Summer Transfer Window 2026

[The Kraken]

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Edited 13 hours ago by The Kraken
Can’t be bothered

[Matthew Le God]

10 minutes ago, The Kraken said:

I said it was a difference association you prat. Being as there hasn’t been a transgression of the 72 hour rule since it was brought in, the FA will likely look for other rulings made by other associations. So, yes, it is a precedent of sorts.

A precedent is a previous ruling by the same governing body that guides future decisions by that governing body. The FA isn't bound by, nor does it automatically follow, decisions made by FIFA, UEFA, or the Canadian association. It is not a precedent. 

[Whitey Grandad]

25 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

If it is time based then the FA are not going to start a 6 month ban in June when the players are on holiday/on international duty and there are zero matches.

A charge of "bringing the game into disrepute" is pretty easy for them to stick on him so will just depend on the punishment.

They could simply make it an 8 month ban starting now.

[Saint_clark]

What's the general feeling about Fellows on here? 38 games, 0 goals, 5 assists. For me it's a clear position that requires upgrading. He just doesn't affect games enough even with two strikers who he should thrive when feeding. 

[Willo of Whiteley]

4 minutes ago, Saint_clark said:

What's the general feeling about Fellows on here? 38 games, 0 goals, 5 assists. For me it's a clear position that requires upgrading. He just doesn't affect games enough even with two strikers who he should thrive when feeding. 

Said it on the Tom Fellows thread back in November I think:
Excellent pace, can’t fault his endless stepovers, but doing the same dummy, sprinting to the goal and crossing it to the keeper time and time again is not a benefit to the team.

I also said how underwhelming a signing he was when he did join and said I haven’t actually seen him do anything of note in his career so far.

Proving to be right on that front, just haven’t got the effort to bump my comment on the thread. 😂

Edited 13 hours ago by Willo of Whiteley

[Paulwantsapint81]

1 hour ago, The Kraken said:

When Canada women got done for spying in 2024 the team were given a six point penalty in the completion and their coach copped a 1 year ban from football activities. So there is precedent there, albeit different associations.

How many games did the ban cover?

A 5 match ban starting mid march if out of cups & opponents in cup action (postponed match) & international break is a lot longer than 5 matches mid December while still in league cup with FA cup 3rd round to come

[Pilchards]

Thought this was the transfer thread?

Yes Rasmus saying getting bums off the seats means Leo, the Spanish guy on the other wing is certainly that.

Fellows just didn’t bring the excitement and the end result for me.

[pingpong]

7 hours ago, Saint_clark said:

What's the general feeling about Fellows on here? 38 games, 0 goals, 5 assists. For me it's a clear position that requires upgrading. He just doesn't affect games enough even with two strikers who he should thrive when feeding. 

I think he was unlucky not to get a goal or two, he created himself a few chances. His little dinks to the far post were a danger in the final games of the season, and as well as 5 assists there will have been a few goals where he opened things up for the team.

His meandering cross field runs were often successful as an outlet, or in committing their players and pulling players out of position, critical in the modern game.

I think he offers something a little different and is a good option to have - hard to replace. 

I prefer matsuki for effectiveness but if it's not working I think fellows can come in and switch things up, or vice versa. 

[Hopper]

7 hours ago, Saint_clark said:

What's the general feeling about Fellows on here? 38 games, 0 goals, 5 assists. For me it's a clear position that requires upgrading. He just doesn't affect games enough even with two strikers who he should thrive when feeding. 

Fellows looks on paper like he SHOULD be the perfect fit for the way we play. In reality that just hasn't come to bear. Good to remember that he is only 22. Although he has a lot of playing time under his belt, perhaps the level of expectation is just a little beyond him at this stage.

[LiberalCommunist]

This is the first transfer window in years where I'm more invested in who we retain, rather than who we sign. Really grown to like this group of players. 

