 | News Comment | Southampton At Birmingham City The Verdict at 15:41:45
Lot's of valid criticism but in respect of their goal the cross appeared to be undefendable. Credit to the scorer who got between the defenders and timed his movement perfectly? Before pressing doom and gloom buttons let's not forget how we started last season. In my view that was worse than the four point deduction. Also, in respect of the forward line, Stewart wasn't available until late in the campaign and there is the opportunity to bolster the the attack in January if required. I agree with davidargyll that JWP looks like an absolute bargain, despite my initial misgivings. Whilst we are not firing on all cylinders there is a long, long slog until the end of the season and no alarm bells need ringing just yet. That said I'm hoping Peretz isn't, understandably, distracted by Ramsdale's presence in the squad. |
 | News Comment | The Prodigal Son Returns at 13:53:27
I'm not sure that Johannes Spors is in tune with a number of supporters, but it is what it is. Personally, I've got mixed feelings because I can't see how JWP is going to slot into the current midfield set up. That said, if he can do a job, welcome back. I sense that there are still a few loans and transfers in the pipeline so I'm happy to await the full picture to pan out. |
 | News Comment | Saints Linked With Second Central Defensive Signing Of the Week at 10:53:43
We certainly have a few players to offer Viking FK on loan. I say on loan because I suspect that wage deals in Norway preclude any of our under performers making a permanent move. Me getting interested in a player predominantly from the Norwegian second and third tier sums up my view of Captain Jack's recent showing. I sense that Peretz is losing form because he can't predict what the outfield players might cock up next. |
 | News Comment | Southampton V Stoke City The Preview at 11:06:14
The "form is temporary class is permanent" adage applies to Captain Jack. I was signing his praises at the end of last season and I only hope that he can redeem himself against Stoke. Why any experienced player would hoof the ball into space behind the defence is beyond my comprehension. I can't see any reason to pick Ramsdale, a highly paid individual too keen to jump ship and sit on the bench at Newcastle rather than play for the team. As there appear to be scant offers for Ramsdale's services why would you choose to humiliate Peretz who made some good saves at Watford? The current squad is good enough to get back on the winning track but I got the impression last week that one or two players might have been unsettled by agent influences. It might take another couple of weeks to get into the positive mentality of last season. |
 | News Comment | Fulham Confirm Signing Of Southampton Midfielder at 11:53:49
Sensible move for his development, so I hope there's a sell on clause after he's upped his value at Fulham. Thankfully we, currently, have plenty of options in midfield and Cam Bragg is looking like a first team regular. If the club can keep Caspar Jander and Finn Azaz then there is depth and quality to build the team around. |
 | News Comment | Colchester Cup Game Could See Southampton Get Serious at 10:47:50
Weeks of uncertainty ahead so, for me, difficult to feel anything but apprehension. Will the FA come to a decision about whatever sanctions they intend to impose on our manager? They seem to have a system whereby every action has response dates for the accused and an open ended time frame for making their own conclusions on the outcome. The extended transfer window which, inevitably, means supporters have no idea if the players selected in August will be with the same club in September. I know that applies to every team and players will arrive and depart but August still feels like a false start. Maybe I'll get the buzz come kick off at Colchester but I'm not feeling it yet. |
 | News Comment | Ross Stewart Not Completely Out Of The Picture Says Tonda Eckert at 11:35:17
Easy to say when you're not the player or coach but, in my view, Ross Stewart would be misguided if he didn't accept a contract at SFC. He may well have to accept reduced wages but gains some financial security and the comfort of working with a fitness team that knows his physical limits. |
 | News Comment | Southampton Could Make One Or Two Signings This Week at 13:05:12
I'd add another player who came good last season, Captain Jack. I really didn't think it would ever happen but the epitome of a, veteran, late developer? I can't see that SFC would sign Dobbin speculatively, in the sense that they will have identified where he can sustain or improve the squad. Some departures imminent, either on loan or permanently, I imagine. Interesting days ahead. |
 | News Comment | England At Mexico The International Verdict at 13:45:26
