Transfer window

[pezza70]

Any news on players either coming in or leaving us in the very near future?

Are the Polish lads still in the picture for a end of season loan spell for us?

[templeofsaints]

Nothing yet beyond the rumours discussed elsewhere. Certainly nothing official other than Keyring / Paterson's future will be sorted out by the end of the week.

[JimBob]

There is a bit in the Sun today about the boy Jenkins from Stranraer being chased by us as well as a number of other clubs.......... interesting

[Tranmere Saintee]

One to totally discount now is Danny Griffin - he has signed this morning for Aberdeen.

[blueheaven]

There is a bit in the Sun today about the boy Jenkins from Stranraer being chased by us as well as a number of other clubs.......... interesting
I said back on Blueheaven in the summer we should go for him (and Moussa Ouattara) and although I've not been amazingly impressed this season he is what we are looking for IMO, an athletic, box-to-box midfielder.

Smells like meaningless agent-talk to me. The guy's been at Stranraer for yonks - surely if he was any better than the reems of central midfielders we already have here, he'd have stepped up long ago. He's never particularly stood out when I've seen him.

Ouattara though - that would have been a fantastic signing.

[Tranmere Saintee]

Today's Press & Journal reports St Mirren have made a

Come on Radford, stop keeping us in suspenders!!

[templeofsaints]

Today's Press & Journal reports St Mirren have made a 40,000 pounds bid for John Rankin, but it's been turned down. We've also been credited with an interest.

That's not a bad fee but it depends on how much County need the cash. Can't see Midden coughing up much more - they've got to save the pennies to pay off the Ferguslie Park hoolies so they can build their new tip :D

[mainstand]

Just thinking, that would be the second player that has been with St Johnstone as a youth that we'll have ended up paying a fee for, with Peaso obviously being the first. Rankin was part of the U14 at the Nike World Championships in Paris in 1998.

Have we not been through this one before and peaso was never a signed player with the Club?

[Real Madrid]

After today it looks like we need a whole new team !

Some cannot even pass the ball to a blue shirt.

its not over yet but unless there are some big changes we are heading out of the race fast.

Would two or three players make all the difference? Hope so

[HeronAddict]

Would two or three players make all the difference? Hope so

I think three players would make a huge amount of difference, if they're in the right positions. In my opinion a proper winger (left or right) to give us more options out wide, a creative, box-to-box central midfielder to play alongside Sheridan and strong right-back who's comfortable going forward would massively improve our team. The centre of the defence was a concern today, but that was largely because the ball kept coming back at them. With quality signings in these postions, we'd (hopefully!) be able to keep the ball better and they would not be under pressure so often.

[blueheaven]

I think three players would make a huge amount of difference, if they're in the right positions. In my opinion a proper winger (left or right) to give us more options out wide, a creative, box-to-box central midfielder to play alongside Sheridan and strong right-back who's comfortable going forward would massively improve our team.

Yup, I'd pretty much agree that those are the positions we need to strengthen. I'd rather see a left winger brought in than a right winger, because I think Stevenson can pretty much continue to do a shift for us down the right, but we have absolutely nothing on the other side.

[Nick]

New right back, McLaren from Airdrie for Left mid, Rankin for in the middle and Juanjo for right wing :wink:

[David]

New right back, McLaren from Airdrie for Left mid, Rankin for in the middle and Juanjo for right wing :wink:
And an ambulance for the bank manager! :-)

[templeofsaints]

I think three players would make a huge amount of difference, if they're in the right positions. In my opinion a proper winger (left or right) to give us more options out wide, a creative, box-to-box central midfielder to play alongside Sheridan and strong right-back who's comfortable going forward would massively improve our team.

Yup, I'd pretty much agree that those are the positions we need to strengthen. I'd rather see a left winger brought in than a right winger, because I think Stevenson can pretty much continue to do a shift for us down the right, but we have absolutely nothing on the other side.

My problem is we already have Sheerin and (theoretically) Scrabble for the left wing - and until recently we had Keyring. Stevenson can do a job on the right but IMHO he's better through the middle. As it is he can only do something on the right if he's getting the ball from defence - something both Anderson and Mensing have totally failed to do.

