Pre Season Friendlies 2025/26

[SaintJackoInHurworth]

It is interesting that Still has said he will be taking a 'reduced group of players' to Spain, which will send out a message that will be 'pretty clear'. Quite how many players he will take and who will be in it will be interesting to see. Solak has also said that Saints want to trim the squad to no more than 27 players. Whether 27 will go to Spain remains to be seen.

In theory this is Saints' current squad of 36 players:

• GK: McCarthy, Bazunu, Ramsdale, Wright
• FB: Sugawara, Bree, Welington, Manning, Taylor
• CB: Stephens, Wood, Edwards, THB, Kayi Sanda, Quarshie, Bednarek, Bella-Kotchap, Lawrence
• CM: Downes, Charles, Smallbone, Sesay
• AM: Fernandes, Matsuki, Aribo
• W: Edozie, Dibling, Robinson, Armstrong, Fraser, Brereton-Diaz
• F: Downs, Stewart, Archer, Dipepa, Ballard

However, Ballard has seen no opportunities to play in pre-season (just one appearance on the bench I believe) and now that Downs has arrived you would imagine Ballard and Dipepa will return to the U21s. Similarly, Kayi Sanda, Quarshie and Sesay may return to the U21s or U18s, while Nico Lawrence and Ollie Wright will probably either be sold or loaned out.

That would still leave 29 players including Bella-Kotchap, Aribo, Brereton-Diaz and Bednarek. Leave those 4 behind and Still will have a squad of 25 (as shown by players in red). If he takes 27 then which of those four goes too? Brereton-Diaz and Aribo?

That still leaves a few questions, though...

• Will THB go? Is he fit enough? Is he happy to play in the Championship?
• Will we take 5 full backs? If not, who stays behind?
• Will we take three keepers? If not, who stays?
• Is two AMs, Fernandes and Matsuki, enough? Will some of the wingers fulfil that role?
• Will Fraser go? Is he in Will Still's plans? Would he go as a winger or AM? Or both?

The Echo don't think Bednarek will go, but they also don't think Taylor will be there despite the positive things that Still has said about him. Clearly a few players are going to be disappointed - especially quite a few centre backs!

Edited Saturday at 23:50 by SaintJackoInHurworth
Clarity

[CamSaint]

8 hours ago, SaintJackoInHurworth said:

GK: McCarthy, Bazunu, Ramsdale, Wright

Ollie Wright has joined Accrington Stanley on a season-long loan.

[gio1saints]

Nicely put together analysis @SaintJackoInHurworth. 🙌.

I found that really helpful in thinking about who may or may not be on the plane so to speak.

FWIW : (1) Could Aaron (strategically) stay at Staplewood? Big clue if he does.
(2) I think THB, RE, JB and MF may stay at Staplewood for (also strategically revealing) “fitness testing” purposes. Putting them into match situations overseas when he’s not had a proper fitness evaluation of them is a nice plausible deniability cover story.  But it also suggests sellability. BK - surely not! 
(3) For that reason I think Quarshie and Sanda travel. 

(4) The experienced utility defender evaluation of CharlieTaylor by WS seems to be high - or is he being fluffed up publicly to be sold? That he was babysitting two kids at CB last match was relevant. 

(5) Trying RF as a kind of #10 was interesting. With Matsuki injured and still an unknown IMO it’s got to be TD and MF for that kind of task - so RF is a very distant third. Unless the latter two are being sold - hence let’s see what RF can do..can def see a purchase in this position as I feel JA -the next obvious one is gonna be sold despite his capabilities. 
(6) Has to take JR! 
(7) who he takes or leaves out of the rest of the attack will mean end of saints careers possibly. A shock is possible imo. 

 
 

[Convict Colony]

yeah we havent bought a 6ft 5in lightening quick CB to mince around staplewood, quarshie has to travel surely.

[trousers]

11 minutes ago, Convict Colony said:

yeah we havent bought a 6ft 5in lightening quick CB to mince around staplewood, quarshie has to travel surely.

Indeed. I know "it was only Eastleigh" but I thought he looked pretty good in that game in particular.

[Matthew Le God]

9 hours ago, SaintJackoInHurworth said:

 

• CB: Stephens, Wood, Edwards, THB, Kayi Sanda, Quarshie, Bednarek, Bella-Kotchap, Lawrence

 Kayi Sanda, Quarshie and Sesay may return to the U21s or U18s, while Nico Lawrence and Ollie Wright will probably either be sold or loaned out.

