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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
07 Apr 2026 22:37:06
Extraordinary stuff! Some have speculated whether the autos is still on.
Realistically, given the GD, we would have to win all our last 6, including crunch home games vs Derby and Ipswich (84 pts)
Then hope Ipswich lose to Middlesbrough at home, draw 2 and win the other 3 (83 pts)
5th is likely and 3rd or 4th is within reach.
1.) 08 Apr 2026 21:35:31
Putting my most optimistic-yet-possible hat on, best case for the final few games as I see it;
IPS NOR L, POR D, MID D, CHA W, WBA W, SOU D, QPR D, 82 points
MID POR D, IPS D, SHW W, WAT W, WRX L, 80 points
MIL WBA W, QPR D, STK W, LEI D, OXF D, 81 points
HUL SHU D, BIR W, LEI D, CHA D, NOR D, 75 points
SOU DER W, BLB W, SWA W, BRC W, IPS D, PNE W, 82 points
WRX BIR W, STK W, OXF D, COV L, MID W, 74 points
DER SOU L, OXF W, NOR L, QPR L, SHU W, 69 points
So it comes down to us and Ipswich on GD. But also, that final day would be one from four and utter madness.
Likely goes Ipswich’s way. But if we beat them, then it would be ours to lose. I think the pressure of Saints’ form on the faltering pack is starting to seep in.
If we win all of our final six matches, I think we finish second. That would be 10 wins in a row to finish the season and none of the four above us have won more than 3 of their last six.
Ipswich are unbeaten in 8 but includes some nervy draws. And they are playing a lot of teams with something to play for still. Boro and Millwall form is falling off a cliff but their run-ins are kind. I’d expect we end top four, but hope if we don’t go up, Ipswich do.
Then it’d be us against Hull/Wrexham if third, or Boro/Millwall if fourth. You’ve got to fancy us of those sides. The only issue is, we have to lose eventually. Hopefully it’s not in the play-offs. But frankly I can’t believe this is the same season where we were 21st, losing at home to Preston and Blackburn. If we’d made the switch to Tonda earlier (someone here won’t be happy reading that), we would be going up without doubt.
30 Jan 2026 15:45:25
Any credible transfer rumours?
1.) 31 Jan 2026 13:37:18
Only on players leaving, nothing on incoming. I think they’re trimming the wage bill ( by up to 250k plus NI a week) and planning for next season already.
2.) 31 Jan 2026 16:31:12
I make you right @2408
3.) 31 Jan 2026 19:20:36
In truth, if they can cut their wage bill by 17 million a year plus complete the sales of Ramsdale Sugawara BBD ABK and Bazunu they’ll be financially fine for season 2 in championship. They’ll also have about 35 million for purchases. It’s crucial they secure Bree and Stewart on new contracts because to replace them like for like would cost 8-10 million plus they both have a point to prove.
I haven’t mentioned TBH AA Archer Edozie Aribo because there is so much uncertainty atm.
4.) 31 Jan 2026 19:48:04
Aribo off, potentially Archer or Armstrong, maybe THB, that’ll clear three of our highest earners and potentially get £25m in. Would allow us half a season to take stock and attack the window early which we never seem prepared for. All for it if that’s the plan and not splunking £20m on some rubbish from Ligue 2.
5.) 31 Jan 2026 19:53:35
No way will Ross Stewart get another contract. Unless he stays injury free till the end of the season but that would be like winning the lottery. Not going to happen
6.) 31 Jan 2026 20:12:51
Effectively he’d be a free transfer if offered a new contract, I think that would make total sense. Give him a 3 year appearance and performance based contract, he is a quality player whom fit and on the market would fetch 7 million plus, a contract wouldn’t cost the same.
How much has Downs Archer Adams AA Boufal Sulemana Carrillo etc etc cost the club over recent years?
7.) 31 Jan 2026 20:46:55
He is almost 30. His injury’s will only increase.
As of the most recent available statistics, Ross Stewart (signed by Southampton FC on 1 September 2023) has made approximately:
• 27 senior appearances for Southampton FC across all competitions (league plus cup) from his debut in November 2023 through part of the 2025-26 season.
This includes:
• 3 Championship appearances in 2023-24 after joining (all as substitute) .
• 12 Premier League appearances in 2024-25 (including 4 starts) .
• 12 Championship appearances in 2025-26 so far.
8.) 31 Jan 2026 22:08:24
All we can hope is that he is over the terrible run of injuries he’s had to endure. He is a top quality performer at championship level, he would also be a useful bench player in the premier league.