[Nick]

New right back, McLaren from Airdrie for Left mid, Rankin for in the middle and Juanjo for right wing :wink:
And an ambulance for the bank manager! :-)

Not if we get rid of the dead wood we have lying around. Anyway thats what i think we need

[templeofsaints]

New right back, McLaren from Airdrie for Left mid, Rankin for in the middle and Juanjo for right wing :wink:
And an ambulance for the bank manager! :-)

Not if we get rid of the dead wood we have lying around. Anyway thats what i think we need

Not so sure - if we get rid of the deadwood thats still under contract we have to "come to an arrangement" with them which will cost the club. Assuming we want 2-3 new players we're looking at possibly getting rid of 4-5 members of the squad who
a: want to leave
and
b: won't want too much in compensation to be released from their contracts.

I agree we need some new players (McLaren and Rankin would be welcome but not so sure about the others) but Saints have to work within a budget. Also it's worth noting that a fair proportion of the squad are out of contract in the summer and if we want to avoid another mass rebuilding then the transfer budget available to Owen might be limited.

[blueheaven]

My problem is we already have Sheerin and (theoretically) Scrabble for the left wing - and until recently we had Keyring. Stevenson can do a job on the right but IMHO he's better through the middle. As it is he can only do something on the right if he's getting the ball from defence - something both Anderson and Mensing have totally failed to do.

I don't think Sheerin or Scrabble can be considered wingers. They might both be left-footed, but they're central midfielders. Sheerin certainly doesn't have the pace to be considered a permanent wide man. Stevenson, too, is probably more comfortable through the middle as you say, but I think he's shown himself to be good enough wide right that finding someone else to play there isn't as much of a priority. The thing is, as I see it, we have loads of midfielders but every single one of them is more comfortable in the centre. That situation should never really have been allowed to arise in the first place.

Not so sure - if we get rid of the deadwood thats still under contract we have to "come to an arrangement" with them which will cost the club. Assuming we want 2-3 new players we're looking at possibly getting rid of 4-5 members of the squad who
a: want to leave
and
b: won't want too much in compensation to be released from their contracts.

I can't see us off-loading 4 or 5 players during the transfer window. We've already dumped 2, and I suppose there's a good chance The Davester will depart. The only other outward movement I suppose there might be is a few youngsters (McManus, Moon, Dyer?) out on loan.

[john1962]

I think we are in a dilemma here.

Ten points isn't insurmountable but the way we are playing it may as well be fifty.

The dilemma for me is do we push the boat out to try to close this gap or stay with what we have and in all probability stay in this division? Now I understand that spending money won't guarantee promotion but as I said not spending money will I believe ensure we are in the first next year. Staying in the first means that the revenue will be lower next year than it would be with promotion.

So I guess the question I am asking is can we afford to speculate to accumulate? be grateful for views of people who have got more of a handle on the club finaces than I have. Also be grateful for general views.

[blueheaven]

So I guess the question I am asking is can we afford to speculate to accumulate? be grateful for views of people who have got more of a handle on the club finaces than I have. Also be grateful for general views.

I think that, if you look back to the time when Coyle was first appointed, you've got to think that realistically he was probably given 2 seasons to turn us into title winners. After all, I can't see why the club would appoint a first-timer in the job if they were desperate for quick success. They've put a learner in the hotseat, and have to stick by him over a reasonable amount of time as a result.

So, my response to your point is that Saints should really just use the remainder of the season to try to become as good and consistent a team as possible. Try to bring in as good players as we can over the transfer window, and hope we start producing the goods regularly. If the off-shoot of that is that we actually end up winning the league this season, then that's a bonus. If not, no harm done, but I'd be looking for us to mount a stronger challenge next time.

[Broggy Man]

I think we are in a dilemma here.

Ten points isn't insurmountable but the way we are playing it may as well be fifty.

The dilemma for me is do we push the boat out to try to close this gap or stay with what we have and in all probability stay in this division? Now I understand that spending money won't guarantee promotion but as I said not spending money will I believe ensure we are in the first next year. Staying in the first means that the revenue will be lower next year than it would be with promotion.

So I guess the question I am asking is can we afford to speculate to accumulate? be grateful for views of people who have got more of a handle on the club finaces than I have. Also be grateful for general views.

