Chris Makin

[Alan Titchmarsh]

Chris Makin has left Reading FC to join Southampton on a free transfer.

Defensive cover therefore reduced further, more so in Chris's case as he was a handy utility player to have at the back.

So nett increase in playing staff this season is now -1! Makin, Young, Mullins all left, Seol and Sodje in.... our magnificent preparations continue!

Yes I do accept that this has left us slightly stronger overall but we are crying out for a quality defender still.

[Stranded]

Really, what's your source?

Strange if true given he's just signed an extension. Unless somebody else is coming in this week.

[Alan Titchmarsh]

Really, what's your source?

Strange if true given he's just signed an extension. Unless somebody else is coming in this week.

BBC Berkshire at 7.05, and on all following sports desks

[Stranded]

Fair enough. Haven't got the radio on.

Strange move to me, makes our defensive options weaker. We MUST have 1 if not 2 coming in this week then.

[Reading Abbey]

I really am hoping we bring in at least two players before the deadline. Makin was indeed good cover, so this is a slight blow.
Three players out and two in, hardly ideal. It doesn't always mean much, but we've actually spent less on players this summer than we did last summer, and we came into £20,000,000 or so when we went up.

[SouthDownsRoyal]

Er....odd one, if true then I wouldn't mind as I don't think Makin would do agreat job for us in the Prem but as we have such a small squad, especially in defence this would be an odd thing to do unless we are getting 1/2 more defenders in!

Following the news that Claus will be out for up to two months with ankle ligament damage, George Burley has admitted he's stepping up his search for a new central defender, as well as a left back as cover for Gareth Bale.

With Darren Powell around a month away from being fit and doubts remaining whether Michael Svensson will be able to play through the pain that his old injury gives him, it makes sense for Saints to be looking for an experienced centre back who can slot right into the team. Andy Webster would fit that bill and Burley knows him from Hearts, but Webster is embroiled in a complicated contract dispute with Romanov at Tynecastle, which FIFA are getting involved with. Also, Wigan are said to be favourites to sign him if that dispute is sorted out before the end of August.

As for left back cover, not many names spring to mind apart from Matt Richards the Ipswich left back. Although it's doubtful he would move just to be cover for Bale. Burley may now be regretting allowing Jim Brennan to leave the club, as he did a good job down the left at the end of last season.

Could be true.....

[RFCSinceBury1971]

Why the panic? Makin is not a regular in the first team. Its no big deal.

[Tilehurst Mike]

Why the panic? Makin is not a regular in the first team. Its no big deal.

Defensive cover which we are sadly lacking at the moment.
Really the lack of significant signings to date and the latest contract wrangle regarding Little is beginning to p me off even though I can't wait for Saturday to come round.

[Gordons Cumming]

Why the panic? Makin is not a regular in the first team. Its no big deal.

Ever heard of cover, squad depth?

I'm disappointed at this. Makin was a good, solid defender with plenty of experience.

There must be some other signings imminent..................there must be.

[Pardsme]

It in the Evening Post confirming he gone to Southampton on a free signing a 2 year contract. As Coppell was a man of his word saying he could go if someone offer more than we did which was a 1 year contract. Goes on to say want to get in another 2 players..hopeful of getting Bikey on loan and one more player. Make our defensive options bit thin on the ground

[Gordons Cumming]

Let's hope so.

[RFCSinceBury1971]

So why panic? I would be more concerned if we started selling players that are regulars. Im sure the cover will come at some stage. We just have to wait till its our turn in the transfer market.

[79Royal]

We're doomed!

[willz_royal]

Royals allow Makin to join Saints permanently
9am, Wednesday 16th August 2006

The Royals have allowed defender Chris Makin to join Southampton on a permanent basis.

The paperwork has not yet been completed, but the 33-year-old is expected to sign a two-year deal at the St Mary's Stadium very soon.

Makin signed a one-year contract extension at Madejski Stadium this summer, but boss Steve Coppell has agreed to give Chris the opportunity for more regular first team football with George Burley's Championship side.

More to follow soon.

[Gordons Cumming]

Royals allow Makin to join Saints permanently


More to follow soon.

NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wycombe Royal]

Royals allow Makin to join Saints permanently


More to follow soon.

NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As long as a replacement is signed then I see no probllem with this. He wouldn't have played much and is below the quality that we need.

However some quality is still better than none.

[wehateoxford]

surely this means we're getting AT LEAST bikey, or does it mean Halls is actually going to be given a shout?

we need another defender, quick

[Bowman's Quiver]

This came out of nowhere as, I expect, will be the couple of signings we make in the next week or two.

[Schards#2]

I seem to remember at the end of last season Coppell saying we would need 5-6 more players.

3 days before the start of the season, we have one more than last year.

What's changed or has Coppell beeen denied access to the £35,000,000 currently in our coffers?

I'm happy with our starting 11 but any injury problems and we're buggered.

[Platypuss]

Not to mention that our depth of Premiership experience is now even more meagre.