22 Feb 2014 18:25:34
Can't believe we had 70% possession and still lost 3-1, in my opinion we're not far off being one of the top sides as we played good football today, if we were more clinical, I think we could be right up there with the big boys. What we need is more creative options on the flanks, great to see Ramirez back and he seemed to make a big impact when he came on and looked very good to me, I also think we need another striker as we can't rely on Ricky leading the line for every match till the end of the season! Then another CB and maybe a keeper and we really could be a top side, we have so much young talent coming through I hope it can come from them and who knows if Gallagher has a run of games maybe he can grab us some goals, still think 7th is doable and I think it could come down to the last game of the season against Man U for that spot, if we come 7th we'll need even more players to be signed/ step up from the academy as we'll need a far bigger squad if we're to play in Europe
Great comments! I'd love to see Lacazette or Icardi up front, Samuel Umtiti in defence and maybe Anthony Lopes in goal in the future. I know that that's three players from the same club but if they made even half the impact Lovren did then Southampton could really be a side to be reckoned with! ✌️
In terms of squad development we're in an awkward position, there's a lot of players in the U-21 team that will look to make the step-up this summer into the first team. Whilst this is fantastic, it gives a dilemma as to where Poch will opt for greater depth through use of homegrown options versus greater quality through established top league signings. If the clubs goal next season is to push for Champions League football then expect 3-4 top signings again. But if it's establishing ourselves as a consistent premier league outfit it may just be 1-2 signings for added depth.
Our push next season must be a top six finish without breaking the bank. For that we need a goal scorer another top centre back and world class keeper. The squad will be bulked out we the academy along with Jose, Rickie, Arthur and S Davis
Although harsh the likes of Kelvin, Jos, Guly etc we need players that are or have the potential premiership players.
However there is a more pressing issue and that is of keeping our players. The poor team selection and poor performances at Sunderland and West Ham may dent morale is the staff. Players want to win trophies and play as high as possible and some may not see this at Saints if the current trend continues. Management need to come out and tell staff and fans alike what in the plan - youth or investment. If this offends I am sorry but just trying to be realistic.
We played badly at Sunderland but I thought we played well against West Ham, we just needed a bit more luck with decisions (ofside equalliser and handball for penalty) and the bounce of the ball really for Carlton Cole's goal and a bit more ruthlessness and we'd have one that match can't fault our effort as we kept the ball brilliantly and created a lot of chances, I can see Kelvin retiring, soon to be honest and the likes of Guly, Hoiveld, Fox all going permanently, we have so many academy players who are nearly ready to step up but think some signings wouldn't hurt either, a striker keeper and CB would be great, someone class like Carlos Vela or Alexander Pato up front, maybe Caulker at CB as he's quite young too and I'd like to see Fraser Forster or even go in for Jack Butland again as I saw him play on MOTD for Stoke and he made some fantastic saves think he's potentially one of the the best young keepers around IMO
Well said!
players want to win things and the message that's seems to be coming out of the club is not very reassuring! a bit more openness would go a long way to reassure the fans and the players
Champions league is just silly maybe in 4-5 years bringing though are academy players?
But players like shaw lallana lovern they are going to want top flight football soon!
If Norwich go down think ruddy will be a good keeper for us. Rhodes from Blackburn. in the ricky mode, and townsend from spurs. don't think Sherwood fancies him much?