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01 Sep 2026 17:48:48
I think it's fair to look/ask for a win tonight if we're believing we have the same manager/same form from last season.
We've got points on the board now and whilst I'm not saying we need to go on a winning streak, the old loss/draw here/there will happen, we should be looking to win games home and away, back to to back, to show we have that consistency that we had last season. A win tonight and a win at the wknd, with the new boys looking good on the ball will help me come round more to Tonda.
Here's hoping ?
1.) 27 Sep 2026 04:17:19
Whilst it appear the majority of fans hope that Tonda remains, an alternative(should it be necessary- and if terms are acceptable to them)apparently the two most consistent head coaches( of those being reportedly of interest to Southampton FC ) are Thomas Frank and Carlos Corberan.
25 May 2026 14:41:02
Any suggestions about moving forward, other than sack everyone?
My main thought is that if Tonda isn't kept on that we go aggressively after Danny Rohl.
That got me thinking though. He too is a young German manager, coincidentally he was also at RB Leipzig around the same time that Tonda was. Without going too far down the rabbit hole, does anyone think the spying could be systemic through the majority of young German managers that work abroad? I.e. that it's not frowned upon where they come from which leads them to employ an untapped resource/advantage that other national coaches aren't doing? I'd hope the EFL/FA aren't stupid enough to just go hardcore on us and then forget the whole thing. Hopefully they use this and spend the time going forward looking for similar scenarios.
With that being said though, my plan for going forward would be -
Scenario A) Tonda is kept on. Him and the board have a massive indepth talk about how he will face the questions and scrutiny from press/fans and wether he can handle it. It's plausible that all the spying he did, deep down he didn't need to and perhaps there is one hell of a redemption story waiting to be told. If he truly thinks he can achieve what he has here WITHOUT the spying, then let him stay on. My only concern is that he did seem to rely heavily on the spying (multiple occurrences/forcing people to do it ect)
Or
Scenario B) The board is replaced, Tonda goes and we go get Danny Rohl/The board stays on, Tonda goes and we go get Danny Rohl.
I prefer scenario B as it's the cleanest cut away from what's happened, but the likelihood of it happening is low and why it's my second choice.
I know the obvious solution is just to sack everyone involved but we have to seriously acknowledge the track history of staff signings under them. Unless the board are going to go (unlikely) we have to roll up our sleeves and work with what solutions we have.
I don't buy into this whole "never supporting my team again" ect as it's largely individuals that carry out actions. Individuals come and go but the club remains. On top of that as I always say, fans piss and moan when times are bad (rightly so this time) and sing when they're winning. Hopefully when the dust settles, we get back to some form we were on last season, I think fans will find it hard to be mad/not support a club who's winning.
Scienza was always going to go regardless. Priority for next season is having a decent keeper, Petetz/Ramsdale. I'm quietly optimistic about Petetz coming back as one thing he definitely wants is to be a regular no1 and he knows how much he's liked relied upon here. Secondly keeping hold of Ross Stewart, his injury history is the one golden thread that might keep other clubs at bay and have him resign with us.
The backbone of the club is a decent keeper and strong/physical/clinical striker. If we can keep that, wholesomely address this spying nonsense then we can push for a 6th place finish next season and hopefully doing the playoffs again, the right way.
1.) 25 May 2026 16:20:29
B isn't an option as Rohl is manager of Rangers.
2.) 25 May 2026 19:21:31
Hence my phrasing "aggressively" go after him.
3.) 26 May 2026 17:35:01
TBF, I'd stick with Tonda, keep everyone we can and go and watch every other team we play up to the 72 hr cut off point(apparently spying isn't even illegal in the Prem). Make it absolutely blatantly obvious, it'll force them to put fences up like they should have and will ensure they only get 3 sessions at most to work on tactics against us. Let them whine, everyone in professional sports cheats if they can, when money is involved it's business. By doing all of this it'll kill off the other teams supporters, they won't get the advantage they thought they would. As for Pompey, I'm sure they'd have preferred the cheating charge to the nonce from Chelsea they had on their coaching staff(correct me if I'm wrong on that).
