Southampton banter 2

31 May 2026 21:03:03
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31 May 2026 07:39:02
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29 May 2026 05:00:20
Does anybody know what our net transfer budget will need to be next season?

We are fortunate to have about 30m+ in players out on loan (Ramsdale, Diaz, Sugawara, ABK)
Hoping that could cover year 1 to 2 parachute loss and to sign Peretz and Larin (ideally).

Reading we have a lot of unpaid transfer fees and loans to our parent club. Anybody know how much we need to sell before can replace like for like?

29 May 2026 07:46:47
According to transfermarket Leeds made net 115m GBP over 2 years in champ. We are at 75m now so 40m short of that or 50m to get Peretz and Larin in.

Jander or Charles 20m+
Ramsdale 18m
Sugawara 7m
Diaz. 5m
Bazunu and Larios (sales unlikely? )
ABK (already sold)

This would be actually be a good position, given the circumstances. But we may be in a different situation to Leeds and need more out.

29 May 2026 11:00:51
It's very early days to try and speculate as to players coming in and leaving. Ramsdale will probably go on loan again, Bazunu will stay because no one will pay any sort of fee for him. Don't think Peretz will sign, think West Ham will sign him. Stewart will be kept on the one year extension in his contract. I expect Bree to go to one of the 3 promoted clubs out of contract. We will not offer any of the other 7 players out of contract new terms and I expect us to sell BBD Sugawara Downs Scienza THB Charles Jander for a combined £90 which will pay off outstanding transfer fees owed.

I expect a big physical striker hopefully Larin, right full back to compete with Roeslev, another unknown central midfielder from Germany, young centre half on loan with option to buy. I think it's a huge season for Edozie Bragg Obrien-Whitmarsh Dibaga Robinson Williams Sesay and Oyekunle. We need 3 of those to regularly feature and make big contributions to the team. That would ensure financial viability for seasons 27/28 and 28/29 if we do not gain promotion season 26/27.
We are walking a financial tightrope.

29 May 2026 12:26:05
Thanks @2408

So looking at closer to 65-70m net transfer spend vs 50m then?

Hoping we can keep at least 1 of each:
Peretz and THB
Charles and Jander
Leo and Azaz
Stewart and Larin
Bree and Manning

Anything from loan players is a bonus

Big season ahead.

29 May 2026 16:42:20
We won't have very much to spend looking at the clubs finances. We won't have the luxury of a big established squad so that is why it's imperative that some of the youngsters come through. Spygate has cost the club in lost revenue/ value, assuming we would have beaten Hull, £110 mill in tv money and being in the Premier League plus position finished bonus plus enhanced value of squad .

Probably £140-150 next season.
Crazy when you put the offence into context!

29 May 2026 19:17:57
Good insight 2408

28 May 2026 07:39:02
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27 May 2026 16:11:29
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27 May 2026 07:39:02
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26 May 2026 07:39:03
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26 May 2026 09:35:01
Hi Guys,
There are many posts on this site stating the team gained positive results by spying which is cheating. It is not an offence to observe a team in training up to 72 hours before the game. The Saints analysts have confessed to 3 occasions of breaching the above rule, Oxford December Ipswich April and Boro May. I am sure they would have quoted other occasions when pressed by the EFL whilst technically under caution and personal sanctions.
If all reported so far is true Tonda wanted to know any new formation of the newly appointed Oxford manager, fitness of the Ipswich players and the fitness of Hayden Hackney.

If that is correct and there is nothing else to be confessed or found out then he may well stay Saints manager. I don't believe the teams results since Tonda was manager were achieved purely by cheating. Saints had the best squad, on paper, in the championship and but for Will Stills total disorganised tactics the team would have gained automatic promotion.
As previously posted, I would like Tonda to stay if there are no other skeletons in the closet so let's hope that is indeed the case.
Any more proven breaches of EFL rules could well be punished by the FA and more worryingly the PFA.

