Summer Transfer Window 2025/26

[Gloucester Saint]

5 minutes ago, Katalinic said:

Signing George Long from Norwich as our 3rd keeper apparently. Totally underwhelming if true.

Spors is fucking useless if true. I know several Norwich fans who have seen George Long ‘play’ and not good enough for King’s Lynn, not even Great Yarmouth.

We are talking even worse than Tommy Forecast and a lot worse than Joe Lumley.

Waste of anything he is paid.

[AlexLaw76]

Just now, Dusic said:

Pointless getting worked up about a 3rd choice GK. Was always going to be a Joe Lumley type who will never really play.

I think people hope it would be someone to push Bazunu for a starting spot

[SambaMaverick]

On the goalie front, I'd guess we simply can't afford to have three GKs all earning top whack. Quite why we gave McCarthy an extension last year I'll never know.

[O_Lord_Marian]

12 minutes ago, Katalinic said:

Signing George Long from Norwich as our 3rd keeper apparently. Totally underwhelming if true.

Hell no, he is Bazunu MKII, decent when it comes to distribution but cannot keep a shot out for toffee. 

[S-Clarke]

Just now, Dusic said:

Pointless getting worked up about a 3rd choice GK. Was always going to be a Joe Lumley type who will never really play.

But that's the problem. We shouldn't be targeting a third choice goalkeeper, we should be targeting a GK who can genuinely push Bazunu and maybe even displace him - that's what we should be doing. I have no idea why we're not. It's clear that this guy is no where near the level rqd for a first team player. What happens if Bazunu gets injured? It becomes even worse than it is now.

I hate this club sometimes. Their decisions are reckless at this point.

[Gloucester Saint]

5 minutes ago, Dusic said:

Pointless getting worked up about a 3rd choice GK. Was always going to be a Joe Lumley type who will never really play.

Have you seen him play Charlie?

Listen to the people who have and you’ll learn something. Would you be happy signing Sholing’s third keeper or Tommy Forecast quality as #3?

Because that’s what Spors seems to be doing. 

Edited 11 hours ago by Gloucester Saint

[Fitzhugh Fella]

42 minutes ago, UpweySaint said:

I’m worried but I think the forum whips itself into a frenzy too easily. If we’re still shit after the international break I’ll join the meltdown but keen to keep my powder dry until then. Things have been deep down shit for a while and it’s going to take a bit of time to turn the tide. I’m please with a lot of the outgoings and think the ins so far make sense but agree that we need more - I like that Still seems very clear in what he needs and is honest is his assessments. 

Trouble is by that time there's nothing that can be done in the market. Last year we were relegated before the clocks went back.

[tdmickey3]

Just now, S-Clarke said:

But that's the problem. We shouldn't be targeting a third choice goalkeeper, we should be targeting a GK who can genuinely push Bazunu and maybe even displace him - that's what we should be doing. I have no idea why we're not. It's clear that this guy is no where near the level rqd for a first team player. What happens if Bazunu gets injured? It becomes even worse than it is now.

I hate this club sometimes. Their decisions are reckless at this point.

Spors is making no deference at all, same old rubbish, same old hype

Welcome to mid table finish 

[StrangelyBrown]

3 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Is this a joke?

Quarshie, Downs and George Long?

 

And Spors was supposed to be the 'man'

I'm still not sure why anyone thought Spors was going to be the 'man'? His record hadnt been decent for quite a while.

[Mboto Gorge]

If this is true about the Norwich 3rd choice keeper and he is that bad, then why actually sign him at all? Because sure as hell they clearly won’t ever want to be in a situation where he actually plays, so just don’t fucking bother if that’s the case. What a bizarre signing to make and I can only think the rationale must be “let’s spend peanuts on someone so bad that Bazunu won’t ever be threatened by, but at the same time we’ve got a body in so it looks like we’ve got ample cover now” . What a joke. 

[S-Clarke]

Quote

 

Ignore the stats at Norwich.

Based on what I’ve seen with my own eyes at Norwich, long is an awful GK. 

His shot stopping and positioning is terrible. He can’t catch and doesn’t command his area, either. 

No scapegoating, he’s just not a first choice GK anywhere in the football league.

