I'm wondering if the board are looking at holding onto flannery to have him in the centre and Meli on the wing - unless we manage to get some of our youngsters fit (Wheeler), Foster gains the coaches faith to take up a centre position or young Tommy Makinson might get a chance. There's also Tom Armstrong. Wheeler's obviously shown the most ability, but until we can keep him on the pitch.......
Regards your feeling to Lomax at full back, I think I'm a little more hopeful than you, although in the next two years Foster and Gaskell may also get a shot at that shirt.

I think that may be the case to be honest. I dont agree with it, but I guess the club had to do something to secure their services in the face of competition from other clubs.

For example, Emmitt had to go because he was offered a great contract by Cas and would have been silly to turn it down. Saints coudnt have matched it and guaranteed him a place in the 17 to boot.

If Shenton, Perry and LMS are earning more than Gidley, KC, Faas, Fozzard, Hargreaves, Emmitt and Gardner, Id be worried about the clubs recruitment/contract policy. I know Lomax, Wheeler and Foster have signed (much) improved deals, but 50% of Wellens contract is off quota this year and surely they havent offered big increased to Meli and Flanno?

If Im not mistaken, Im sure Eamon said last year that the club had left space under the cap last season for a late signing if needed......am I missing something with the numbers?

Only up to £50, and that is offset by the loss of the £50 allowance that was part of Cunninghams salary, no nett gain for Saints on the allowance.

I know what you are saying but Lomax is a natural 6, Wheeler is a 6, Foster is a natural centre masquerading as a solid winger who kicks goals so is vital to the team. I dont think Foster is good/experienced enough (YET) to play centre at SL level, proven at Salford earlier this year. Admittedly, he has improved since that game but centre is one of the most difficult positions on the field with respect to defensive positioning.

I would rather see Pryce at 1 and Wheeler/Lomax given a run at 6 if Im honest. Pryce would offer much more of a threat from that position than either of the youngsters.

Jeez a bit of sense . I'm fine with his 12 months as long as he is droppable if he's not performing. There may not have been anyone available willing to come over for his wage, and his professional attitude will hopefully rub off onto the youngsters around him.

Two years for Meli is 12 months too long for me, same for Wellens.

£50 as much as that? £50k I presume you meant.

If thats the case and there is no net gain, lets take him out of the equation. Even then, the numbers dont add up when you consider who has left the squad in recent years, the big earners in particular, replaced with who exactly?

That is a very good point. Pryce has played fullback for us before and has looked dangerous in attack. If he can get to grips with his positional play it may be an option.

I do agree with all that including the Pryce at 1, however I reckon there's a chance he may stand there all game with his bottom lip stuck out. The only bit I think we differ on is that I like what I've seen from Wheeler in the centre, even if it has been few and far between due to injury and I think Lomax could be a good player for us from either 1 or 6, again, injuries depending.

I'm going to merge this one with the Thread thats already open regarding this news...

Wheeler is on 60k a year and it goes up each year.

I'd have to agree were I a Saints fan. But seeing as I'm a Wigan fan I'm chuffed to bit's.

No surprise, I heard that all 3 youngsters (Foster, Lomax and Wheeler) are earning a similar amount, which incidentally is more than Jammer was earning as a regular first teamer and GB international (in his first season).

I was looking forward to hear of new signings.

However this news do not inspire any confidence nevermind
excitement.

Meli - 2 years What the what ? Should have been released.
Would have been adequate at centre for the last two years
but to sign him again. Disaster.

Flannery - Good year this year but not worth a quota spot.
I hope he is cheap.

Wellens - If he is going to play LF on non superstar terms then fair enough but
two years at FB no way.

2 Years MELI I still can't comprehend this.

Ah well another cc semi blowout and GF runners up spot then to look forward
to in 2011.

One has to assume that Meli and Flannery have come cheap and thats why we re-signed. Wellens was a no brainer for the £50k we will save on the cap.

Flannery being cheap is one thing but for me its a valuable quota spot lost. Thats the biggest issue IMO.