Cedric's contract is up this coming summer so I would imagine the club will want to get something for him in January if they can. A good replacement RB and a solid back up for Bertrand would be two smart buys. Bednarek and Stephens are solid enough and if we can tighten up the midfield and play Armstrong more often we should be fine for a mid-table existence. Why not try playing Danso in midfield? He's strong and quick enough and has played there before so it could work out well. Not sure we will be splashing the cash in January but if Gao sees his investment under threat then who knows. The problem is, the better we perform with the players we have, the less likely it is that new signings will happen. My main concern is that if Ralph feels he can't take the team any further than just being above the relegation zone, he might well decide to leave at the end of his contract. He strikes me as a very honourable guy and will always try to do the right thing, but to keep him the club needs to support him and enable him to build a team that plays the way he wants.
No, I am, after telling everyone we should buy him for yonks. Turns out he’s rather good. #LTLnewPaulMitchell
If we dont buy a decent CB i believe we will be relegated. If we do buy one i think we could finish 10th or better - i think we have a potentially good quality attack although have reservations over central midfield.
We have 5 centre backs and Hoedt, I can’t see us buying one unless we move one on. Isn’t Maya’s contract up this summer? Could see him going in January if there is any interest
We could have 15 but if they aren't any good we need another one. What you said is probably how the clubs thinks though.
we have a lot of players leaving in the summer without contract from memory - Yoshie, Cedric, Long.... to name a few Regardless of how many we actually have we need a good one to partner Bednarek as the rest are simply not good enough. A good defensive midfielder would help them as they are so exposed on occasions by our midfield
For me, in January a defensive midfielder and a new centre back then we will be fine. Got to strengthen that spine of the team
Would like someone older to marshall the defence as both our older CBs have not been able to but he has over 100 games in a top league and over 30 International caps and is obviously a class performer.
I know Yoshie has his critics and has contributed to a few bloomers, especially earlier on his career with us, but I will be very sorry to see him go. He has ‘worn the shirt’ and whatever happens he rarely leaves anything on the pitch. So if the case is that he leaves for end of contract reasons, we’ll do very well to find someone with the same passion Maya provides each time he’s on the pitch and perhaps even more skill.
I would love Maya to stay and get that testimonial. Dont underestimate what a player brings to a squad, other than on the pitch. He's worth a new contract for his attitude, ability to cover a few positions, you know he will give his all, hard to find those players!
Yes and also offer him a place in the youth set up as a mentor to the younger players. He is such a great servant and he loves Saints so hopefully he will be with us for a long time.