Adkins' midfield dilemma (From Daily Echo)

I wonder what state Cork will be in when he returns from duty. He will have had competitive matches on the plus side, but will miss most of preseason. I think he will be behind other players in term of fitness.

Two wingers and another centre back, I worry for Jose Fonte in the big, he got caught far to often last season for my liking.

I believe NA has identified who he wants and who he needs, it just a matter of time before we see some more new faces.

In NA I trust.

COYR

I think there needs to be some serious in and out action in the next two weeks.

CB, RB and RM are the priorities for me with CB being top of the list. It will be interesting to see how we get on against Wolves. A decent yardstick as to what we can achieve in the PL.

The first 6 games are a stern test and if things don't go well we could end up with 4-6 points. But if they do go well 8-10 points.

RB - Nathaniel Clyne i thought looked quality against ajax and is one of the best rb outside the top flight. With richardson as back up i dont think the RB area is a concern - the wings and CB is though.

Need another centre back instead of Fonte.

IMO we need 2 CB and 2 midfielders and a LB. Agree about Fonte looking a wee bit out of his depth but would be great back up. Clyne looked class last weekend! I just hope we can get these new signings in before the big KO!

So far 10% of people on the poll think that Saints are going to win a place in Europe... I'd like whatever you're all on!

The squad we already have is good enough to avoid relegation. I agree that we need 1/2 central defenders, 1 more goalkeeper (as back up) and a winger would be nice. I think the line up against Ajax looked like a strong team. If you swap Guly out for Tadanari Lee and swap the midfield to fit in Davis and Cork we have a winning team!

Can't wait for the season to start. Who do you guys think we should add to the squad? Is Scott Dann worth £6m? If not who (realisticly) would you like us to bid for?

Barney123 wrote:
So far 10% of people on the poll think that Saints are going to win a place in Europe... I'd like whatever you're all on!

I'm on my chair in my office, would you like it?

4% think we will be relegated.......skun
ts on crack I presume
WTFILN

What is happening about Buttner?

george chivers wrote:
I think there needs to be some serious in and out action in the next two weeks.

CB, RB and RM are the priorities for me with CB being top of the list. It will be interesting to see how we get on against Wolves. A decent yardstick as to what we can achieve in the PL.

The first 6 games are a stern test and if things don't go well we could end up with 4-6 points. But if they do go well 8-10 points.

Yes, but what about the skunts? Will it be Trust or Chainrai? Will the council lend them tax payers money? Will BC liquidize them? Will the FL deduct further points?

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

george chivers wrote:
I think there needs to be some serious in and out action in the next two weeks.

CB, RB and RM are the priorities for me with CB being top of the list. It will be interesting to see how we get on against Wolves. A decent yardstick as to what we can achieve in the PL.

The first 6 games are a stern test and if things don't go well we could end up with 4-6 points. But if they do go well 8-10 points.

Yes, but what about the skunts? Will it be Trust or Chainrai? Will the council lend them tax payers money? Will BC liquidize them? Will the FL deduct further points?

Come on Bournemouth.

OWS article statng NA to name his 25 man premier squad. With Barnard, Forte and Dickson all but gone he can currently only name 20 as all the others aged 21 and under are 'free' players.

I remember posting last season about the difference between getting your signings in early as opposed to late. Man City booked in early and Arsenal played LastMinute.Com, the results were clear to see with Gunners struggling early as the team chemistry had not had chance to evolve, while City sat on top of the pile.
Admitedly, in the second half of the season Gooners snatched 3rd position, so let’s not panic.

Over the Edge wrote:
Two wingers and another centre back, I worry for Jose Fonte in the big, he got caught far to often last season for my liking.

I believe NA has identified who he wants and who he needs, it just a matter of time before we see some more new faces.

In NA I trust.

COYR

I'm not concerned if Nigel doesn't have a plan - or even worse if he has no plan to have a plan. I don't think his indecision will be final. Nicola will have ensured there's a procedure in place to contrive a blueprint of a plot for a strategy to formulate a new framework scenario. It won't be announced to the public, but inside Nicola's inner circle it will be known simply as "Nigel's Plan".

My only concern is that the plan will involve no required changes or actions - thus satisfying in full Nicola's demands for a 'clear plan' but to all intents and purposes being the same thing as having no plan.