Anyway, yeah I'd love to see Ross and Cyle on board and obviously Peretz. Not bothered about Charles, but the other 3 central midfielders show up every game. 100% keep Bree. Would try to get Targett back at the right price and deal. Try to turn Archer into a left sided winger type. Harwood Bellis will probably go or might be angry and have a point to prove.
As for the cheating, I see worse on the pitch every week and it definitely has more influence on the outcome of games than watching another team train.
Onward and sod the whiners.
4.) 29 May 2026 23:39:48
Ah ok . Option 3 could be going aggressively going after pep.
Rohl is manager of Rangers, therefore not an option for us unless that changes first.
5.) 30 May 2026 14:11:48
No Saintsggg because rangers aren't Man City and Rohl isn't Pep.
Rangers literally hired the man who helped relegate us and who you all said was completely useless, in case you need any context of their football standing.
I'm not saying it wouldn't be a challenge but Rohl has history with us/ he knows the club/area and the quality of Scottish football isn't any different to the championship.
Rohl is on the way to being a top manager, it won't be long before the big time comes for him. We have a small window and vague chance of getting him before then, if we go all out.
IF the Tonda thing doesn't resolve itself.
6.) 31 May 2026 00:23:14
We don't have any chance of taking Rohl whilst he is in situ at Rangers.
If we are going to quote the last, I think the last time a manager left a rangers for England it was for Premier League Aston Villa
7.) 31 May 2026 12:23:19
There should be no other choice than Tonda
The players love him
The fans love him
The fans love the way he had us playing
There is one among us that believes the cheating had considerable impact on our season
the rest of us do not think like that
If the manager watched every single team team 73 hours before we played them
We would all say well done
Just think about it
The only league in the world with this rule
So it is an accepted part of football throughout the world except for. the EFL
I will say it again
I think the players will rally together to prove to the football world how good we are
8.) 31 May 2026 14:18:35
You truly have blinders on Southants.
I've given valid points and so has this spying stuff to suggest that the way Tonda had us playing last season is not down to his tactical genius.
Now keep up though because what I HAVEN'T said is that Tonda isn't the man.
There has been some mentioning/anger here and other places towards the radio silence from the club regarding Tonda.
I for one am delighted at the silence as for once it might actually seem their taking their time to assess wether Tonda can take us forward, particularly without the aforementioned methods.
You have blinders on because you think if Tonda stays then we just pick up where we left off, we don't.
He first has to get past the hurdle I was referring to all last season, of rebuilding a team with as good quality, if not better, to the one we had this season. Payers are leaving, that's for sure.
Secondly me, nor you nor anyone, except those involved know the extent to which Tonda was reliant on cheating to achieve what he did. This is something that will hopefully come to light during this radio silence from the board and further on, if he stays.
I'm hoping Tonda is the man but you have take the blinders off and face reality.
9.) 31 May 2026 19:32:52
I am fully aware that you think Tonda should stay,
But just like your obsession before with Martin and then still, you are obsessed that de spying is the reason we did so well
You have given no valid reasons to support that
To suggest his spying is the key to his success is without any proof
The fact that you are able to watch opponent play anywhere in the world says it's an acceptable part of football, that is a fact
The fact that you can watch your opponent 73 hours before a game, but not 72 hours before a game make it a crazy
The fact that top European clubs are interested in him plus a background with the German national side and Bayern Munich speaks volumes
Well without sounding rude, you are obsessed with the fact this spying proves Tonda is not as good as we all think he is
He is a remarkable young manager, albeit naive
He has got players playing way better than previous managers
He does something the other managers for years have failed to do, just tactics based on adjustments in opponents tactics
You need to clear your mind of this matter
He has to stay and him and the players will be determined to wrong the scandalous decision
10.) 01 Jun 2026 13:45:33
You've still got you're blinders on pal.
All those things you mention can be attributed to spying.
Sure an hours difference, 73 and you're not in trouble.so why didn't Tonda do that ?
He had constant pushback from the people who he was asking to do the spying, to the point he had to bully them into it. That on its own suggests he wanted an advantage. Bullying young interns into damaging their future careers isn't what makes a manager remarkable.
