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Pete Wesley's rumours posts with other poster's replies to Pete Wesley's rumours posts

 

30 Aug 2023 21:00:45
We only have two days before the Transfer Window slams shut (thank heavens).

Why? Because some of you are 'frightened of your own shadows' Why some of you can't see that the shape of the team, dictates a certain type of player, and the Russ 'Has a Plan' rather than Jones'y and Selles, that were clueless!

We are two or three payers short, the players that have left, were quite good players, but they were 'Not a Good Team'!

Stop predicting 'Doom and Despair' we are going the right way. Please also don't expect Automatic Promotion, it's unfair.!

Now Cheer Up, put away the 'Woe is Me ' banners and enjoy the journey!

Pete Wesley

1.) 31 Aug 2023 21:30:50
Peter .
And why can’t we be promoted … we HAD the strike force . we have a great midfield .
why can’t we feel fed up and disillusioned with what’s going on?
We are allowed!


2.) 01 Sep 2023 00:42:32
Peter, show some respect to the fans who post and share their concerns. What is happening at our club is ridiculous in the extreme.

What is the basis for your optimism - to suggest we are 2 or 3 players short is naive. We have loanees and youngsters - untried, untested and unlikely to succeed .
Why should we wait for 2 or 3 years to build a squad/team capable of playing at the highest level.

We will have a team which is bang average in the Championship. I find it disappointing that you are so willing to accept mediocrity in the name of ‘fairness’ - you should be demanding that the club takes all necessary means to ensure our return to the PL.

Before you respond to this - watch the documentary about Burnley’s mission to return to the PL. It epitomised a boardroom that backed the manager and a manager that backed the team.

We are more likely to turn into a team of hand wringers than winners. All we have achieved in this window is dismantle a squad who had a chance of getting promotion. Don’t ever do that ‘woe is me thing’ - it’s not clever and it’s disrespectful.


3.) 01 Sep 2023 17:27:24
Could be worse….we could be a feeder club like Man City ?


4.) 01 Sep 2023 17:42:11
Now that is funny!


5.) 01 Sep 2023 18:07:24
Millertime - Let me ask you a question -Why were we relegated if the team were so competent?

Some of these highly paid mercenaries like Sulisu just 'Down Tools' without a care for Southampton FC or the fans.

The appointment of Jones's and Selles, was awful, and the so called Team had no shape or structure.

Some of the players that we are assembling now, have 'Grit and Fight'.

Walcott, Elyounoussi, Dialo, Djenepo, McCarthy, Orsic, Caleta-Car, Lyanco were all sub 5/10. JWP tried his heart out, but his passing backwards and sideways was killing forward momentum.

All of the Moaning in the world, gets you nowhere. A positive attitude is what is required, we have some great additions, it will take a little time to make them a Team, but I have a good feeling about Russ Martin, yes he isn't a Koeman or Pochettino, but the financial disparity between the Big Six plus Saudi owns Newcastle are beyond us.

If Moaning helps you, then so be it, be i'd rather not suffer it, i'm a Saints fan through and through, always have been, always will be!


6.) 01 Sep 2023 20:46:35
Football revolves around opinion and I’m entitled to mine, as you are yours. It’s not moaning, it’s sharing and considering others’ views. When you resort to pathetic insults such as ‘frightened of your own shadows’ to describe Saints fans with views different to you then that is just plain ignorant.

We’re all Saints fans through and through - I travel round trips of 220 miles for every home game and go to most away games so you might want to check your patronising tone.

And because you asked, I’ve been critical of the attitude and application of the team over the last two years. I’ve never said, they were competent but I do think some of them are better equipped to perform in the Championship.

You seem to be doing a lot of moaning about the players you don’t rate - mercaneries you call them. Some of them probably are but you won’t find me lecturing you. So if you don’t want to suffer (as you put it) other people’s opinions you know what to do.

And I will share my opinion - this deadline transfer dau will be measured not by who we bring in but by who we manage to keep at the club eg Adams, Sulemana, KWP, ABK.


 

 

23 Aug 2021 23:47:34
Well, have to say that when the Saints Team was announced yesterday, both myself and Rob Easton (My best friend for 55 years) were dumbstruck. We haven't missed a game at St Marys for 8 years plus.

Being a Saints fan is an "Art Form" you have to roll with the punches and enjoy the high points, but as an RH supporter, i thought he had lost the plot.

How would he have played Theo Walcott, and Alex McCarthy again after last week?

To be fair to Ralph, we put one hell of a performance in collectively, but surely Fraser Forster is a safer pair of hands and how could we leave out Kyle Walker-Peters and Nathan Tella.?

Theo hasn't got the legs and Alex, just too leaky!

