our bow. Recruitment of Antonio and another winger would also be ideal, giving us an option to move Lallana either further field or in a free role, as well as providing good competition for places - not to mention the anticipated departures of Chamberlain and Puncheon could leave us short in those areas. But what wingers would offer something different or improve upon what we already have? Antonio offers something different and Chris Eagles of Burnley would too. Skilful, hard-working and an accurate crosser, he's what Lee Holmes could have been if he wasn't injured so much. Not sure how much he'd cost, but he'd definitely be someone to look at as I think as much as I'd want George Boyd, I think we'd be priced out of the market for him. Another player in a similar mould to Eagles is Keith Treacy at Preston, although seemingly more "explosive" than Preston. He's not Jonno quick, but he's another proven Championship winger and he'll no doubt also be available at the right price from relegated PNE. In the centre, I think we're also requiring a little more competition. Whilst we have some "solid, if unspectacular" performers in the centre of the park, I'd like us to get one or two specialist midfielders. Midfielders that you can clearly identify by their roles. Not a jack-of-all-trades, but someone who does one or two specific jobs and does them brilliantly. As much as I'd like us to bring back Jack Cork from Burnley, I don't think he'll add any much more than what we've already got. Firstly, we'll need an imposer. A Graham Kavanagh type midfielder who'll put the tackles in, lead by example and pass the ball sensibly and accurately. For a cheap option, I've identified David Prutton of relegated Swindon. No doubt that'll raise some eyebrows on here but I think in a good team, he'll prosper. In a bad team, he'll wilt. Additionally, I think he'd relish the opportunity of giving it another shot here. First and foremost though, I believe he has the ability to do a good job in the NPC should he be given the opportunity. A more financially expensive target would be try and prise Marvin Elliott from Bristol City. I can't imagine what he'd cost (probably in excess of £1m) but he would be worth every penny. Rangy, hard-working and can chip in with a few important goals as well. He'd give us excellent protection should Nigel dabble with that diamond formation again. A second midfielder with different attributes would also be required. We have Lallana for creativity, but I cannot help but think that if we had another little magician in the Belmadi role then we'll have great coverage in the squad, as well as exciting attacking and differing options. One player I've been impressed with is Radowslaw Majewski at Notts Forest and whilst I'd no idea what he'd cost and whether he'd join, if it's under £1m and he's interested then he'd provide the perfect creative footballer to either cover Lallana or better still, play alongside him in some shape or form. Then again, I wouldn't be too upset if we signed none of the above and just went for Stock, Howard and Danns; after all, they're long overdue in signing! Up front, I'd target someone with brawn (but perhaps not his footballing brain) to take the workload off Rickie. Someone relatively cheap, experienced in the NPC and would work around and link up with creative, quick footballers. Someone like Steve Howard or Jon Parkin; Perhaps, Darius Henderson of Sheffield United. Besides, if we recruit him, at least it'll probably end his threat of scoring against us. Either of three mentioned would do a fantastic job, but my targets would be set on a "wow" player with reputation. Someone, perhaps, with a point to prove. Someone who would slot in well into the existing framework, the team and the surroundings. Someone who perhaps already knows the club. James Beattie. I am in absolutely no doubt he would rediscover his form. Yes, he's not fresh-faced, arrogant Beattie we all remember and love but he can still do it. He just needs to find the right environment. We are that environment. Back the Beatts... Also, I think we're lacking an explosive striker. Perhaps a Simeon Jackson type player, or someone who simply just has a bit of pace and is prolific at this level. Someone who would add another dimension to our strikeforce beyond the guile of Connolly, the goalscoring of Lambert and the hard work of Barnard. Nicky Maynard of Bristol City, Marlon Harewood of Blackpool or Ishmael Miller of West Brom. Another gamble I'd like to see us take is prising David Somma away from Leeds. If anyone here as seen him, perhaps they'd know why! Still can't understand why he doesn't get as many games. Players Out (Released/Sold) Dan Seaborne, sadly. I just don't think he's got enough about him to aid us in a charge up to the Championship. In fact, I'd hate to see him versus Steve Howard The usual suspects; deadweights Anthony Pulis and Tommy Forecast and of course Jason Puncheon. We won't get much revenue from the first three, but Chamberlain may also move on - for around £10m. A decent warchest for an assault on the NPC. TBC.