Rather than this get lost in the rumours thread, here we are. Kelvin Davis has retired, in discussions with the club over a new role. Gaston Ramirez has been released, as has young GK Will Britt. No word on any of the academy scholars who haven't been given deals, or any of the U21s out of contract though. http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/20160526-southampton-fc-contracts-2015-16-3125504.aspx
What a big loss of money on Gaston - Middlesbrough are mad keen to have him - shame we couldn't have offered him a very short term contract just so we could have demanded a fee!!
And risk keeping him on his wages!!! No offence to Gaston because he just didn't fit for some reason, but I believe accounts are holding a party after shifting him off the books. Yep, they are doing the conga round the building right now.
Well I would prefer it if they were doing the Hokey Cokey - 3 go out .................hopefully followed by 3 come in!
If someone had told me we were going to release Gaston in a few years, because he wasn't considered suitable, I would have laughed in their face. A super-skilful player, who could ghost past the opposition, and who we never quite handled right. With, arguably, a sweeter left foot than Dusan [yeah, I said arguably]
None will be missed really. Yeah Davis was a legend, but he was getting on and hardly played. Davis will get a staff role so not like he will be completely gone.
I find him a complete mystery....talented footballer, but never quite did enough for us. Our last 3 managers didn't know what to do with him. And yet, he managed to keep the fans onside...it's as if he was related to us and we'd forgive him everything. I would love to know what's different about Boro, but we all wish him well.
The Saint Gastòn! thread(s) will live forever in the annals of this board, probably never to be beaten in their length and ever-changing complexity. Remember left-handed Pedro? It seems very sad that he is just slipping away with no farewells.
And with due respect play in the Championship. I am as confused about our love affair with the lad as anyone - but like others I wish him well, and will certainly not be booing him if or when he comes back to SMS.
Oh of course, but I made a point of listening to some Boro commentaries when I knew he was playing, and in every game he was the best player on the pitch by miles. You could tell that every time he touched the ball there was expectation and excitement. One commentator said that he was clearly a whole level up on everyone else. Even Karanka glowed at the mention of his name in post-match interviews. I was able to watch some highlights of another match and he was our Gaston at his very best so, just by getting a proper run in a side, his pedigree was coming through. There have been several Saints players over the years who I've wished we'd tried harder with or let go when big money came calling, when we really could have held onto to them. I just feel Gaston might be one of them. See if you can find some Boro highlights.
They're planning to put players out to stud? Could be a way of increasing commercial earnings. Starts to save.
I nod to your knowledge on this one. Lovely lad, our Gaston, and I'm delighted he's doing well at last. Interesting idea, this "Saints players we could have done better with". Of late it's been more a case of "Ooops. Big mistake going there, me lad". The wonderful Morgan being a case in point. That he will not be playing at home in the Euros is very sad. Mentioned him to a French football fan today who looked at me quizzically and asked "Morgan who?" But the ones that got away? Worth its own thread, mate.
Do ypu remember the full horror of this? Luckily I think peer pressure made him remove the corn rows. This is now frowned on as racial appropriation...that idea is even worse than the hair do!