Brightest Points this season, Tino Livramento, Mohamed Salisu are fantastic. JWP committing to extend his long run at Saints is bloody marvellous, with luck he will be the next 'Lifer" very rare in this day and age, a true Saints legend in the making.

Hope Stuart Armstrong stays, he is for me our best outfield consistent player, just love the way he picks up the ball and heads towards goal true asset.

Want to say a 'Big Thank You' to the management, they have done a great job at recruitment this year in difficult circumstances. Its easy to think that more money would help, it wouldn't, attitude, fortitude and sheer hard work is paying off 'Well Done' all!

Pete Wesley

 

 

18 Aug 2017 21:38:34
Sam Gallagher is ready . don't underseaimate the guy, he was more than okay 3 years ago under Poch. Blood him, he will not let us down!
Look at Stevens, truth is. with out VVD getting injured he would not have got a start. Now he is solid as rock and a very good player (which he was anyway but hadn't been given the chance to prove it)
Sam can be our Pelle, sell Shane Long, bench Sam, play him in cup games and "Maketh the Man"
Just anted to say . what a great shame that Jake Flannigan has suffered yet again. he was looking real quality and to have an operation on Wednesday is tearible for him (and Saints) we will look after him because we are a quality club with Ethics, Morals and Determination.
Kruger is showing that he is the right man for me, thank you for the BBC interview, you are doing a fantastic job both individually and as a Board.

Pete Wesley

1.) 18 Aug 2017 22:59:53
I actually agree completely and think the only difference between a player out on loan to championship . marked as the clubs saviour and that same player sat on the bench in the premiership not getting game time and almost not needed is confidence. I reckon if Gallagher started 20 games this year he'd get 8 goals. admittedly not setting the world alight but still.


2.) 21 Aug 2017 09:33:09
Harry Kane only got his start due to injuries. I'm not saying Sam is that level but he needs his chance. Hopefully he will start mid week.


 

 

02 Jul 2017 18:13:58
There is news that Chelsea are prepared to let Ruben Loftus-Cheek go . this would be a perfect player for Southampton. He has a good football brain and if he came to our set up, I feel he would really set us alight.

Chelsea have a few rough diamonds that we should look at, it worked with Romue and Bertrand. What do you think?

Pete Wesley

{Ed002's Note - It will be a loan and Southampton has not shown any interest at this time.}


 

 

15 Jun 2017 18:47:21
So we are back in the market for another manager!
We have enjoyed "Interesting Times" since Marcus Leibherr saved our very existence, you could even say spoiled by having Pochettino and Keoman, before that Adkins was as solid as! Clued Puel was better than average, he lost the fans by playing across the back and not getting our forwards scoring especially at home.
We will never know what another 2-3 players added to the squad might have done this year, but the damage is more that we are still likely to loss Virgil and Ryan potentially.
We never recovered from loosing Schniderlin - Alderweirald - Wanyama - Sane and even Lallan. We sold Calum Chambers and Shaw when they would have done better to stay but the £50 million that came in from them stabilised the ship! We cannot carry on in this same vein though. we have got away with it, but if you keep better on "Heads" and win three or four tosses in a row, you know it will go "Tails" sooner or later!
So with Tuchel not wanting to come (and we should be asking why) the Board have to get this void filled both quickly (so as not to suffer loss of momentum) and more importantly to hire somebody that wants a minimum of 3 years here or we risk be the PL Transit Camp, not just for good players but managers.
The Board have been strong and I'm sure they know that as Fans we want a level of stability. Still have faith but it would be good to get business done and the new Boss in place within 7 days so that the Board and He can focus on pulling all of the loose ends together.
New season only 8 weeks away!

Pete Wesley

1.) 15 Jun 2017 21:05:54
1. Tuchel wants a team with champions league football that's the reason why
2. Puel was a bad manager 12 wins out of 38 6 points from 17th any manager would be losing his his job! We've had a lucky season cause everyone under us had a bad season he lost the players and the fans what's easier to replace?


2.) 15 Jun 2017 23:22:14
its fair to say the gap between the top teams and the bottom can clearly be distinguished now. The bigger teams were all in consistent form all year and rarely dropped points to lower teams.


 

 

 

Pete Wesley's banter posts with other poster's replies to Pete Wesley's banter posts

 

01 Sep 2018 15:01:37
Just seen the line up for todays game against Crystal Palace. disappointed yet again!

Why no Sam Gallagher . no Gabbiadini (okay he is not in form) but all we have is Charlie Austin and the continual perseverance with Shane Long is doing my head in!

No Stuart Armstrong - is he injured?

Also Yoshida on the bench, would rather see Hoedt step to the bench and see what Vesterdaard and Yoshida look like.