26 May 2026 11:36:10
I was waiting for your opinion
Sanity. finally!!
Excellent post

26 May 2026 15:36:08
Very good post, well balanced.
Careful on the WS comments .

26 May 2026 21:35:30
After the anger subsides and the World Cup starts, I suspect more will get on the Tonda train. If he even wants or is allowed to stay.

We were playing great football, beating Prem sides and marching up the table. He made a rookie error thinking the punishment would be low. Given his age. I can forgive it, just.

Keeping him would be divisive but so would risking SR pick another manager!

27 May 2026 08:26:29
Guys, as you know I am well and truly in the keep Tonda camp, he is highly rated in Europe with a number of clubs not worried about a guy behind a tree with an iPhone.
The minute we make the mistake of getting rid of him he is going to be snapped up.


This is going to be our loss. From the fans posts I have been reading on various sites it looks like there is a growing surge in the keep Tonda camp.

27 May 2026 09:09:12
Agreed Chopper20.

What other manager getting Bundesliga and Serie A interest, who has beaten Arsenal and gone on a 21 game unbeaten championship run is going to come to us?

Of course, depends on whether the key players can forgive him and most of the fans.

Next year will be a competitive season with big sides like West Ham and Wolves down and big money behind Birmingham and Wrexham.

Bookies have us 8th for now. With Tonda, I say 2nd to 5th if keep half our best players.

27 May 2026 10:41:29
So true Saint, we have to remember we would not have been anywhere near the playoffs if it wasn't for him. He turned a dismal season into an exciting one.
On a different subject, our defence was turned from an unorganised rabble into a decent one. Was that down to Tonda or the change of goalkeeper?

27 May 2026 12:49:43
Chopper/SaintKick,

You're not addressing the elephant in the room every time you state your reasons for keeping him is because of the performances we had under him.

You're expecting him to carry on like he did, even in the best case scenario that's unlikely.

He won't be able to observe teams the way he was, which undoubtedly influenced his match preparation. Also, like I've been saying all season, the team that was never his, is going to be ripped apart. So not only will he now have to work with a weaker team he will have to establish a team the way Will Still did and any played he does identify will now be in two minds wether they want to be part of a club/staff with this could over its head.

This is the irrational views of fans that I've mentioned. We presume next season will be like the last one because of how well we did - however we never consider the variables behind that run and what the future will be without those variables and or a whole set of new ones.

I'm not saying there's not a chance he's capable of replicating it, as I agree he should be given the chance to see. But you have to close the book on the reasons from last season as they're all subjective.

For me its looking unlikely he can't recreate what he did, but it's more unlikely our board will find a suitable replacement, so he stays, we go again and see.

I think the most ugly thing though will be from our fans, if Tonda stays and result are bad, how quickly they will turn to anger for seeing spying was last seasons reason. Hopefully not.

27 May 2026 14:10:36
Hi Lesleee, I doubt any of us have illusions of repeating last season, I certainly don't. Our chance of promotion has gone I afraid. I take your point that it will be interesting to see how he could perform with a weakened squad. But that applies with any new manager. Whatever way you look at it we are mid table at best.

27 May 2026 20:53:39
May I say politely Lesleeee that your obsession that 'cheating' played a considerable part in the teams success, plus was behind our playing style
Is wrong
2408 posted a very level opinion and as usual, with much knowledge of events.

Basically it's the only league in the world that has a spy on your opponents rule, and the added rider within 72 hours.
So would you be happy if Tonda agreed that he spied on 30 teams but 27 were 80 hours before the game and 3 were within 72.

He is a great manager, tactically a genius, best of all he has us playing entertaining football.
You want him to stay too, so let's big up Tonda!

I actually think the players are having little chats among themselves, to their families, saying. we love it here, we love the Manager, we love the way we are playing.

Let's go show the world we can do it all again.
I think the goalkeeper might stay

The only one is scienza who was never going to stay anyway.

COYR

27 May 2026 23:20:16
To say Tonda is a tactical footballing genius is a stretch and some.

RM had an impressive run too and there's no way he could be described as a genius.

