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SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s Profile
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SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s rumours posts with other poster's replies to SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s rumours posts
22 Jul 2025 07:05:15
Downes, THB, Bednarek, Matsuki and Dibling are all out for 'injuries'.
Any intel on who is about to leave and who might stay?
1.) 22 Jul 2025 20:33:57
Matsuki is apparently going out on loan. Would not surprise me if the other four all go. THB thinks he’s better than he is, Downes isn’t great unless he’s playing for Martin, Bednarek is another year older, Dibling probably isn’t interested in playing championship. The fun is only just beginning!
2.) 24 Jul 2025 06:55:41
Shame about Matsuki, could do with another CAM.
We are overloaded with CBs, so need to move some on or even try Wood or Jack as a 6, if Downes goes.
18 May 2025 10:38:21
The Independent is quoting Will Still as favourite. He has just left Lens.
What are people's thoughts?
Seems to have done well in France.
Young guy, new league, partner with medical issues and a club in crisis. It's a lot on his shoulders.
1.) 18 May 2025 19:39:02
This would just be another punt - and the others didn’t work out well.
We need someone who can rebuild a totally broken spirit - our team are damaged beyond repair. As I have said previously, it will be a good 3 years before we are able to compete for PL status. Once our squad has been asset stripped we will be on the same level as Norwich, Blackburn, Millwall and QPR.
04 May 2025 12:11:36
I combined the squad evaluation from Glen De La Cour and intel from 2408 and recent rumours into our potential squad next year. What do you think?
Patterson*
van Ewik Jack** Edwards Wellington
Downes. Charles
Armstrong. Fernandes*** Archer****
Onuachu*****
*McCarthy or Patterson (rumour)
**Bednarek, Jack, THB (unlikely), Wood
***Fernandes (hopeful) or Rudoni
****Archer or Sainz or Diaz
*****Onuachu (doubt), Sargent/Conway or Stewart (if fit)
SUBS/SQUAD
McCarthy
Bree
Wood/Stephens
Sanda
Manning (or start)
Smallbone
Matsuki or AM loan
O'Brien Whitmarsh
Sulemana or Edozie (start or sub)
Fraser
Robinson
Stewart
New Striker (15m - push to start)
SELL 150m+
Ramsdale. 20
Bazunu. 10
THB. 20
ABK. 8 (keep if attitude changes)
Bednarek 6 (rumoured clause)
Sugawara. 7
KWP. 0
Taylor 0
Dibling 40
Aribo. 5
Diaz. 10
Amo. 8 (should have kept)
Larios 5
Edozie or Sulemana 10-15
Onuachu (8m.- if sold)
1.) 05 May 2025 22:59:24
With that bunch of underachievers we’re all going to Hell in a handcart. Seriously, where are the winners amongst that lot?
We are also making assumptions that clubs will want to pay serious money for players who have proved they cannot compete.
Guys, please get real - we are where we are for many reasons and not least because they are simply not good enough
2.) 06 May 2025 07:07:18
Hi @Millertime,
I am going on what I think will happen, not what I want to and I share your deep disappointment.
I think two or more seasons in the Championship might actually be good for us. Bring through promising youth, gel a new generation together and ease off the pressure.
I think the above could snatch us 6th with a good manager.
3.) 06 May 2025 21:57:58
A root and branch culling is certainly required. We need a cultural reset - we are devoid of ambition in the Board Room and that translates into low expectation through the club and onto the pitch.
A couple of seasons in the Championship may well be the answer - I don’t know?
4.) 07 May 2025 06:47:06
In an ideal world, we would keep KWP THB, Dibling and Fernandes, sell a lot of struggling players for 100m and bring in some quality players on loan to buy deals.
Remember the Cortese, Fonte, Lallana and Lambert days?
26 Jan 2025 10:50:39
Any good Championship players outside the top 10, who we can snap up now, with the carrot of playing in the Premier League and better hopes of promotion next year?