Prediction 0-0 half time - Palace to take the lead after half time. Shane Long will get substituted after 60 - 70 minutes with desperation setting in for Charlie to try and get a draw!

If we lose today, then there has to be a big question mark over Mark Hughes. We have the players in the squad but we are too predictable . Shane long wasting a starting berth and that's my view .!
Pee'd off Pete second week in a row. :- ( ( (.

Pete Wesley

1.) 01 Sep 2018 15:29:23
This is Palace without Wilf Zaha. Looks like they're playing 4-4-2 as well. Could be a boring goalless draw.


2.) 01 Sep 2018 17:48:00
Or it could be Palace 0-2 Saints. Well played lads.


3.) 02 Sep 2018 12:01:43
Hoijberg played his best game for saints yesterday
Hughes seems to have tapped into his ability to ping the ball around and to try to create more from out midfield
He played some beautiful cross field balls yesterday commanded the midfield
Scored and I thought ran the show for us
9 out of 10 performance for me.


4.) 03 Sep 2018 11:48:25
Firstly, a very welcome win and 3 points. Gift-wrapped though they were, that is two wins in a week and we can go into the international break with some good feeling. It was encouraging to see Bertrand and Cedric look to overlap often and create width. As another poster has highlighted, Hojberg delighted in having greater time to play forwards with willing runners ahead of him which allowed him to demonstrate a range of passing. His work was complimented by that of Lemina who worked hard from box to box and showed signs of recovery from what has been a lengthy series of disappointing performances.

I also think that Nathan Redmond had another good performance to add to the others so far this campaign. He has used his pace and skill to great effect at times to unsettle defences and create chances for himself and team mates. He too is showing very encouraging signs of a return to form after a quiet season last time out. Another game and another goal for Danny Ings who is having a very positive impact already on our attack which will hopefully only improve as his understanding with those around him develops. The players we have at our disposal in attack remain an exciting prospect which could be electric if harnessed correctly.

I could leave it there, but there is a ‘but’ to both this win and the midweek cup win against Brighton. It suffices to say on the latter that both side’s were much altered from Premier league outings but we arguably have greater strength and depth than Brighton with much first team experience taking the field compared to our opponents and even then, it too until very late in the game for us to score.

As for this weekend, we were playing a Palace side without Wilfred Zaha. Palace have played 12 games without Zaha and lost all 12 since their last win in his absence. You may recall their most torrid moments last season were without him compared to their assured results and performances in the starting 11. Even Roy Hodgson accepts that it is a major issue for them.

In the absence of Zaha, Palace lined up in a 4-4-2 formation similar to our own. This did little to aid their performance but meant we were playing like-for-like and had a better foothold in midfield. The first 45 minutes was pretty dour as Palace seemed reserved and uncertain and we struggled to create any real clear cut chances. Its unclear whether this was a return to Saints’ slow starts, conservatism in an away game or a little anxiety starting to creep in. It was perhaps fitting that the first goal came from individual error rather than brilliance. The ball from Cedric was a teasing one but Sakho was unconvincing in ducking under the pass, concentrating more on Shane Long than the ball. It was almost as if Martin Kelly behind him had called for him to leave it, only he hadn’t, made clear when he simply watched the ball bounce across in front of him whilst simultaneously letting Ings run off his back to stab home. Good ball, good finish, awful defending.

We then had the momentum and looked to score again. Shane Long’s injury brought an early introduction for Charlie Austin who came on and looked a little short of sharpness and fitness for the time he was on the pitch. His desire to score should be applauded but perhaps it would’ve been better for a player up to match speed and in form to take the penalty rather than Austin. Hindsight is a wonderful thing they say. The penalty miss proved a catalyst for Palace to realise they were lucky to still be in the game and so they snatched momentum and attacked and pressed for the remainder of the game. If they had an inform goal scorer in their side, they created enough chances to win the game but as it was, they needed Benteke to find a goal from somewhere. He failed to find the target, even when only about 3 yards out.

The forward press in search of a goal and fatigue can often lead to being caught on the counter and that’s how we scored our second. It was a well worked goal from start to finish and fitting that Hojberg scored it having played so well. He is much better for his teammates when driving them forward with his talent on the ball as opposed to diving too angrily into challenges or diving for penalties as last week. His performance was the perfect response to the disappointment of last week.

So confidence should be taken from a positive second-half performance, individually and collectively. Next we are at home to Brighton who will prove a tricky opponent in a couple of weeks time. But its another game, at home, they we should be looking to win to avoid placing too much pressure on the games against teams more likely to finish in the top half of the table.


 

 

26 Aug 2018 08:50:55
The game yesterday was in my opinion pivotal in that Mark Hughes has observed the fact that in the Games against Burnley and Everton, we had awful first halves, which then turned into better second halves.

