Paul Merson has backed Raph Hasenhüttl’s idea of not allowing January signings to feature in postponed games that will be rearranged after their frustration involving Newcastle, as he told Sky Sports (15/01/22 at 2:15 pm).
The Southampton boss claimed, after their game against Newcastle was postponed, that he ‘doesn’t think it’s fair’ new signings can play in the rearranged fixtures, as he told the Guardian.
By the time Newcastle play Southampton for their rearranged game, there is no doubt that they will be a stronger outfit, with Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood in their ranks.
There could even be more faces added to Eddie Howe’s side if they manage to get more signings through their doors and there is no reason why they shouldn’t.
It’s something which Merson agrees with and thinks ‘that is perfect’ and something you ‘wouldn’t argue with’.
“Wow, what a good idea,” said Merson. “I do. I think that is perfect.
“The game has been called off, when they come back, they have better players now. They have brought in better players.
“It’s never going to happen. But I can understand where he is coming from. I wouldn’t argue with that.”
In truth, it depends what side of the argument you are on, even if Hasenhüttl has a point in what he is saying.
If it was Southampton in the relegation zone and spending money for fun then, simply put, he wouldn’t be making such noises.
And would Howe say the same if he was on the side of the Southampton boss? Perhaps.
Either way, the Premier League wouldn’t agree or implement such an idea because it would cause chaos.
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