Matt Targett is earning rave reviews at Fulham suggesting that he could return to St Mary's in the summer and make the left back spot his own.

Matt Targett won rave reviews a few seasons ago under Ronald Koeman, but then he fell out of favour with the Dutchman and a series of injuries stopped his progress and Sam McQueen stepped into the breach when Ryan Bertrand was injured.

But Targett was always the player the club truly rated as the replacement for Bertrand if and when he leaves and if Targett continues his progress at Fulham. Saints may well be prepared to cash in on Bertrand and gibe Targett the opportunity to make the left back spot his own.

Certainly Targett is a ball playing left back rather than the more wing back style of Bertrand or McQueen , but he has the ability to not only lay balls along the line but put in telling crosses, he uses the ball rather than his own pace.

So far he has made 3 starts for Fulham after his debut as a half time substitute in the London sides 3-1 win at Barnsley and those four games have seen 3 wins and a draw with Targett scoring in that game at Bolton.

His three starts have lead to his being named in the Championship team of the week in each of those games and Fulham have emerged as genuine contenders not only for a play off spot but automatic promotion if they continue this form.

At 22 Targett now needs games to kick him on and that is why Saints sent him out on loan to Fulham, he seems to be taking his chance by the scruff of the neck and hopefully he will return to St Mary's and do the same.

There was never doubting his ability, but the inference was he was too nice, he lacked that killer instinct like James Ward Prowse he seems to be finding that now and that could be good for Saints.

Photo: Action Images

pete_boggs added 14:09 - Feb 19 Would fit in with some peoples's scenario of Gao cashing all his chips in just before demotion and using 50% academy products in the Championship as Reed has, possibly, allegedly, been planning.
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SaintNick added 15:10 - Feb 19 Yes it would fit in with some peoples thoughts on that, if that is what they think of the football club then I cant see why they bother supporting it. If Gao is cashing in all his chips then why did he bother paying out £20 million on a new signing, if he has done his maths after agents fees signing on feesetc, does he really think he can realise the £200 million that he has spent on buying the club by getting it relegated and then having to sell all the players at a discount and then being left with a club in the Championship that is leaking money as we were doing a decade ago before Liebherr stepped in. Some people are so desperate for a hidden agenda theory they dont actually do the maths Personally it fits in with my scenario of giving a good young player the chance to get some good experience and game time rather than not getting much game time here due to the fact that Bertrand is better than him.

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davej added 17:09 - Feb 19 Spot on Nick !
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A1079 added 17:20 - Feb 19 Pleased to hear Matt Targett is doing well. Good for him. It is always satisfying to see some home grown players progress. If he continues in this vain, I would not be surprised if Fulham seek a permanent arrangement, especially if they get promoted or believe they have a strong chance next season, should they miss out this.
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saintsnutcase added 18:05 - Feb 19 A few of his games under Koeman were really superb, but then he seemed to lose confidence. He deserves another chance with us. I do have some doubts about his defensive abilities though.
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SaintBrock added 10:29 - Feb 20 Pointedly he is "flourishing" in the Championship, wonder what that tells us about Saints these days. Gardos off as swell, looks like a clear-out has begun. Better news that the kids have started to improve, last night's thrashing of Newcastle suggests there been a bit of a shake-up in coaching at Staplewood. Maybe they've turned a corner so that in a fee years time a few lads will emerge who can flourish in the PL

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SaintBrock added 10:38 - Feb 20 pete_boggs should not be sneered at. For us it's about football, for Gaoand his cronies it definitely is not. For them it's a money game and football just happens to be the means. Surely very few people really believe that the "cosy" quartet that met up in China for their New Year were talking about the recent form of Saints FC? Gentlemen, would you be kind enough just to put these scarves around your neck for a quick photo-op.

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underweststand added 15:59 - Feb 20 It's good that Targett is getting game time, and like many loan players often attract the attention of home fans when (he/they) perform well. Certainly he's off to a good start at Fulham, who are also challenging for a play-off spot. Interesting (?).. that he's giving such high praise to Sessignon because sooner or later Sess. is bound to move on for a large fee.....which might make some space... IF... Matt T. opts for a permanent move to Craven Cottage ? . .might it also lay the groundwork for Sessignon to move to SMS..... (just a thought?) At present Targett has NO chance of overtaking Bertrand in a Saints line-up , and if the truth be told, I'd have to think twice between Targett and McQueen before selecting a possible replacement. I know (some) people may say ...we bring them through the Academy and then let them go, but the truth of the matter is that anyone who has spent 2-3 seasons in the U23's may never make it to the required Prem. standard. (Reed is another example). The difference between the Championship and the Prem. is a darn sight bigger than just 3 places, where sides can field 9-10 internationals.. and still have some on the bench.

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SaintBrock added 22:05 - Feb 21 I had the same thought UWS, why would Fulham want Targett when they have Sessignon and why would target play second fiddle to a Championship outfit's LB when he had a higher role here? I read that the Fulham boss wanted to play Ryan further forward as a more orthodox winger... The conspiratorial part of my make-up which is not insignificant might even suggest that both Sessignon and his boss might be on their way to St Mary's if Fulham fail to convert their current great form into promotion.

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