I've thought about the many comments and opinions on this forum and I haven't changed my mind - he should be sacked. I don't buy into this boyhood over enthusiasm as mitigation for damaging the reputation and standing of our club.

He got caught - plain and simple. Did his pathetic attempts to gain an advantage work - no, I don't think so. But we are bang to rights.

Even if he gets through this, he will be sacked some day, as all managers are.

Please remember too, on that run we rode our luck well, and we came from a low starting point. So measured praise is due, but let's turn it down a bit - if he's a genius, what on earth is Pep, or even Frank Lampard come to that.

I admire your loyalty, but the club has not earned your forgiveness yet.

How difficult was it to explain to my 6 year old grandson that we were no longer going to Wembley - he had already had the GK kit for his birthday ready to wear on the big day out. Replicate that thousands of times over for all our fans and families and you will appreciate the impact this had.

Forgiveness has to be earned and that won't come easy for the schmoozers in the suits.

28 May 2026 06:56:02
A lof of excellent comments on this thread, from people I respect to the utmost.

Fans are right to be angry, especially those taking kids and who came a long way. Taking away all that hope and smearing our good name hurts. I felt with 5 smart additions we could have reached 10th-15th in the PL and now anything could happen.

Tonda had us top on form since he took over and playing exciting football. Will it be that easy with strong teams around us, a weaker squad, a point deduction and without spying. No it won't. My gut says 2nd to 5th vs 1st but that could be optimistic. Bookies have us 8th.

He needs to grovel and rebuild relationships and our reputation with players and fans. If he was a 50 year old Brit I would say out the door but given his background, youth and potential, I am open to a redemption arc.

Missing piece is what the players feel. If we keep half of THB vs Peretz, Shea vs Jander, Azaz vs Leo and Stewart vs Larin, I'd take it.

28 May 2026 08:20:08
Hi guys, miller I get you and your grandson were gutted missing the final, my son and grandson were also gutted but like you I believe they were at the Man City match and that is a day they will never forget, they played out of there skin and so nearly won.

And who got us there. I urge all posters to read the ugly inside article titled ' A thank you to Tonda Eckert ' they are my sentiments exactly.

28 May 2026 19:10:38
Tonda has to stay imo. We aren't getting any better manager or coach in the near future. But I'll guarantee the players or majority of them want and will play for him. A winning manager is a winning manager and winners will gravitate that way. Anyone who wants him gone has to grow up and realise that everybody is cheating in one way or another, it's business.

Anyway, I'm hoping Tonda stays, less players than the doomongers think will leave and we'll get some winners in because they want to win and Tonda is blatantly a winning manager.

29 May 2026 19:21:03
I wanted Tonda to stay, buI think I think to really "move on" - he just can't be the face of any rebuild to reputation

25 May 2026 13:06:03
Hi Guys, this is my first post, so please bear with me.
I have been reading your posts for many years as an ardent saints fan, particularly the banter from Miller and Leslee.
After the last few weeks I was forced to comment. I thought I was the only fan that wants Tonda to stay as manager, I totally agree with SHRich's post, of course he should not have sent anyone to spy on teams training, this was stupid and I doubt we gained much from it.

Having watched saints for over 60 years this is som of the best football we have played. Especially after watching the dire performances from the previous 5 years.
Tonda appears to be meticulous in his approach to the point of obsession. If he has learnt his lesson then for keep him on. Although I doubt it will happen.

25 May 2026 15:14:43
Thank you Chopper, is that from the days of chopper bikes? I had the ultra violet one!

Anyway, same here, 60 years, first standings on a stool in the chocolate box. so we are long term fans who care. We've seen some good times and a lot of bad. For me the bad has been our playing style.
A succession of managers playing safe football, predictable football I remember us needing to win games and playing one up front and 5 across the back. Puel infamously substituting a striker for a defender when 1-0 down!
While one among us feels the cheating contributed hugely to our wins and playing style?? I completely disagree.