I think its taking shape very nicely,the club/NA have highlighted the shortfalls that are obvious to all and are actively addressing them.Lens would be top drawer,and a player plus cash swap for a winger with pace to burn would be great.
A squad full of ambition ,drive and hungry for success,and with the ability to show a few premier league,cheque book jockeys the way home-Bring it on.The saints are back.

Have you ever thought that you might be good at something but have not had the opportunity to try it and find out? I’ve watched the diving, cycling, gymnastics, rowing, water polo, basketball etc.... and thought enough respect to them, but it was never quite me in my sporting genes.
Then I saw Archery, and thought I’m good at darts and drinking, I could have been an Olympic Champion ... Dohh!!!

Confucious wrote:

Over the Edge wrote:
Two wingers and another centre back, I worry for Jose Fonte in the big, he got caught far to often last season for my liking.

I believe NA has identified who he wants and who he needs, it just a matter of time before we see some more new faces.

In NA I trust.

COYR

I'm not concerned if Nigel doesn't have a plan - or even worse if he has no plan to have a plan. I don't think his indecision will be final. Nicola will have ensured there's a procedure in place to contrive a blueprint of a plot for a strategy to formulate a new framework scenario. It won't be announced to the public, but inside Nicola's inner circle it will be known simply as "Nigel's Plan".

My only concern is that the plan will involve no required changes or actions - thus satisfying in full Nicola's demands for a 'clear plan' but to all intents and purposes being the same thing as having no plan.

I'm very glad that we have Confucious as our man on the inside how else would we know these things

As regards the skunts he he he is all i can say really serves them right And don't tell me the bit about it wasn't the fans who badly managed the club It wasn't but it was them who took the p155 when we were in trouble

Mush On The Beach wrote:
Have you ever thought that you might be good at something but have not had the opportunity to try it and find out? I’ve watched the diving, cycling, gymnastics, rowing, water polo, basketball etc.... and thought enough respect to them, but it was never quite me in my sporting genes.
Then I saw Archery, and thought I’m good at darts and drinking, I could have been an Olympic Champion ... Dohh!!!

What about sprinting? You lot from the convict colony must know how to show a clean pair of heels once you've nicked your mars bar. Mind you if you'd had any pace you'd still be here. Stick to the archery!

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

Mush On The Beach wrote:
Have you ever thought that you might be good at something but have not had the opportunity to try it and find out? I’ve watched the diving, cycling, gymnastics, rowing, water polo, basketball etc.... and thought enough respect to them, but it was never quite me in my sporting genes.
Then I saw Archery, and thought I’m good at darts and drinking, I could have been an Olympic Champion ... Dohh!!!

What about sprinting? You lot from the convict colony must know how to show a clean pair of heels once you've nicked your mars bar. Mind you if you'd had any pace you'd still be here. Stick to the archery!

I see you Seed more as a Winter Olympian ..... frantically sweeping your broom to get the STONE down the ICE in Curling. Hang on, is your empire built on supplying drugs around Hampshire?

Mush On The Beach wrote:

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

Mush On The Beach wrote:
Have you ever thought that you might be good at something but have not had the opportunity to try it and find out? I’ve watched the diving, cycling, gymnastics, rowing, water polo, basketball etc.... and thought enough respect to them, but it was never quite me in my sporting genes.
Then I saw Archery, and thought I’m good at darts and drinking, I could have been an Olympic Champion ... Dohh!!!

What about sprinting? You lot from the convict colony must know how to show a clean pair of heels once you've nicked your mars bar. Mind you if you'd had any pace you'd still be here. Stick to the archery!

I see you Seed more as a Winter Olympian ..... frantically sweeping your broom to get the STONE down the ICE in Curling. Hang on, is your empire built on supplying drugs around Hampshire?

Rumour and myth your honour, rumour and myth!

Pacy wingers??????

Pacy wingers euro spot I think!!

george chivers wrote:
I think there needs to be some serious in and out action in the next two weeks.

CB, RB and RM are the priorities for me with CB being top of the list. It will be interesting to see how we get on against Wolves. A decent yardstick as to what we can achieve in the PL.

The first 6 games are a stern test and if things don't go well we could end up with 4-6 points. But if they do go well 8-10 points.