He’s a back up GK. And that role has its own attributes, including off the field ones. Which I suspect is behind this decision. 

 

Millwall fans:

Quote

George Long. Simply one of the worst keepers we've ever had.

Even if this guy is third choice, why are we signing poor players?

[Challenger]

10 minutes ago, Dusic said:

Pointless getting worked up about a 3rd choice GK. Was always going to be a Joe Lumley type who will never really play.

Pointless getting worked up about anything this naive club do, their inability to learn from previous mistakes is utterly astonishing. Here's yet ANOTHER cheap option that this time next year they will be struggling to get rid of. A "fun" time regarding transfers was spouted by this lot, yeah I'm pissing myself with laughter.

Edited 11 hours ago by Challenger

[Gloucester Saint]

Just now, S-Clarke said:

Millwall fans:

Even if this guy is third choice, why are we signing poor players?

Rasmus is totally operating the show still, along with the Brentford signing this is a really obvious clue.

[Saint Billy]

18 minutes ago, Katalinic said:

We appear to not even be shopping in Aldi. More KwikSave, which ironically I don't think George Long is capable of.

I think we have actually reached the Food Bank level.

[AlexLaw76]

1 minute ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Rasmus is totally operating the show still, along with the Brentford signing this is a really obvious clue.

Thing is, too many will state "what more can the club do, they try their best"

Fans of other clubs would be making the directors box very uncomfortable at best a long time ago

[santolijador]

2 minutes ago, Challenger said:

Pointless getting worked up about anything this naive club do, their inability to learn from previous mistakes is utterly astonishing. Here's yet ANOTHER cheap option that this time next year they will be struggling to get rid of.

It is worth mentioning, it's being reported by Norwich media as a loan. not permanent. 

[WALK DMC]

Wiki reads "George Hologram Long (born 5 November 1993) is an English professional blind footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for EFL Championship club Norwich City". 

I guess it is more difficult being a goalkeeper if you are blind .........   Still, we probably get a discount on his contract for that. 

I have a suspicion that his middle name probably isn't "hologram" either 🙂 

[Saint Billy]

1 minute ago, santolijador said:

It is worth mentioning, it's being reported by Norwich media as a loan. not permanent. 

Not really.

[Obstacle1]

Just now, WALK DMC said:

Wiki reads "George Hologram Long (born 5 November 1993) is an English professional blind footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for EFL Championship club Norwich City". 

I guess it is more difficult being a goalkeeper if you are blind .........   Still, we probably get a discount on his contract for that. 

I have a suspicion that his middle name probably isn't "hologram" either 🙂 

It's bad enough that the ball seems to go right through bazunu at times but it sounds like they're really making sure with this fella

[Gloucester Saint]

3 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Thing is, too many will state "what more can the club do, they try their best"

Fans of other clubs would be making the directors box very uncomfortable at best a long time ago

Lose the Skates home game and that is exactly what we will see happen. SR are in for a shock. ITV would revel in it like they did WBA v Wolves.

[Ivan Katalinic's 'tache]

If the plan is to sign George Long as a cheap 3rd choice in the hope we never need to use him and so more funds can be kept to strengthen the first XI, that’s ok. If this is part of the long term planning, is not a positive look…

[Farmer Saint]

1 minute ago, Ivan Katalinic's 'tache said:

If the plan is to sign George Long as a cheap 3rd choice in the hope we never need to use him and so more funds can be kept to strengthen the first XI, that’s ok. If this is part of the long term planning, is not a positive look…

How is it part of long term planning if it's a loan and we have Baz and McCarthy? We just need a 3rd keeper.

Edited 11 hours ago by Farmer Saint

[Gloucester Saint]

Just now, Ivan Katalinic's 'tache said:

If the plan is to sign George Long as a cheap 3rd choice in the hope we never need to use him and so more funds can be kept to strengthen the first XI, that’s ok. If this is part of the long term planning, is not a positive look…

Better to use young Moody or an emergency loan like we did with Keller. George Long was even declined as an option at Cheltenham Town, and they sadly are currently 92nd in the league.