This is the big question and there are only a couple of people at the club that can answer it!
For us mere mortals the only way we will find out is if the signings are made on loan or permenant but i think we all agree we are not the complete package and wont be until squad immprovements are made. The one thing that surprises me is that OC has not got the men in place already as other clubs have done yes i know the window has just opened but i would have thought they would have known thet Paterson and Keyring were on the way out and i would have thought as with the squad we have and the fact we are still hanging on to Middens coat tails GB would have seen an opertunity to get back into the top flight therefore perhaps made the cash available on the agreement that certain players would not have there contracts renewed at the end of the season but time will tell..

[Broggy Man]

I think that, if you look back to the time when Coyle was first appointed, you've got to think that realistically he was probably given 2 seasons to turn us into title winners. After all, I can't see why the club would appoint a first-timer in the job if they were desperate for quick success. They've put a learner in the hotseat, and have to stick by him over a reasonable amount of time as a result.

So, my response to your point is that Saints should really just use the remainder of the season to try to become as good and consistent a team as possible. Try to bring in as good players as we can over the transfer window, and hope we start producing the goods regularly. If the off-shoot of that is that we actually end up winning the league this season, then that's a bonus. If not, no harm done, but I'd be looking for us to mount a stronger challenge next time.
I agree with you BH and i am not having a go at OC i am resonably happy with the way the season has gone in commparison to last.
What i am saying is we have seen our challangers and to be honest im not overly immpressed by any of them Falkirk last season were even if it hurt were a joy to watch they played flowing football scored at will but this season they are all just workers and the opertunity i think will agree is still there. So the big question is do the club see it that way??
I dont know but this league is all over the place teams will rob points from each other as we have seen but adding that little bit of class etal Scotland Stanic has made the difference to us a little bit more and who knows what would happen surely the custodians of our club can see this?

[john1962]

So I guess the question I am asking is can we afford to speculate to accumulate? be grateful for views of people who have got more of a handle on the club finaces than I have. Also be grateful for general views.

I think that, if you look back to the time when Coyle was first appointed, you've got to think that realistically he was probably given 2 seasons to turn us into title winners. After all, I can't see why the club would appoint a first-timer in the job if they were desperate for quick success. They've put a learner in the hotseat, and have to stick by him over a reasonable amount of time as a result.

So, my response to your point is that Saints should really just use the remainder of the season to try to become as good and consistent a team as possible. Try to bring in as good players as we can over the transfer window, and hope we start producing the goods regularly. If the off-shoot of that is that we actually end up winning the league this season, then that's a bonus. If not, no harm done, but I'd be looking for us to mount a stronger challenge next time.


Does the so called Gretna factor play a part here?

[Hazel1884]

I can't see us off-loading 4 or 5 players during the transfer window. We've already dumped 2, and I suppose there's a good chance The Davester will depart. The only other outward movement I suppose there might be is a few youngsters (McManus, Moon, Dyer?) out on loan.

I asked TC if any of them were looking at going on loan and he shook his head and said no! So i would take from that there not! :roll: :wink:

Davester has already been told to find a new club.

[Gaffer]

The only other outward movement I suppose there might be is a few youngsters (McManus, Moon, Dyer?) out on loan.

I asked TC if any of them were looking at going on loan and he shook his head and said no! So i would take from that there not! :roll: :wink:

Davester has already been told to find a new club.

hazel I was lurking about last night and overheard your conversation with TC. I saw him shake his head and laugh. I took this as him being non commital, I don't reckon he would divulge such information on a night out.

[Hazel1884]

hazel I was lurking about last night and overheard your conversation with TC. I saw him shake his head and laugh. I took this as him being non commital, I don't reckon he would divulge such information on a night out.

Maybe - but i just didn't see it as any reason not too - i think the Saints fans would be more than happy for McManus, Dyer, Jackson maybe even Dorris to go out on loan but maybe i am wrong! Wouldn't be the first time! :wink:

[Cagey]

I agree with the last point ToS makes. Just as important as signing new players, is signing guys already here up for another year. I guess it's difficult since we don't know what league we are going to be in though.

Do you mean first or second `cause it certainly wont be SPL.

[HeronAddict]

I think the question we have to ask now is realistically can we win the league? In my opinion, with the gap at 12 points, we can't. Therefore, I think that we have to be certain that anyone we sign in the window helps sort the clear problem positions we have in the team at the moment, and are good enough in the long-term to help us challenge for the league next season. Given that there will be a far greater selection of quality players avaliable in the summer in comparison with now, I just wonder if Coyle might be tempted to wait until the summer to make the quality signings that he feels we need, in the meantime giving some of our youngsters a chance to show their qualities?