[Oh no Mick Mills]

47 minutes ago, pingpong said:

I think he was unlucky not to get a goal or two, he created himself a few chances. His little dinks to the far post were a danger in the final games of the season, and as well as 5 assists there will have been a few goals where he opened things up for the team.

His meandering cross field runs were often successful as an outlet, or in committing their players and pulling players out of position, critical in the modern game.

I think he offers something a little different and is a good option to have - hard to replace. 

I prefer matsuki for effectiveness but if it's not working I think fellows can come in and switch things up, or vice versa. 

Both Matsuki and Fellows are decent players imo.

But I reckon if we want autos then we need someone better than both of them .

 

 

[Dman]

9 hours ago, Saint_clark said:

What's the general feeling about Fellows on here? 38 games, 0 goals, 5 assists. For me it's a clear position that requires upgrading. He just doesn't affect games enough even with two strikers who he should thrive when feeding. 

I think he had some really good games for us. Lacks end product and overall was a little dissapointing but not giving up on him. 

In the championship, not 1 I think we urgently need to replace. 

[saintant]

11 hours ago, Dr Who? said:

I do think we need to get the players we want signed up done quickly, which seems to be the plan, as I do fear that the wheels will come off a little of this siege mentality when a ban for Tonda comes through. Will be interested to see how we handle that one. I presume it will be 6 months from the time the ban comes in, so as it stands he would be back November. I hope the FA get it sorted and do not announce it a week before the start to the season. 

Is this purely guesswork or have you an inside track to the FA and know their decision?

[Lee On Solent Saint]

16 minutes ago, Dman said:

I think he had some really good games for us. Lacks end product and overall was a little dissapointing but not giving up on him. 

In the championship, not 1 I think we urgently need to replace. 

I like him as a player. There's something there to work with. Hopefully he can have a bit more of a productive impact this coming season 

[MarkSFC]

9 hours ago, Saint_clark said:

What's the general feeling about Fellows on here? 38 games, 0 goals, 5 assists. For me it's a clear position that requires upgrading. He just doesn't affect games enough even with two strikers who he should thrive when feeding. 

I think theres a decent player there. He was suppressed ina lot of the season by being used as a wing back and more defensive duties and lately from the bench a bit. 

If hes used as an attacking player consistently and given the freedom to express himself Im sure he will be a big player for us. We have seen plenty of moments of his skills. A good player who could become a great player. 

[goodymatt]

 

[Bakovnetski]

9 hours ago, Saint_clark said:

What's the general feeling about Fellows on here? 38 games, 0 goals, 5 assists. For me it's a clear position that requires upgrading. He just doesn't affect games enough even with two strikers who he should thrive when feeding. 

The truth is that he has been pretty consistent with getting to the line and getting a cross or the occasional cut-back in. Yes, maybe the % completion to a Saints player may be higher, but that could be worked on. The contributing factor here is that our strikers should be attacking where he puts the ball more to get some more product.

[coalman]

9 hours ago, Saint_clark said:

What's the general feeling about Fellows on here? 38 games, 0 goals, 5 assists. For me it's a clear position that requires upgrading. He just doesn't affect games enough even with two strikers who he should thrive when feeding. 

Mixed feelings. He was one of the signings I was most excited about last summer (more so than Scienza at the time). On the one hand he does stretch play and get crosses in. At the start of the season Still was, inexplicably, playing him as a wing back with the pint sized Armstrong as a focal point so peppering the box with crosses to a centre forward who doesn't score headers didn't play to his strengths at all.

Since Tonda came in he's been playing higher up the pitch with Larin/Stewart in the middle which is better but his confidence seems to be lacking a bit.

The big downsides I see are his tendency to easily get knocked off the ball in dangerous areas and lack of composure when shooting.

I'm an Edozie fan and think he would have created more from 38 games than Fellows has. Matsuki looked more of a threat when played out on the right and he's not really a winger who is going to get to the byline. If we're not going to commit to giving Edozie a run in the team then either Fellows needs to get his mojo back or we could use an upgrade.