Norwich player is current league top scorer for example.
1.) 26 Jan 2025 15:19:51
It’s a good shout but then again Armstrong is decent in the champ but dog sh! te in the prem.
2.) 26 Jan 2025 15:46:23
Van Ewijk, Rudoni, Hume, Sainz, Sargeant, Morris, is about it if you take away clubs that will probably be promoted and players already owned by premier league/ foreign clubs.
3.) 26 Jan 2025 18:57:44
Some interesting options there. Thanks @2408 I am thinking players for next year and could make the full Prem step up in a year or two.
Could do with a RB like Van Ewojik/Hume if KWP and Sugawara go,
A scoring winger like Sainz if Sulemana/Dibling/Edozie go
Rudoni for Aribo, if he is really on his way
Sargent/Morris to replace Archer/Onuachu
Let's be honest, the good ones would prefer Leicester or Ipswich at the end of the season, or a promoted side but maybe can get a jump on and secure one or two.
16 Aug 2024 06:44:12
Reading we are now after Lesley Ugochukwu on loan from Chelsea. A 20 year old French number 6 worth over 20m. Could be a Lavia alternative. If we do go 4 2 3 1 or Downes is injured we need another DM, so this sounds interesting.
Also reading we are after striker Cameron Archer from Villa, who was on loan to Sheffield United last season. Only scored 4 goals there but he is young and improving. Not sure about this one.
Seems there is interest in Alcaraz, Mara and ABK All newspaper reports so take with a pinch of salt.
1.) 16 Aug 2024 08:48:33
Ugochukwu looks like a very good addition to the squad. I saw him a few times last season with Chelsea and he looks like someone that will make a big contribution. I've got to say the pursuit of Cameron Archer worries me. Looks like he could be another Carrillo, Mara, Sulemana etc. I know he's young but it's not what we need right now - a 50/50 (at best) punt that we're more likely to attempt offloading for a massive loss, as turn him into an EPL standout player.
It's a massive risk and with some money coming in from the sales of ABK, Alcaraz and maybe Mara now, I think we could invest in someone with a greater chance of success even if they would cost maybe 10M more - Eddie Nketiah springs to mind. A big few weeks coming up for RM and Saints.
2.) 16 Aug 2024 08:56:49
Archer is a very good player reminiscent of Jermaine Defoe, a permanent deal is potentially very exciting. Ugochukwa is a surprise but definitely puts to bed Broja/Lavia loan deals. Both deals had been kept very quiet, still need a keeper and attacking midfielder.
3.) 16 Aug 2024 11:27:33
I like the Archer move a lot. But what's up with Ipswich landing all the players we've been after as well? Delap, Johnson, now Broja?
Bringing in Archer *and* Broja on loan and sending Mara out for a year to play every day in Ligue 1 would have been great. Then bring in Johnstone and loan a winger for when we go 4-3-3 and find a cheap backup 6. That would realistically solve our problems without breaking PSR.
4.) 16 Aug 2024 11:48:37
Why can’t we get Willian in on a freebie now he left Fulham? Could still do a job eh
5.) 16 Aug 2024 16:07:37
What about Petrovic the goalie at Chelsea? Being sold after a year. What’s the crack? Any good?
SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s banter posts with other poster's replies to SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s banter posts
14 Sep 2025 11:09:14
Starting line up I would have picked. 4 at the back. Robinson, Scienza to come on. Let's go!
1.) 14 Sep 2025 13:58:39
First half was appalling. Don’t know what we were doing, just seemed to want to play keep ball and nothing else. Second half was better but it shouldn’t have taken that long to work it out. Was all just sloppy, disjointed, and I don’t recall us having one decent chance given Archer chose not to shoot into an open goal.
New signings looked composed and will help us improve, Fellows decent, Scienza clearly has a spark, Azaz anonymous, Roerslev looked to be the only one wanting to pass forward all game. Otherwise we just didn’t want to look forward at any point in the first 75 minutes other than hoofing it and hoping it would create something.