You dont rate Clyne then, I thought he looked class agaist Ajax!!

miltonarcher wrote:

george chivers wrote:
I think there needs to be some serious in and out action in the next two weeks.

CB, RB and RM are the priorities for me with CB being top of the list. It will be interesting to see how we get on against Wolves. A decent yardstick as to what we can achieve in the PL.

The first 6 games are a stern test and if things don't go well we could end up with 4-6 points. But if they do go well 8-10 points.

You dont rate Clyne then, I thought he looked class agaist Ajax!!

With you Milton, thought Clyne looked our no 1 RB. We do need cover at CB as been stated by most posters. I also think we need another LB and move Foxxy up to L M F, PLAY A L in a more central role behind R L.

hedge end bob wrote:

miltonarcher wrote:

george chivers wrote:
I think there needs to be some serious in and out action in the next two weeks.

CB, RB and RM are the priorities for me with CB being top of the list. It will be interesting to see how we get on against Wolves. A decent yardstick as to what we can achieve in the PL.

The first 6 games are a stern test and if things don't go well we could end up with 4-6 points. But if they do go well 8-10 points.

You dont rate Clyne then, I thought he looked class agaist Ajax!!

With you Milton, thought Clyne looked our no 1 RB. We do need cover at CB as been stated by most posters. I also think we need another LB and move Foxxy up to L M F, PLAY A L in a more central role behind R L.

Sorry I meant LB.

I think Saints are doing all they can to bring in new guys for the positions mentioned above but with a sensible budget to stick to it is obviously a bloody difficult task. touch wood we will have new signings next week COUR FOP!

So COYR and all that. I reckon if Saints finish in 17th position then for the 1st season back in the Premier, then that counts as job done.

The objective has to be a second season in the top flight, and then build on that. So any mis-placed loyalty or over optimism is really unhelpful. Just all of us should cheer them on as loudly as possible.

Nice to know that further signings to strengthen the back are being planned. We do need someone who knows what he's doing.

Also, let's hope the new, unrecgnisable shirts will not be a problem - I don't like them!!

Barney123 wrote:
So far 10% of people on the poll think that Saints are going to win a place in Europe... I'd like whatever you're all on!

We're on the bus, dude. You should get on it - it leaves in two weeks.

saintbobby wrote:
So COYR and all that. I reckon if Saints finish in 17th position then for the 1st season back in the Premier, then that counts as job done.

The objective has to be a second season in the top flight, and then build on that. So any mis-placed loyalty or over optimism is really unhelpful. Just all of us should cheer them on as loudly as possible.

Nice to know that further signings to strengthen the back are being planned. We do need someone who knows what he's doing.

Also, let's hope the new, unrecgnisable shirts will not be a problem - I don't like them!!

I think the red shirts will be a huge advantage. I know it upsets traditionalists but I think they'll make it easier for players to pick each other out. When was the last time a team with stripey shirts won the Premier League? Is that a coincidence?

I think the red shirts will be a huge advantage. I know it upsets traditionalists but I think they'll make it easier for players to pick each other out. When was the last time a team with stripey shirts won the Premier League? Is that a coincidence?

O bugger - I posted that twice. Random question: does anyone here like Pavement?

On the present incomplete new buys we will finish just above relegation zone. What is the delay on all these promised new buys? We are still missing a decent backup goalkeeper let alone another 2 defenders. Slow, quick, quick, slow. I was worried before now I’m more worried, especially as our first game is against Manchester City away. I still don’t think we have a good enough premier league team. Now you can all slag me off. I’m just a realist, but just pray and hope I’m wrong. This does not make me any less a saint’s supporter, but I’m sure Ill gets a lot of flack

truelysaints wrote:
On the present incomplete new buys we will finish just above relegation zone. What is the delay on all these promised new buys? We are still missing a decent backup goalkeeper let alone another 2 defenders. Slow, quick, quick, slow. I was worried before now I’m more worried, especially as our first game is against Manchester City away. I still don’t think we have a good enough premier league team. Now you can all slag me off. I’m just a realist, but just pray and hope I’m wrong. This does not make me any less a saint’s supporter, but I’m sure Ill gets a lot of flack

No we all want to see signings. However other teams will be competing for the same players, maybe offer more in transfer fees and wages. We can't offer wages that unbalance the dressing room. Keep the faith.

