Wednesday 2nd September 2009

The transfer window closed yesterday and, as expected, there were no huge surprises on the scale we witnessed on last year's deadline day.
The biggest deal of the day was Niko Kranjcar's move from Portsmouth to Tottenham, Harry Redknapp raiding his old club for yet another player, not that I'm complaining though!
Saints have made one addition to their squad, finally announcing the signing of Tunisian centre back Radhi Jaidi this morning, subject to work permit clearance. At 6'4", he should plug the hole at the back and will go some way towards solving the defending set pieces problems. If only he had been signed earlier in the summer.
It would have been nice to have signed a striker and winger as well, but if Marek Saganowski starts to show a bit more commitment and Pardew uses Lee Holmes effectively on the left then these issues will be resolved.
Pardew hasn't brought in a replacement for the injured Greame Murty at right back, but the loan window for League One clubs reopens in a week and Wayne Thomas can be played there until Murty returns.

If it was up to me, here's the strongest team I would put out:

In Goal------------------ Davis -----------------------

Defence --- Thomas -- Jaidi --- Trotman ----- Harding

Midfield -- Mellis -----Hammond --- Lallana ---- Holmes

Up front------------ Lambert------ Saganowski --------

I imagine Pardew would opt for something similar, but based on his team selection so far this season he seems to prefer playing Adam Lallana on the left wing and partnering Dean Hammond with either Lloyd James, Paul Wotton or Morgan Schneiderlin in central midfield. However, I think Lallana is more effective playing through the middle and Holmes will give the team the width that is needed.
Saints are at home to Colchester on Saturday and really need to pick up their first league win of the season soon.