He had the players believing in themselves, feeling positive, we have been attacking in numbers with multiple outlets in and around the box.
None of this is his cheating! He is obsessed with winning! As Poch said, it's nothing and everywhere in the world it's the norm. including the Premier League!!

I watched the team that came second in the old division 1, keegan, Channon et al
But even that team did not play the fast fluid football we have been playing. I do a very stressful job at the NHS and this team has been huge for my mental health.
From wondering where the next goal was coming from to knowing we weee going to score. Not a single weak link in the team, quite the reverse, superb game changing subs.
Ps I don't care that Still chose some of the new players, it's Tonda that has brought them on!
Come on you saints!!

25 May 2026 17:18:20
As passionate as that it is Southhants, you're not applying any logic to it.

All those great performances aren't anything if they were all based on knowing the setup of the opposition.

It's like playing a game of hide and seek with a group of people but the person looking has hints where everyone is. That person finding everyone really quickly doesn't mean he had a great game, it's because he had hints.

Having people believe in themselves based on lies, isn't having them truly believe in themselves. Tonda was just knowing how the opposition was setting out without the players knowing, so when his tactics miraculously worked out, that becomes positive reinforcement for the players

They really weren't game changes subs, they were like for like and pretty much identical each week ie. If Jander started Shea would eventually come on for him and vice versa. Same with Larin and Stewart and Manning or Wellington.

I'm not completely throwing Tonda under bus. However all season I've been saying Tonda needs to be judged next season. You can only credit Tondas success, the way you passionately are, if he's able recreate it next year.

If he can't (depending if he still here)

25 May 2026 17:30:36
Hi SHR, the nickname came from my rugby playing days!
Like you I started supporting as a young lad at the dell, Terry Paine days, boy could he cross a ball.
I was also one of the few that was not sure if I wanted promotion this season ( it's no fun getting thrashed every week ) but that changed after Tonda took over.

I could actually see us holding our own in the Premier League.
I do feel a bit sore for the Hull fans next season as they a going to struggle, can't see them spending 100 million to strengthen that team.

{Ed014's Note - I used to go to the Dell with my dad when I was a kid, Jimmy Gabriel, Eric Martin, big John McGrath, Terry Paine, Mick Channon, Ron Davies etc.

25 May 2026 19:41:33
Welcome to the party Chopper. Your first post has opened the nostalgia flood gates.
My first proper girlfriend was John Sydenham's daughter and I used to play knock about with him in his back garden!
I played for Hampshire Colleges with Steve Moran and became friends with Stevie Williams (now he could strut!).
Keegan and Channon up front - unbelievable!

Total respect for you South Hants Rich - I will never have a bad word said about the NHS following the treatment for my wife who had a serious health scare. They were brilliant.

Leslee - maybe the heat has got to me but I absolutely acknowledge your passion - it's just your refusal to give an inch which makes it difficult to reason with you. And I was once a hostage negotiator!

And as for the World Cup - Stewart and Adams up front for Scotland - the names ring a bell!!

25 May 2026 20:19:53
Many thanks Miller, sounds like you got closer to the team than I did! I do worry that with so many older fans posting we might scare off the younger ones.
Now Lesleee I can't get a handle on your age, are you one of the younger supporters or one of the old codgers?

25 May 2026 21:20:37
I think one thing we should all agree on is a way of playing exciting football, scoring from all angles positions
Playing without fear
Playing with belief
Tonda stay and continue our unbeaten run

25 May 2026 21:24:06
Middle age - 42.

First game was when I was 10 against Leeds United at The Dell.

I remember not believing how tall Carlton Palmer was in person.

I can be intolerant/stubborn Miller (People often tell me ?) with regards on here though it's largely the fickleness/nature of fans (that were all guilty of) that I tend to fight against.

I've been called mad for thinking fans have a impact on the club. I think they do, especially in hard times. But that's also when anger and illogical thinking are usually they're worst.

I detest the rash/simple thinking mentality towards things, but agree I should rein it in at times.