We have a new young keeper so I'd guess Butland is off as I can't see the point of buying two very young keepers. Was in Cardiff the other night and thought he was good but I'm sure the Argie will be good as well.

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

george chivers wrote:
I think there needs to be some serious in and out action in the next two weeks.

CB, RB and RM are the priorities for me with CB being top of the list. It will be interesting to see how we get on against Wolves. A decent yardstick as to what we can achieve in the PL.

The first 6 games are a stern test and if things don't go well we could end up with 4-6 points. But if they do go well 8-10 points.

Yes, but what about the skunts? Will it be Trust or Chainrai? Will the council lend them tax payers money? Will BC liquidize them? Will the FL deduct further points?

.

St Retford wrote:
I think the red shirts will be a huge advantage. I know it upsets traditionalists but I think they'll make it easier for players to pick each other out. When was the last time a team with stripey shirts won the Premier League? Is that a coincidence?

Barcelona haven't done too badly in stripes recently..

george chivers wrote:

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

george chivers wrote:
I think there needs to be some serious in and out action in the next two weeks.

CB, RB and RM are the priorities for me with CB being top of the list. It will be interesting to see how we get on against Wolves. A decent yardstick as to what we can achieve in the PL.

The first 6 games are a stern test and if things don't go well we could end up with 4-6 points. But if they do go well 8-10 points.

Yes, but what about the skunts? Will it be Trust or Chainrai? Will the council lend them tax payers money? Will BC liquidize them? Will the FL deduct further points?

.

It's the final countdown George. Personally I can see merits in all three options - BC, the Trust or Liquidisation. There is of course an outside chance that the next couple of years could see all three.

They're leaving together
But still it's fair well
And maybe they're come back
To earth, who can tell?
I guess everyones to blame
They're leaving their ground (leaving their ground)
Will things ever be the same again?

It's the final skuntdown

Oh oh

The final skuntdown

We're heading to St Marys (St Marys)
And still we stand tall...

It's the final skuntdown.....

Come on George, sing up. You know you want to!

Saints are one of the teams with status 1 and are in a competition for under 21's competing in group 2, which includes Man Utd.
Wolves defender Christophe Bharra could be on way to Saints from Wolves.
Leicester and Stoke also interested. Defender wants transfer.

Corkonian Saint wrote:

St Retford wrote:
I think the red shirts will be a huge advantage. I know it upsets traditionalists but I think they'll make it easier for players to pick each other out. When was the last time a team with stripey shirts won the Premier League? Is that a coincidence?

Barcelona haven't done too badly in stripes recently..

AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus... need I say more? Two leagues in two seasons in our traditional red and white, if it's not broke, don't fix it!

Don't get me wrong though, I think Nigel and Nicola have done a superb job when only a few years ago there was a possibility of having no saints at all, St Markus Liebherr will always be a legend in my eyes, such a pity he's not here to see us play Man City. Two weeks, soo excited! COYR!

Corkonian Saint wrote:

St Retford wrote:
I think the red shirts will be a huge advantage. I know it upsets traditionalists but I think they'll make it easier for players to pick each other out. When was the last time a team with stripey shirts won the Premier League? Is that a coincidence?

Barcelona haven't done too badly in stripes recently..

The debate over stripes or red will no doubt continue, but it isn't very rational. Tradition is great, but it doesn't win matches.

I studied this subject much more objectively in June and there's no doubt there are lessons to be learned from giraffes, cheetahs, leopards, puffer fish, standard Rex rabbits - and the popular Dalmation dog.

A football player who can achieve concealment through distruptive patterning, counter shading, counter illumination or who can resemble something else to the eye or conceal movement by visual confusion will have a big advantage. And my studies show (as identified by the above creatures) there is no better camouflage than spots.

Saints should switch from stripes to spots immediately. Imagine the ball whizzing down the wing apparently on its own because spotted Steeeeve can't be seen. Or the opposition goalie waiting to receive a back pass when the unseen spotted Lambert nips in and scores.

I wrote to Nicola with this suggestion in much more detail but he has not replied yet.

COME ON YOU SPOTS!

