Southampton banter 2

13 Jun 2026 14:08:09
Just caught up, thanks for ammunition to use next season ??You best believe I'll have my popcorn on standby.

I'm crazy, a skate, unloyal ?, I'm a Pompey fan, just because I question things.

No, I'm just not a standard terrace mentality fan, who says one thing then piss and moans and cries sack the manager when it all goes wrong. Obviously not SaintHugh/Jar though, because they would never call for a tactical genius to be sacked, right, right?

The only thing I'm guilty of is looking too far ahead, granted. There are only a few people in here that look and see patterns and pitfalls for why we are a yo you club, up and down the leagues.

People here are currently praising and loving our board for backing Tonda. The same board who have put gambling companies after gambling companies on the front of our shirt, the same board who also hired Juric, Jones, Selles, Martin ect, how quickly you forget.

NO ONE here knows the extent to which the cheating was relied upon and just how much actually went on, compared to what the club has disclosed. We DO know interns were forced. Those are facts. So you can't truly claim Tonda is this or that until the performances start coming in next season, which is what I have been saying all along.

Stewart is gone now and unless we replace like for like, we've lost 10+ goals next season, Larins done well and holds the ball up the way I like, but he won't carry us all season

The key signing is Scienza. HE has been the driving force of this team and our performances, not Tonda, or rather not just Tonda. He would have been hard to keep if we went up and now undoubtedly he will go. It will be hard to find a replacement, but if Tonda can, that will go some way to convincing me more of his 'prowess'. Yes there has been other individuals standout performances, but Scienza has been the catalyst for much of what we did last season, not Tonda.

Let's not forget SkateLeslee that Russel Martin also went on a 20+ unbeaten run, so by your own logic RM is also a 'truly talented manager', yet we know that's not the case. Ruben Selles also had all players praising him, I guess he's world class too ? People see only what they want to see.

You all also think because I question Tonda and highlight things that I'm negative about him and want him out. Not at all, I want him to be what you all think he is but he has to prove that and he hasn't yet. Too much of last season can be explained away and its why I don't get naively carried away like you.

There are too many red flags for both him and the board to be completely backing either of them. Next season and how we push on from here is where we should be judging them.

A decent chunk into next season if I'm still arguing against Tonda is when you can call me crazy (if we're doing well), until then, time will tell.

14 Jun 2026 08:17:09
Yes Scienza was good this season, but let's not forget we have Robinson coming back from injury. He looked like a real prospect before his injury and another season in the championship we only help in his development. It's not all dome and gloom there are some real reasons to be positive, after all we are supposed to be supporters of the club.

14 Jun 2026 15:49:53
Robinson's ok and has flashes of brilliance, but nowhere near the consistency and talents of Scienza at the moment.

Meaning if Scienza goes, which I definitely think he will, we lose that as Robinson isn't currently at the same level.

Irs not doom and gloom in spreading I'm just giving realistic insights into the 'prowess' behind Tonda.

There have been many variables and things that can be explained away.

It's about maintaining/replacing/replicating or improving upon those variables of Tonda is the man people think he is.

As I've mentioned I'm not convinced he is but we will see going forward.

Scienza, Jander, Shea and Stewart (already gone) are key to what we achieved last season and it doesn't look like they will be here next season.

14 Jun 2026 16:51:24
Well I'm a glass half full. We still have all of the above minus Stewart. Robinson could prove to be better than Scienza. We still have the same people in place that brought in the above players and Fernandes previously so trust they can do it again.

Sure they made some mistakes but so does every club. I don't know why you brought Tonda up I never mentioned him.

15 Jun 2026 17:25:09
The fact you will have popcorn ready in response to any Saints Demise, will surely fuel speculation you are a skate or / and disloyal.

I couldn't care less,

Another FACT of course, is what Tonda did do was improve on the 12 points in 13 games that WS managed.

16 Jun 2026 17:05:31
Damn right I wouldn't sack Tonda, every single club in the top 4 divisions cheats in one way or another. You have zero clue as to the level some players, coaches and managers will go to win and your indignant righteousness doesn't mean a single thing to someone who wants to win. How do you even watch a game with players diving, grabbing and feigning injury, there must be toys everywhere.