Cheating is only not cheating when the opponents have the same data/advantage you do. We saw this in the Middlesbourgh game. As soon as they found out what we were up to our advantage was blown and they very nearly wiped the floor with us.
It's not 'big clubs' either that want him, I've read the articles as well, it's just mid/low range clubs in Germany where such tactics are less punished. Though I doubt where the advantage would be in employing it in a league where everyone is doing it and that's my point.
We caught other teams off guard, with their pants down. Wether it should be allowed/whether it's ethical is besides the point. The teams we were competing with WEREN'T doing it and it was that factor that gave us the edge in what likely will he found to be the majority of matches under Tonda.
I'm happy for him to stay on, most importantly to watch them blinders slip from your face, because although I want him to be the man, all the points I've made suggest he isn't.
11.) 02 Jun 2026 17:24:52
@southantsrich .I totally agree.
@leslee .Sounds like you will struggle supporting the team next season.
12.) 04 Jun 2026 15:23:02
I smell fish
23 May 2026 16:02:00
The EFL have released the whole of the disciplinary commission's hearing. There's a link within this link (bottom of post) you can click on to view it all. I read it all and here's the bullet points if you can't be bothered reading it -
We initially lied/misled the EFL by telling them no video footage was recorded, shared or analysed, than later admitted that wasn't true (Perhaps the Board really didn't know or they were trying to cover up/get out if it? )
They found that the intern (Who must have been William Salt) was the person involved in spying at Oxford United and Middlesbourgh, importantly however, he declined to be involved in the Ipswhich spying. Highlighting the pressure and potential bullying he was under - to refuse to go to Ipswhich, then later turn up and do it at Middlesbourgh. Of the 3 charges/sanctions we were given, No. 3 is a reprimand for this direct behavior - the treating of those in a vulnerable position in such a way.
Tonda was instrumental in the whole thing, forcing people to do things. Asking specifically what he wanted and being unimpressed at some of the footage/information he received. The commission said we had a "contrived and determined plan from the top down to gain a competitive advantage"
They (the disciplinary commission) DID agree that no sporting advantage came from the incidents of spying they aware of. However they later go on to say that there is no correlation between those losses and the spying, that the reason and intentions for spying WAS to gain an advantage, regardless of outcome. That evidence such as asking for specific players injury status and team selection feeds directly into forming the strategy for any upcoming match.
A financial penalty would be meaningless in regards to that instead of expulsion from the playoffs as any promotion to the premiere league, financially, would offset that. Furthermore if that precedent was set it would incline other teams to cheat in a similar way as it meant the risk of a financial penalty would be paid for by the thing the team is trying to achieve.
Disciplinary commission said one major factor in deciding the severity of sanction was our complete disregard for regulation 127 (72 hour no observation window) and 'unimpressed' at our defence in saying we were unaware, that we were an EFL team and regulated and bound by it's rules. (There are reports around saying obviously Will Still would have received these laws when he came to the club, but apparently when Tonda took over her didn't. Whilst that may be true, 100% as time went on regarding what he was doing he would have been made aware)
Commission Statement
03 Feb 2026 13:44:14
I'm not too worried about the loss of AA.
Yes he's immense in the championship but completely the opposite in the premier league and ultimately that's where we want to be.
Obviously keeping him to help get promoted would have been key but theirs an argument for getting the best value for him when he's showing the beat form he's capable of. With that in mind however I think we could have got double what we did for him, because in the right team/style your guaranteed championship goals from him .just not premier league ones. I hope wolves weren't hoping he'd save thier season.
Stewart is an instant fix, replacement and upgrade if you ask me .only if he stays fit though obviously.
Watched some videos on Larin and one thing he does seem to have is phsyciality about him. Something we haven't had in a while.
I was hoping Archer would be sent packing because unlike AA he can't even perform at this level, so hopefully Tonda won't be looking to rely on him.
Overall it's still looking like mid table.
I should start selling crystal balls.
