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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
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?
26 Apr 2024 18:36:02
The spirit the team need now
Gents, it's been a shocking week. Automatic promotion is gone, key players are down and we just took a battering. The pundits have written you off, the fans have written you off and some of you have given up.
You now have two choices. Wallow in misery like boys or fight like men.
Winning at Wembley is every footballers dream and you have that golden opportunity. Who has what it takes? Who is willing to chase, to get stuck in, to be bold for this team. Do it for you, do it for Stu, do it for the fans.
We have spent a season playing sideways, now we need to go forwards. This is your chance to step up and be a hero. Fight for your place in the team. Do not look back and regret what could have been. Give it all you've got.
1.) 26 Apr 2024 22:42:36
I feel at this point I’d love to hear from an Ed (or 2408 who I’ve been trying to guess who you are) .
I’ve played various sports at a reasonable level, but I've never encountered a situation where the coach wanted us to do ‘plan A’ when clearly it was plan B or C or D that was needed .
How do the players get RM to change his ways, admit defeat, listen to the players .
why don’t the players on the pitch say f**k with this nonsense and unleash themselves ….
This is where my understanding ends.
Imagine being an attacking midfielder or an attacker, Waiting for that one defence splitting pass, That defence splitting run.
But all you get is sitting back and watching huge amounts of possession, but not where you want it to be.
So in reality, can the players just do it their way?
{Ed001's Note - it is quite common, you usually know it as 'losing the dressing room'. That is characterised by players ignoring instructions and doing what they think is right. Which is strange to me as I grew up with Liverpool dominating everything and that was the secret of their success. They put players together who knew how to play and just let them play. In fact there are a number of the players who tell stories about how they would ask for tactical instructions and be told that they should figure it out for themselves (well not in so many words, usually it involved them being told to go forth and multiply). Nowadays coaches want robots who just do as they are told, rather than thinking for themselves.}
2.) 27 Apr 2024 08:13:24
Complerely agree South_Hants_Rich and Ed001. Our flair players are being suffocated and they need the freedom to play. Stoke is a free pass. We should experiment and I hope the players push for that, if RM doesn't.
Give Lumley and Stephens a half and McCarthy and Bree a half. See who deserves their starting spot.
Give Sulemana and Fraser a real shot. We may need that pace against a high press and that tenacity in a cup final.
Take players on, put some crosses in the box. We are going to have an aerial threat with Ross Stewart coming back soon.
Go 4 2 3 1, put Sulemana up top, AA as CAM, put Jack Stephens in goal! Shave JWPs hair and pretends he's Will Smallbone. Anything!
Lets try something new. Give the players a free reign, show some fighting spirit, get the fans on the edge of their seat. At least for 30 minutes!
3.) 27 Apr 2024 17:59:29
Thank you Ed001 for that great reply …
I can understand that a coach may spot a shortcoming in someone’s game. but as you say, the modern coach, especially RM, are telling the players what they need to do!
Love the Liverpool story . cheers again
{Ed001's Note - very welcome.}
SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s banter posts with other poster's replies to SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s banter posts
09 Jul 2025 06:45:49
Potential new side this season?
Patterson
Sugawara THB. Edwards Wellington
Charles. Downes. Fernandes
Armstrong Stewart Archer
SUBS
McCarthy
Bazunu
Manning
Quarshie
Sanda
Stephens
Wood
Bree
Smallbone
O'brien Whitmarsh
Matuski
Robinson
Diaz/Edozie
Fraser
Downs
Ballard
SALES
20 Onuachu and Sulemana
15 Bednarek and ABK
15 Diaz/Edozie and Aribo
50 Dibling and SAA
Loan Ramsdale
INS
10 Downs and Quarshie
10 Patterson
31 May 2025 08:01:36
This side could give us a shot. Bring on Sulemana, Robinson and Archer for pace and Downes, Bree and Edwards for stability.
Sainz Stewart. Armstrong
Rudoni/Azaz Fernandes Charles
Welington Quarshie Wood Sugawara
Fofana
27 May 2025 21:37:51
Fernandes
THB
Archer
Dibling
Sulemana
Downes
Imagine we had to sell 3 and keep 3, who would you pick?
1.) 27 May 2025 22:53:51
Fernandes
Sulemana
Archer
Keep the above and sell the others would be my choice. THB would be my 4th choice to retain.
Dibling amd Downes - shame to see them go.
If we manage to keep Sulemana and Fernandes we will have a shout at top 10 - without them, no chance IMO.
2.) 28 May 2025 17:00:51
Yes I think I agree with you there Millertime. Downes was key in our last outing in the championship but if we opt 4 3 3, rather than 4 2 3 1 then Charles can take that DM role
Archer, Fernandes, Sulemana and Fraser would do damage in the Championship.
Betting odds put us second. Not sure why! I am going 6th right now.
22 May 2025 08:07:30
Starting to feel good about Will Still. Young, but very calm, analytical and articulate. Style is more like Pochettinho with an aggressive high press.
He does not have a stubborn philosophy. He analyses strengths and weaknesses and adapts formation and tactics to win.
What we have been crying out for and exactly what we need in the Champ and premiership (one day)
New GK
Sugawara Wood Edwards Wellington
Charles. Downes
Armstrong. Fernandes/Rudoni. Edozie
Archer/Stewart
Add in 3 match winger signings e.g. Sainz, Sargent, Rudoni, Bellingham any gems from the French league and the rebuild begins!