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 27 April, 2011 Author Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Tactics/Observations/Starting 11 Once again, assuming we are promoted, Chamberlain is retained and the players above are recruited, it'd be lovely to see the Saints line up for their first game at home to an under-strength, disorganised Portsmouth on the 6th August with: ----------------------------Davis------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- Butterfield---------Fonte-------------Jaidi----------------Harding ---------------------------------------------------------------- Chamberlain*------Elliott-----------Hammond--------------Lallana ---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------Lambert----------Barnard**----------------- *assuming Chamberlain is retained, if not Antonio/Eagles/Boyd would do nicely! **Barnard for the Skates game, but would be in direct competition with Connolly (retained), Beattie and another. Conclusion & Prediction I've now realised this perhaps the most stupidest and hardest part of this post to make. I've no idea. With sensible recruitment (wily bargain basement signings and a sensible outlay on high-standard NPC level footballers), we've got a chance. In fact, I'd suggest our best chance of going up to the Premier League would be next season, as I've stated above. Winning momentum, surprise factor and of course, the retention of our best players. Anyway, nothing is cut and dried in this league let alone the next, but if we were offered Leeds position and points now, would I take it? I think I probably would... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 you are correct MLG... stoke and more recently WBA have NOT been beaten week in week out..... Surely WBA have been up down more times than a whores head, they're the orginal yo yo team. I'm not sure Stoke was NC vision of the saints style either............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Surely WBA have been up down more times than a whores head, they're the orginal yo yo team. I'm not sure Stoke was NC vision of the saints style either............. you are right about WBA...looks like woy has stopped the rot (he is very very good at that level of club) im sure NC would love stoke citys vision at the tune of £100m+ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 (edited) I think you need to look at some Premier League tables over the last decade and you will see a number of teams without huge investment coming 5th to 10th. Including Saints under the stewardship of "big spending" Rupert Lowe. Saints now for the first time in 125 years have an owner with money and willing to invest. We'll see this summer if we still "have money to invest" from the family by our transfer dealings. Already being more than familiar with Prem tables in the last 20 years, never mind 10, I think we're probably discussing different things - I'm talking about becoming established as a side not remotely considering relegation from the Prem, whilst you're talking about some teams who have occasionally finishing above half way. There are only currently about 5 teams in the Prem who don't have any chance of getting relegated when the season starts, and all of them have spent massively in the hundred millions apart from Arsenal who had a pretty high starting point. Man City and Spurs have joined Man U, Chelsea and Arsenal, whilst Liverpool have shown quite nicely this season what happens if you don't invest. I'm talking about challenging the top 4, not sitting about midtable, otherwise as Patrick Bateman says, what's the point ? To help you out with the "top 5" figures, here are the top 5 finishers in the 18 years of Prem history : http://www.myfootballfacts.com/PremierLeagueTop5Finishes1992-93to2008-09.html Whether the expenditure pattern changes with the UEFA Finance rules I don't know, but I can't see us benefitting from the practicalities of a potential squeeze on transfer and wage spending when other teams are already at that point. Edited 27 April, 2011 by The9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 you are right about WBA...looks like woy has stopped the rot (he is very very good at that level of club) im sure NC would love stoke citys vision at the tune of £100m+ Yes but could derry cope.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 27 April, 2011 Author Share Posted 27 April, 2011 First thing I'd have in my tooldbox was something to remove incorrect apostrophes. His surname is not Adkin. Second thing would be a reality check for people who think Saints in the Prem would be anything other than one of those run of the mill midtable-cum-relegation threatened teams without a massive cash influx, which will probably be against the rules by the time we get there. Which'll impact bigger teams far more than it would us. The "Adkins" or "Adkin's" bit I'm not even going bother commenting on. Yes, you're right but jesus, it's not spelling contest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Tactics/Observations/Starting 11 Once again, assuming we are promoted, Chamberlain