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25 Feb 2019 08:24:05
The writing is clearly on the wall
Sunday result disappointing but not totally unexpected. D Day on Weds. which will probably determine our stay in the EPL next season. Ralph can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear! Apart from Goalkeepers he needs a complete blank canvas for recruitment next season (assuming we stay up) At least 3 class def. 3 class mids and 3 class prolific strikers to consolidate ( buy/ promote young policy) followed by a massive fire sale ( maybe Pompey/ Eastleigh would show some interest) ! In the meantime here's hoping for a last Hurrah from the Patchwork Quilt Outfit!
1.) 25 Feb 2019 11:15:34
The Fulham game has now become massive. With Palace, Burnley and Newcastle all picking up points and pulling away from us we are left with trying to get above Cardiff and/ or Brighton who have dropped like a stone over the last few games. I thought that we got off lightly yesterday as it could easily have been 4-0 at the break. Not so sure that the Tenerife trip did much apart from topping up suntans. Stephens still making stupid mistakes. Yoshida has to come back in against Fulham. We shouldn't be thinking this way with almost 1/ 3 of the season left but Hughes was left in charge too long plus we didn't bring in any quality during the transfer window which is now coming back to bite us because of injuries and loss of form, especially up front.
31 Dec 2018 00:55:52
With unexpected on field erratic behavioural tendencies now apparent and an ongoing waiting room full of serial crocks it now appears that all positions are ' up for grabs ' in this transfer window. We have to unload at least 6/ 7 dead wood for starters ( subject to takers ) with consideration to a similar exercise in the summer window ( if we remain in the premier league )
A very large shopping list awaits RH to assist with staying above the bottom 3.We cannot keep relying on players ( who earn fantastic wages ) playing a ' Bit Part ' and are continually on tha treatment table. It 's akin to entering a boxing tournament with half the team with one arm! Soon the top medics will be more sought after than players!
Hope we follow a similar pathway of recruitment to WOLVES who have set a. fine example and have progressed immensely over the short term and spend some serious money on quality players along with any cash from impending fire sales ( subject to buyers ) We must arm RH with the right tools for a fighting chance of survival and progression to follow.
Good Luck- We can still do it!
Kick the old year into touch and onto the New one!
HAPPY Healthy and Successful New Year Everyone
Keep on Marching!
1.) 31 Dec 2018 06:20:28
The problem with dead wood is that who would buy them? Or even take them for free? Gabbi, Lemina and Davis maybe, but how about Hoedt? can't see any one paying even 5m for him. Moi? The same story. Long? Maybe some Championship side will take him. Forster? Same story. So, it really might be the case, that Davis moves to Rangers for free, Gabbi moves to Italy on loan, Forster and Long move to Championship on loan. If PSG really is offering 30m for Lemina, I'd sell him. As for Hoedt and Moi can't see any one taking them even on loan.
But Ralph needs to reshape the squad a lot in January, if want to stay up!
Happy New Year to all!
2.) 31 Dec 2018 09:31:37
Pretty much agree with everything you said, but I still think the formation doesn’t work with one person running their socks off up front with no meaningful support. We have got to act quickly.
3.) 31 Dec 2018 11:10:01
Forster to Villa as they are the look out.
Gabbs to Newcastle and take Jonjo with some cash there way.
Sell Lemina to PSG to make funds available for Jonjo (but i like Lemina)
Davis is off to Rangers
Take a loss on Hoedt.
Long to Celtic
Get in Cahill, that's if Arsenal don't pip us to the post.
Bid for Roofe from Leeds.
Vermaelen and PEPE for very short term contracts!
Possibly get Clyne on loan.
And then give the gaffer and crap load of money at the end of the season to rebuild.
4.) 31 Dec 2018 16:08:36
I would love some buyers tocome in for the players not performing or not needed and for RH to be given a war chest, but sadly it isn’t going to happen. RH will no doubt do some business both ways in the summer but as for jan I think we will see a few departures, maybe one will come in but that’s It in my view.
