07 Jul 2015 15:43:50
So we've officially signed Martina from Twente. Seems like a stop gap signing for me. Twente fans helpfully gave their prespective, fair play to them. 2 year contract pretty much shows how confident (Or unconfident?) He gives us time until Target can challenge Bertrand again and until we decide if another RB should be signed to challenge Soares.
Pros: He's very versatile, supposedly able to play anywhere in the back four. So that's added depth for Euro there. He also had a good season under Erwin Koeman before Twente (Probably why they signed him in the first place) unfortunately it didn't work out. He's cheap, and does not have sky high wages. 25 yo relatively young for a defender.
Cons: Versatility means that we probably won't see Stephens or Turnbull this season, McCarthy's as well. He's also making a big jump to the PL. I can understand how Pelle's and Tadic's transition seems easy at first because they left on a high from big clubs. Martina's last decent season is probably still at RKC, who (no offense) are below Saints level.
To summarize, I think he'd be a useful squad player. I trust both the Koeman brothers.

1.) 07 Jul 2015
07 Jul 2015 17:13:57
I watched the two Jack's at Swindon quite a bit last season - they're not ready to step up as yet. I think a loan to a Championship club would suit them best this season in my opinion.

2.) 07 Jul 2015
07 Jul 2015 18:15:21
I never thought we'd see much of Stephens or Turnbull this year. Center backs take a lot longer to develop than other positions, so I expect they'll be back out on loan for at least another season, perhaps two. McCarthy is a little younger. I expect he'll spend another season with the U-21s and go out on loan next season.

3.) 07 Jul 2015
07 Jul 2015 22:36:10
He is a RB.

4.) 08 Jul 2015
08 Jul 2015 00:06:53
He may be mainly an RB, but can play CB and apparently mostly played LB last season. He's a multi-position player signed for his versatility and (presumably) his relationship to Erwin Koeman.