Edited 3 hours ago by coalman

[Saint_clark]

4 minutes ago, coalman said:

Mixed feelings. He was one of the signings I was most excited about last summer (more so than Scienza at the time). On the one hand he does stretch play and get crosses in. At the start of the season Still was, inexplicably, playing him as a wing back with the pint sized Armstrong as a focal point so peppering the box with crosses to a centre forward who does score headers didn't play to his strengths at all.

Since Tonda came in he's been playing higher up the pitch with Larin/Stewart in the middle which is better but his confidence seems to be lacking a bit.

The big downsides I see are his tendency to easily get knocked off the ball in dangerous areas and lack of composure when shooting.

I'm an Edozie fan and think he would have created more from 38 games than Fellows has. Matsuki looked more of a threat when played out on the right and he's not really a winger who is going to get to the byline. If we're not going to commit to giving Edozie a run in the team then either Fellows needs to get his mojo back or we could use an upgrade.

I fully agree on Edozie, I think if you give him those 38 games then he ends up in double figures for goals and assists. Maybe that should be the answer - give Edozie the starting spot and let Fellows find his form without the pressure that comes with being first choice. 

[skintsaint]

Edozie plays coming in from the left, so not a like for like replacement.

But it's a long season, especially if we have another cup run, so sure both will get their game time this season after SE was ignored for most of last.

[Pwoite]

11 hours ago, Badger said:

I’d hope that the sole focus next season is seeking promotion, not prioritising the ‘pathway’ and game time for youngsters 

I’d totally agree, it’s ALL about promotion next season but equally we invest huge sums in the academy and that needs to be a production line, creating some opportunities. Now, that might mean Caribou Cup starts and Championship bench, and training with the first team squad, but it makes sense to develop the best from the U21s so that they are either first team regulars in time, or sold for a profit. We seem to have seven or eight youngsters who have had the chance already to play in a cup match. How many of these are potentially good enough to step up? And who are they?

[Graziano94]

33 minutes ago, goodymatt said:

 

My biggest concern here is there is no suggesting of replacing Stewart..

[goodymatt]

2 minutes ago, Graziano94 said:

My biggest concern here is there is no suggesting of replacing Stewart..

We definitely will if he doesn’t sign. Dragan has said in recent interviews we will replace players that move on.

[Saint86]

52 minutes ago, MarkSFC said:

I think theres a decent player there. He was suppressed ina lot of the season by being used as a wing back and more defensive duties and lately from the bench a bit. 

If hes used as an attacking player consistently and given the freedom to express himself Im sure he will be a big player for us. We have seen plenty of moments of his skills. A good player who could become a great player. 

I agree. He had a disjointed season last year. Started off at wing back being played out of position in a poor side.

Did he then lose confidence or pick up a knock? He seemed to fall in an out of the team going into our incredible run and struggled to recover.

Regardless, he's definitely got the right attributes to be effective - his wing play is very dangerous and he's got a cracking cross and good engine. Hopefully we see more of him this coming season.

[hypochondriac]

2 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

I agree. He had a disjointed season last year. Started off at wing back being played out of position in a poor side.

Did he then lose confidence or pick up a knock? He seemed to fall in an out of the team going into our incredible run and struggled to recover.

Regardless, he's definitely got the right attributes to be effective - his wing play is very dangerous and he's got a cracking cross and good engine. Hopefully we see more of him this coming season.

I'm of the mind that we need to persevere with him and prioritise other positions. CM if Jander or Charles goes, Striker if Stewart goes, LM if Scienza goes and CB if THB goes. 

[Jack]

Regarding Fellows I think he actually looked at his best when played out of position by Still, but maybe the caveat to that is that everyone else looked absolutely shocking. There’s a player in there, just needs to find his confidence. If he cuts in and slots one in the far corner early in the season, maybe it’ll jolt him into life. Just needs a bit more variation to what he’s doing. Work on crossing low and hard from the right, and early crosses with his left if he cuts in rather than dribbling into traffic. I doubt that position will be high on the list to make expensive changes. 

