The first article from a new contributor to the Ugly Inside, we bring you the first "A View From A Far.

Well, another successful, record- breaking season is behind us and from reading the message boards I think the vibe around Southampton is generally positive, despite defections from Koeman, Wanyama and Mane. Even though our new manager is largely an unknown on this side of the English Channel, his credentials and track record suggest Les Reed and Co have unearthed another gem. He has gone under the radar by other clubs seeking a new man at the top and if he can maintain our too six position, and a cup run, then he will have been successful. Time will obviously tell, but if Puel can mold a team that starts the season as well as Koeman's first season in charge, then we will all be satisfied.

Puel is being wise by not rushing into the transfer market before he has assessed the talent already available to him and pinpointed deficiencies in the squad. I personally believe a replacement for Fonte should be groomed for the near future.

Gardos hasn't been given a real crack if the whip yet, but yet may prove an able replacement, and Yoshida rarely inspires confidence. Also at the back, the jury is still out on Soares, especially as he wasn't able to nail down a starting spot under Koeman.

Up front is our strongest part of the squad and needs little improvement, even with the possible departure of Pelle. In midfield, I feel Ward Prowse has yet to step up to the Premier League plate, despite being given ample playing time to prove his worth. Davis is ever dependable and should always be one of the first names on the team sheet.

A tough tackling midfield player, a la Wanyama or Schneiderlin, is much needed to provide some steel in the holding role. A skillful playmaker would be a very welcome addition as Saints often struggle to break down teams who choose to park the bus.

With Puel's experience of the French leagues and up and coming young talent, it won't be a surprise to see Saints ranks being bolstered by some Gallic players. These are often quite flamboyant and full of trickery as they don't seem to have had their natural talents drummed out of them, unlike many British youngsters. Cantina and Fabrice Fernandez are two that spring to mind.

The first team sheet that Puel submits for the Watford opener will most likely inform us of the flavour for the rest of the season. Which formation will he prefer and which old and new talents will become regulars? We shall all find out soon.

Photo: Action Images

halftimeorange added 18:36 - Jul 5 A lot of obvious in this article. I would like to read an impartial assessment of our youngsters. Some of them - Turnbull, Stephens, McCarthy, McQueen and Mugabi are in their twenty-second year. If they they aren't going to get in the first team squad now then why are they being retained? Will Barnes or Olomola step up to the plate early. They've both looked useful when I've seen them - I realise Barnes had a bad injury. And I don't agree that "up front needs little improvement" - as has been stated before, Austin and Rodriguez are not guaranteed to last a season based on last term, Pelle could be off, Long has had a hard Euros and Mane has gone. Redmond and Tadic are wingers. The views expressed here are subjective and could have been written by any one of us subscribers. How about a little research?

4

BUCK added 18:44 - Jul 5 Disagree with this on a few counts. We are not desperate for another wanyama or Morgan as oriol will fit the bill perfectly. This guy is strong,very talented, has a beast of a shot on him, his passing rate is good and God help anyone else who he tackles. Striker is where we need strengthening. Pelle will be sold. Jay rod and Charlie Austin are too much of a liability to get injured.when pelle goes we need an immediate replacement.with the money we got,we should be getting someone like van persies quality back in his hay day

1

SanMarco added 19:10 - Jul 5 Yep orange - agree entirely on the inaccuracy of the up-front assessment + can't agree with Buck on the defensive midfielder. We need 4 high quality players - a goalscorer, creative mf, defensive mf, right-back + I agree on the medium-term back up for Fonte. Also I fear we are being softened up for a Bertrand departure so that would entail buying a very good left back + reserve keeper of course. So basically lots to be done!!

1

DPeps added 21:27 - Jul 5 Agree with SanMarco's assessment. It wouldn't surprise me at all if we cash in on Bertrand before the summer is out; I hope to dear god we don't sell as an attacking LB who can also defend is a rare thing. On Romeu - good player but gets caught on the ball a bit too often for me. Maybe Puel will believe Reed can step up to the plate (Harrison not Les).
1

perazi added 22:52 - Jul 5 As with others, my only disagreement is around not needing attacking replacements for Mane and Pelle, should he depart. Redmond may turn out to be a good player, but if he is the replacement for Mane, we start the season a long way behind.
1

birminghamsaint added 13:49 - Jul 6 Many thanks for your article. Please persist as it's nice to see a different viewpoint and most of us appreciate that it is not easy to instantly produce articles of this nature. I'm sure we could survive with our current squad, but change and the search for improvement is always necessary. I found the following article interesting in that Puel is not worried about having a lot of 'diminutive' players. http://news.ladbrokes.com/football/premier-league/why-dusan-tadic-is-most-critic This would certainly increase my stress levels for free kicks and corners!

0

Blogs 31 bloggers

Southampton Polls