RK has already said that he doesn’t expect any incomings in Jan, but I accept we have changed the manager since. Saints were attracted to RH’s view that he can work with what he has, with the philosophy of making less mistakes than the opponent.
Collectively as fans we say that the Board do not keep us updated, but actually RK has informed the fans not to expect many dealings in jan. I could be wrong and I hope I am, but please don’t expect big business.
5.) 31 Dec 2018 20:10:24
Anyone else rate Kristopher Ager struggling to make Celtic first team. 20 year old but looks strong in the air and good feet.
04 Nov 2018 23:16:31
I am pleased after poking a stick at a hornets nest that so many have now become united with their recognition of the 'deep rooted' problems that exist within and hopefully will be sorted soon!
Onwards and Upwards!
1.) 05 Nov 2018 14:30:16
Please stop just ignoring all debate and all points made by others. Even more so, please stop writing posts purely to give yourself a pat on the back.
2.) 05 Nov 2018 18:33:39
To be fair St. John, you appeared to promote a response to your post from 123, however little in response to the other points made by him/ her and others. It’s good people disagree, which keeps sites like this going (obvs with much and fine work from Ed’s) . It is widely accepted we are in a hole, I personally think offering Hughes a 3 year contract was a mistake and said at the time, but on the other hand I don’t think we are in free fall or in need of protests. yet.
I think this is a fair point as going over old ground is almost as bad as when there weren’t any posts.
As you can probably tell I believe mistakes have been made, I do think it is reasonable for the board to update the fans, however the truth is they do once per season via an interview. However I also believe in supporting the team - as frustrating as it can be.
3.) 05 Nov 2018 19:50:19
Debate is great and I love hearing about people's differing opinions - genuinely I do. I just find it infuriating to see a debate conducted like this one was. I wrote a post arguing against something, only to see a post the next day just saying the matter was closed with the poster clearly right! That's not how a discussion/ debate/ argument, whatever you want to call it, works. Not helpful, and not productive.
Anyway, I've said my bit. Listen if you like or think I'm a @*#$@ if you prefer. Here's to arguing about who to credit for our turnaround in 6 months time, St John!
02 Nov 2018 00:13:33
EC Saint you seem to have missed the point by defending the current Board. Actually it was Nicola Cortese who was exec Chairman and CEO of SFC Board who brought in both Adkins followed by Pochettino. In fact Pochettino decided to quit the club when Cortese resigned in 2014.The SFC charge of being 'well run'is not disputed Surely those ( highly remunerated) individual/ s who are responsible for employing 3 dud managers 3 years runnning along with the purchase of sub-standard players combining towards the loss of millions of pounds should at least be held accountable. THAT'S My POINT.
Tee jay saint your post is on the money, AND Milky saint. YES
Keep on Marching!
1.) 03 Nov 2018 16:46:43
I stand corrected about Cortese and his role up to 2014, although our current board's governance in hiring Koeman, clearing the huge debt that Cortese created and enactment of club philosophy, at least for me, warrant complete trust in their plans. I do not see many clubs in World football who have managed to do what this board has, without enormous investment and so this "accountability" you speak of is either their jobs or their pride. After the last, quite vitriolic conference where Kreuger was on the brink of tears, there's only one option left if we are to turn on them, again.
I would attribute some of our scouting troubles to the changing market, finding another Mané, VVD or Shaw is increasingly difficult when transfer fees are so inflated and clubs are tapping up youth players at younger and younger ages - look at Monaco and Real Madrid. I think it's admirable that we are trying to maintain an English core, have just hired a new youth scout and are competing with bigger clubs for players like Robise and Jankewitz. Mark Hughes is not my first choice for a manager but the dissent is not called for.
