Southampton Year 2 - Update 1 - Deadeye15's Dynasty

Deadeye15's Dynasty Blog

Southampton Year 2 - Update 1

Posted on June 23, 2010 at 08:32 PM.

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After ending the first year atop the Coca-Cola League 1, the Southampton F.C. look to finish mid-table in the Championship League this upcoming season.

Pre-Season and Friendly Period Transfer Window Moves:

Manager's Thoughts:

In this period we will be looking to upgrade the Midfield with young players as we aim to continue to get younger and build through youth. We will also be looking to add a RB to fill out the defense as I feel we don't have anyone to fill that position at this level on the current roster.

We will also be looking to move some of the players who do not see much action in order to gain funds to upgrade certain areas within the Organization.

Players Bought:

RWB - Daniel Schwaab - Germany - 21 Years Old - 74 overall - $2.75M goes to Bay. Leverkusen - $7.5k per match

CAM - Sacha Kljestan - USA - 24 Years Old - 69 Overall - $1.1M goes to Chivas USA - $5.3k per match

CM - Michael Bradley - USA - 22 Years Old - 77 Overall - $5M goes to Bor. M'gladbach - $8.5k per match

Manager's Statement & Player Comments:

Manager: Daniel is exactly the type of player we need on this team. A quick Defender with the ability to move the ball yet physical at his own end. His size at 6'1" brings another weapon during set pieces.

Sacha I believe adds a vital dimension we seemed to be lacking last year. His ability to move up and down the pitch with ease and ability to hit long shots and make quick slick passes will be a welcome sight to this team. Like Daniel Schwaab, his size at 6'1" adds yet another weapon during set pieces.

Michael Bradley. I don't believe I can say enough about this young man. After watching him this past World Cup I was convinced he will go on to become one of the best American soccer players in history. Good in every asset of the game, offense, defense, you name it he can do it.

Daniel's Statement: I want to thank the Southampton Organization for allowing me this opportunity to play here in England. I look forward to meeting the rest of the team and getting this team into the Premiership as quickly as possible.

Sacha's Statement: I'm extremely happy to finally be given a shot to play overseas here in England. After speaking with Coach I was 100 percent committed to this team. The makeup, being young hungry guys, is just like myself. We want to win, and we want to win now. And we will do so by any means necessary.

Michael's Statement: I'll be completely honest. When I requested a transfer from my old club I requested to be put in a top league. I wanted to play in the Premier League. However, after hearing Sacha had signed I spoke with the staff here at Southampton and my mind was set. Having a familiar face on the roster helped my decision immensely. Yet Southampton winning the Johnstone's Trophy last season as well as finishing first in their league is what won me over. The winning attitude of the entire Organization. I am committed to getting this team back to its glory days and winning the Premiership during my tenure. My teammates and I will push ourselves over the limit to accomplish our common goal.

Players Sold:

LM - Jason Puncheon - England - 24 Years Old - 66 Overall - Receiving $2M from Doncaster
Reasoning: We felt Jason didn't see the playing time he deserved, and with the recent additions he will likely never see the field.

RW - Papa Waigo N'Diaye - Senegal - 26 Years Old - 67 Overall - Receiving $3.7M from Queens Park Rangers
Reasoning: Mr. N'Diaye requested this move as he felt he did not receive enough playing time last season. We honored his request.

LB - Dan Harding - England - 26 Years Old - 63 Overall - Receiving $1M from Sheffield Wednesday
Reasoning: Dan simply will not be seeing much time this season, so we decided to move him.

ST - David Connolly - Ireland - 33 Years Old - 67 Overall - Receiving $2M from Doncaster
Reasoning: As stated in the Manager's address we are looking to get younger. 33 is simply too old for the direction we are moving.

Now that the Friendly's are over and the Transfer Period has closed. It's time to start the season!

Formation and Lineup: We will be running a 4-3-2-1

Starting Lineup:

GK - 1 - Kelvin Davis - 64 Overall

RB - 6 - Daniel Schwaab - 74 Overall
RCB - 16 - Charilaos Arambatzis - 73 Overall
LCB - 12 - Jose Fonte - 68 Overall
LB - 5 - David Addy - 63 Overall

RCM - 8 - Sacha Kljestan - 71 Overall
CM - 2 - Michael Bradley - 78 Overall
LCM - 39 - Massimo Ceravolo - 64 Overall

RF - 20 - Adam Lallana - 69 Overall
LF - 3 - Jordan Rhodes - 68 Overall

ST - 7 - Rickie Lambert - 70 Overall - Captain

Substitutes:

CM - 21 - Jared Jeffrey - 62 Overall
ST - 17 - Lee Barnard - 65 Overall
CB - 15 - Danny Wilson - 62 Overall
CDM - 26 - Robbie Arnaud - 64 Overall
CM - 19 - Morgan Schneiderlin - 64 Overall

Manager's Final Thoughts:

I am extremely happy with the moves we have made during the Transfer Period. I am 100% confident this squad can finish at worst mid-table. My goal is and always has been promotion to the Premier League so that's my focus. I have instructed our scouting team to head around Europe looking for young promising Strikers we can add to this team for depth. When they return from that assignment I will be instructing them to keep an eye out for Keepers. Those 2 positions I feel need some depth. I am confident in our standing at Midfield and Back. Now, our first match against Coventry is in a few days so I must go prepare for that. Thank you for your time.