Was this the last season at St Mary's for Ryan Bertrand ? we will soon find out, in the meantime how good or bad was it ?

The perception for many Saints fans was that Ryan Bertrand was disinterested for much of this season, that he was sulking that he was not getting the big money moves that some of his former team mates had got, certainly he has been linked with moves to several of the big six clubs, but they never seem to materialise asking the question whether there was any real substance in the rumours.

But the left back still had a solid performance for Saints, his statistics were remarkably similar to Cedric Soares on the other flank with 4 assists and 3 big chances created and he certainly should have ended the season with a goal or two, hitting the woodwork twice and sadly failing to find the net when through on goal on a number of occasions.

But he too had the same problem as Cedric on the right, defensively if he went forward our central defenders couldn't cope on the break and when he went forward to put in crosses too often there was no one on the end of them.

He should really be going to the World Cup this summer, his form justified it when compared to those who are going in his place, so perhaps Gareth Southgate saw something in his attitude that made him question his commitment.

In fairness to Bertrand he seems to have that ability to look moody at any given occasion so perhaps he was trying harder than Saints fans would think.

Again like Cedric I think we would find it hard to get a better player in, I would prefer him to stay as playing in a back four with two decent central defenders that can defend would undoubtedly benefit not only Bertrand's form but in doing that the team's as well.

If Bertrand was to go then personally I think he deserves a move, he has given four good seasons for the club, but we have also been god for him, he has gone from a Chelsea reserve spending much of his time on loan, to an established Premier League player and International.

I hope that he stays, but I wish him all the best if he goes.

Photo: Action Images

Consigliere added 11:01 - May 24 Agreed. I could never understand those fans who thought Bertrand to be uncommitted. He was certainly frustrated when no-one was there to get on the end of one of his crosses but this was the result of the negative playing style we endured under the previous management. I really hope he stays and becomes an integral part of an exciting, attacking playing style.
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JRC added 11:26 - May 24 He often appeared uninterested. He was never disinterested.
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JRC added 11:27 - May 24 I hope that he stays, but I wish him all the best if he goes. Agree.
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IanRC added 11:40 - May 24 I thought he had a great season, the problem as noted above is that we didn't make use of his excellent crosses. The deep rooted corruption in the FA and the England managers it selects are the only reason he is not going to the World Cup, they have to keep their big team cronies happy. Koloa just has to say his youngster should go and he is in the squad. No wonder we are serial non-achievers internationally.

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bstokesaint added 13:15 - May 24 I have to admit that his reaction when he scored his first goal for England was as if someone had taken a dump on his front lawn! Most people would be ecstatic. I think he is naturally moody. He definitely has ability and I'd like him to stay but to all of those who have sung his praises this season there is no doubt he has a shirked a number of 50/50’s and even 60/40’s, and I’d question whether a player doing that is truly committed. He has been at bigger clubs already so it might be that he’s happy where he is. I hope he stays, but I’m not holding my breath.

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Andylad63 added 14:05 - May 24 I am led to believe that Ryan has been suffering with back issues all season and this information has been passed to the FA who wisely (for him and us) chose not to select him. This summer off will allow him to rest up prior to any further medical intervention. That might explain his moodiness and his lack of enthusiasm to charge up and down the wing, especially as there was little or no chance of finding anyone willing or able to get on the end of any resultant cross.

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underweststand added 15:21 - May 24 Scenario 1 ..who wouldn't want a good England international player in their side?... Bertrand has been faithful to the club since his arrival after being loaned out to half-a-dozen clubs who didn't see his potential w did well to sign him and see him succeed. No-one can say he hasn't been loyal in his time. Personally ...I hope he stays. Scenario 2. Signing him for £10 million was a no-brainer , and he's DAJFU for several seasons. At 29 he deserves the best he can get out of what's left of his top class career. Sooner rather than later he'll need to be replaced by a younger player. If he can get a move to a top 6 club in the summer he'll get to play CL next season, and maybe regain his England spot. He deserves no less and I 'd wish him well ..and (as a club) ...we'd be £25 million better off. To my mind ..it's a win-win situation.

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ItchenNorth added 09:01 - May 26 He clearly looked dejected, frustrated, uninterested at times. Strip that all away and it was another example of player frustration with Pellegrino imo. Will he stay, I hope so. I didn't think it was a real shock that he lost out on a World Cup squad place; his form wasn't good enough. Perhaps this might work in our favour. A reality check. His career has blossomed at Saints; whereas to date nobody else has really valued him. He's our captain, will he show leadership now ? The summer will show us fans just where his head is at.

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