is retained and the players above are recruited, it'd be lovely to see the Saints line up for their first game at home to an under-strength, disorganised Portsmouth on the 6th August with: Point of order, Lung, they no longer arrange derby matches for the first (or last) weekend of the season (or on Bank Holidays) due to police advice. But say Aug 13th or something, then that's ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Which'll impact bigger teams far more than it would us. The "Adkins" or "Adkin's" bit I'm not even going bother commenting on. Yes, you're right but jesus, it's not spelling contest. We don't really know what the impact will be yet - other than the Prem sides trying to change the youth recruitment rules to enable them to hoover up all the talent for a pittance in the first place and not have to worry so much about signing players with amortisation costs to be counted as a loss. I'd always rather be a club with a squad of decent players than a club needing to buy a squad of decent players. There wasn't a problem on the spelling front. It was Adkins' you were looking for, or arguably Adkins's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Nicky Maynard has a year to run on his contract at Bristol City and seems keen to move on - he's not signed a new contract and Bristol City have gone from contenders to also rans. Wasn't he top scorer in the Championship last season - but just come back from injury and to form now. I could see Saints signing him - and it would give us the pace and proven NPC goalscorer we'll need if we go up. James Vaughan from Everton/Crystal Palace on a free would be a good signing in a similar mould. Young and pacey - and good value. Nathan Tyson will also be available on a free I believe. I'd like to see someone like Beattie or Vokes to lead the line and give us another option upfront. A lot of the stuff around who is available and who is not will depend on who goes up and down. If Wolves stay up Sam Vokes would probably be available - if they get relegated they will probably look to keep him. Similarly if Reading stay in the NPC players like Brian Howard and Matt Mills might be available. If they go up Antonio might well be instead. Again if Burnley stay in the NPC Jack Cork might be available. Again if Swansea dont go up Scott Sinclair and Nathan Dyer might look to move on. If we sell AOC I'd like to see him come back on loan for the season - maybe with a couple of friends - any from Frimpong, Lansbury and Eastmond at Arsenal would do! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Again if Swansea dont go up Scott Sinclair and Nathan Dyer might look to move on. I think Nathan Dyer coming back is extremely unlikely. Not because he isn't a good player (he clearly is at Championship level even though many Saints fans think otherwise), but because of his off field history and his relationship with the fanbase. Scott Sinclair joining his younger brother Jake at Saints isn't beyond the realms of possibilities if Swansea were to not get promoted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLINK Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 jimmy kebe would be great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Third Division South Days Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Over the course of the coming season(whether promoted or not) I would expect continual development of the younger players into the team. Before we go out and buy anyone NC will be asking NA whether the younger fringe players are good enough. It may be decided that the likes of Martin. for instance, should be given a good run before dishing out lumps of money on a first choice centre back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintandy666 Posted 27 April, 2011 Share Posted 27 April, 2011 I think the Championship is a much stronger league than when we were last in it. There's more money floating around and more bigger better clubs. I think we'll need 2 years minimum, perhaps 3 if we play our cards right. We could do it back to back though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 27 April, 2011 Author Share Posted 27 April, 2011 Point of order, Lung, they no longer arrange derby matches for the first (or last) weekend of the season (or on Bank Holidays) due to police advice. But say Aug 13th or something, then that's ok. Ah ********. That gives them at least another week to sort out Eugene Bopp's contract Btw.. I acknowledge my fast-typing Adkins/Adkin's foul up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 27 April, 2011 Author Share Posted 27 April, 2011 We don't really know what the impact will be yet - other than the Prem sides trying to change the youth recruitment rules to enable them to hoover up all the talent for a pittance in the first place and not have to worry so much about signing players with amortisation costs to be counted as a loss. This is true... I remember a bit hoopla about that a while ago. F()cking greedy bastards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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