Confucious wrote:

Corkonian Saint wrote:

St Retford wrote:
I think the red shirts will be a huge advantage. I know it upsets traditionalists but I think they'll make it easier for players to pick each other out. When was the last time a team with stripey shirts won the Premier League? Is that a coincidence?

Barcelona haven't done too badly in stripes recently..

The debate over stripes or red will no doubt continue, but it isn't very rational. Tradition is great, but it doesn't win matches.

I studied this subject much more objectively in June and there's no doubt there are lessons to be learned from giraffes, cheetahs, leopards, puffer fish, standard Rex rabbits - and the popular Dalmation dog.

A football player who can achieve concealment through distruptive patterning, counter shading, counter illumination or who can resemble something else to the eye or conceal movement by visual confusion will have a big advantage. And my studies show (as identified by the above creatures) there is no better camouflage than spots.

Saints should switch from stripes to spots immediately. Imagine the ball whizzing down the wing apparently on its own because spotted Steeeeve can't be seen. Or the opposition goalie waiting to receive a back pass when the unseen spotted Lambert nips in and scores.

I wrote to Nicola with this suggestion in much more detail but he has not replied yet.

COME ON YOU SPOTS!

in the tour de france the bloke best at going up the mountains wares spots, you might have somthing here? - and there red & white!!!

Cough up the 39% that say we'll just survive... have you forgotten the work of the last couple of years and the strength of resolve of Nicola Cortese to force the job to get done. I have every faith that Nicola and Nigel will do what they need to do to reach Europe in the next two years... No way is this club going to be anywhere near relegation at the end of the season... Man up and put you names next to your negativity!

Up The Saints

come the other end of the season none of ya will admit you voted in the 39%

IMO I am little bit worried about first game away to Citeh but have a feeling I may be pleasently suprised. After that reckon mid table security 12th and maybe a nice little cup run with the likes of JWP and Shaw leading the way in that. So basically pessimistic about first game but confident after that :)

Tirau Dan wrote:
Cough up the 39% that say we'll just survive... have you forgotten the work of the last couple of years and the strength of resolve of Nicola Cortese to force the job to get done. I have every faith that Nicola and Nigel will do what they need to do to reach Europe in the next two years... No way is this club going to be anywhere near relegation at the end of the season... Man up and put you names next to your negativity!

Up The Saints

I voted mid table Dan. I don't know what I was thinking of and can only appologise profusely. Oh the shame of it all. Still, at least I'm not a skunt!

Tirau Dan wrote:
Cough up the 39% that say we'll just survive... have you forgotten the work of the last couple of years and the strength of resolve of Nicola Cortese to force the job to get done. I have every faith that Nicola and Nigel will do what they need to do to reach Europe in the next two years... No way is this club going to be anywhere near relegation at the end of the season... Man up and put you names next to your negativity!

Up The Saints

Yep I did. I'll put my name for 15th position and that will be a good achievement with the squad we have or are likely to have by the end of August.

Europe in two years if we spend £40 to £50million on players and raise our average wage to between £45 and £50k per week. And retain our youngsters as they come through.

Possible, but not probable with a 32,000 seater stadium which we won't fill to capacity for every home game this season.

Your positive attitude is great but the reality is money buys success. Newcastle have half a chance because they have some money, the stadium, fan base, manager and an outstanding scout called Graham Carr.

We don't appear to have the money or a good enough scouting network and we don't have the stadium or the fan base to increase the revenue. So 15th it is for me, after a very slow start.

But on a good day, with a bit of luck we could lift the cup. I would be happy with that!

Tirau Dan wrote:
Cough up the 39% that say we'll just survive... have you forgotten the work of the last couple of years and the strength of resolve of Nicola Cortese to force the job to get done. I have every faith that Nicola and Nigel will do what they need to do to reach Europe in the next two years... No way is this club going to be anywhere near relegation at the end of the season... Man up and put you names next to your negativity!

Up The Saints

I hadn’t noticed the poll until you mentioned it Dan, I’ve now voted.
The hardest thing for a newly promoted team is to stay up and then if successful, beware of the second season syndrome.
The numerous dross teams that were seen as relegation fodder over the past few years have already been relegated, Poopey, Blackburn, Bolton, Wolves, Brum, Hull etc.
The margins between best and worst teams are reducing. Anyone of the following teams this year are likely to be relegated – Saints, Villa, Norwich, Reading, West Ham, QPR, Stoke, Swansea, West Brom, Wigan, Fulham.