[hypochondriac]

1 minute ago, Jack said:

Regarding Fellows I think he actually looked at his best when played out of position by Still, but maybe the caveat to that is that everyone else looked absolutely shocking. There’s a player in there, just needs to find his confidence. If he cuts in and slots one in the far corner early in the season, maybe it’ll jolt him into life. Just needs a bit more variation to what he’s doing. Work on crossing low and hard from the right, and early crosses with his left if he cuts in rather than dribbling into traffic. I doubt that position will be high on the list to make expensive changes. 

We will have limited funds for strengthening. I'd rather put all our efforts into keeping as many of the players as possible. 

[revolution saint]

I think Fellows is fine.  He didn't have the best season and his form certainly dipped at the end but an upgrade on him wouldn't be a priority for me, especially if Matsuki stays as well. 

The frustrating thing for me is that he seemed to change his game and try and add some variation - instead of taking on his man and getting to the byline to cross he seemed to cut inside too much.  Stuff that - he's probably the best in the division at crossing so stick with that.  Not sure if he'd been told to cut inside more but I don't think he's at his most effective when he does it.

[Patrick Bateman]

7 minutes ago, Jack said:

Regarding Fellows I think he actually looked at his best when played out of position by Still, but maybe the caveat to that is that everyone else looked absolutely shocking. There’s a player in there, just needs to find his confidence. If he cuts in and slots one in the far corner early in the season, maybe it’ll jolt him into life. Just needs a bit more variation to what he’s doing. Work on crossing low and hard from the right, and early crosses with his left if he cuts in rather than dribbling into traffic. I doubt that position will be high on the list to make expensive changes. 

Agree with most of that. I like Fellows and his dribbling at times was brilliant to watch, just want to see more end product which as you say, means crosses instead of trying to dribble most of the way to the goal.

Pretty sure we'll see a better version next year, I hope so, seems like a decent guy. 

[St Chalet]

11 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

It being a different governing body makes it not a precedent. It would only be a precedent if the FA had given out a ban for the offence.

Also worth pointing out that international football is a part-time thing. Maybe you’d have 3 or 4 games in that time. Equivalent to a two week ban in the EFL

[VectisSaint]

1 hour ago, goodymatt said:

 

Not sure what Bree extension has to do with the transfer window opening. The transfer window only affects the official registration of players nothing to stop contract extension being announced and signed before then.

What's the long summer of defensive negotiations all about? Surely the only other defensive doubt is THB, Manning having already extended or announced intention.

What has been notable is that no one seems to have mentioned Welington, hopefully we will retain him, defensively he is much better than Manning, but granted that since we changed to 4 at the back Manning has become a better option all round with his attacking contributions. Good to have two contenders at LB.

[Saint Fan CaM]

6 hours ago, Pilchards said:

Thought this was the transfer thread?

Yes Rasmus saying getting bums off the seats means Leo, the Spanish guy on the other wing is certainly that.

Fellows just didn’t bring the excitement and the end result for me.

Understand this from an attacking and goals scored POV, however his biggest useful contribution IMO was his ability to wriggle out of tight spaces in defence when under opposition high press and allow us to break forward. Pretty essential when our Armstrong was not there to drop deep. In that regard he played a big part in the success of the 2nd half of the season.

[Oh no Mick Mills]

45 minutes ago, Patrick Bateman said:

Agree with most of that. I like Fellows and his dribbling at times was brilliant to watch, just want to see more end product which as you say, means crosses instead of trying to dribble most of the way to the goal.

Pretty sure we'll see a better version next year, I hope so, seems like a decent guy. 

The bottom line is promotion..and we should be aiming for autos.

Last season our right side attack combination of Fellows and Matsuki produced 4 goals and 6 assists in league games....that's simply not good enough if you want to get in the top 2...fine if you're happy to be playoff contenders. 

Will Smallbone got 6 goals and 4 assists in the 23/24 season and isn't good enough for us. 