1.) 03 Feb 2026 18:37:46
I don’t think we want to go back up this year. Even less experienced manager, scars of being battered every week, and knowing we’d have to spend a lot to have a chance at staying up. Recent yo-yo teams like West Brom, Norwich, Sheff Utd are all struggling, maybe a year out will do us good. Though it is absolutely no guarantee we go up next year.
We’ve got rid of some high earners, got some money in, and made a few low risk loan signings. In an ideal world we finish in the top 10 and look competitive.
I know it’s varied wildly in the last few weeks between going down, going up, play-offs and obscurity, but recent form of other teams and our lack of movement makes obscurity the likely result. 12 points ensures safety, and we have a kind run over the next month which I think ensures that.
We then hopefully have a strong base for summer. Get rid of McCarthy, THB, Stephens, Downes, Edozie, Downs, Archer, Bazunu, Brereton (total £60m? ) then it’s just a total reliance on the ability of the board to get good players in. Of which there is a slim chance.
21 Jan 2026 14:54:56
Adam Armstrong apparently considering moving on/wanting out this transfer window.
As a player this doesn't concern me and he's currently in the right league where we are able to get maximum value for him.
It's just selling him doesn't feel me with confidence like it should .by that I mean what do we even do with the money/player we bring in if the board/manager situation stays the same.
Ideally I'd want the money to go towards a new manager or board but I don't think things work that way.
lesleee's banter posts with other poster's replies to lesleee's banter posts
17 Oct 2026 14:51:27
I'm writing this before the match as I like to live/die by the sword.
I want to categorically state that this is NOT me being negative towards Tonda, I know people don't agree with and some just are too stubborn to agree with me lol
But surely alot of you can see a distinct difference between the team we were under Tonda last season and the team we are under Tonda this season?
I'm not saying we're s*** by any means but for me it's 100% clear that lightning form/way of playing where we were blowing teams out of the water was down to spying, spying on way more teams then was let on.
Fast forward to today'l and we don't have have that. What we do have is an expensive team/high quality championship team/players and experience from last year. I think largely that's what getting us through this season.
Does any of that matter and what's my point? No, none of it really matters. Only that everyone was liken Tonda to being a god, when actually he's alot more average then people have him credit for. He's young and he has time to improve, but I think people need to accept that last season was a fake unfair/advantage that we had and now we're seeing how we perform within the same non-cheating constraints that everyone else has i.e. not be able to spy/learn beforehand.
On a different matter JWP. There were concerns/disgruntlement with bringing him back as he doesn't offer much asides from his deadball. With that I would have to agree. It blows my mind why he's on the pitch and not taking every deadball situation, sure Manning's ok at it too, but if JWP is not he pitch just leave it all to him and let him get back into the swing of it, manning cam offer other qualities on the pitch whereas if JWP isn't on deadball, what's the point ting this
1.) 17 Oct 2026 17:13:52
I for one have, have never likened Tonda to a managerial God. I'm not convinced by his tampering or tactics. And the tippy tappy football drives me mad - we should have ripped up that playbook when we got rid of Martin.
Today, case in point - a miserable draw which has taken the sparkle off the week we've just had.
That's said, none of the performances were great and certainly not convincing.
However, it was like the script was written for Bazuna - one of the few clean sheets he ever kept at St Mary's.
Back to Tonda, does he know his best starting eleven - I certainly don't and nor do any of the Saints fans I keep complaint with.
Next Saturday, we will have to perform otherwise we will be trampled over by a very confident West Ham side.
2.) 18 Oct 2026 08:27:21
Lesleee I think you are overstating it.
Without the 4 point deduction and terrible penalty denial we would be on 23 points and top of the league right now.
That's with us missing Jander, THB, Charles, Robinson and Stewart in the line up from last season, plus the uncertainty of spygate punishment hanging over us.
I am sure the spying gave us an unfair edge but we also do not have the same quality off the bench to turn 1 point into 3 anymore. Plus, more quality teams in the division.
The next 3 games will pit us against promotion rivals and will be a big test of our level.
3.) 18 Oct 2026 09:25:42
I agree SaintThatAKick.
The referee missed two big calls - the pen and the sending off incident.
On another day, that would have been 3 points.