I wouldn’t castigate anyone Dan in the 39% Just survive or even the 5% Relegated as these people are being honest and realistic of what the bookies are predicting, the bookies are never mugs.
You should save your frustrations for the likes of me as I’m one of the 6% voting top four and am clearly a delusional, blithering, rose tinted idiot.

It’s the 47% Mid Table voters that get up my goat. Those are the type of people IMO that normally wear XL y-fronts to be on the safe side while sat on padded cushions at the footy, chomping on a prawn sarnie.

Up The Saints

Mush On The Beach wrote:

Tirau Dan wrote:
Cough up the 39% that say we'll just survive... have you forgotten the work of the last couple of years and the strength of resolve of Nicola Cortese to force the job to get done. I have every faith that Nicola and Nigel will do what they need to do to reach Europe in the next two years... No way is this club going to be anywhere near relegation at the end of the season... Man up and put you names next to your negativity!

Up The Saints

I hadn’t noticed the poll until you mentioned it Dan, I’ve now voted.
The hardest thing for a newly promoted team is to stay up and then if successful, beware of the second season syndrome.
The numerous dross teams that were seen as relegation fodder over the past few years have already been relegated, Poopey, Blackburn, Bolton, Wolves, Brum, Hull etc.
The margins between best and worst teams are reducing. Anyone of the following teams this year are likely to be relegated – Saints, Villa, Norwich, Reading, West Ham, QPR, Stoke, Swansea, West Brom, Wigan, Fulham.

I wouldn’t castigate anyone Dan in the 39% Just survive or even the 5% Relegated as these people are being honest and realistic of what the bookies are predicting, the bookies are never mugs.
You should save your frustrations for the likes of me as I’m one of the 6% voting top four and am clearly a delusional, blithering, rose tinted idiot.

It’s the 47% Mid Table voters that get up my goat. Those are the type of people IMO that normally wear XL y-fronts to be on the safe side while sat on padded cushions at the footy, chomping on a prawn sarnie.

Up The Saints

STOP THIEF!

realism Dan I reckon around 15th. Other than Davies we have bought players with potential, he is the one player we have bought with top level experience. We have very few players with actual top level experience anywhere, less than any team in the division. The gap between div 1 and championship is one thing, the gap between the championship and PL is a lot bigger. The transfer window has not closed yet, so there is time for some quality to be bought in. Yes we have a great team spirit, yes we potentially have some very good players, but that is the moment what they are potentially. We are putting so much responsibility on the shoulders of the young players. Llana, Spider, Cork, Rodriguez, Clyne. Without naming the new kids on the block that have come through.
We also have a few players that have rightly the chance to make their name in the premiership.
Hopefully we will bring in at least a couple of quality names, which may push us up the table a little.
The PL is a stronger and harder division than when we left. Hopefully we will excel anything above bottom 3 will good for the first season.
People on the site have compared this team and era to BIg Mac's. The team that got us into the Europe several seasons in a row and runners up was. Shilton (England) Mills (England) Watson (England) Nicole (Northern Ireland) Golac (Yugoslavia) Mark Wright (England) Mark Dennis. Alan Ball (England) Jimmy Case (England) Stevie Williams (England) Holmes (England under 21's) Graham Baker, David Armstrong (England) Moran, Channon (England) Keegan (England).
I want us to end up in Europe as much as anyone, yet the realism is a hard season. Unless some real quality is bought in before the start. There is time yet and NA and NC have never let us down yet.
The thing is that if Saints do find it tough, it won't be the ones that forecast that on here moaning, it will be the ones that expected top half of the table. I have been red and white through and through for near on 50 years, just happen to think the PL will be a tough baptism. Fantastic if i am proved wrong.

