Southampton Banter Archive January 30 2015

30 Jan 2015 19:20:30
Southampton now have 13 senior, outfield players on their books plus 3 loans. This is the lowest number in the premier league. I understand that bringing youth through is important and agree that it is a good philosophy, however, this is just ridiculous. Centre midfield was the only place that we had adequate cover. I hope the board make the loans of Bertrand and Alderweireld permanent quickly and recognise that we can't gamble on the fitness of Pelle, we need a like for like striker for competition and in case of injuries.

30 Jan 2015 20:47:37
still do have more than adequate cover in DM/MF. Reed has outshone Cork lately, JWP plays deep for the england u-21's and does practically the same job Cork does. Only thing we've done really is make a more regular bench spot for Reed (until we get Clasie in the summer)

Alderweireld and Bertrand are pretty much certain to be permanent, everyone itk is expecting them to be. Plus, as they're on non-recall loans we don't need to make the deals permanent during a window, we can submit bids next month and they'd still remain our players until the summer and as we have first option on them and the fees for them guaranteed already, it's not like we're going to miss out on them

Agree about the striker but Koeman confirmed today we've got at least one of Vilhena and Djuricic coming in so that should ease things

31 Jan 2015 11:18:15
I have said this before there is no such thing as a guaranteed agreed fee with other clubs similar to having a player on contract. In this wonderful game of ours there are no guarantees and clubs can more or less change the rules when they like through finance alone. If Athletico Madrid decide they don't want Toby sold for the agreed amount they will get round it somehow and the way he has been playing I wouldn't put it past them doing just that.

As said theyd just pay the 1.5m recall fee and sell him on to other club for 10m+ instead of 6m we've agreed

31 Jan 2015 14:13:21
they can't just 'change the rules' though. It's a guaranteed release clause in a binding contract that both clubs agreed to, no way to back out of it if an offer that matches it is submitted.

Not sure I believe the 1.5 recall clause is true, as far as I've seen it was just a rumour doing the rounds on twitter, I'm sure they would have acted on it by now going by his form this season if it were

31 Jan 2015 15:42:05
Why would they recall him when we are paying his wages and will be until the end of the season that is the deal as you said. It is at the end of the season it may get a bit tricky when we say " right we are signing him now Manuel, here's our agreed transfer fee ! " We'll see what they say especially if we have qualified for Europe.

As has previously been said, I'm sure if they wanted rid there are teams willing to pay more for him now than the fee they'll get from us, if they wanted to keep him I'm sure they could make use of a top defender who's been in great form. As I said I truly believe that 1.5m recall clause was just a twitter rumour, I may be wrong though, maybe one of the eds know?

If Godin goes as expected then i'm sure they would have Toby back

30 Jan 2015 14:44:34
Don't blast Cork for loyalty. He is down the line in mid field choice and wants regular football, so he has to move and SFC will need to obtain as much as possible.

Its not that he can't be replaced. If he was considered to be of an essential need for our future then things might be different. I would rather trust RK's judgement than try to plead a case for Cork.

30 Jan 2015 11:38:00
Great News Prowsey signing for 5 1/2 years. This guy in signing on for a long contract and saying why he did is a great example of some loyalty at last. Will send a huge message to other academy hopefuls and one to our 1st team in general. As Koeman says great professional.