[S-Clarke]

1 minute ago, Ivan Katalinic's 'tache said:

If the plan is to sign George Long as a cheap 3rd choice in the hope we never need to use him and so more funds can be kept to strengthen the first XI, that’s ok. If this is part of the long term planning, is not a positive look…

Long term planning would be signing someone with a view to displace Bazunu, but we're too clever for that.

This is just a short-term pointless addition, much like Lumley was. For a club driven by data and stats, they are pretty horrendous at reading what's in front of them.

[Gloucester Saint]

Just now, Farmer Saint said:

How is it part of long term planning if it's a loan and we have Baz and McCarthy? We just need a 3rd keeper.

Yes, and one that can catch, stop, kick at a very basic level. Cheltenham released a much better keeper than George Long in the summer who is now at Newport. Evans would have been much cheaper than Long as well as better

Long cannot do any of the basics above, so what is the point?

[Gloucester Saint]

1 minute ago, S-Clarke said:

Long term planning would be signing someone with a view to displace Bazunu, but we're too clever for that.

This is just a short-term pointless addition, much like Lumley was. For a club driven by data and stats, they are pretty horrendous at reading what's in front of them.

Long is a lot worse than Lumley, I mean x5.

[Farmer Saint]

Just now, Gloucester Saint said:

Yes, and one that can catch, stop, kick at a very basic level. Cheltenham released a much better keeper than George Long in the summer who is now at Newport. Evans would have been much cheaper than Long as well as better

Long cannot do any of the basics above, so what is the point?

Numbers. That why it's a loan. The thought is we'll never have to use him. Not sure why all the tears about what is clearly a very cheap loan.

[tdmickey3]

Just now, Gloucester Saint said:

Long is a lot worse than Lumley, I mean x5.

4/year deal imminent then…

SR are an abomination 

[tdmickey3]

Just now, Farmer Saint said:

Numbers. That why it's a loan. The thought is we'll never have to use him. Not sure why all the tears about what is clearly a very cheap loan.

No one is crying mate just utterly pissed off with the utter shit 

[Farmer Saint]

Just now, tdmickey3 said:

No one is crying mate just utterly pissed off with the utter shit 

But why, it's a loan for a 3rd keeper?

[Gloucester Saint]

1 minute ago, Farmer Saint said:

Numbers. That why it's a loan. The thought is we'll never have to use him. Not sure why all the tears about what is clearly a very cheap loan.

But it’ll still be x2 or x3 more expensive than a League 1 or 2 solid custodian if it’s just a body and very cheap. It’s pointless and on top of 3 years of mindless, wasteful decisions by Rasmus and Solak. Small beer by comparison but the fanbase has zero faith in them whatsoever. 

[tdmickey3]

Just now, Farmer Saint said:

But why, it's a loan for a 3rd keeper?

Why are we bothering then, at least buy/loan someone competent 

[Gloucester Saint]

1 minute ago, Farmer Saint said:

But why, it's a loan for a 3rd keeper?

There were much better available in June and July, if that’s what they were intending to do. And cheaper. 

[O_Lord_Marian]

Just now, Farmer Saint said:

But why, it's a loan for a 3rd keeper?

Why not sign someone who can challenge for the no1 spot, especially when the 1st choice keeper is far from the best keeper in the Championship. Critical position to get right. 

[Saint Billy]

2 minutes ago, Farmer Saint said:

Numbers. That why it's a loan. The thought is we'll never have to use him. Not sure why all the tears about what is clearly a very cheap loan.

And there lies the problem, you are thinking like SR does.

[tdmickey3]

Just now, O_Lord_Marian said:

Why not sign someone who can challenge for the no1 spot, especially when the 1st choice keeper is far from the best keeper in the Championship. Critical position to get right. 

Trademark SR

[Gloucester Saint]

Just now, O_Lord_Marian said:

Why not sign someone who can challenge for the no1 spot, especially when the 1st choice keeper is far from the best keeper in the Championship. Critical position to get right. 

A: you understand the sport, Southampton ‘Football’ Club doesn’t. This is the same club who took Fourpast as a makeweight in the Gareth Bale transfer.