At least he went to a back four. Hopefully with time they’ll start to gel. And at least we didn’t lose.
2.) 14 Sep 2025 16:56:22
"Meh" is my short match report!
09 Sep 2025 06:49:27
3 interesting team selection debates for Subday.
1. Defence - Can Bazunu handle the pressure an ex Pompey young GK will get or better to go with the big game experience of McCarthy? Quarshie has the speed and physicality for a Derby but error prone and learning? Starter or sub?
2. Formation - 4 at the back shows confidence. Is change adding risk or start as we mean to go on?
3. Attack - Arma is struggling but he rose to the occasion at the playoffs. Should he get a chance on the right with Archer a 9?
Goals for Robinson, Arma, Fraser and 1 of the new boys would be the perfect script with Bazunu saving a pen. COYR!
1.) 10 Sep 2025 18:33:31
I think Still will stick with a back three. Don’t think he’s right to, but can’t see him changing it for this game.
Bazunu - Quarshie - Stephens - THB - Roerslev - Charles - Downes - Manning - Fraser - Robinson - Archer I think he’ll go for. Then hope for some of the new lads to come off the bench and tear it up in the final 35.
Personally I’d like to see Scienza, Azaz, Fellows, Jander from the off, but that’s a lot of new blood in one game and they’ll need time to gel. I think Scienza and Fellows fresh for the final 20 could cause chaos.
I’ll go for a stressy 2-1 come from behind win but any sort of win will do ?
2.) 12 Sep 2025 11:14:13
Saints seem to average 2 a game and Pompey 1, so I hope for a 2-1!
I can see that line up starting. Hopefully Fellows, Azaz and Scienza can add some magic.
03 Sep 2025 06:43:47
2 thoughts to muse.
1. Is our first 11 and squad better than the last championship season?
2. Do we have 8-10 players good enough to start or be regular subs in the Prem?
So if we get in another 8 (signed + loan) on promotion, we have 16+ we trust to feature regularly.
1.) 03 Sep 2025 19:40:34
Interesting one.
Bazunu - Roerslev - THB - Quarshie - Welington - Downes/Jander - Charles - Fellows - Azaz - Scienza/Robinson - Archer - Still
Vs
Bazunu - KWP - Bednarek - THB - Manning - Downes - Smallbone - S Armstrong - A Armstrong - Adams - Edozie/Sulemana - Martin
I think defensively we are less experienced, midfield has the chance to be better, and attack does look younger, fitter and more potential. Biggest difference is the manager for me. I’d say if our signings click, it’s definitely stronger.
Of our current squad, I don’t know if any are currently PL quality based on last season, but I’ll worry about that if we’re in the top six in May!
2.) 04 Sep 2025 03:55:40
The predicted Will Stills best 4231 as reported by Give me sport best x1 looks pretty smart on paper with only the question mark. being the pairing of the two centre backs ( ( based on early form) .Also a very difficult decision to omit Ronnie Edwards and Quarshie from the Subs bench. K O M!
3.) 04 Sep 2025 19:37:23
I agree with you both. Defence weaker, midfield stronger and attack is promising. Greater depth.
I don't think we have many prem starters but hopefully Fellows, THB, Scienza, Charles, Robinson, Jander and Archer can help from the bench or with experience around them.
Buckled up for the ride!
27 Aug 2025 19:45:10
Azaz in and Smallbone and Edozie out seems good business. He was 3rd in the league last year for goals and assists.
Our best new 11?
Archer/Stewart
Robinson. Azaz. Fraser/Arma
Charles Fernandes
Manning. THB. Wood. Mads
Bazunu
1.) 28 Aug 2025 11:30:53
Fernandes looks like he is out to West Ham as they really are going all in for him, personally I would loan him if we are 100% getting promoted as he looks like a future baller and one of those big moneymakers that really could help bolster the squad in the future. As much as I like the Basingstoke born and bred lad smallbone I guess has to go to another championship club and edoize idk he can be good sometimes.