[dave mc]

Sadly i'm with you HA,can't see us picking up enough points to worry the Buddies.Also think you could be right,that a better choice of player will be available in the summer,so OC might wait til then to buy.Only down point would be ,the new players would have less time to gel,than if we bought in the window.

[templeofsaints]

We need to get the new signings in now so by the summer we have a settled team.

I don't think we'll win the league this year but if we had with the current squad, I don't think we would survive in the SPL.

[Broggy Man]

We really need to sort this midfield out now. GB must fund and OC must select a creative midfielder. Im sick of Savo being slated when the guy gets little or no service in the killer areas come on Saints sort it out

[Broon]

We really need to sort this midfield out now. GB must fund and OC must select a creative midfielder. Im sick of Savo being slated when the guy gets little or no service in the killer areas come on Saints sort it out

He got service twice today but wasnt paying attention!!

[Hazel1884]

NOthing left to play for really, but i'd like to see youngsters given a shot either now or towards the end of the season.

For the left midfield i think we could have a solution on our books. Young Johnny Black. He's comfortable at left back or left midfield, but i personally think he is wasted at left back. Brilliant getting forward in support, can fair cross a ball and hit a free kick....but he wouldn't shirk a tackle thats for sure. He'd go out and mix it, anyway!

Maybe too early for him this season, others who maybe watch the 19s more would be able to comment, but we do have a hot prospect on our books here and hopefully he will fufil the promise he is showing at the moment.

[Real Madrid]

Radio Tay reported on the Lunch time sports desk that Rangers were represented at yesterdays game. Not being funny but I could not see them being interested in any Dundee players and there is only one players in our squad I think they would want. :cry:

If Scotland goes we will have lost a major tallent and someone who can turn any game, however if we are not going to get promoted this season the cash could be used to try and build a team to challenge Gretna next year

[True Saintee]

It says on p+b tht were after danny mcbreen of Falkirk :D

Good signing if true!

[Hazel1884]

Jamie McCluskey of Hibs?

[Kyle]

Now we're fecking talking!

He's a super wee player... tricky... and would be an excellent signing if we can pull it off... whether it be on loan or permanent

[Hazel1884]

Now we're fecking talking!

He's a super wee player... tricky... and would be an excellent signing if we can pull it off... whether it be on loan or permanent

Attacking midfielder right?

[mainstand]

Are we talking about McBreen or McLuskey.

mcBreen would be a great signing.

[Kyle]

Right or left... He's primarily right footed I think... but he doesn't mind playing on either side... McBreen I believe is a target man... so that would be beneficial too IMO... we're crying out for a target man just now - so many long balls and with Jason not wanting to mess up his hair and Savo being so small, its a bit of a waste.

Is this a rumour you've heard Hazel? Or a suggestion for a player? I was discussing potential signings with someone the other day and McCluskey was one I mentioned then.

[Ronaldo]

I think, with the gap at (just) ten points we need to go for it.

Well said Rad.

[Hazel1884]

Is this a rumour you've heard Hazel? Or a suggestion for a player? I was discussing potential signings with someone the other day and McCluskey was one I mentioned then.

Just a suggestion but have heard his name being banded about by a few Hibee pals too :)

[Cagey]

I think, with the gap at (just) ten points we need to go for it.

Well said Rad.

Think it may be 12 points. Only have to beat them twice & hope they drop 6 points. Both possible but at the moment unlikely.

[Broon]

It says on p+b tht were after danny mcbreen of Falkirk :D

Good signing if true!

Was playing footie with a few Falkirk fans and thats the rumours flying around there too! Great signing if we could get him - need to get rid of 2 strikers though if thats the case.

[pezza70]

Would love it if we signed one or both

I know we are way down form at present but as Cagey said "Only have to beat them twice & hope they drop 6 points. Both possible but at the moment unlikely" is the key. For all or recent down form, we are still a chance if we can turn it around.

The midfield is the key, a signing or two could turn it all around for us, Scotland given service where he can get a few one on ones with defenders would cause havoc amongst opposition teams.