Why therefore did we not stick to the same side (either) that had decent second halves?

When seeing the Team Sheet on arriving at the ground, I was gutted. Why are we continually reverting to Shane Long, after 37 games of no cutting edge its madness.

They said on Football Focus that Southampton have the lowest goal per game in 2018 (from Jan 1st) in the Premiership, less than a goal a game.

To me its obvious that Stuart Armstrong should have started and so should Gabbiadini alongside Danny Ings.

We are suffering at the back and although Hoedt had an okay game, the pairing of Soares/ Hoedt to the right of defence has cost us! Last week Hoedt was that bad that he didn't deserve a start and Yoshida/ Vestagaard as CBs would have been preferable.

Harry Maguire then shows the weakness perfectly in added minutes and scores the killer punch, poor!

I like Soares a lot, but his height caused a problem yesterday especially with high balls that he couldn't direct away from Leicester players.

Yes we played better football, yes we pressed better for the first 70 minutes but the "Cutting Edge" is not there is it?

Shane Long runs around and tries his best, work ethic is fine but he is not at Premiership level, no goals, and very little creativity. He does he best but his best is not good enough.

Bright Points

Lamina put a shift in and was our best player. Vestergaard headed everything and other than getting done on pace occasionally was good. Redmond in the first half was very good, he ran and ran with purpose, second half I think he wan out of steam (not surprising) .

Great goal by Bertrand and he worked hard. Still not convinced that he is a Captain.!

Mo Elyanussi was okay in the first half but was clearly knackered by 50-55 minute but Hughes left him on, mistake should have put on Ward Prowse.

Hojbjerg then attempts "Cheating" and is rightly sent off. what a totally stupid thing to do! Personally, I wouldn't let him in the first team for three games to teach him a lesson, and not pay him either!

We then bring on Romue, in an attempt to salvage a point, didn't work, poor substitutions by the manager in my opinion.

Im convinced that we need to stop trying the same old same old!

Lets stop using Shane Long and Charlie Austin. please!

Sam Gallagher is either good enough to be given a run of games, or let him go! We have lost Sims on loan, I get it but wouldn't that have been a plan yesterday if he was on the bench?

No Gabbiadini even on the bench. why?

Matt Target - Sam McQueen and Ward Prowse all hanging around like Haemorrhoids come on, we have to be smarter in Team selection and either trust these youngsters or what.? Carry on using Shane Long and Charlie Austin, leave Gabbiadini in a restaurant somewhere for the afternoon and end up with two games to go at the end of the season needing 3 points to stay up? Is that a bloody plan?

Okay its 3 games in, there is hope of aligning things, but the manager has to quickly stop doing the same things, using the same strike force that caused us to score very few goals and end up in the Poo last year.

Im bored writing this now, loosing as we did yesterday, completely flattens the weekend, little point in buying a paper, little point in watching Motd, instead I could take the dog for a walk. if I had one!

Have a good Bank Holiday fellow sufferers, and go and buy a dog or something!

Pee'd Off Pete.

Pete Wesley

1.) 26 Aug 2018 09:51:40
We as Saints fans are realistic and I had hopped we would be competing for somewhere between 7th and 12th this season. maybe we will, and I would be happy with that after last season. The problem is you should be getting points against the teams playing for those places (Everton, Burnley, Leicester) we have not in the first 3 games. could be a long season. Look at Bournemouth with a great start to the season and dare I say it doing things how we used to.


 

 

12 Aug 2018 19:37:30
Saints v Burnley

Before the game started, and on the way to the ground, felt full of optimism at starting the new season.
When the teams were announced, I was flat! My football buddy, Rob was fairly pleased.

The Goalkeeper - Great

5 at the back. umm, okay but we were at home, and so I wanted us to get back to pressing football, ala Pochettino days.
Three CBs - two Wing Backs?

Midfield - Romue and Lamina, was okay with that, as long as Lamina pushed forward a bit, last year he was too deep.

Stuart Armstrong - Great!

Then the Forwards - Redmond and Charlie Austin. my view to Rob was well at that rate we will go in 0-0 at half time and hope that Mark Hughes then realised the error of his ways and changed the format.

Why when you have Danny Ings and Mo Elyounoussi available, are you going to start with Charlie and Redmond.?

The first 20 minutes we were all over the place, okay first game and all that but still!

Burnley were way more organised and were unlucky not to go in halftime one or two goals up.

Second half starts and Stuart Armstrong gets taken out by Charlie Austin! MH has to make a substitution and indeed brings on Ings for Armstrong and Elyounoussi for Cedric Soares on about 56 minutes!

It was like the lightbulb went on. Danny Ings was sublime, total quality, Mo too started to make moves and to be fair Nathan Redmond started playing way better.