23 Aug 2025 08:58:47
Dibling sale will balance the books and Mads seems a good Champ RB.
In an ideal world, we keep Fernandes, sell Diaz, Edozie, Smallbone, ABK, Sugawara and Aribo for 40m and bring in Azaz, Fellows and CM and GK cover.
If we pull that off, top 3 should be the target! COYR
SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s rumour replies
05 Oct 2025 16:02:19
I am usually a voice of optimism but I agree with your assessment @Millertime.
At 1-0 up and 9th in the league I was hopeful but now with our only target man out and another drab draw, we are a few levels off.
29 Aug 2025 17:04:39
(Profit including the prior sales of Sulemana out, Quarshie in etc.)
29 Aug 2025 08:25:25
Read the following:
OUTS
Fernandes to West Ham for 38m + 4m add ons
Smallbone deciding on Wrexham for 7.5m
Edozie wants Club Brugge
Apparently interest for Diaz
QPR have bid rejected for Edwards
Sugawara, Sanda and ABK on loan
INS
Azaz for 12m +3m add ons
Fellows for 7m +3m add ons
Jander for 10.5m
Scienza potentially for 5m to 7m
If those happen, I believe we are at 70m+ profit to balance the books.
30 Jul 2025 04:52:44
Completely agree @Millertime
A lot will depend on 5 things
1. If our strikers can replicate previous Championship successes
2. If players that excelled at mid table sides like Edwards, Charles and Wood can perform at top 5 level
3. How fast an almost new 11 vs last season, plus young manager can gel
4. How well Birmingham, Leicester, Coventry and Wrexham perform
5. Who comes in and who goes in the summer and Jan.
10 sides have a shot at promotion. I am hedging my bets and predicting 5th/6th behind Ipswich, Leicester, Sheffield Utd and Birmingham, plus maybe Coventry/Wrexham.
29 Jul 2025 16:04:44
I still think we have a good shot at promotion. Our defence is more inexperienced than last time but a Downes, Charles and Fernandes midfield would be solid. Robinson is a good upgrade on Edozie. We have a fit (for now) Stewart, plus Archer, Armstrong and Downs so 4 good 2nd div strikers vs 2 last time.
I can see a slow mid table start as the team and manager adjust then climbing up to the playoffs with our superior squad depth and fitness over the winter months.
With Saints nothing would surprise me though and depends who stays, fights and finds form.
SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s banter replies
01 Oct 2025 11:32:07
I would be very curious to see that 3 4 3 too @2408.
On paper with THB, Woods and Edwards at the back, that is a championship all-star team with Robinson, Fraser, Jander, Scienza as super subs.
Wish we had Alcaraz back not Azaz!
01 Oct 2025 11:25:23
I would love Stewart, Armstrong and Archer to re-discover their form.
We were rumoured to be in for Patterson and Johansson, both very good Champ GKs but came to nothing. Baz was good in pre-season but has not improved like Charles and Edwards have
01 Oct 2025 08:37:20
Bring back Nathan Jones or Juric! Look at how their teams are doing!
If we benchmark vs fellow relegated teams with experienced championship managers, we are 3 points behind (if Ipswich win their game in hand) . That's the difference.
Time to draw a line with the scar tissue, players adjusting, experimentation time etc.
I think Still deserves 15 games but he needs to be top 10 by then, then in and around playoffs by 30 games.
Hopeful for a good run now.
30 Sep 2025 22:27:01
Happy for Ross and hope more to come
Has a good 7 minute spell and is our equal top scorer this season!
28 Sep 2025 18:07:13
Agree @2408. Let's give Saturdays team a good run of games.
I would like to see Robinson and Scienza given a real shot too, so we fine tune the starting 11.
If we can start to climb the table, build some confidence and get the fans back on side then I believe our squad depth will give us a real edge over the winter months.