x

Good Window For Saints

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.

What to read next:

Manchester United 3 - 1 Southampton - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Manchester United 3 - 1 Southampton - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Southampton At Manchester United The Verdict
For 80 minutes Saints fans dared to dream that their team would pull of a surprise victory at Old Trafford, The Theatre of Dreams, but then in the last 10 minutes of the game it turned into a nightmare, but was it all of our own making ?
A Rough Guide To Nottingham Forest
It's a tough week to follow Southampton away from home, if Thursday night at 8pm in Manchester wasn't bad enough, the faithful hit the road again only 3 days later for a 2pm kick off on a Sunday in Nottingham.
Manchester United V Southampton Photo Gallery
Here we take a pictorial look back at some of our encounters with Manchester united over the years, some have been good and others have been awful, how many did you go to ? Give your comments in the section below.
Southampton At Manchester United The Preview
Saints travel to Old Trafford with little to lose at present, everyone has written them off and relegated them already, so perhaps now under a new manager we can play without fear and without constraint and get back our pride before the end of the season.
Sulemana To Stay At Southampton ! Amo-Ameyaw To Go Out On Loan
Kamaldeen Sulemana had his best game for Saints in 18 months, but the St Mary's faithful do not have the same faith in him as Ivan Juric seems to have, many would perhaps prefer Sam Amo-Ameyaw to be given a chance.
Southampton FC Chairman Stepping Down
Most Saints fans are confused by the way that the club is set up these days, who is responsible for what, now there is a big announcement from St Mary's, find out more here.
Southampton Tout Sulemana To European Clubs
Kamaldeen Sulemana had one of perhaps his only two decent performances for the club against Swansea City, but it could be his last, with media reports suggesting that there is a fair bit of interest from European clubs in signing him.
A Rough Guide To Manchester United
The last time we visited the Theatre of Dreams, we thought we were dreaming and got a 0-0 draw as we headed towards relegation, almost two years later and here we go again, so for those going here is all the info you need.