25 May 2026 21:37:50
Without turning this into a therapy forum, I can say that there are few things which drive raw emotion more than football. In a previous life I have ejected solicitors, teachers and no end of other 'professionals' from football stadia because of their behaviour.

And guess what, I can be equally emotive when it comes to 'terrace mentality'.
That's what makes the game what it is - but in our small world - can we really back Tonda? I don't think so.

26 May 2026 03:32:24
Thanks for the age feedback Leslee, it would be a boring world if we all agreed on everything! At the end of the day we are all ardent Saints supporters. My concern is this, we are going to lose our manager ( banned or sacked ) we are going to lose most of our best players, we have a 4 points deduction and a lot less money to play with.

The manager will be replaced by someone similar to the boring dross we had before Tonda. This equals potential relegation next season!
Miller/Lesleee glad you guys are getting on so well now. and thanks to you and all the other posters for keeping me entertained as the last few seasons playing style certainly didn't.

25 May 2026 19:05:45
Those were the days Ed014, they were certainly not overpaid like today's players!

{Ed014's Note - they were mate and nothing like the pay!

26 May 2026 06:25:58
To Ed014. another name from that era Jimmy Melia!
Terry Paine Crossing and Ron Davies at the end of it!.
I'd be interested to hear your opinion, and other Ed's on the 'spying' saga!
Stupid yes.

kicked out of the play off final ridiculous.
especially as it's allowed all over the world including the EPL.
Anyway. I hope you've enjoyed us playing as much as we all

{Ed014's Note - yes remember him too and I thought it was a bit harsh as obviously the better team won.

Joe Kirkup was another name from back then too!

24 May 2026 07:39:02
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Matchday 37 - Quick Round Up

23 May 2026 22:23:26
Oh well, I suppose we will all feel better when England win the World Cup.

Glad Hull won today, in anyone's book it would have been strange for a team to lose a semi final and then go on to win the final.

I don't suppose the suits on their yachts in Monaco (or wherever) are overly concerned.

24 May 2026 06:52:32
Shellshocked-A gross understatement. Dismissal for Tonda and any members implicated.Retain all other Coaching staff who are absolved.

and the Analysts wha may prove very useful in a new leadership(assisting reviewing opposition videos in the correct manner).Apart from potentially ONE MAN destroying the dreams of thousands of faithful Supporters and of course our Players plus the rock solid integrity of Southampton fc, now the findings from the panel have been revealed immediate dismissal of Tonda Eckert is paramount.WHAT NEXT? I truly hope that one man's audacious misdemeanours cannot and will not suppress the true fighting spirit of Supporters of a Legendary Club.Time to regroup- stronger than ever before in our attempt to win the League outright next season.Get in the right Manager( maybe Thomas Frank or Liam Rosenior) providing either would be interested.I truly Urge Saint Miller(whilst I understand how severely bruised you are at the present moment) to reconsider and ultimately change your mind as a truly valued Supporter as your relevant comments(along with others on this Platform)plus your obvious Leadership skills are required at this particular time to form the basis of a strong united Support Group.I too since watching my first Saints game in 1950/51 (albeit in the Dell Chocolate boxes - pushed to the front by kind adult supporters ) am a lifelong fan.What next for me? Perhaps temporarily adopt Fremantle AFL team(who I watched several times when in WA) awaiting the Tasmanian.State Team to be admitted into the Competition and for Southampton FC to get their House in Order.In the meantime all the very best to all of you and keep up the renowned SOUTHAMPTON FIGHTING SPIRIT!

24 May 2026 10:20:41
My controversial (not to me I might add) opinion.
So he has other clubs watched to find out formations and fitness of a player.
And??
He was dedicated to this club and I loved the way he had us playing!
The way we played, the goals we scored, the way we defended has absolutely nothing to do with his so called spying.
He had us playing football we loved, we were scoring goals, players improved under him, we played some wonderful exciting football.