Talking of recent former players, I would add KWP to that list - with him at RB we would have far more threat down the right flank and whilst Bree wrote himself into Saints folklore with the winner against that lot down the road, his miss yesterday was one of the worst I've ever seen.
I also don't rate Bragg - he reminds me of Smallbone - lots of huff and puff but no real end product or purpose. That's where Matty Fernandez would have made such a difference too!
On a slightly different subject, it's interesting that those who wanted away haven't necessarily prospered (other than their bank accounts). Tyler Dibling is a bench warmer at Everton who rarely gets game time and to be honest, is unlikely to get the nod over Grealish.
4.) 18 Oct 2026 22:17:54
Agree on all points Millertime.
Think we are in for a fun promotion chase.
Hope for autos but Saints vs Boro playoff final would be electric.
5.) 21 Oct 2026 06:05:23
With regard to Tonda's performance this season-I would say he's done a pretty good. Job so far (considering his personal circumstances).I would also say that there are at least half a dozen Managers' in the Championship-who if given the Saints Squad would have achieved similar points achieved to date if not better. I would include Bolton's Steven Schumacher on evidence of. his away Team set-up(including not many noteable Players)to leave St. Mary's with a point.
Reading that we are currently scouring the Markets for a proven no.9 to accompany the "Bagsman”if not eclipse him ( if promotion is a realistic target).Personally,we could also be searching for another lively goal scoring forward,at. midfielder,def. midfielder, and a strong young accomplished C. Back to partner Schlotterbeck. More good news. Princewill Ehibhatiomhan———-looks promising if Tonda is brave enough to afford him the right opportunities,!
22 Sep 2026 14:05:26
I was going to post before the Wrexham game but I didn't want to seem 'negative'
I for one definitely see a contrast between how we played last season and this season and for me that has a lot to do with not having the edge through spying.
Am I saying Tonda is a crap manager, no. Am I saying he isn't this amazing great young coach everyone thought he was, yes. I think I am.
Even when we've won and scored lots this season it hasn't had the same feel as last season. I feel like we're winning the games we win because of our players quality for the division were in, not much else.
Apart from Christmas, which granted for me was integral to what we achieved last season though many won't agree, were largely unchanged.
We had the rare situation where we were able to carry on pretty much where we left off, but for me we haven't.
I don't see us having a bad season but I'm not sure we smash it like we did last season, I think we give around mid and fall short of the playoffs.
For me 100% there were more games Tonda spied on last season and 100% impacted the way we the results and way we played last season and in contrast how were not this season.
1.) 22 Sep 2026 21:39:23
PPG is 15% lower before and after spygate but we are also missing Jander, a prolific second striker and the spygate pressure has also had a negative impact. So all things considered a modest change.
If Tonda touchline ban is 6 or less then I reckon we will end up 4th. Our signature championship finish.
2.) 22 Sep 2026 23:13:05
Lesleee didn't want to seem negative, can't imagine you being anything but!
3.) 24 Sep 2026 12:17:26
No Saint76, you misunderstand blind faith and trust and then pissing and moaning when things go to shit, your usually fine I'm not mad or angry when things collapse as they're usually the result of things ive been talking about ?.
4.) 24 Sep 2026 22:24:58
Lesleee.
Can you please answer this very sensible question about spying/scouting the opponent.
why is it accepted behaviour in every league in the world except the Championship ?
So if we scouted the opponents 73 hours before a game, you would obviously accept this as being ok ?
It's no different to watching your opponent/opponents in any sport in the world.
but for some reason you are obsessed with the fact that without spying Tonda is a fraction of the manager he is.
No spies were harmed in the making of this comment.
27 Aug 2026 18:45:04
JWP closer to returning, I for one hope he does. I know all his downfalls and as a basic midfielder he doesn't offer us much BUT if I'm Tonda I'm hoping/thinking I'm bringing him in for one reason, to recreate the dead ball magic he had for us the season right before he left. Deadball skills decline slower than fitness/general ability so provided he's be keeping at it, we should have a player with a skill set no one else in the league has.