Charlie Austin is too static, heart as big as an Ox, but too slow and need gift rapped opportunities, i know that he can find the net, but doesn't create and carve out opportunities.

The same can't be said for Danny Ings, he was unlucky not to score, but he will, as will Mo. quality!

Lamina had a very good game as did Jack Stephens who should be a starter against Everton next week.

Jannik Vestergaard solid rather than spectacular, but he should be starting next week too.

Cedric Soares, looked like he was fresh back after a stomach problem, but he will be back to his best very soon.

Ryan Bertrand (Captain) still think we need a proper Captain. Solid enough but only a 6/ 10, also concerned that Matt Targett, having been kept back needs some game time, he is our future!

Manola Gabbiadini porr bloke needs to start a game not just be given 18 minutes.

Ward Prowse - he must be so fed up, i know its difficult but he adds something, certainly he must be wondering how he gets a game.

Mark Hughes - Its difficult. personally think we should have started as per the 2nd half team, give Charlie a break, start Danny Ings and Mo.

At least i said to my mate Rob what i thought would happen, and not too far wrong. Redmond is out big arguing point, Rob likes him, i don't, same with Austin but hey. what do i know?

Still a good afternoon out with very good company!

We will finish 10th - 12th this year, as long as the Wine Gums improve. :-) )

Pete.

Pete Wesley

1.) 12 Aug 2018 22:20:56
Agree with quite a lot of this, although I think it's reasonable that Ings didn't start this one given that he's been here 2 days lol.

Couldn't agree more that we need to get back to playing a faster tempo and pressing in a way which causes other teams issues, even if we're left exposed every now and again. My team for next game:

McCarthy
Cedric, Vestergaard, Stephens, Bertrand
Romeu
Lemina, Ward-Prowse
Redmond, Ings, Elyounoussi.


2.) 13 Aug 2018 07:32:00
Knowing how solid defensively Burnley were last season and the fact that they've played a couple of competitive matches before us, plus this being our first competitive match and all that, I'll take a draw. The signs have been a bit more promising but I do hope the goals will come soon.

Would love to see a classic 4-4-2

-------------McCarthy---------------

Cedric-Stephens-Vestergaard-Bertrand

---------Romeu-----Lemina-----------

Redmond-------------------Elyounessi

-------Gabbiadini---Ings------------

Course up against any stronger side this would be straight up murder lol. Probably take gabs out and put an extra midfielder on. Not knowing how serious Armstrong's injury is, I'd have a proper headache once he's fit. And I haven't even thought about Hojbjerg.


3.) 13 Aug 2018 11:41:09
I said in my pre-match article that three centre-backs could cause us issues in the game and so it proved. Bertrand and Cedric were kept pinned back by Burnley’s wide men and that meant we defended with 5 and our attacks were forced through a very narrow corridor which played entirely into Burnley’s hands. I was very pleased with Vestergaard’s performance though. Chris Woods is quite good at bullying centre backs but Vestergaard gave as good as he got if not better. I expected Woods to get the better of him physically but none of it. Loved seeming him pushing Woods around at times. He past his first real test well.

I was also pleased with Redmond’s performance. His ability to beat players and some direct running worked well in both halves to keep the Burnley defence on their toes but there were flashes in the second half especially where they couldn’t touch him. That’s the sort of performance we want to see from him every week.

We all agree that Saints improved with the formation change half way through the second half. With more time, we could have scored the all important winning goal and its frustrating that this formation wasn’t used from the off. Ings’ link-up play was very good when he came on, should have been awarded a penalty and he helped to revive a flagging attack. Mo had some good flashes too.

Before the game I said I would take a draw and so I’m not to disappointed with the draw. I was happy there were more positives in the performance that I was expecting both defensively and offensively and I feel more confident we have the right players here for us to have a good season. We just need the man in charge to put the player’s in their best positions to realise their full potential.


4.) 13 Aug 2018 17:07:42
I'm still (I've been saying this for over a year) struggling to find anything positive about Gabby. Would love to see Austin and Ings get regular game time to form a partnership. Personally think this season looks to be a usual roller coaster ride but with much more positives then last year. Happy to finish in the top half. That would be a good season.


5.) 13 Aug 2018 18:45:09
agree with cyprussaint, gabbiadini had the perfect chance to score, free header at the back post and he chose to head it back across goal - that wouldn't be so bad had it not been for the fact there was no one there. A) why didn't he just go for goal and B) shows he has a lack of awareness, could've looked up, didn't. There's a reason 3 different managers haven't started him regularly

Goals for Ings will come. Looked full of pace (which was the biggest worry signing him imo) once he gets his eye in, he'll be great. Redmond and Elyounoussi look a great partnership, always knew where each other was and what each other were going to do. Imagine that when they've had a few more games.