Adam Armstrong got 21 goals and 13 assist from the right in 23/24. 

There's no room for sentiment or because he seems a nice guy..this is where we go wrong.

I want end product or your out. 

[Hawkswood]

12 hours ago, Saint_clark said:

What's the general feeling about Fellows on here? 38 games, 0 goals, 5 assists. For me it's a clear position that requires upgrading. He just doesn't affect games enough even with two strikers who he should thrive when feeding. 

Been thinking about This a bit. In a perfect world, him out and the millwall fella in.

[beatlesaint]

Are we unable to afford/consider a decent back up keeper until Ramsdale has been sold ?

I mean, George Long, come on, he's the third choice guy surely?

[Saint_clark]

1 hour ago, VectisSaint said:

Not sure what Bree extension has to do with the transfer window opening. The transfer window only affects the official registration of players nothing to stop contract extension being announced and signed before then.

What's the long summer of defensive negotiations all about? Surely the only other defensive doubt is THB, Manning having already extended or announced intention.

What has been notable is that no one seems to have mentioned Welington, hopefully we will retain him, defensively he is much better than Manning, but granted that since we changed to 4 at the back Manning has become a better option all round with his attacking contributions. Good to have two contenders at LB.

I think he means defensive negotiations in as much as negotiating incoming bids for our players and either fending them off or getting an extortionate amount of money, not literally negotiations for defensive players.

[Chez]

12 hours ago, Saint_clark said:

What's the general feeling about Fellows on here? 38 games, 0 goals, 5 assists. For me it's a clear position that requires upgrading. He just doesn't affect games enough even with two strikers who he should thrive when feeding. 

I was not as excited as most when we signed him. I thought he looked a decent championship player and no more than that. Having watched him for a season, I think that assessment still stands, however, I think I may be more appreciative of what he offers than others.

You don't need me to comment on his end product, but what he does have is a terrific first touch. He can take the ball with back to goal on the touchline with a guy up his arse and he almost never gives it away. It may have to go backwards, but so what? He is a terrific out ball. When Bree or whoever plays it down the line, it sticks. And that is very important. Lose it there and you can be in trouble very quickly.

The other thing he does is take the ball on the move well (not Lallana well, but not far off) and usually coming inside where there is space. He tore Brum to pieces at SMS doing that all game. I know it annoys some, as it appears he is going nowhere, but that taking the ball first time and dribbling inside helps beat the press, takes the pressure off and really upset opponents with players unsure whether to go with him or let. him continue unopposed. Without him doing this our ball retention can suffer and the whole team can look like they are struggling.

With him and Matsuki, I cant see us buying a right winger. The left side may be the focus. 

[Dman]

8 minutes ago, beatlesaint said:

Are we unable to afford/consider a decent back up keeper until Ramsdale has been sold ?

I mean, George Long, come on, he's the third choice guy surely?

Peretz, Bazunu, Long. 

Obviously we'd be royally fucked if Peretz gets an injury, but as a championship side, can't really ask for much more than that. 

As it happens, I think we'll shift Bazunu and get a new back up. 

[Lee On Solent Saint]

8 minutes ago, beatlesaint said:

Are we unable to afford/consider a decent back up keeper until Ramsdale has been sold ?

I mean, George Long, come on, he's the third choice guy surely?

Are we actively looking to get rid of Baz? Is there any indication that he would be willing to stay as back up keeper? 

[Chez]

1 hour ago, Saint86 said:

I agree. He had a disjointed season last year. Started off at wing back being played out of position in a poor side.

Did he then lose confidence or pick up a knock? He seemed to fall in an out of the team going into our incredible run and struggled to recover.

Regardless, he's definitely got the right attributes to be effective - his wing play is very dangerous and he's got a cracking cross and good engine. Hopefully we see more of him this coming season.