For me that's 100% beneficial to the team and worthy of taking someone's place on midfield. Or even bring him on late in the game. I 100% welcome and want him back
1.) 27 Aug 2026 19:02:01
Brilliant signing. He will be the new team captain with Stephens becoming club captain.
Less than a million quid! He's obviously taken a massive pay cut! I think he's come back to help the club and prove all his doubters wrong.
True club legend who should command the respect of all Saints fans.
2.) 28 Aug 2026 13:01:57
Done deal ?.
It's a fantastic bit of business whatever way you look at at. He essentially went on loam for a few years and West Ham paid us 30 Million for the privilege.
Yet to be seen wether it can recreate the form but I don't feel like we've lost anything in this deal.
If he turns out to be another failed return we just look again in winter, but as I say, dead ball. skills are something rarely lost. I'm looking forward to us putting in decent corners, crosses and hopefully a few special free kicks.
3.) 28 Aug 2026 19:12:28
Wow! .
Just Wow!
Good post Leslee (I literally can't believe there is no dig at the club or manager)
Completely agree it is good business and pleased to see him back.
4.) 28 Aug 2026 22:16:30
I'm not convinced this is a good move but happy to be proved wrong, I feel you should always look forward and not back in the past!
5.) 28 Aug 2026 23:12:32
From a business perspective, I think it's tremendous business.
I share Sainty76's reservations about how much impact he will have though, and like him, I would be only too happy to be proved wrong.
For me, JWP is most effective when playing higher up the pitch and Southgate recognised that when he played in the England team. When he's playing in his normal deeper role he is pedestrian.
Our team needs pace and purpose and I don't think that will come from JWP and Downes in midfield.
Anyway, I'm glad this bit of business has lightened the mood for the majority of fans.
I'm also hoping the German defender we've signed will spell the end of Stephens.
Looking forward to Milwall - should be a cracking game.
6.) 29 Aug 2026 10:41:52
He's got a point to prove and he's got a really good engine. He and Azaz see passes no other Saints player see.
As previously stated, JWP can play the 10 role if Azaz gets injured or tired.
Would love to see Peretz Bree Wood Shlotterback Manning then Downes Jander Then Azaz and JWP then Scienza and Larin in a 4-2-2-2. Forget this obsession with wingers and one dimensional crossing.
26 Aug 2026 01:51:14
Hate to say it but the cracks are definitely starting to show.
My version was that the spying played more than we let on. Either way, last three games we definitely haven't carried the 'momentum' on from last season.
1.) 26 Aug 2026 05:03:54
Patience is beginning to fray around the edges! It's not too dissimilar to shopping at Woolworths when realistically they should be looking in Harrods! Selling an ace Midfielder for 30 million and looking for a replacement in the region of 6-10 million.(perhaps we could all be pleasantly surprised) if you still believe in Father Christmas! Stephens given extended opportunities and still proving to be a calamity.Peretz had a poor game and perhaps we should not be in a hurry to let Ramsdale go just yet.Just 5 days left in this window to make some serious adjustments (about 4/5 quality players I would suggest to lift the recent under performance).See what happens-but failure to address this noticeable slide and it could result in putting further pressure on the Manager's tenure
2.) 26 Aug 2026 06:59:32
Well I did say will be interesting to see how we get on against West Ham. The answer was there for all to see, we are a championship club I am afraid, championship players. If we did fluke are way to the premiership we are going to get hammered every week ( excuse the pun ) whoever the manager is will make no difference, we are just not good enough.
We need additions but I don't see any 20 million signings on the horizon. Another prediction, we are going to lose to Millwall.
3.) 26 Aug 2026 07:36:49
To spy or not to spy, that is the question.
However it played no part in last nights game as the problem was how we played not the opponents. WHU was mostly a bunch of youngsters, full of fire and desire.
Meanwhile we are stroking the ball around at the back, playing suicidal passes across WHU players, strolling around the pitch,
Aziz made a difference to the tempo of the game, wanted to move it quickly and with purpose. meanwhile.
ball watching was the norm.
Not tracking your man!
After Edozie lost the ball for the 4th, he just turned and ambled towards the box.