I'd be amazed if Quarshie in particluar didn't go on tour and was in the u21 team. That would be a step back in his development. He was regularly playing in 2.Bundesliga last season. Kayi Sanda also needs more than u21 level football now to develop. 

Ollie Wright has already left on loan. He left on 9th July to join League 2 Accrington...

https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/ollie-wright-joins-accrington-on-loan

 

Edited Sunday at 08:59 by Matthew Le God

[Saint Fan CaM]

Take out Wright, Bednarek, ABK, Lawrence, Sesay, BBD, Fraser, Dipepa, Ballard = 9 = 27 man squad to go. Easy. Personally I’d take Fraser instead of Manning or possibly Taylor, but I doubt that’s going to happen.

[coalman]

Anyone know when it's announced? This is the most exciting bit of pre season so far.

Edited Sunday at 09:17 by coalman

[Matthew Le God]

1 minute ago, coalman said:

Anyone know when it's announced? This is the most exciting bit of pre season so far.

In past seasons, the club have announced the names in training camp squads on the day of departure.

[beatlesaint]

1 hour ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

Take out Wright, Bednarek, ABK, Lawrence, Sesay, BBD, Fraser, Dipepa, Ballard = 9 = 27 man squad to go. Easy. Personally I’d take Fraser instead of Manning or possibly Taylor, but I doubt that’s going to happen.

I'm gonna say Fraser will go but we'll see.

[for_heaven's_Saint]

1 hour ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

Take out Wright, Bednarek, ABK, Lawrence, Sesay, BBD, Fraser, Dipepa, Ballard = 9 = 27 man squad to go. Easy. Personally I’d take Fraser instead of Manning or possibly Taylor, but I doubt that’s going to happen.

That’s 27 before any signings too. Didn’t Spors/Solak say we also want an attacking midfielder before any sales?

Personally I think that’s our biggest priority now, if Fernandes goes that leaves us with Matsuki and Fraser to play in the number 10 position, which is pretty poor. 

[gio1saints]

14 minutes ago, for_heaven's_Saint said:

That’s 27 before any signings too. Didn’t Spors/Solak say we also want an attacking midfielder before any sales?

Personally I think that’s our biggest priority now, if Fernandes goes that leaves us with Matsuki and Fraser to play in the number 10 position, which is pretty poor. 

Dont forget We’ve still got our potential MLT / Gascoigne at the club. I’d give him the #10 shirt. If he stays that is( Tyler). Don’t reckon him as a RW or a LW cutting in - but as an attacking MF -8 or 10 he could become ridiculous. With right coaching and support he’s the best we have. 

Edited Sunday at 10:32 by gio1saints

[for_heaven's_Saint]

2 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

Dont forget We’ve still got our potential MLT / Gascoigne at the club. I’d give him the #10 shirt. If he stays that is( Tyler). Don’t reckon him as a RW or a LW cutting in - but as an attacking MF -8 or 10 he could become ridiculous. With right coaching and support he’s the best we have. 

Ah yeah true. I have a sneaking suspicion he won’t be in the squad that goes to Spain but let’s hope he is. 

[Saint Fan CaM]

12 hours ago, for_heaven's_Saint said:

That’s 27 before any signings too. Didn’t Spors/Solak say we also want an attacking midfielder before any sales?

Personally I think that’s our biggest priority now, if Fernandes goes that leaves us with Matsuki and Fraser to play in the number 10 position, which is pretty poor. 

There’s Aribo too that could do the #10 role.

[hypochondriac]

Wonder what time the flight is. 

[Dr. Kucho]

1 hour ago, hypochondriac said:

Wonder what time the flight is. 

There’s a flight arriving at Girona from Bournemouth at 13:49 CET. It departs at 11:00 GMT. 

Someone near Bompey airport at this moment? 

[hypochondriac]

12 minutes ago, Dr. Kucho said:

There’s a flight arriving at Girona from Bournemouth at 13:49 CET. It departs at 11:00 GMT. 

Someone near Bompey airport at this moment? 

Someone check if Fernandes is boarding! 