When he played at wing back he was bloody brilliant. Our best player in several games. I fully agree, he has a great engine. It was when we reverted back to a 4-3-3 that he lost his way a little. Not sure why. I love the fact he wants to be on the ball and is happy to dribble all day long. That was what made us a good side last season. Having two dribblers. You have to to have that type of player as they open up the space. If everyone just passes you end up running out of ideas.

[lumuah]

12 minutes ago, beatlesaint said:

Are we unable to afford/consider a decent back up keeper until Ramsdale has been sold ?

I mean, George Long, come on, he's the third choice guy surely?

If our coaching staff have had a good look at Long and say he is okay then that should be good enough for us. 

FWIW he didn't look too bad when playing - sure, nowhere near Peretz, but not many Championship keepers are. 

I'd put him above Bazunu though as he managed to make some saves when he played and doesn't have spaghetti for fingers and crisp packets for wrists  - leave Baz to putting the cones out. 

[Chez]

14 minutes ago, beatlesaint said:

Are we unable to afford/consider a decent back up keeper until Ramsdale has been sold ?

I mean, George Long, come on, he's the third choice guy surely?

without opening the whole Baz discussion on here - we do have plenty of bodies. We have a crowded keeper room, so I'm slightly surprised we are signing Long until someone departs.  

[Chez]

49 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

Understand this from an attacking and goals scored POV, however his biggest useful contribution IMO was his ability to wriggle out of tight spaces in defence when under opposition high press and allow us to break forward. Pretty essential when our Armstrong was not there to drop deep. In that regard he played a big part in the success of the 2nd half of the season.

Could not agree more. Massive part. I don't think there are too many players ion the championship that offer that and we had one on each wing.

He shooting was poor, no doubt about it, but everything else about his game was great. It's not as though we lacked goals, so I wasn't all that bothered by it to be honest.

I wonder if he was will find his feet (literally) in front of goal like Lallana seemed to? Not sure he plays with his head up enough to be a Lallana mark II, but he may add that little extra bit of composure when the goal beckons. 

[Lee On Solent Saint]

15 minutes ago, Chez said:

without opening the whole Baz discussion on here - we do have plenty of bodies. We have a crowded keeper room, so I'm slightly surprised we are signing Long until someone departs.  

If Baz is willing to stay and play back up to Peretz for a season, I'd rather we divert our funds elsewhere. 

[Lighthouse]

14 minutes ago, Chez said:

without opening the whole Baz discussion on here - we do have plenty of bodies. We have a crowded keeper room, so I'm slightly surprised we are signing Long until someone departs.  

There is absolutely no way we can afford to have Peretz, Baz and Ramsdale on the books next year. I’ll say with near certainty that the latter two won’t be here one way or another. We’re going to need back up keepers and Long fits the bill, having been here half a season already he’s a known quantity and has nearly 300 league appearances.

[leesaint88]

16 minutes ago, Chez said:

without opening the whole Baz discussion on here - we do have plenty of bodies. We have a crowded keeper room, so I'm slightly surprised we are signing Long until someone departs.  

For me it sounds like something has been agreed in the background for Ramsdale already, probably announced a day or two after the window opens. Long makes sense, has experience at this level and it happy to serve as a back up. The question for me is whether Moody gets promoted into the ranks or heads out on loan. 

[LordHester]

5 minutes ago, leesaint88 said:

For me it sounds like something has been agreed in the background for Ramsdale already, probably announced a day or two after the window opens.

This – would be amazed if Peretz was signed without there being a pretty firm plan for Ramsdale already.

[Dr Who?]

3 hours ago, saintant said:

Is this purely guesswork or have you an inside track to the FA and know their decision?

Oh yes I have no knowledge of this one, just reading between the lines from what they said last time and what has been dished out to others. 

[CSA96]

 

[Dr Who?]

14 hours ago, MarkSFC said:

Im guessing that TE will get a suspended sentence. 

Yeah as mentioned I have about as much of an idea as others on here had about what would happen with spygate. I am very worried that we will continue to be made an example of in the over reaction to this whole situation.