The fact Peretz, Larin and Bree have all signed so quickly with glowing praise for Tonda speaks volumes and that's enough for me.

Stewart, well I think he's a bit shortsighted, his career would possibly be over if it wasn't for our back room staff and Tonda nursing him trough the season. He can't even play 90 mins and definitely not twice in a week, put Stewart and Larins stats together and you have a monster. But Stewart wherever he goes will break down as soon as he starts playing 90 mins, he's the loser in this. Bad agent.

Anyway, do try to enjoy the season or not.

17 Jun 2026 10:57:30
Well said Hugh. All teams cheat in some way or shall we call it bending the rules?
Stewart had to be salary and fitness, wonder if we offered an appearance based 12 month extension?
We need 2 more centre forwards, one at the end of his career and one raw youngster. A experienced number 10 to alternate with Azaz and replacements for whoever leaves.

17 Jun 2026 22:13:08
Hugh you're talking about something completely different.

That type of cheating, whilst infuriating, goes on in full view.

Whilst big money teams such as Man city who break financial rules will always get away with it, because they will always just throw more money at it.

Money talks. Don't like Man city cheating, maybe don't buy products that supports the Arab Emirates.

Ours was a blatant attempt to know things about the match we were going into.

I'm not sure how you don't see it. I don't really care about the actual doing if it, more of going forward and wether Tonda can perform without it, that's been my point all along.

That you've been praising a guy that you don't know for sure how much he relied upon cheating and now that he can't, will he have the team playing the same.

Scienza, Stewart, Che, Jander all gone too (You'll see) so for me I can't see it being the same

18 Jun 2026 09:00:15
Get over it and stop using examples of players that at any time would be looked at as being sold for big money. They're good players, if they leave it'll be because of above market valuations and it won't be sideways moves.

When players do sideways moves just to get out, that's a problem.

And Stewart is obviously under the illusion that nobody knows he's 100% injury prone and he's fucked if he gets injured at the World Cup. His agents advice has been very poor.

You just want to create problems and if I had to guess, I'd actually think you're "press" looking for a story or creating a story.

18 Jun 2026 23:42:12
No, I'm a realist.

Like I've said a few times, a lot of you have blinders on. You're excited Tonda is staying because you think we're going to repeat what we did this season i.e. carry on where we left off.

All I've been doing his highlighting the variables that aren't going to be present next season.

Instead of acknowledging them, you just assume it will all be the same, which means you're also going to piss and moan when things don't go that way ??

19 Jun 2026 22:10:05
So Leslee if watching the opponent train is cheating, why is it allowed in every league in the world. except the EFL
the EPL signed a deal for television rights allowing open viewing of training sessions, mic'ed up players/coaches, plus real time watching of the dressing rooms

Your obsession with the fact Tonda relies heavily on 'cheating' is just beyond understanding.

Please let's have a sensible answer. not your world looking out from a hole. talk about tunnel vision.

Scouting is prevalent throughout the world. so for instance if Pep declared he has every opponent watched. would you say. 'there you go, that's the reason for his success'.

Just enjoy the way players, fans and owners are getting on board.

We are bored with your drivel, it has no sensible foundation other than obsession with ideas bordering on insanity!

12 Jun 2026 21:40:58
What a goal from Larin for Canada.

12 Jun 2026 16:46:49
I'd be interested to know if Stewart not extending his stay with us was his decision or the clubs. I think with Larin we were able to rest Stewart and saw his best injury free spell with us.

It will be interesting to see where his career goes from here and where we go. To my mind we need a like for like replacement in the 25-28 year old range.

12 Jun 2026 23:05:25
From small bits and pieces I have heard, it's more to do with agents getting in his ear, with a big pay day in mind.

We wanted to extend but were too slow.

11 Jun 2026 19:35:19
Southampton keepers next season:
* Peretz
* Long
* Ollie Wright? He had a blinder of a season out on loan in 2025-26.

13 Jun 2026 06:14:45
What about Aaron Ramsdale?

When is the FA supposed to make a decision? I wouldn't have thought they would need much time.