milton road wrote:
realism Dan I reckon around 15th. Other than Davies we have bought players with potential, he is the one player we have bought with top level experience. We have very few players with actual top level experience anywhere, less than any team in the division. The gap between div 1 and championship is one thing, the gap between the championship and PL is a lot bigger. The transfer window has not closed yet, so there is time for some quality to be bought in. Yes we have a great team spirit, yes we potentially have some very good players, but that is the moment what they are potentially. We are putting so much responsibility on the shoulders of the young players. Llana, Spider, Cork, Rodriguez, Clyne. Without naming the new kids on the block that have come through.
We also have a few players that have rightly the chance to make their name in the premiership.
Hopefully we will bring in at least a couple of quality names, which may push us up the table a little.
The PL is a stronger and harder division than when we left. Hopefully we will excel anything above bottom 3 will good for the first season.
People on the site have compared this team and era to BIg Mac's. The team that got us into the Europe several seasons in a row and runners up was. Shilton (England) Mills (England) Watson (England) Nicole (Northern Ireland) Golac (Yugoslavia) Mark Wright (England) Mark Dennis. Alan Ball (England) Jimmy Case (England) Stevie Williams (England) Holmes (England under 21's) Graham Baker, David Armstrong (England) Moran, Channon (England) Keegan (England).
I want us to end up in Europe as much as anyone, yet the realism is a hard season. Unless some real quality is bought in before the start. There is time yet and NA and NC have never let us down yet.
The thing is that if Saints do find it tough, it won't be the ones that forecast that on here moaning, it will be the ones that expected top half of the table. I have been red and white through and through for near on 50 years, just happen to think the PL will be a tough baptism. Fantastic if i am proved wrong.

Good points and well made Milton Rd

Mush On The Beach wrote:

milton road wrote:
realism Dan I reckon around 15th. Other than Davies we have bought players with potential, he is the one player we have bought with top level experience. We have very few players with actual top level experience anywhere, less than any team in the division. The gap between div 1 and championship is one thing, the gap between the championship and PL is a lot bigger. The transfer window has not closed yet, so there is time for some quality to be bought in. Yes we have a great team spirit, yes we potentially have some very good players, but that is the moment what they are potentially. We are putting so much responsibility on the shoulders of the young players. Llana, Spider, Cork, Rodriguez, Clyne. Without naming the new kids on the block that have come through.
We also have a few players that have rightly the chance to make their name in the premiership.
Hopefully we will bring in at least a couple of quality names, which may push us up the table a little.
The PL is a stronger and harder division than when we left. Hopefully we will excel anything above bottom 3 will good for the first season.
People on the site have compared this team and era to BIg Mac's. The team that got us into the Europe several seasons in a row and runners up was. Shilton (England) Mills (England) Watson (England) Nicole (Northern Ireland) Golac (Yugoslavia) Mark Wright (England) Mark Dennis. Alan Ball (England) Jimmy Case (England) Stevie Williams (England) Holmes (England under 21's) Graham Baker, David Armstrong (England) Moran, Channon (England) Keegan (England).
I want us to end up in Europe as much as anyone, yet the realism is a hard season. Unless some real quality is bought in before the start. There is time yet and NA and NC have never let us down yet.
The thing is that if Saints do find it tough, it won't be the ones that forecast that on here moaning, it will be the ones that expected top half of the table. I have been red and white through and through for near on 50 years, just happen to think the PL will be a tough baptism. Fantastic if i am proved wrong.

Good points and well made Milton Rd

Yep. Although young the likes of Lallana, Spider and Cork are very experienced now. So is Rickie and has a great football brain. Chappers has been around the block and knows the score as does Kelv. If the academy lads step up and the new signings settle in I think we could do ok.

Let's face it, the new website (as it stands at the moment) is crap

I voted for "the top four" because I couldn't find the "We're gonna win it" button.

Tirau Dan wrote:
Cough up the 39% that say we'll just survive... have you forgotten the work of the last couple of years and the strength of resolve of Nicola Cortese to force the job to get done. I have every faith that Nicola and Nigel will do what they need to do to reach Europe in the next two years... No way is this club going to be anywhere near relegation at the end of the season... Man up and put you names next to your negativity!

Up The Saints

I am confident that Saints will finish in the top half of the league. Odds of 5/1 looks a good bet to me.
N C comes over as a man on a mission to me,and will accept nothing less.

angiemill wrote:
Let's face it, the new website (as it stands at the moment) is crap

yep, i will go along with that

worried of n e hampshire wrote:

angiemill wrote:
Let's face it, the new website (as it stands at the moment) is crap

yep, i will go along with that

And me.