CONFIRMED: Saints sign Theo Walcott on loan.

Er, yes he is.

 

My original thought was ‘no thanks’ but if he comes here I’ll support him of course. If Ralph thinks he can get more out of him then let’s go for it. It does strike me that Arsenal and Everton did not play him in the right position. As he gets older he loses pace and more susceptible to injury. So play him in the middle just behind the front two as opposed to our wide.

 

I guess it comes down to: is he better than Tella/Sims. Presumably, yes

 

Mentioned it on the Transfer Rumours thread - I'm all for it.

Much rather pay £50-60k a week of his wages, than £80k to Carillo.....

 

Boufal was just another Tarrabt, immensely talented but just couldn't be ****ed to put the graft in. Shame.

 

Actually what it comes down to is: will Tella/Sims be good enough in a year's time to replace Walcott? The hope has to be that one of them is (probably Tella, as Sims is probably too old now to kick on).
There is always a difficult moment with academy graduates where they have to be measured, not against the promise they have, but against the standard required for the first team. I see a signing like Walcott as a way to provide that yardstick - if, next year, a 22 year-old Tella can't displace a 32 year-old Walcott, he probably isn't a PL player.

 

We might go back in for Joey Veerman in January though.

 

I don't think he showed any lack of commitment at Arsenal. His biggest problem there was that the way Wenger wanted to use him didn't really suit his skill set. No idea what happened at Everton, but that place has been a graveyard for talent for most of the last decade.

 

I think Walcott has more to his game than just pace now. To be fair, he hasn't played much so its hard to judge - but it's hard to dislike an academy graduate coming home, especially one that has always talked about us in high regard. I really hope it works out for him here

 

I cant understand the worry about Theo, makes sense to me. Isnt he nearly on 100 league goals also - and not playing every week and not as a striker. I think that is pretty good, and I think we all knew the Everton move wasnt going to work out...

 

That comment about not being able to play in a passing side is nonsense. He played for Wenger!
I see him as a good option to play wide or alongside Ings, if Adams doesn’t start scoring.
He will contribute a few goals as well, I think.

 

Initially quite negative, but you guys have got me warming to the idea... l do like the fact that another local lad, like Ings, has returned to Saints

 

For the first time since 1984, Everton have a passing side, and they make that comment above!

 

I would expect Redders and Stuey to be the first choice wide options but Theo is a solid addition and can also play in the middle. He might be inspired by a move back to where it all started i'm hopeful that this could be a satisfactory move for the club and himself.

 

This is one of those events which would really come off with 30000+ fans cheering him on his return. Remember when Mike Channon came back, although a slightly different era and case, he had a terrific spell with us. I quite understand some of the concerns, some I share but I just have a sneaky feeling that if Ralph feels it's a good move then that's good enough for me. Best wishes Theo!!!!

 

At least he won't score against us.
I'm pretty happy about Theo coming back, no risk, low cost, good experience and still able to change a game on his day. Good quality player still, not just added depth but competition for places for the rest of the season

 

I presume he’s being signed as a winger rather than striker.... in which case I’d be happy enough. As stated above, gives us real options game to game and off the bench when all 4 are fit