[macca155]

Playing catch up here as been away but I thought the recent run out against Valenciennes was quite interesting. Still is certainly going for it fitness wise, good, reminds me of Strachan and Poch when they arrived. The big test for our new manager is coming up because some of the 'names' in the squad are probably about to have their noses put out of joint.

Forget lethargy and mistakes by the usual suspects, look at the positives where they are.

Wood played well and that's good to see. I'm convinced there's a decent player there, but he was poorly managed last year. Young players aren't machines they need to build confidence. He takes no shit and gives a 100%, the lad can tackle as well. Hopefully we'll see more of him.

I thought Quarshie looked excellent and oozed commitment, he really is quick isn't he. I know we shouldn't make snap judgements but he's already someone I am looking forward to seeing.

That means we have THB, Wood, and Quarshie as the 3 CBs. Sanda, and Stephens as backup. If Taylor stays he can be a decent backup as well. That isn't a bad line up.

It looks like Archer is committed and starting to put last season behind him. Armstrong remains a decent poacher so all is not lost there.

However as we all keep saying, all this good work will be derailed if the anticipated exodus happens late on.

[TheAlehouseBrawlers]

22 minutes ago, macca155 said:

However as we all keep saying, all this good work will be derailed if the anticipated exodus happens late on.

…and just before the skates. Could seriously disrupt any momentum we may have picked up for a bit while they’ll likely have a settled line-up by then, no-one will be smashing the door down for their players.

[AlexLaw76]

32 minutes ago, macca155 said:

Playing catch up here as been away but I thought the recent run out against Valenciennes was quite interesting. Still is certainly going for it fitness wise, good, reminds me of Strachan and Poch when they arrived. The big test for our new manager is coming up because some of the 'names' in the squad are probably about to have their noses put out of joint.

Forget lethargy and mistakes by the usual suspects, look at the positives where they are.

Wood played well and that's good to see. I'm convinced there's a decent player there, but he was poorly managed last year. Young players aren't machines they need to build confidence. He takes no shit and gives a 100%, the lad can tackle as well. Hopefully we'll see more of him.

I thought Quarshie looked excellent and oozed commitment, he really is quick isn't he. I know we shouldn't make snap judgements but he's already someone I am looking forward to seeing.

That means we have THB, Wood, and Quarshie as the 3 CBs. Sanda, and Stephens as backup. If Taylor stays he can be a decent backup as well. That isn't a bad line up.

It looks like Archer is committed and starting to put last season behind him. Armstrong remains a decent poacher so all is not lost there.

However as we all keep saying, all this good work will be derailed if the anticipated exodus happens late on.

Where are you playing Edwards?

[LeG]

I've heard from my source not on the ground, that everything's a bit up in the air at the moment. Apparently Still is fuming as there's no service in the wings. The players are also v confused as they're struggling being in the ascendancy. On top of all of this, Ankersen hasn't managed to get rid of any players, so looks like the squad will be packed and we will play a Boring 747 formation, with a good chance of going down. 

[hypochondriac]

18 minutes ago, LeG said:

I've heard from my source not on the ground, that everything's a bit up in the air at the moment. Apparently Still is fuming as there's no service in the wings. The players are also v confused as they're struggling being in the ascendancy. On top of all of this, Ankersen hasn't managed to get rid of any players, so looks like the squad will be packed and we will play a Boring 747 formation, with a good chance of going down. 

Edit: you did me. 

Edited yesterday at 11:42 by hypochondriac

[saintant]

2 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Not sure why Still would be fuming. It's not like that's a huge surprise. Did anyone expect us to be able to shift some of these losers early in the window? 

You seem to have missed the irony 🙂

[Verbal]

13 minutes ago, LeG said:

I've heard from my source not on the ground, that everything's a bit up in the air at the moment. 

Is your source called Taut O'logous by any chance

[hypochondriac]

6 minutes ago, saintant said:

You seem to have missed the irony 🙂

Doh! Now I feel silly. 

[macca155]

1 hour ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Where are you playing Edwards?

Good grief I knew I had forgotten one. We've so many it's easy to do. I guess replace THB with him as he's likely to be off. 

[coalman]

The lack of news regarding to squad going to Girona is most distressing. How the hell are we supposed to whine about the club hierarchy until we know who is on the plane?

Edited 23 hours ago by coalman

[AlexLaw76]

25 minutes ago, macca155 said:

Good grief I knew I had forgotten one. We've so many it's easy to do. I guess replace THB with him as he's likely to be off. 

