Saints Stuff

Will Smallbone has remodelled himself on Chris Marsden by look of latest training photos!

 

Really hope Smallbone can kick on after his injury, he’s a tidy player with a passing range that not many (if any) of our squad possess. Great to see him back

 

Yep, I don't really understand some of the negative comments I've read about him on here as he is highly regarded by Ralph and the club and is seen as a first team squad player and as you say possesses something different.

 

For a start…..Chelsea have first dibs.

 

I read the buyback clause doesn’t kick in til year 3 (or expires then maybe?)

Wonder what happens if somebody makes a massive offer after this season, we would blatantly sell if somebody did but not sure how it would work with the buyback

 

This kids highlight reel after 5 games is better than some players all season!

 

But people are forgetting that Tino left Chelsea because he wants first team football. At any top club he won't get that. Utd have Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot already in the RB position.

 

I think we'll have him for two years but I'd be staggered if it's any longer based on performances so far.

 

If he keeps up his performances so far then I reckon he would get first team opportunities at a bigger club.

Chelsea didn’t want to take the risk putting a youngster in in case he performed badly at first team level, he will have proven he can hack it in the PL if he does well with us.

 

I agree that he'll be good enough. It's just whether he wants to be involved in half the games (at best) than what he would be with us. Chelsea for example, have Reece James, who is only 3 years older than Tino, and could be their first choice RB for the next decade. Obviously the chance of silverware and bigger wages comes into it too, so yeah, it's gonna be bloody hard to keep hold of him. Perhaps another factor could be whether he is being tipped for England selection. He'll presumably need to be a first-team regular to get into the squad. Maybe that works in our favour.

 

Another big thing in Tinos favour there is that Gareth will call up 4 or 5 RBs and Trippier and Walker are getting on a bit.

 

Would imagine it will be Trent, James and Wan-Bissaka for when those 2 retire

 

I hope you are right! He could be an important part of a decent young team for the next few years hopefully. Guess we should be used to it, but 4 games in and we are already speculating. Some player though. Absolute steal.

 

5 good games, that’s all you are allowed folks. Know your place Saints fans, glad he is here for the season though.

Just wondering if Chelsea may activate the fee early to stop another top six club grabbing him, would be a shame because it would be nice to keep him for 2-3 seasons.

 

But even if they do activate it, can he not say “No”?

 

In theory yes, in practice why would he unless another top club wanted him

 

That’s a great read, thanks Richie!

Let it never be forgotten what an absolute, all-time legend Super Kelvin Davis is to this club. Thanks