I get what you're trying to say Nick but the spirit of Dunkirk and other battles is, for me, not well chosen hyperbole. A gritty performance against the odds certainly but the worst, evident, physical damage is Henderson falling over an advertising board. Lack of discipline and organisation is certainly a valid point but equally the team is struggling to fill the right back position. Whether unfortunate or squad selection error both right backs were known to be injury prone. Quansah is unlikely to have his red card mitigated because the FIFA corruption only applies to specific beneficiaries. Politics in sport, never........ Anyhow, England's deficiencies are not that great an issue, certainly Maguire and others would add nothing, and the team spirit is beyond anything I can recall from past Cup teams. Any opponent is going to have strengths and weaknesses and, provided FIFA haven't already decided that USA will win the trophy, we're still in the mix. |
 | News Comment | Football Supporters Group Calls For Ban On Dynamic Pricing at 13:25:24
Dynamic pricing and secondary sales sites are scourges that have no value to the majority. Of course we can walk away, and I always will because this exploitation is nothing but sheer greed. Ticket resale can be controlled, if supporters are willing to await their purchase being activated shortly before the game. Ticket returns should only be controlled by the original supplier and non transferable to individuals unless within the t&cs. The last thing the game needs is intervention from the USA where lack of regulation favours exploitation every time. Event pricing is one issue but it's effect on healthcare, education and welfare is disgusting. Those promoting free market choice are mostly self serving grifters. |
 | News Comment | Southampton Braced For Double Swoop From Leeds United at 13:06:09
I hadn't seen the suggestion that Ramsdale is on a contract of £120,000 a week at SFC. Quite staggering if true but also ensures that he won't be going anywhere soon. Maybe we could get Ramsdale's agent to have a word with Melchester Rovers because Tubby Morton is probably close to retirement. Apologies to any younger contributors wondering why old people post on here! |
 | News Comment | Southampton Increase Season Ticket Prices But Is This A Poor PR Move at 10:38:16
I think that you might be overestimating the amount of influence your opinion has on the club Nick. Do you really believe that your article last week would get any sort of policy reversal? Clearly, opinions are mixed on the season ticket renewal package. Whilst you believe that the club should be giving freebies, in my view, that half million quid will pay the wages of quite a few office and ground staff members. I have no clue how much revenue it takes to run a professional football club but I believe it goes way beyond first team squad player contracts. |
 | News Comment | Southampton's Released List Trims Wage Bill By £200K Per Week at 14:07:35
I guess all of the players released will find employment elsewhere but mostly on significantly lower wages. I'm still struggling to work out how £200,000 per week equals £2.5m, but maths isn't my strong point. Let's hope that we sign some players who can improve the squad as well as offer some of our existing players improvements on their current contracts. If the game really is just about money why would THB, Charles, Scienza and others leave to play for struggling teams when they could get renewed contracts? Not much fun losing every week when you could be winning, most weeks, next season. |
 | News Comment | Ross Stewart Shows That Saints Players Will Put Their Own Interests Before Morals at 11:25:44
If, as recorded elsewhere, Stewart's base salary is £12.5k a week and the club is willing to retain him for another year on that basis then I can see why his agent might look at options elsewhere. There are other outlets suggesting that he had been offered a new contract on reduced terms which Stewart's agent also advised caution. Such is the world of business and the club is not a charity. Whilst not fit to play Stewart must have endured a lot of physical discomfort and doubts about his recovery, at the same time the club would be reluctant to gamble on his long term fitness. We don't know whether Stewart will sustain another long term injury in the weeks ahead so it makes a lot of sense for the club and player to put contract decisions on hold. |
 | News Comment | Peretz And Larin Signings Make Bold Statement For Southampton at 12:45:27
Well put Nick, my pride was dented but quickly fixed by the media rabble with nothing better to do than jump on and off bandwagons. Now that the angst has settled and the EFL kneejerks, possibly, sated maybe the FA will put up or shut up with a bit of commonsense thrown in. If only all the naughty schoolchildren were treated equally by the bumbling head teacher, but we know they're not! Thank you Daniel and Cyle for putting your faith in our club, a real bonus in a cynical world. |
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