Might also stop the gang tackles and hacking he cops if we have a few options available with an attcking midfield player or two pushing forward

[Hazel1884]

Danny McBreen would be an outstanding piece of business by Owen Coyle! Would be delighted if this one came off! I love target men and McBreen is one the best available to us! McBreen and Savo with Jason in just behind! Fan-f'ckin-tastic! :D

But it still comes down to the midfield and if they can get service, Radders.

With any of Scotland, Savo, Dobbie, Jackson, Coyle and i suppose MacDonald we should have had good enough strikers but they're not getting the service.

[wee john]

I think Delboy could still do a great job for us in midfield.
He has skill, dig, a great shot and could play a killer pass.
Short term answer to a big problem, but it would work and maybe keep our season alive a wee bit longer.

[Broggy Man]

Ive said it elsewhere on the forum this league is still there for the taking. There is a complete lack of quality this season in comparison to Falkirk last season however i dont know if the proposed signings will give us the cutting edge as i dont see the flair player in there for the midfield..

[Watty]

Ive said it elsewhere on the forum this league is still there for the taking. There is a complete lack of quality this season in comparison to Falkirk last season however i dont know if the proposed signings will give us the cutting edge as i dont see the flair player in there for the midfield..

A couple of examples of the type of flair player you speak about would be nice, taking into account our budget and the standard of player we can attract ofcourse. I'm sure the OC has his radar set for such a player, but is it plausible that we can attract one?

[chopper]

Ive said it elsewhere on the forum this league is still there for the taking. There is a complete lack of quality this season in comparison to Falkirk last season however i dont know if the proposed signings will give us the cutting edge as i dont see the flair player in there for the midfield..

I disagree. In John Henry or Neil Janczyk I think we have the player to unlock home defences with the splitting passes etc, the problem being the middle of the park is too congested as our 2 "wide" players are not playing on the wings, taking out 2 of the opposition's midfield. Instead the are playing inside 1 position and making it 4 v 4 in a very tight midfield, without the full backs going past them.

The lack of width is killing us, especially against the likes of Stranraer, Airdrie and Dundee where we are dropping silly points. The main focus in the transfer windows should be wingers for my tuppence worth.

[mainstand]

any idea if Saints have a trialist at the moment? Saw someone "Thomas soemone" at training today over 6 feet tall.

Also any word on a bounce game tomorrow and against who and where???

[Saint Paul]

I agree with Chopper regarding the wingers. Stevenson is very good at coming wide, but is not a natural winger, where as Sheerin very rarely even gets to the byline to get crosses in. The only thing about this is, are Milne and Scotland good enough in the air to warrant going out to get wingers ? Neither are known for being a scorer of headed goals so you have to wonder if it a tactic worth employing.

[chopper]

I agree with Chopper regarding the wingers. Stevenson is very good at coming wide, but is not a natural winger, where as Sheerin very rarely even gets to the byline to get crosses in. The only thing about this is, are Milne and Scotland good enough in the air to warrant going out to get wingers ? Neither are known for being a scorer of headed goals so you have to wonder if it a tactic worth employing.
No they are not good enough to win headers, but the extra space created in the middle of the park will allow us to play through teams and hopefully provide chances with defenders missing headers, mistiming clearances and our strikers being unmarked in the box to head home from counter attacks.

[Broggy Man]

Ive said it elsewhere on the forum this league is still there for the taking. There is a complete lack of quality this season in comparison to Falkirk last season however i dont know if the proposed signings will give us the cutting edge as i dont see the flair player in there for the midfield..

A couple of examples of the type of flair player you speak about would be nice, taking into account our budget and the standard of player we can attract ofcourse. I'm sure the OC has his radar set for such a player, but is it plausible that we can attract one?

True but this is the dilema the club face at the moment. I am not up on the other players in the league who may or may not be available but what i do say is henry through the middle is not the answer he doesnt have the power.

[MUZZ]

agree with chopper. need wingers to help sort out our mess in the middle. need a right back if poss and if a target man like mcbreen is available we should take him. geoff should get the funds out now so we have a team prepared for div1 next year. u knows it makes sense :twisted:

[Tranmere Saintee]

any idea if Saints have a trialist at the moment? Saw someone "Thomas soemone" at training today over 6 feet tall.

Also any word on a bounce game tomorrow and against who and where???

Heard a RUMOUR that we had possibly brought over a couple more Polish guys on trial and again I say it is only an unsubstantiated RUMOUR. :roll: