Defence: transfer window verdict

Out – Niemi, (Delap!)
In – Bialkowski

Sell one of the best keepers in the country and no matter how promising an 18 year old is, this will only weaken the team. Niemi produced at least one wonder save nearly every single game he played, so much so that many took his quality for granted.

Out – Delap, Hajto
In – Ostlund, Brennan

Both flanks have been problem positions for some time at Saints. We have struggled at left back ever since the departure of Wayne Bridge, apart from the brief periods when Le Saux was fit and not in midfield. With the out-of-position Danny Higginbotham our only left back, this was an obvious area to strengthen. While Brennan has yet to show signs of being a world-beater, he is at least a genuine left back.

Likewise, Saints have struggled to replace the ageing Jason Dodd, with all number of players tried at right back. Saints have brought in genuine quality in Swedish international Ostlund who is already emerging as a cult hero among fans.

Out – Hajto, Mills, (Delap)
In – None

While the departure of the highly promising Matthew Mills was unfortunate, Saints still have Premiership quality in central defence in Danny Higginbotham and Claus Lundekvam. Should one of them get injured the cover is less certain, but Powell, Cranie and Kenton provide the manager with decent options.

Verdict: As you were

Click below to read the verdict on:

- Introduction to the transfer window
- Midfield
- Strikers and overall verdict