Could be a decent season, goals will come, just down to the defence doing their job imo.


6.) 14 Aug 2018 10:38:53
I can understand the frustration with Gabbi but he came on as a sort of right winger and that is not a role he is either familiar with or comfortable playing. He did manage to get on the end of a cross but he was well behind the back post leaving such an acute angle, scoring was highly unlikely and there was also a defender and goalkeeper between him and the goal. The percentage play was to head it back across goal as he did but there was no-one there to benefit. Sometimes, the speed of play dictates that you have to make an educated guess as to the best thing to do without having the luxury of a glance across the field to see where your teammates are. I think its extremely harsh to criticise him for not scoring a near impossible header and for heading it back across goal to no-one in red and white, when we were pushing for a goal and he had a reasonable expectation that with two strikers on the pitch and another attacking midfielder who can play as a striker, someone would gamble and make a late run towards goal.

Gabbi hasn't always done himself any favours when he has played but he has largely been played in a system that doesn't suit him. He is not a lone striker who enjoys holding up play and when playing on the right, he likes to drift into central spaces to link up with a striker. That was not possible and not necessary on Sunday as Redmond, Ings and Elyounoussi all occupied the spaces he likes to play in. He therefore stayed wider and could have little impact on the game.


 

 

11 Aug 2018 11:58:24
Watched Saints U23 against Middlesborough last night on Saints TV.
Have to say very pleasantly surprised. There has been talk that our academy has run dry, well think again!

Alfie Jones is strong, has good vision and looks a very good Captain.

Alongside him Thomas O, Connor is both accomplished and has all the attributes of a solid Central Defender, he could play in the Championship now and would do well (Great New signing)

Callum Slattery showed massive potential a couple of years ago, fell away a little. well he's back! His physic has improved and his speed and ability to get in to very good position reminded me of Grealish. looks very good.

Jake Vokins and Jan Valery would not look out of place in benched for the first Team and have a very bright future, Jake has a wicked cross in him Jan, well is Soares gets injured, He's you man!

Jake Hesketh, my Mate Rob (who knows his football and was a very good player himself) rates young Jake very highly. He has beefed up a bit and has some silky skills, don't know where he went on holiday, but He's come back a man!

Michael Obafemi, is strong, quick and never gives up chasing anything, think he has picked that up from Shane Long, we know he has goals in him, not last night, but he will!

Josh Simms played last night, if I'm honest he looked a bit peed off at dropping away from the First Team, he has a little to do but it will be his year, this is a test!

Marcus Barnes - on very late but instant impact, think he was a Gazelle in a previous life.! quick, and slotted the 2nd goal in very well.

Good to see the owners including Katerina at the game too, they all seemed to be enjoying the game!

In a Nutshell - Our Academy is on the March again. just like Saints!

Pete.

Pete Wesley

1.) 11 Aug 2018 12:37:52
Good news Pete. Nice to know about ms. Leibherr attending too. Positive news.


2.) 11 Aug 2018 13:54:25
Slattery has been hampered with injuries but he is the next big thing. We got rid of two attacking midfielders in Tadic and Boufal and only signed one in Elyounessi. Hopefully this means that Sims can get more of a chance this season. He has the raw talent and will progress with more game time.


 

 

09 Aug 2018 21:06:32
Danny Ings is back home and we should welcome him with open arms. The Saints Board and Management have done a cracking job in bringing in 5 strong players, and just as importantly, not loosing promising young players to our opposition.

This was in my opinion a testament of the heart felt warmth that Danny created whilst at Liverpool.

KLOPP'S EMOTIONAL INGS TRIBUTE

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has paid a heartfelt tribute to Danny Ings after his move to Southampton and says everyone at the club will miss him.

"It is a very strange feeling saying goodbye to Danny. The biggest emotion is how much we will miss him, " he told the club's official website.

"He is such an outstanding boy. Honestly, if you could bottle character and spirit, his would sell worldwide - he is so incredibly positive and full of energy. But we won't just miss his character because he is a footballer who has all the tools.

"We say farewell to a friend, but for Danny I know the best chapters in his personal story are still to be written. He is as fit now as at any point of his career I would bet and he just requires the opportunity. He has that opportunity and on behalf of his Liverpool family we say good luck Danny and we will miss you. "

No true fan can complain about the commitment of our club, or the feeling that we are on the up again!

Looking forward to Sunday with my mate Rob Eason, we have known each other since England won the World Cup and argue in a very friendly way daily. but we care passionately about Saints, its youngsters and the fact that we love keeping a strong mix of English players coming through the academy and representing our squad.

We March On.!

Pete Wesley

{Ed0333's Note - great post Pete, really nice read. Enjoy Danny Ings. If he stays injury free he’ll get goals for you guys.