31 Oct 2018 00:54:43
It is alarming to note the displeasure and discontent surrounding Southampton FC at present concerning Board members and team Management (who are responsible for the current Club's demise. The Chairman must address the Southampton supporters and explain the Club's intentions and future direction before the current situation becomes more toxic.
MH / LR / RW positions to be reviewed with the high probability of replacement. If this problem is not resolved quick smart I fear a more militant action will be taken by local supporters resulting in the boycotting of future home games.
Perhaps the club should consider an approach for Wagner (Huddersfield) / Jokanovic (Fulham) Benitez (Newcastle) / Rodgers (Celtic) to start the ball rolling. All of these coaches (excepting Rodgers) are in a similar position to our own battling the prospect of relegation but all have much inferior squads to ours but have the advantage of managers capable of producing some exciting attacking football
which SFC were renowned for in the past.
No 'll will toward MH (who has reached his capabilities) and should now consider being put out to graze in the Championship/ League1 with all the ex premiership and "nearly made it" managers - over to you Ralph!
St John.
1.) 31 Oct 2018 05:17:11
Benitez is hardly known for free flowing football. I like the irony of every manager you suggest we look at technically doing a worse job than Hughes is this season (except Brendan)!
I do agree though, although not sure we could convince any of them to abandon ship midseason. I think Wagner could be a great option if Huddersfield go down and we manage to survive.
Maybe Pep's bored of winning. We know he likes Redmond!
2.) 31 Oct 2018 11:11:52
haha pep.
i personally think fulham have a better squad than us, but jokavonic doesn't seem to be able to get mawson, chambers etc, to defend properly. agree with wagner, and about benitez, do we want see good football, but lose, or benitez style, but get results?
3.) 31 Oct 2018 19:12:09
Think the problem with Fulham is they've thrown a defence together very quickly with lots of new players. Firmly believe they'll get better.
Saintlad, we had benitez style with results. It was called Claude Puel, and we forced him out because that wasn't enough for us.
St John's banter posts with other poster's replies to St John's banter posts
22 Dec 2018 11:04:41
Salutations and 3 Xmas Cheers for our new coach/ manager RH. Early days but the stars are aligning- potentially the best manager at SFC bar none. Buckle-Up - no hiding place for ' CRUISERS from here on in. Bertie/ Cedric and Gabbi's dip in form and visible disinterest might prove costly for them. There will be no future assurances of team selection places and impressive training match day performance/ energy& attitude will be requirements
Can't wait to see a young side at SFC full of pace skill and effort which could project us well up the table by seasons end.
Lookout 2019/ 20 when we could become a recognised threat!
Keep On Marching!
A MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY and SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR to ALL OF YOU
POSTERS / FANS / PLAYERS& STAFF at SFC.
1.) 22 Dec 2018 17:16:13
What a transformation! 2 games 6 goals scored players who were underperforming are now realising their potential well done to RH west ham just lost their unbeaten run let's keep this run going and we can put clear daylight between us and the bottom 3 . Merry Xmas Saints fans and let's turn St Mary's into a fortress again! Long live King Ralph!
2.) 23 Dec 2018 09:58:15
I have noticed three important things, Effort, personell, formation. This is the way forward.
02 Dec 2018 23:48:07
Alarm Bells are ringing! (don't know if this is true) but recently read a post saying that when Garry Monk was captaining Swansea City FC his auto-biography (Chapter7 ) suggests that Paulo Sousa ( who was their coach/ manager at that time) was next to useless in every. respect and seconded by ex Saints player Oakley who was with Laicester City FC when Sousa was appointed manager there.
PLEASE make absolutely sure we are not caught out once again!
Hasenhutti / Sanchez Flores / Jardim still look good!
Keep On Marching!
1.) 03 Dec 2018 03:19:39
Don't know what's up with his record in England but did pretty well with Basel, Tel Aviv and Videoton, also his first season at Fiorentina. Agree with your other suggestions there.
2.) 03 Dec 2018 17:48:43
Garry Monk please.