CBs everywhere 

[Convict Colony]

55 minutes ago, coalman said:

The lack of news regarding to squad going to Girona is most distressing. How the hell are we supposed to whine about the club hierarchy until we know who is on the plane?

I'm surprised we dont have a forum member on the plane as a trolly dolly, maybe @trousers offering gin and tonics, @Lord Duckhunter offering pony as a starter ?

the lack of insight on the biggest pre-season news so far is staggering.

 

[SW11_Saint]

13 minutes ago, Convict Colony said:

I'm surprised we dont have a forum member on the plane as a trolly dolly, maybe @trousers offering gin and tonics, @Lord Duckhunter offering pony as a starter ?

the lack of insight on the biggest pre-season news so far is staggering.

 

When do they fly? 

[goodymatt]

6 minutes ago, SW11_Saint said:

When do they fly? 

11am flight this morning, I believe.

[Dusic]

Trousers best suited to the role of climbing up and sitting on top of the fence at wherever they are training! 😉

[SW11_Saint]

No idea if confirmed or not…

[hypochondriac]

2 minutes ago, SW11_Saint said:

No idea if confirmed or not…

Isn't that account a bullshitter? Worth discussing I suppose. 

[SW11_Saint]

1 minute ago, hypochondriac said:

Isn't that account a bullshitter? Worth discussing I suppose. 

Could be, have no idea tbh. Just noticed it on twitter - so maybe take with a pinch of salt until official confirmation. 

Edited 22 hours ago by SW11_Saint

[Harry_SFC]

1 minute ago, hypochondriac said:

Isn't that account a bullshitter? Worth discussing I suppose. 

Yep

[goodymatt]

 

[SW11_Saint]

Official announcement

 

 

[hypochondriac]

Just now, SW11_Saint said:

Could be, have no idea tbh. Just noticed it on twitter - so maybe take with a pinch of salt until official confirmation. 

Alfie house blocked him a while back. He likes to big up how itk he is which is normally a red flag. Won't be very surprising if he isn't there though given he's supposedly injured. Who else is not there according to that? ABK, Bednarek. Any other surprises? 

[hypochondriac]

Hmm. No Harwood bellis, Dibling or Downes. Hopefully just injuries. 

[Fabrice29]

So as it happens the idea the squad would be some sort of cull was a bit overblown then. 

[sad saints fan]

llowing players have travelled:

Goalkeepers

Gavin Bazunu
Alex McCarthy
Dylan Moody
Aaron Ramsdale

Defenders

James Bree
Ronnie Edwards
Ryan Manning
Joshua Quarshie
Joachim Kayi Sanda
Jack Stephens
Yukinari Sugawara
Charlie Taylor
Welington
Nathan Wood

Midfielders

Joe Aribo
Shea Charles
Mateus Fernandes
Moses Sesay
Will Smallbone

Forwards

Cameron Archer
Adam Armstrong
Ben Brereton Díaz
Damion Downs
Samuel Edozie
Ryan Fraser
Jay Robinson
Ross Stewart

[goodymatt]

So no THB, Downes, Dibling or Matsuki - all of which had reported injuries. 

[CSA96]

Not so telling after all..! Perhaps the minutes players are/aren't given against Castellon and Espanyol will be more informative

[SW11_Saint]

No Flynn Downes, Dibling, THB. 

[CSA96]

No Bednarek!

[goodymatt]

Just now, CSA96 said:

No Bednarek!

I think that’s the only clear message here. He must 100% be going, which isn’t a surprise with his release clause.

[goodymatt]

Matsuki might end up on loan elsewhere. THB obviously not fit to travel but could leave. Dibling we also will struggle to keep.

Flynn missing is the one that really stands out as a problem for us, I hope his injury isn’t a bad one! We need him fit and ready for the season in 19 days.

[hypochondriac]

15 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

So as it happens the idea the squad would be some sort of cull was a bit overblown then. 

TBF it was Still who sort of suggested that. 

[Patches O Houlihan]

18 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

So as it happens the idea the squad would be some sort of cull was a bit overblown then. 

2 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

TBF it was Still who sort of suggested that. 

If you wanted to negotiate for the sale of Saints player from a position of strength you need to make the buyer feel that it is a distressed sale: If the player is left behind after a statement like this from the manager then you are negotiating from a position of weakness...