4.) 26 Aug 2026 12:19:48
Well, yea it played everything tondo with it IF the absence of it is what is leading to these sub-par performances compared to last season.
It's still early season and time for things to turn around but I was being called a mad man last season for suggesting Tondas prowess was simply having the upper edge going into games, he doesn't have that now and looks where we are, coincidence ?
5.) 26 Aug 2026 16:57:21
It's going to be a long season every negative result will result in more drivel. He does know we lost last season as well right?
He knows we didn't win the games that we have been proven to spy on?
6.) 27 Aug 2026 10:06:14
Charles was not first choice in our best 11. Jander and Downes were the first two names for centre midfield and Bragg played in the cup games, Charles was on the bench for all of those games.
JWP is exactly who we need! Sort our set pieces out, replace Stephens as captain.
Why oh why we didn't sign Adam Webster is a total mystery to me as he would have been an upgrade on Stephens.
Stephens is a good bench player because he can cover all 4 defensive positions and the defensive midfield role.
Hope Schlotterbeck can pass the ball through the channels because if THB leaves none of our CBs has that ability.
7.) 27 Aug 2026 18:40:16
I'm not saying they won't SaintGGG but this same 'drivel' talk you mentioned is similar to what you said when I said how this season would potentially go because of the spying. No one seems to look at the elephant in the room, that the spying played a huge integral part to everything Tonda achieved last season, just because we admitted to a couple of games doesn't mean that's all there was.
Like I've said all along I've given him the benefit of doubt and I'm hoping I'm wrong, I said I would put my hand up an say so. You guys just can't seem to handle i might be right, like I have been before.
It is what it is though, still early to tell either way.
8.) 02 Sep 2026 08:08:29
Skate
07 Aug 2026 12:55:21
I'll be first to put hand up and say Lewis Dobbin looks a real talent especially for the championship, so we'll don't Tonda/team for that.
I said I would judge him this season on performances and signings and so far that's a decent one.
Shea looks like it's a done deal as contracts have been signed and he's off to Fulham. Gutted about that, was a start player for us, with even getting the game time he deserved.
Hard to know wether we can replace him.
Scienza looks like he's open to a move, hopefully it's the Christmas window if he does and not a last minute one now.
All in all if we can find like for like in Shea and Stewart then I'll be happy and providing Tonda has the team playing the way we did last season (to show it wasn't down to spying)
. Then Ill slowly convert.
Ready for the new season now ?
1.) 08 Aug 2026 16:04:02
Hi Lesleee, yes and so another season starts, I think promotion will be more difficult than last season with the 3 relegated teams plus a few others strengthening. Plus the 4 points deduction is not going to help. We definitely need a decent striker to share the load, certainly don't have a back up in the ranks at the moment. Let's see what today brings.
2.) 09 Aug 2026 04:23:00
Wolves changing manager is good in my opinion. Play offs for me with current squad
01 Jun 2026 13:45:33
You've still got you're blinders on pal.
All those things you mention can be attributed to spying.
Sure an hours difference, 73 and you're not in trouble.so why didn't Tonda do that ?
He had constant pushback from the people who he was asking to do the spying, to the point he had to bully them into it. That on its own suggests he wanted an advantage. Bullying young interns into damaging their future careers isn't what makes a manager remarkable.
Cheating is only not cheating when the opponents have the same data/advantage you do. We saw this in the Middlesbourgh game. As soon as they found out what we were up to our advantage was blown and they very nearly wiped the floor with us.
It's not 'big clubs' either that want him, I've read the articles as well, it's just mid/low range clubs in Germany where such tactics are less punished. Though I doubt where the advantage would be in employing it in a league where everyone is doing it and that's my point.
We caught other teams off guard, with their pants down. Wether it should be allowed/whether it's ethical is besides the point. The teams we were competing with WEREN'T doing it and it was that factor that gave us the edge in what likely will he found to be the majority of matches under Tonda.
I'm happy for him to stay on, most importantly to watch them blinders slip from your face, because although I want him to be the man, all the points I've made suggest he isn't.
31 May 2026 14:18:35
You truly have blinders on Southants.