1.) 10 Aug 2018 06:53:58
Thank Ed0333, appreciated.
Its never easy being a Saints fan, but wouldn't change that for the world. The enemies enjoyment of following the rollercoaster we call Saints improves our purpose.

Listening to some of our fans never fails to amaze me, its as if we have an endless bucket of money and having to both create and sell players has resulted in a well run football club, that stays within in its means.

If saints fell down to Div 2, Rob and I would still support our club, we have had some great days out and passed untold hours pontificating, discussing, disagreeing and also agreeing!

Every game we alternately take Wine Gums and share then with those around us when we score, they are known as "The Gummie Bears" some are in their 80s and its a ritual, one week we forgot the wine gums, man were we in trouble. :-) )

Anyway your site is great and the job that you do more valuable than you may think, connecting people and allowing views to be aired and discussed reduces alcohol intake and mental health issues spiralling needlessly. :-)

Come on you Reds!

{Ed0333's Note - Thankyou so much Pete you really are a throwback to a bygone era of football fan which is so endearing. The game is awash with so much money now there seems to be a disconnect between club and fan, which is tragic. I’m actually visualisng you handing out the wine gums as I write..lol. I got to be honest if you hadn’t of got Ings I really feared for you but you’ve given yourself a chance now. He’ll prove a shrewd piece of business if he can look after his knees. He’s a fighter and exactly the type of personality you need when the chips are down. Take care mate and stock up on those wine gums.


2.) 10 Aug 2018 09:23:16
Hi Ed0333 - Though I should explain the Wine Gums malarky and how it started.!

About 7 years ago, we were into the game. closely guarding our Wine Gums and Saints went and scored, this was just as Rob was passing the open packet towards me. as the goal went in, up went his arm raised aloft in triumph and sprayed all surrounding fans with Wine Gums. they all laughed and picked up/ consumed said Wine Gums.

Since then, its a ritual, everybody get one, other than the game when Saints beat Sunderland 8-0, we ran out. :-) )

{Ed0333's Note - thanks Pete..I’ll sleep at night now safe in the knowledge the wine gum mystery has been solved..lol.


 

 

 

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01 Sep 2023 18:07:24
Millertime - Let me ask you a question -Why were we relegated if the team were so competent?

Some of these highly paid mercenaries like Sulisu just 'Down Tools' without a care for Southampton FC or the fans.

The appointment of Jones's and Selles, was awful, and the so called Team had no shape or structure.

Some of the players that we are assembling now, have 'Grit and Fight'.

Walcott, Elyounoussi, Dialo, Djenepo, McCarthy, Orsic, Caleta-Car, Lyanco were all sub 5/10. JWP tried his heart out, but his passing backwards and sideways was killing forward momentum.

All of the Moaning in the world, gets you nowhere. A positive attitude is what is required, we have some great additions, it will take a little time to make them a Team, but I have a good feeling about Russ Martin, yes he isn't a Koeman or Pochettino, but the financial disparity between the Big Six plus Saudi owns Newcastle are beyond us.

If Moaning helps you, then so be it, be i'd rather not suffer it, i'm a Saints fan through and through, always have been, always will be!

Pete Wesley

 

 

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19 Aug 2023 19:35:05
Thank you for the explanation, as with any business, 'Cashflow is King' and re-investment or additional investment, could be sensible.

Say we asked SR to fund 3 purchases for a total of £50 million, to purchase quality youngsters such as McAtee from Man City (£15 million I believe) you have an appreciating asset. Look to sell in two years time at circa £30 million, deduct wages and interest (Internal on a say 6% Note) and it would work.

There is very little downside to factor in.

We also have some great youngsters;

Ballard
Diamond Edwards
Dibbling
Amo - Amaya
Doyle

So it would not be unrealistic, to expect at least 2/3 of these to make £10 - £15 million each within 2 years, although the 3rd year would me more beneficial, by which time, I believe we would/should get promotion back to the Premiership.

Pete Wesley

 

 

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16 Aug 2023 21:22:32
We do have the Parachute Payment, that will absorb the payments to RH who gave us good service with no financial support during his time.

Jones'y and his management team, was a mitigated disaster, and should be paid what he is worth, Big Fat Zero!

Sports Republic will still invest, but it needs to be prudent. Think the key will be our strong trading relationship with Man City and Chelsea, its working for both sides, so I expect to see 2 or 3 plays come in as per Lavia and Livramento once agin.