3.) 03 Dec 2018 20:55:43
I’d be happy to have Monk or Flores as manager, at any point in the future (or now if Hazelnut has a change of mind) but definitely wouldn’t want Paulo Sousa anywhere near the hot seat. Not a fan of his.
13 Nov 2018 11:06:09
Definitely support The Transfer Tavern's article that Roberto Martinez would easily be the best coach/ manager to take Southampton FC forward for the long term project.
Keep On Marching!
1.) 13 Nov 2018 18:51:22
Not a fan of the TT myself but do agree he would be a definite step up from what we have. Yes inevitably Wigan went down, but that was whilst winning the cup and keeping them up for several seasons on a low budget.
Do I believe we have any chance whatsoever? No. Belgium national manager and linked to more financially beneficial jobs elsewhere.
However, I think some of the names mentioned on here are both a step up and realistic, so there is hope. I would never wish for saints to lose but if we do against Fulham then in some respects it could turn out to be a good longer term result.
13 Nov 2018 06:50:33
Unbelievable! The statement from Ralph that the Board are. 'Happy' with MH and results at the present time. He could have conveyed an appropriate message to the fans without empathising the Boards' ' Happiness at the current situation.
However in the circumstances it is fair to give MH one last shot against Fulham FC.
( or is there an ulterior motive? ( with the. crafty Board waiting to see if either manager from league positions 19 and 20 are given ' the chop ) 'before approaching them and thus avoiding paying any compensation to either club!
Keep On Marching.
1.) 13 Nov 2018 18:54:19
If agree, I too found RK’s support of Hughes odd, given the articles of late pointing to the terrible points to game ratio and he said judge him after 38 games. last season he only had 30 I’ll admit, but he still only accrued 28 points combined.
2.) 13 Nov 2018 19:54:48
I fail to see how they can back MH. The man doesn't seem to know his best 11, picks out of form players, makes strange substitutions and doesn't seem to be able to motivate the players. He has his bad luck speech ready for after match interviews and it's pretty much the same speech every week. I believe he's out of his depth and has lost the dressing room. Piece of advice Mark - If you keep doing the same things expect the same result.
3.) 13 Nov 2018 21:50:55
They have to publically say that to be honest but that still won’t stop us looking for replacements
It’s only a matter of time before he goes I’d like it to be early December then at least who ever we bring in have a month to assess the team and then strengthen in Jan
We can only wish.
4.) 14 Nov 2018 00:15:29
I recall RK saying he doesn’t have any plans to buy in Jan.
07 Nov 2018 02:17:35
To Hugh Gage on transfer tavern site ( can't seem to get my reply to go through ) . I support your comments 100%.
19 Feb 2020 04:55:59
I trust we will sign a competent centre back with all the required skills in the Summer rather than a seven foot tall player who has much less ability. KOM.
19 Feb 2020 04:21:57
I. don’t recall Ralph’s comments referring to Vestergaard’s height as the main reason for selecting him in preference to Bednarek against Burnley. KOM.
16 Feb 2020 07:26:31
I believe that footballManagers’use as many smoke screens as politicians do these days. Does Ralph believe that we’ve all just got off a green bus? myself and 30000 plus Saints fans know that Vestergaard doesn’t have superior skills to Bednarek playing out of defence (even if he had the ball glued to his boots, ) My belief is that Ralph dropped Bednarek for criticising Saints attack for not being ruthless enough (especially when he himself is partly responsible for the shocking goals against record) . If this were true whilst a reprimand is justified risking 3 pts is not worth it when we don’t have adequate cover. KOM.
17 Dec 2019 22:26:56
Listen Up Ralph! Saints supporters suggested team/ s to face Villa are on the money. Have You GOT THE BALLS this time? Good Luck now and 2020! Keep On Marching.