I've given valid points and so has this spying stuff to suggest that the way Tonda had us playing last season is not down to his tactical genius.
Now keep up though because what I HAVEN'T said is that Tonda isn't the man.
There has been some mentioning/anger here and other places towards the radio silence from the club regarding Tonda.
I for one am delighted at the silence as for once it might actually seem their taking their time to assess wether Tonda can take us forward, particularly without the aforementioned methods.
You have blinders on because you think if Tonda stays then we just pick up where we left off, we don't.
He first has to get past the hurdle I was referring to all last season, of rebuilding a team with as good quality, if not better, to the one we had this season. Payers are leaving, that's for sure.
Secondly me, nor you nor anyone, except those involved know the extent to which Tonda was reliant on cheating to achieve what he did. This is something that will hopefully come to light during this radio silence from the board and further on, if he stays.
I'm hoping Tonda is the man but you have take the blinders off and face reality.
30 May 2026 14:11:48
No Saintsggg because rangers aren't Man City and Rohl isn't Pep.
Rangers literally hired the man who helped relegate us and who you all said was completely useless, in case you need any context of their football standing.
I'm not saying it wouldn't be a challenge but Rohl has history with us/ he knows the club/area and the quality of Scottish football isn't any different to the championship.
Rohl is on the way to being a top manager, it won't be long before the big time comes for him. We have a small window and vague chance of getting him before then, if we go all out.
IF the Tonda thing doesn't resolve itself.
25 May 2026 19:21:31
Hence my phrasing "aggressively" go after him.
16 May 2026 12:29:33
I suppose it would rely on wether we spied on anyone on our run to the final, apparently there are reports we did for fulham.
25 Oct 2026 14:47:21
There are variable to everything and tbf the weather played a part.
All I'm saying is I see a difference between this season and last season and apart from che moving on (he was integral though) and the distraction of the FA hearing things were supposed to be much the same.
After Christmas, for me is where I'll determine Tonda. Time for us to see where we are and any new signings we bring in to shore up areas that might need bolstering.
QPR look tough aster smashing Swansea, so a result to them will show were adapting to change and securing back to back wins against tough opposition.
24 Oct 2026 14:15:31
Same, on my last post in was mentioned about fine margins.
Whilst I am a wholehearted believer in fine margins, my point was irrelevant in comparison to the team we were under Tonda last season and the team we are now.
For me there is a distinct difference.
I 100% believe the spying went on longer than stated and was integral to the way we blew teams out of the water back then.
Now what were seeing is us without that extra edge. I'm not saying we're crap. We have a team of players that could pretty much walk into any championship team.
I'm just highlighting that the mentality from the club and wider fans was we pick up where we left off and carry on like we did. No was was addressing the elephant in the room though (I was) about what life post none spying would be.
I'm not saying Tondas s****, he's young and maybe he will turn out good.
But for me the best we can hope for today is a draw but more likely it will be an easy win for West Ham.
24 Sep 2026 12:17:26
No Saint76, you misunderstand blind faith and trust and then pissing and moaning when things go to shit, your usually fine I'm not mad or angry when things collapse as they're usually the result of things ive been talking about ?.
28 Aug 2026 13:01:57
Done deal ?.
It's a fantastic bit of business whatever way you look at at. He essentially went on loam for a few years and West Ham paid us 30 Million for the privilege.
Yet to be seen wether it can recreate the form but I don't feel like we've lost anything in this deal.
If he turns out to be another failed return we just look again in winter, but as I say, dead ball. skills are something rarely lost. I'm looking forward to us putting in decent corners, crosses and hopefully a few special free kicks.
27 Aug 2026 18:40:16
I'm not saying they won't SaintGGG but this same 'drivel' talk you mentioned is similar to what you said when I said how this season would potentially go because of the spying. No one seems to look at the elephant in the room, that the spying played a huge integral part to everything Tonda achieved last season, just because we admitted to a couple of games doesn't mean that's all there was.
Like I've said all along I've given him the benefit of doubt and I'm hoping I'm wrong, I said I would put my hand up an say so. You guys just can't seem to handle i might be right, like I have been before.
It is what it is though, still early to tell either way.