 

[CB Fry]

41 minutes ago, santolijador said:

West Ham looking at Hackney. Implications for us, both with Matty, but also Azaz, Middlesborough surely won't want to let 2 important midfielders go within a week

In fairness we definitely would do that and more likely than not we will do that this week.

Edited 11 hours ago by CB Fry

[Themotherfunky]

Don't understand the loan of a third choice for Norwich. We SHOULD be aiming to go back up this season, if he's not good enough to challenge for a place at Norwich, how is he good enough for us? 

 Mat Ryan is available, give him a years contract, reassess at the end of the season when McCarthy is on his way (hopefully) 

[OneMrsWallace]

Feels like they'll be no more incomings until the Dibling money is secured. I thought Dragan stated money would be available for key positions without the need for money coming in from player sales - or have I misinterpreted/imagined that? 

[tdmickey3]

1 minute ago, OneMrsWallace said:

Feels like they'll be no more incomings until the Dibling money is secured. I thought Dragan stated money would be available for key positions without the need for money coming in from player sales - or have I misinterpreted/imagined that? 

It was fan appeasing bluster

[Harry_SFC]

We probably should've just given Lumley a years extension than sign George Long, who is atrocious. TBH Lumley was never that bad when he played for us. 

[Saint Billy]

3 minutes ago, OneMrsWallace said:

Feels like they'll be no more incomings until the Dibling money is secured. I thought Dragan stated money would be available for key positions without the need for money coming in from player sales - or have I misinterpreted/imagined that? 

Does Rasmus still being involved with the club help you figure it out?

[Gloucester Saint]

5 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

In fairness we definitely would do that and more likely than not we will do that this week.

And then Ankerson, Solak and Spors will pat themselves on the back for weeks about the fees received. 

Edited 11 hours ago by Gloucester Saint

[Dusic]

29 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Have you seen him play Charlie?

Listen to the people who have and you’ll learn something. Would you be happy signing Sholing’s third keeper or Tommy Forecast quality as #3?

Because that’s what Spors seems to be doing. 

I don't care who the #3 keeper is because they are just a training aid and will never play.

The most reckless thixng Spors could be doing is blowing cash on a 3rd choice keeper, it would be entirely pointless.

A cheap loan makes sense, spend the cash where it is needed.

[tdmickey3]

Just now, Gloucester Saint said:

And then Ankerson, Solak and Spors will Pat themselves on the back for weeks about the fees received. 

We are staying down with money in the bank, so all is well in the eyes of SR

Fantastic window 

[AlexLaw76]

Just now, tdmickey3 said:

We are staying down with money in the bank, so all is well in the eyes of SR

Fantastic window 

"Saints are staying down with money in the bank, money in the bank, money in the bank"

[saintant]

45 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

There goes my hope of us targeting someone who can legitimately push Bazunu then.

God help us signing anyone who may threaten their pet project.

I'm guessing they figure we're paying McCarthy big bucks to be number two to Bazunu so why bring in someone who might push him out to number three.

[Badger]

Just now, Dusic said:

I don't care who the #3 keeper is because they are just a training aid and will never play.

The most reckless thixng Spors could be doing is blowing cash on a 3rd choice keeper, it would be entirely pointless.

A cheap loan makes sense, spend the cash where it is needed.

Equally reckless is not looking to improve the GK options when 90% of the fan base know it’s weaknesses. 
 

Ryan is often mentioned. Not a choice I’m keen on, but at his age I suspect he’s an upgrade on  Bazunu and McCarthy. 

[Gloucester Saint]

4 minutes ago, Dusic said:

I don't care who the #3 keeper is because they are just a training aid and will never play.

The most reckless thixng Spors could be doing is blowing cash on a 3rd choice keeper, it would be entirely pointless.

A cheap loan makes sense, spend the cash where it is needed.

Missing the point - agree on prioritising spending but we have had to use third keepers. What if Bazunu breaks his wrist on the Friday and McCarthy wakes up with a back spasm? He’s had back issues.

 We’d have to use someone worse than Tommy Forecast.

Let me just be clear - you are comfortable with that, yes?

If we needed a solid EFL League 1 keeper, there were lots around in June and July at a fraction of the cost.

Edited 11 hours ago by Gloucester Saint