1.) 23 May 2025 11:11:21
All managers analyze strengths and weaknesses or at least they suppose to be able to, that's the basics of being a manager.
He's young and untested here which is the gamble. Danny Rohl was/is still a gamble for me too the difference being he at least has a season in the championship under his belt and has been part of our setup in the past.
Ill admit I don't feel as concerned about Will Still though as I did Juric. Juric was an obvious **** up. Though I don't get carried away with any new appointment until they've had their first few months and transfer window under them. Have to see what team and style they are looking to build before you can.
2.) 24 May 2025 00:10:13
We've managed to find a few that struggled to do that!
Rohl has more champ experience but on a personal level, Rohl wants to be closer to family in Germany, and Will the same for his partner in England, so hope works out for both.
I am not expecting us to bounce back but if we can get a good style, team spirit, some entertainment and hope for the future, I can give him a year to adapt and take a punt on a young, promising manager.
3.) 24 May 2025 12:08:33
Will See ……
4.) 25 May 2025 17:28:17
Will Still
21 May 2025 06:31:19
Saints have 2 options.
1. The Rebound - Get a proven champ and prem manager like Cooper. Go all out to keep Fernandes, THB and Archer. Sell a mass of squad players, bring in key players on loan to buys and go for promotion.
2. The Rebuild - Start a 2-3 year squad tranformation project with a young manager who will stick around. Best players will go now but more funds to rebuild as wish.
It seems option 2 was chosen. I would have edged option 1 if felt could keep Fernandes etc. and get a big name manager. Then if promoted buy 5 quality, not 10 average, so not a repeat of before.
If I was Fernandes, I would choose Wolves and if I was a good mansger. I would choose Leicester or Ipswich, so option 2 is probably the only option available.
So, let's hope in 2 to 3 years, we have a squad, playing style and mentality to be proud of.
SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s rumour replies
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?
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.
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.
23 Aug 2024 18:37:32
Thanks @2408.
Alcaraz is currently the 2nd highest PL goal scorer per game in the squad, so it seems a big risk to sell him but point taken on the system adherence.
Appreciate the update
23 Aug 2024 09:09:07
Thanks for the intel @2408.
Do we still have money to spend?
Saints were saying they needed to sell before they bought. I think you said we probably had 12m to spend.
Since then we have 10m in for Mara, have spent 30m on Archer and Fernandes, potentially 10m lined up on Bijlow and now maybe more.
Sounds like we are very confident on 20m in from ABK and Onuachu to balance the books, KWP or Alcaraz may be off (hope not) or there was more money available than thought.
SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s banter replies
17 Jul 2025 07:02:15
Hi Millertime,
I can see us reaching the playoffs.
We have championship goal scorers in Armstrong, Stewart and Archer. Downes, Charles and Fernandes (if stays) would be a formidable midfield and if we find a good centre back pairing with perhaps Patterson in goal, that is a decent defence. Plus some wildcards in Matsuki, Robinson and Downs.
Of course, it depends on who stays, finds form and team spirit. Still has the lads running and we played our best football under Strachan and Pochettinho when fit.
Top 3 on paper but can see Ipswich, Leicester, Birmingham, Sheffield Utd and Coventry ahead of us, with more cohesive teams and experience. That leaves us West Brom, Middlesborough, Wrexham and Norwich to beat for 6th.
My big concern is prem potential. Our subs lost us a lot of points, we need 16 prem level players. Can get 7 at promotion with a 100m and 2 loans (if SR learn lessons) .
Do we have 9 in this squad? I make about 4, 7 at a stretch if some develop and find form. (Quarshie/Edwards, Wellington, Downes/Charles, Fernandes, Robinson, Archer/Stewart and Rambo if loan him) Assuming THB and Dibling go.
15 Jul 2025 22:26:53
Think the squad is on par with our last Championship season and happy we are adding better fitness, speed and physicality to the squad.
Odds and AI have us 2nd but they did last time as well!
Remarkably we have a new 11 fit, bought or returned vs just a few months ago - Bazunu, Quarshie, Sanda, Edwards, Wellington, Edozie, Robinson, Diaz, Armstrong, Stewart and Downs.
04 Jul 2025 07:49:59
It's good to have everybody back posting!
I would have tried to move Dibling, THB, Onuachu, Aribo, Bednarek, Bazunu and ABK on for 100m first, before thinking about Sulemana.
But football does not work like that sadly and if a good offer comes in, owners will sell.
I would have liked a SAA, Fernandes and Sulemana attacking mid trio with Stewart or Archer up top.
02 Jul 2025 21:41:34
I always had a soft spot for Sulemana. His pace could be lethal, like against Man Utd but never quite had the composure.
Think he could have done damage with the right playing style in the Championship though.
Still we have to recoup 100m and moving on the mediocre players will only get us so far, so some of THB, Sulemana, Dibling and Fernandes have to go.
28 May 2025 17:00:51
Yes I think I agree with you there Millertime. Downes was key in our last outing in the championship but if we opt 4 3 3, rather than 4 2 3 1 then Charles can take that DM role
Archer, Fernandes, Sulemana and Fraser would do damage in the Championship.
Betting odds put us second. Not sure why! I am going 6th right now.