11 Jun 2026 19:33:46
If Eckert is banned by the FA.
*.It would be great to appoint Rob Edwards - he is a very experienced Championship manager and was well on the way to getting Middlesbrough promoted last season until he left to go to Wolves. Imagine the meltdown at MFC if we were to appoint him!!

08 Jun 2026 09:22:07
Just read that Sugawara can play DM and RB. If Jander and/or Shea go, reckon it would be worth keeping him Yuki if he is open to it?

08 Jun 2026 07:39:03
{Ed's Note - Davey Sulls has posted a new article entitled, Iraola Expectations and Liverpool Squad Priorities

06 Jun 2026 07:39:04
{Ed's Note - Seano_ has posted a new article entitled, Liverpool Squad Assessment and Summer Priorities

05 Jun 2026 07:39:03
{Ed's Note - BlueNose1878 has posted a new article entitled, Everton Must Plan Properly If Ndiaye Goes

06 Jun 2026 13:49:33
Yes time for us all to unite as ONE.Peretz and Larin have both demonstrated their love and passion for Our Club and hopefully it will encourage our remaining passionate Players to bite the bullet and follow suit.This is also the signal for ALL of Our BRILLIANT SUPPORTERS,

06 Jun 2026 21:13:13
I don't think it's the players that need to be biting bullets, Peretz and Larin aren't the only ones that respect and back Eckert. He has the changing room, 100%.

It's some holier than thou supporters or supposed supporters that need to bite the bullet and realise the players are far more knowledgeable than they are and maybe follow their lead.

Nicky Butt "Everyone does it, Saints got caught".

08 Jun 2026 03:55:03
Hugh Jars. In. response to your post I'm not quite sure you understood my description reference to some Saints Players' BITING THE BULLET actually means.Further to a NATIONAL report that the MAJORITY of Saints Players' had backed Tonda at a meeting(NOT 100% which is your point) Therefore the MINORITY of Players remaining (for whatever reason) whether it was wavering, or interest from other Clubs, or plainly just required more time to evaluate the situation - I was suggesting that the important signings of both Peretz and Larin may well help decide or encourage some of the MINORITY to perhaps be swayed to follow suit and BITE THE BULLET! With respect to supporters many of whom have varied and valid opinions in a Democratic society(some of whom are Ex Players)that is precisely why I suggested it was now time to UNITE and face any further headwinds ALL TOGETHER on behalf of SOUTHAMPTON FOOTBALL CLUB.

08 Jun 2026 19:56:44
Okay .but I stand by a lot of the whinging supporters will have to bite the bullet. As I don't want to offend you I"ll avoid commenting on the rest, but where do you live, there's nothing democratic about the UK?

10 Jun 2026 03:38:02
Yes - I have heard from Family & Friends in the UK that things have deteriorated from Yesteryear.Maybe an extended holiday in Russia or North Korea may influence one's views on democracy.However fortunately for many years now I live in the 'Lucky Country' Australia but my support for my Hometown Club ( Saints) has not diluted over a long period of time!

04 Jun 2026 21:10:04
I mentioned that all the players would rally round and that I thought the goalkeeper would sign

Thank god he doesn't read the negative clap trap on here. bar a few sensible posters.

05 Jun 2026 06:38:03
Yep, not convinced everyone here are Saints supporters.
There's definitely one determined to see Eckert gone, which weakens us and more than likely puts us out of the promotion challenge. The rest of the league are terrified of the 21game run and I wouldn't be surprised if they are spying on social media and attempting to stir up rubbish.

Hopefully we get Peretz deal done soon, will be a major step forward and a huge statement of intent.

05 Jun 2026 12:10:12
Absolutely spot on
And the goalkeeper deal has been done!!
Saints are coming to get you!

05 Jun 2026 12:45:59
Southhants/Hugh,

You boys are digging yourselves a hole.

You're naively presuming performances are going to just carry on when we left off.

Before the whole spying thing I mentioned the team needs to remain/rebuild/get better going into the new season.

Pererts has just signed so that's a massive step in the right direction, granted, I'll give you that.

But Ross Stewart is out of contract, no news on Larin yet (though I think he will sign) but the the other key signings are Scienza and Jander.

I think Jander will go and Scienza 100%. We failed to put on any display under Tonda when Scienza wasn't playing. So unless he can replace like for like, immediately there's you're change to performances next season already.