9.) 02 Feb 2026 11:32:13
Don't get me wrong, I like the guy, I also think he is a good player but it hasn't exactly worked out for him. I would say if he can stay fit and get us some goals in the remaining games it might get him a move to another club as his contract will be up in June.
03 Nov 2025 19:23:06
Rumours are Romeu is coming home!
Would welcome that leadership and grit.
1.) 05 nov 2025 09:29:02
quick and no nonsense answer is steve cooper, still out of work. did brilliantly for forest to take them up. probably not quite premier class yet. should be able to at least stabilise us. shippie
2.) 06 Nov 2025 03:27:53
Pretty good call shippie. KOM.
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.
SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s banter posts with other poster's replies to SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s banter posts
04 Apr 2026 23:05:53
Coventry, Fulham, Arsenal
Just bring on Brazil and Barcelona, we need a real challenge!
1.) 04 Apr 2026 23:38:25
Absolute heroes. And we deserved it! Give us WHU/LEE, hope Chelsea beat City then capitulate in the final. We’ve beaten two prem sides. No reason we can’t make it four.
Only issue now is our fixture pile up, but beat Wrexham Tuesday and we have a buffer we can hold on to, but at this rate why not autos!
2.) 05 Apr 2026 07:55:00
Haven’t had that ‘morning after the night before’ feeling in quite a while!
A real gutsy performance - they all turned up last night, they all won their personal battles and as a team they out fought and out smarted Arsenal.
Savour the moment!
01 Apr 2026 21:04:46
Next 3 games. If you had to pick 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss, what would you choose?
Arsenal
Wrexham
Derby
1.) 02 Apr 2026 08:21:36
I would go for a win against Wrexham, draw against Derby and a defeat to Arsenal.
2.) 03 Apr 2026 08:59:35
Yes that would the the smart, strategic move Millertime.
I will delude myself about an Arsenal win, Wrexham draw, Derby loss then 5 wins to propel us to playoff and promotion glory!
It's a tough call for Tonda. You can preserve your best players for Wrexham but a crushing loss might damage morale and momentum or you play your best 11 and risk exhausting them on an unlikely cause
3.) 03 Apr 2026 11:58:07
Very thought provoking post SaintThat - do you play weakened side and protect the straying eleven for Tuesday?
I’m not sure that exhaustion should be an issue -most have had a break and they are allegedly finely tuned athletes who benefit from premium nutrients and a nap every afternoon! Playing two games with a full two day break in between shouldn’t be that taxing especially as many won’t play the full 90.
Injuries could be a factor I suppose.
For me, I would play the strongest team in all the remaining games - keep the winning momentum and build confidence. That’s what I would do, but I rarely call it right so expect two very different line ups!
20 Mar 2026 08:01:12
If current form continues then Saints and Wrexham should edge Hull for the playoff spots.
We are top of the league for the last 10 but am concerned that Middlesborough and Millwall have beaten us comfortably before and will have the psychological edge, like we did over Leeds.
At least it is not boring!
1.) 20 Mar 2026 18:55:52
It’s certainly going to go to the wire. The international break has come at a good time in terms of getting Leo back hopefully.
It’s a shame that the likes of Edozie and Fellows haven’t really shone when they’ve had game time. Still unsure about our best attacking options - I was getting frustrated with Azaz but then he turns up for the Norwich game.
Let’s hope for a win tomorrow and at the risk of sounding greedy a good confident performance!
13 Mar 2026 09:27:45
Arsenal in Apr 4th and Wrexham on Apr 6th. That's some cruel timing.
16 Feb 2026 07:09:29
Could we have up to 50m to play with this summer?
ABK and Edwards sales covered a year 2 parachute payment loss. Arma left for 7m, if Baz, Archer, Smallbone, Diaz, Sugawara and Downs go for similar that lands 50m (+ Larios), without selling the family jewels like Rambo, THB, Scienza and Charles.
25m to boost attack, 25m for defence, 2 smart loans and we could mount a good push next year, whatever happens now.
1.) 17 Feb 2026 21:44:53
I think the following is realistic, freeing up both fees and wages
McCarthy (free)
Ramsdale will want another PL gig. Maybe whoever goes up will buy him for £18m
One of Downes (£12m) and THB (£15m) I could see going to Coventry. Just feels like a good fit
Archer (£5m)
Edozie? Depends how he finishes the season, maybe £4m
Aribo (free but frees up wages)
Larios (£2m)
Smallbone (£7m)
Sugawara (£5m)
Brereton (£10m if he stays in form)
Taylor (free)
Bazunu (£7m)
Downs (£6m)
That’s wildly optimistic and totals about £75m, but sees two of our top players going. It also sees almost all of the aforementioned going for a net loss over the course of their contract which shows the mess we’ve been put in.
