24 Jul 2013 22:10:11
Arsenal fan here,

Since you've been under pochetino I've really loved watching you play and was wonder where do you saints fans think you'll come this season?

I've got a feeling you'll be up around Everton myself

And which of your amazing young talents do you expect to shine? Ward prowse, shaw, schneiderlin, cork, jay rod? There's so many! Haha

Good luck for the coming season. Seeya!

1.) 25 Jul 2013
Thanks for the kind words.

I think we are, dare I say it, optimistic about our future. The most optimistic amongst us would place us just below Europe, so like you said, Everton ish. But that's probably a couple years off if we keep all our young stars.

Next year, speaking realistically, we've got a very young team, and a very inexperienced manager. The Premiership is a tough place. No one would complain if we built on last year and got top 10. I'd be so proud of the lads if they were top 10. We're just a small club from the south coast after all.

Good luck to you too!

2.) 25 Jul 2013
Oh and young talents. they're all potential super stars.

Are fullbacks Shaw and Clyne (and not forgetting Chambers of course) are worth keeping an eye on.

I think Schneiderlin and Cork have already shone and proven themselves. Ward-Prowse could have a big season if he gets game time.

I'm particularly excited to see how young Lloyd Isgrove fares. He's a pacey midfielder/winger/forward type player who could provide so much needed craft to our attack.

3.) 25 Jul 2013
Cheers, think we'll finish 8th.

4.) 25 Jul 2013
I reckon 10th-8th would be realistic and a brilliant achievement the top 5 are pretty much garunteed arsenal, Chelsea, man city, man united and spurs then teams like Everton get the next spots. I think schneiderlin and jay rod will really shine next season along with shaw. Ward prowse maybe another season, and I'm probably going to get a few dislikes but I don't think cork does very much in a game which is why I think wanyama has been brought in. But whether we get 12th 10th or 8th depends on who we buy next. And as for arsenal you were level with Chelsea in that you two were the best teams I've actually seen play. Wilshire is something else.

5.) 25 Jul 2013
Unfortunately we won't be up there if we don't sign some decent players, we've signed 2 but I didn't think lovren looked all that good v schalke, we should raid la liga like laudrup does

6.) 25 Jul 2013
You missed Ramirez why does everyone not notice he is a young player, he is 22. Got a feeling he will show his true class this season, just need a true in the box finisher to score some goals. No good playing lovely football if we don't score. How many times did we dominate games last season and then lose to one of the only chances the other team had. Must take our chances.

7.) 25 Jul 2013
Lovren was good enough against Schalke considering it was pre-season!

Fonte at fault for first goal and second goal was from a corner and nothing to do with Lovren. Other than that Schalke barely got near our goal, so how you can say he didn't look all that good is laughable. He cleared when needed, and looked cool and level headed when in possession.

On the subject of new signings. wanyama had a couple misplaced passes early on but was solid when he settled. Bit concerned about his work ethic, seems to switch off at times. Also not sure about his pace? A few players managed to burst away from him. Putting it down to being rusty.

8.) 25 Jul 2013
Just read all the replies and I love the optimism and the realism at the same time!

You guys really have your heads screwed on.

And sorry I forgot about Ramirez mate :). A lot of your team are young and have the potential to become superstars. And if one or two do move on, the money will more than likely be pumped back into the team.

Good to know your in safe hands and do thing the right way :)

9.) 25 Jul 2013
I would be ecstatic with a top 10 finish. But. We need goals. We need to stop trying to walk it in the net.
We have bossed most of the games we have played and done little with it.

Without a darn fine striker and attacking midfielder I think we could struggle to score.
I do think our defence has the potential to concede few.