01 Oct 2019 03:03:36
It’s confusing with respect to Cedric’s last minute. withdrawal at Tottenham with no explanation offered when so much tactical planning would have been invested prior. Very Peculiar, . We know Ralph is well respected coach but his ‘man- management style would only be known to those closer to him. Perhaps certain players have attitudes not tolerated by him. He obviously requires the 100% support of Squad Players to maintain discipline. It is noticeable however that the dramatic rise of Leicester (under Brendan Rodgers ) & Schalke inGermany (under David Wagner) less time RH has been sorting SFC out!
31 Oct 2023 05:39:45
Following a smart recent addition-maybe just maybe a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel with the introduction of Coach Colin Calderwood perhaps he can persuade/influence Russell Martin’s hard wired decisions to become tempered into a more attacking system and with the potential return of Ross Stewart and Juan Larios plus 2/3 astute signings in January a serious push for promotion suddenly becomes a reality! .Keep On Marching!
08 Oct 2023 02:48:05
Another disappointing. result-bordering on unacceptable.RM continues playing with 10 men when he’s carrying Manning through repeated poor performances when a sensible solution adjustment regarding KWP and James Bree has been suggested to rectify this blatant weakness in the short term.As each fixture comes and goes it. becomes clearer that RM doesn’t possess the ability to coach his team to create and score more goals within this league.It appears Saints fans are becoming restless and more fixated on a quality replacement who can immediately recognise the shortcomings and fix them rather than opposition teams around us jockeying for promotion places.Time is fast running out Russell Martin to achieve!
24 Sep 2023 03:21:48
Saints v Boro’. PASS
17 Sep 2023 05:17:02
After reading several comments.I must sayI tended to agree with Murph st raven with respect to Martins inherited position.However fast forward two heavy losses and it appears no progress has been made on both team selection and remedying major fault lines.Ibelieve we need a new Head Coach and complete new coaching team capable of recognising problem solving with a few tweaks which would bring out the best in our players.It is very critical that any prospective candidate has a very strong coaching. team around them.Following 2408 suggested replacement selection I too offer my preferences.The first two candidates I originally posted as suggestions prior to Martins appointment.1/Jon Dahl Tomasson Blackburn Rovers) (Danish International)2/Steven Schumacher (Plym.Argyle)3/Ryan Lowe (Preston N.E)4/Kieran McKenna (Ipswich Town) .An in depth search of all variables would be a pre requisite with a listed candidates appear to have tight rock solid teams around them to meet the criteria -but time waits for no man! Finally a change tack-what a joy to watch Brighton&HA’s brilliant Coach Roberto. De Zerbe masterclass implementing his No fear tactics playing out from the back and attacking on the wings and through the centre at lightening speed and so destroying Man.Utd.in the process! So SFC Fans we have to believe that if we act with positive conviction right now we too may be able to land a young Manager with a similar potential to Roberto De Zerbe!
10 Sep 2023 09:24:22
Well another eventful market has come and gone and has to be said we fared fairly well.Following that a disastrous shellacking at Sunderland when the ‘wily old fox’Tony Mowbray quickly fully exploited Russell Martins susceptible game plan and team selection.There will obviously be a queue attempting to do the same but at least Martin has two full weeks to really correct the weaknesses and earn his corn by selecting our best x1 capable of ringing all the bells.Both teams as posted by Saint That A Kickin the Head! and Saint GGsy we’re very appealing and either is better than we have previously fielded.I hope the pairing of Shea Charles and T Harwood-Bellis proves successful as I personally don’t rate Bednarek that highly.With the future addition of Ross Stewart thugs could really heat up.One question why did the anticipated signining of Nathan Wood suddenly disappear off the radar.? Perhaps SFC have pushed any deal out until January in order to benefit their negotiating position? One thing’s for sure this is not only going to be a three horse race and 6/7 young teams and their Coaches are all capable to aspiring to the EPL so Russell Martin with the squad he now has needs to be right on his game from herein in regards his future team selections and game plans. KOM!