It would also leave about 9 spots in the squad for incomings - assuming we buy players on less extortionate wages maybe we can put a good chunk of that £75m back into the club.
In terms of incomings;
Resign Bree, Stewart, sign Peretz and Larin permanently (£5m and £8m? No idea if we have obligation fees or what they are)
That leaves five further spaces with a good £40m as a conservative estimate.
I think one has to look objectively and say how could £15-18m be better spent, on keeping Harwood-Bellis, or selling him and buying three players. I think it’s the latter, and the same applies to Ramsdale. There’s also the risk of Jander going, which would be at a significant markup that we could reinvest.
So we’d need a back up keeper, a CB, a midfielder and an attacker. That doesn’t feel too ridiculous an ask. Again, it relies on sensible sales and recruitment which simply won’t happen.
But I think it would put us in a good place with a best XI of Peretz, Bree, new CB, Wood/Quarshie, Welington/Manning, Charles, new mid/Jander, Azaz, Scienza, Fellows/new attacker, Stewart/Larin. Plus a decent bench with good competition.
Having said all of that. We’ll instead go and buy a Ligue 2 17 year old for £20m bc it helps out our sister club and end next season in 14th.
2.) 18 Feb 2026 13:45:53
Smallbone is out of contract at the end of the season so Saints unfortunately get no fee.
I think Downs BBD Larios and Archer will go for lower fees but all have sell on clauses in their contracts. The rest all pretty much makes sense.
Bree and Stewart must be retained and Edozie reintroduced permanently to the squad.
I have heard that Mallorca are desperate to get Larins 4 million euro salary off their books so don’t be surprised if he was a free or very small fee.
Not sure Saints will sign Peretz, that one will be interesting.
The remainder of this and next seasons are very important to Robinson and Digiba, both could become top quality players. Bragg and Williams could also come into the long term picture.
3.) 18 Feb 2026 23:05:17
Shame about Smallbone but made up for by that info on Larin.
Hoping we do properly get an academy line into the squad again, Robinson started the season well but hasn’t been seen as much recently, but that FA cup win showed there’s promise there.
I honestly don’t know what to expect from our keepers. We could well have none at one point in July but Perera has been solid without being a disaster or a world beater and if he’s cheap then that’ll be fine by me. Absolutely amazed we never went in for Patterson. Maybe we could go Johnstone once Wolves are down?
4.) 20 Feb 2026 13:53:25
The most important figure is the 30 million shaved off salaries compared to last season and allowing that all our loan players return to the club and Larin/ Elart return to their clubs.
If all our loan players are sold then the wage savings jumps to 70 million including national insurance, then the transfer fees received can all be spent on new playing staff.
5.) 24 Feb 2026 06:22:04
Thanks for the info.
With the emergence of Bragg, I can see Jander, Charles or Downes going and THB or Rambo will probably go, so there could be quite a treasure chest. Hope we can keep Fellows, Scienza and Charles for next year.
SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s rumour replies
31 Jan 2026 16:31:12
I make you right @2408
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.
SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s banter replies
08 Apr 2026 15:06:19
Many of us wondered if promotion would be good for us or a repeat of last time. Now, we must go all out. 7 or 8 top players in and I think we can survive, even thrive. Do not want to lose Leo and Shea.
07 Apr 2026 23:23:06
Would need to win our last 6 games (84 pts) and hope Ipswich lose to us, Middlesbrough and then draw 2, win 3 (83 points) .
03 Apr 2026 08:59:35
Yes that would the the smart, strategic move Millertime.
I will delude myself about an Arsenal win, Wrexham draw, Derby loss then 5 wins to propel us to playoff and promotion glory!
It's a tough call for Tonda. You can preserve your best players for Wrexham but a crushing loss might damage morale and momentum or you play your best 11 and risk exhausting them on an unlikely cause
08 Mar 2026 19:02:52
What a great run!
Excited for the Wrexham battle for 6th and a Hollywood heart break!
Let's be the form team into the playoffs then anything can happen!
COYR!
26 Feb 2026 06:57:51
It's a great question @St Michael
I think we should go for it. Though I see the benefit of another season in the champ (if we keep key players), we also have big sides like West Ham and Wolves coming down and big money at Birmingham and Wrexham. This may be our best shot.
We have a settled side and formation, better togetherness after the Jan window and we could enter playoffs as the top form team over the second half of the season.
We would need a transfer window like Sunderland though to stay up. 10 quality players in and 10 avg. out.