Pete Wesley

 

 

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13 Aug 2021 19:29:22
I agree with SaintGGsy, Sometimes i think fans no the 'Cost of Everything and the Value of Nothing" JWP is the Heart of the Saints, and that's worth more than just cash.
Think some of the Danish players such as Maehle are excellent, but we missed a trick when he was circa £10 million.
Not sure where we are going to find a Central Defender with heigh, and we need that, maybe Phillips from Liverpool looks a sensible bet?
Still think we've had a cracking closed season and want to say a 'Big Thank You" to all of the Saints staff that have made that happen.
Question: What do you think the Everton v Saints score will be tomorrow?

Pete Wesley

 

 

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12 Aug 2021 13:06:09
Probably not a good idea, he could well get sold at that, its more important to keep him as the central cog of our team.!
What would you go and buy with the £75 million? Didn't do us any good when we sold and wasted £75 million from VVD did it!

Pete Wesley

 

 

 

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26 Aug 2023 08:16:50
Maybe - Just Maybe, there is a plan.

We have Sam Amp-Ameyaw who has comparable skills and although young, is already 'Very Impressive' in a similar vein to Tella.

We also have Dom Ballard, who 'Is Ready' this young man needs to be 'Let Loose' and integrated, he will come on leaps and bounds if given game time.

Maybe - Just Maybe, we could use the £20 million, to go back to Chelsea and negotiate a 'Season Long Loan' for Broja with an Option to Buy, subject to getting promoted back into the Premiership this season.

We need to either sign up Che Adams on a three year contract or Sell, we cannot allow the contract to run down to Zero, just no business sense. Even are as poor as church mice, so we don't want £5 million now and a Loan Note that may never get paid, pointless!

Pete Wesley

 

 

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19 Aug 2023 20:11:22
Excellent Summary Saint GGsy -

The only one that may need to be sold, as his contract is running down is Che Adams. If you say value today £15 million, divide that by say 40 games = £300k a game, plus paying him circa £50k a week so £350k a game, that's too rich, so either extend his contract by say 2 years, increase his wage to say £65k a week and we have cover, either selling him next year, without receiving Zero, or if he does really well, extend again.

We have some great youngsters coming though, and with your suggested £40 - £50 million to cover say 3 players, either Harwood-Bellis or McAtee from City, Pireo and maybe another Goalkeeper if we sell McCarthy (is there a god)?

And Spence on Loan with Downes (ideally with an Option to Purchase) we are good to go.

Ballard
Diamond Edwards
Dibbling
Doyle

All to be integrated too!

Pete Wesley

 

 

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13 Aug 2023 10:47:00
Excellent Post thank you!

The Manager and his Team, have inherited a very difficult mix of conundrums that they are working through.

JWP has been a great 'Saints Professional' nobody can knock his dedication and attitude. Yes the passing back and sideways was frustrating at times, but was it his instructions? We now have to look to the future and construct a Team that can deliver an enjoyable brand of football.

The other players that are potentially going to leave, are all discombobulated as any of us would be. Martin doesn't know from 'Game to Game' who is available for selection, so strategic planning is impossible.

All of us long standing Saints fans, will always support our Team, and various frustrations that are thrown at us, have to be accepted.

We can all see that we miss a 'Holding Striker' and we have been so lucky to have had the likes of Ricky Lambert and Graziano Pelle in the past, hell only knows where we can find another!

SR missed a trick in letting Orion Romeu go, he was the perfect Captain if still here.but he isn't, so we do need to look for a leader! (in my opinion)

This 'State of Flux' will improve, but in the interim, let's get behind out Team, accept that the world is not perfect, and support what Russell Martin are attempting to do.

Instant Gratification (or the expectation of it) is neither realistic, or viable, so cut them all a little slack, enjoy the journey and be prepared for 'Bumps in the Road'.

Pete Wesley - 63 Year Old, Lifelong Saints Fan

Pete Wesley

 

 

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12 Aug 2023 08:24:32
Chelsea have loads of very good youngsters and we are desperate for a Striker, just wondering if we could convince Broja to come back on loan for the year, with an option to buy if we get promoted?

They have a good number of midfielders that could come across and 'Do a Liveramento' its worth asking the question.

Pete Wesley

 

 

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14 Aug 2021 17:46:28
Ralph was totally inept today, you could see that Benitez at half time had worked out what was wrong, moved Richarlson and Calvert-Lewein up top, we fell back and gifted the equaliser.

We started and finished with the wrong Goalkeeper, Walcot is too old, I thought he was there to support the youngsters, preferably on the training field, not for 75 minutes being as useful as a chocolate tea cup!

Ive been a massive supporter of Ralph, but his substitutions are hopelessly slow and what we were doing with the likes of Bednarek on the bench, with Jack Stephens not at the races or even more scarily, Walker-Peter and Tella on the bench and Walcott staying on.

Ralph gets a 3/ 10 today, three more games like that and give Eddie a call!

Pete Wesley