Yes we all feel let down but the punishment did not fit the crime, a kangaroo court comprising a person that officially represented Middlesbrough at numerous legal hearings??
Yes he was stupid, naive. a fool. but he wanted us back in the EPL.
The style of football we played, both attacking and defensively was immense, with a very fluid and exciting midfield.
Cheating didn't score that memory of a lifetime goal against City at Wembley,
The goal against Arsenal.
It has been an absolute pleasure to watch the way we play.
think about it.
the style of football under his has been immense!

24 May 2026 14:33:43
SHRich2 I respect your opinion regarding Tonda's influence regarding improved standard of play by the team but if the Club overlook him breaking the rules and retain his services I feel that the reception he may receive at away games in particular may have an. adverse effect on the Team.in general.

24 May 2026 17:35:29
But there is no such offence in the Premier League
That is my understanding
So basically, it's allowed in the Premier League so it must go on all the time
When Manchester United used to play Saints and in the days when they stayed at botley park country club,
They used to practice at a park in fair oak Saints always had someone watch them someone watch them

The punishment did not fit the crime and even after much thoughtover the matter,
Justice was definitely not fair

For a legal professional to not declare the conflict of interest is against the code of ethics. ironically

24 May 2026 19:20:51
On the pitch cheating is a far bigger issue than some geezer with bins (deplorable as that is).

Take today, West Ham were denied a shot at staying up by an abysmal Everton side who didn't bother getting off the bus.

Then take the feigned injuries - a hair out of place and down they go all but dead - then they get up again, miraculously cured.

Then all that pulling and pushing in the box - why don't refs clamp down on it hard rather than invite offenders over for a quiet chat.

I won't even start on diving.

Our game gets worse each passing year - not better.

All in all, try as I might, there is no option IMO other than to sack Tonda and all the other idiots.

In my part of London, where I am about the only Saints fan most Spurs and Arsenal fans know, there is just an air of bemusement about it - they're embarrassed for me. There's no finger pointing - just an attitude of 'how could they be that stupid'.
This isn't going to pass over any time soon - it will leave our fan base confused and divided for the next few years to come - especially if we struggle with a League 1 squad.

As I said, winning the World Cup will put a smile on all our faces.

You've been away a while St John - great to have you back although not in these circumstances.

25 May 2026 01:37:35
Southants ALL that improvement and way of playing you mention can literally be highlighted as the result of the spying we have no doubt been doing all season.

I am intrigued by Tonda though i.e. whether he repeat what he did with us, with a weaker and team and without the spying. For that reason I'm probably one of the few fans willing to give him a second chance.

Make no mistake though at least some of that great play you mention WAS down to cheating, the concern is just how much, because if could be most of it.

Time will tell.

25 May 2026 06:07:30
As you say, cheating is a part of the modern game, huge result have been through erroneous VAR calls.
Diving for penalties
Claiming the ball struck a defender on the way out for a goal kick when they know it didn't

I am absolutely gutted the way this has turned out
The way he had us playing as brought so much joy to everyone
From who is going to score a goal scoring by so many players

25 May 2026 12:19:41
I share a lot of your sentiment SouthHantsRich2. Tonda messed up but he is also a young man from a country where spying is no big deal and he thought we would get a few 100k fine. He cost us promotion but we would not have been near the playoffs without him.

If Sports and Tonda managed to keep some of THB, Leo, Azaz and Jander on board I could tolerate keeping them if no better options found. Though I also agree the baggage and opposition chants could hurt us.

25 May 2026 15:17:05
Who gives a damn about chants from opposing fans. when we are smashing goals in for fun, defending like our life depends on it. that's how you answer them.
If I was a saints player, I would say to my team mates. let's go show them we are unbeatable and aim to go another 25 games unbeaten

25 May 2026 17:05:09
You are right and that is the spirit.

The manager choice may be out of our hands of course but I think we need to pause and assess our options before pulling the plug.

We are all angry but if Tonda has the resilience and humility to put it right and the manager and fans back him, I will give him a chance at redemption.