When it opened at the end of last season, this transfer window looked like it would be another with a mass exodus of our best players, but it has perhaps proved a pivotal moment in our recent history.

Saints had to make a statement to their supporters this transfer window, they had to show that they were serious in trying to keep moving the club forward and would keep to their strategy to do so.

There were plenty of cynics out there who claimed that they would not do that, plenty who went into bewetting mode everytime a headline went up that Van Dijk's transfer was close, but Saints did what they said they would do.

That has made it a good transfer window for Saints, perhaps not a great one, personally I would have liked to have seen at least one more incoming player in, but it is a good one.

It is not always about spending money, it is about spending it wisely, not just because you can do, but because you need too and it could be said that if they kept their top players then the squad needed tweaking not a major overhaul.

So the only major departure was Jay Rodriguez, in truth Rodriguez contribution over the past 3 seasons has been minimal and blighted by injuries, he needed a new start and we did well to get £12 million for him.

Apart from that it was only fringe players like Paulo Gazzaniga, Lloyd Isgrove and Cuco Martina who joined J Rod in leaving the club.

Incoming hasn't been major but it has been thoughtful, Jan Dednarek at £5 million is one for the future, Mario Lemina at a club record £18 milion was filling a vital need as was Wesley Hoedt at £15 million, these two filled genuine gaps in the side.

The squad overall is still strong, the problem last season was the way we were managed, the fact we got to 8th was testament to the strength of the squad, if we could finish that high in what was an inconsistent season blighted by injuries then what can we do with the momentum with us.

Now it is down to Mauricio Pellegrino to do what Claude Puel could not, find that consistency and get a talented squad playing to its capabilities, the fact is that too many underperformed last season, part of the problem being the way the team was constantly changed.

Saints fans need to forget last season and give the likes of Sofiane Boufal and even seasoned campaigners like Fraser Forster, Dusan Tadic and Shane Long clean sheets to work from, base them on what they do this season not last.

The first issue though is to get Virgil Van Dijk back in the squad and back to his best, if Pellegrino can do that then we have a great base to build on, if we get that solid foundation that has been the base for the last three seasons, then we have the attacking options to succeed.

Maurcio Pellegrino has made a solid start in difficult circumstances, there is a lot to feel optimistic about, lets get that positive attitude back, in terms of League position and getting close to winning a trophy, this is as good a period in the clubs history than at any other time other than 1976, some supporters need to get a dose of reality and accept that, if they do then we can all march forward and make this another season to be proud of.

Photo: Action Images

Jesus_02 added 19:33 - Sep 2 At the end of the season I said that if we held on to VVD, Romeu, Bertrand and Cedric it would be a good window, and I believe it has been. The only disappointment for me is the loan of Gallagher, I was sure that signaled the signing of a target man but unfortunately I was wrong. I am also surprised that we haven't trimmed the midfield, we have too many there and they don't get enough game time. I expected three of Tadic, Davis, Long, Hoejburg and Classie to go to give space for youngsters to come through. Its also a shame that Target didn't get an opportunity at Newcastle it would have been ideal. So overall a good window, I'm expecting big things from Boufal and Lemina this season and I'm also expecting Liverpool to struggle, I fully expect to finish above them this season (even if they can stop Coutinho from crying)

0

Charlton Athletic Polls