Secondly only Tonda and his team truly no/will let on how much he needed the spying. So now the proofs in the pudding, we will get to see and judge him on his results THIS season.

Which is what I have been saying all along.

05 Jun 2026 14:48:04
Long time reader, first time poster.

@SouthHantsRich2 You're not wrong about negative claptrap on here! Certain individuals whinging and moaning left and right you'd think we had been inundated with Portsmouth fans!

Don't really want to delve into spygate as I think most salient points have been raised somewhere or other, however it is very clear that observing training sessions is not the primary reason for a 21 game unbeaten run - as I think any half intelligent football follower could agree.

Eckert is obviously an extremely talented manager as evidenced by the fact our billionaire businessman owner did not immediately sack him, as would very likely, and very understandably be his inclination.

No-one is stating we will walk the league with 100 points but there ARE reasons to be positive as opposed to perpetually moaning. It helps to carry a small sense of hope and optimism supporting SFC else it's probably better to go and support Manchester City.

05 Jun 2026 14:57:48
I am shocked Peretz has signed, a lot of noise from Spain that Larin will also sign. The very fact that Peretz has signed would suggest there is no discord within the squad, only a fool would freely enter that type of environment.

05 Jun 2026 15:40:53
Peretz signing is huge.

I believe Ross has an optional 1 year contract extension we can activate

Some big names will go to balance the books but if we can keep 4 of THB, Jander, Charles, Aza, Leo and Larin I will be a happy man.

Tonda had us top since he took over. That will be hard to do with stronger teams around us, a weaker squad, no spying, points deduction but playoffs at least is possible.

Also the sides that stayed two+ seasons in the champ e.g. Sunderland and Leeds were the ones that stayed up in the prem.

05 Jun 2026 16:55:43
Well at least you aren't hooked on Still anymore, after breaking up with Martin.
Now you're obsessed that Tonda did good
because of spying, known everywhere else in the world as 'scouting' or rather every league in the world.

How on earth his scouting helped his formation changes at half time, the players passion, defending for their lives, scoring amazing goals.
Rumour has it that Charles watched videos of beckham and Ronaldo to learn how to score wonder goals.
Aziz. watched 2 years of Man City videos to work out how to score that wonder goal.

And the team read Beano books and copies of Shoot magazine to learn to attack in numbers, cross and head the ball.

As an aside, I was in Shoot once.

So lesleeeeeee give it a rest, it's boring.
watching the opponents train all over the world. is acceptable. and not cheating.
But the EFL made up some random rule, fined a guy 200, 000 who admitted to watching every opponent train is!

Time to support the Saints

Clarin now signed.

05 Jun 2026 17:30:18
The thing we have on our side with Scienza is his age. Are clubs going to gamble on paying the money we will want for a 29yo with no sell on. Maybe a promoted team. He has had one great season in the Championship surely he would have been scouted previously by others by this stage of his career and no one else took the chance.

05 Jun 2026 22:57:29
Looks like the club has missed the timescale to automatically initiate a one year extension for Ross Stewart.
It appears he is now free to leave.

06 Jun 2026 07:09:35
Yes I read that too. That oversight could cost us a few mil to replace Stewart, which is an own goal. Hearing Manning wants a new contract and hope can secure Bree. Solak says he wants a 10 to compete with Azaz.

Be good to bring in 30-40m through selling most of Ramsdale, Diaz, Sugawara, Downs, Larios and Baz, so do not have to sell as much.

If we only sell 1 or 2 key players, my gut says we will be in a 3 horse race for autos with West Ham and Wolves. Millwall and Boro will be weaker without Azeez and Hackney. Norwich, Sheff Utd, Wrexham, Burnley and Birmingham will be up there but think we can beat them.

06 Jun 2026 13:49:34
Finally positive words on here. Leslee let's try the old fashioned if you have nothing nice to say, keep it to yourself. Larin and Peretz is a huge sign that the team don't have an issue. Manager isn't just about the spying, clearly has some tactical knowledge.

Centre mid is my concern, I think jander and Charles might go, leaving us a little light. Scienzer has been good, but not the reason we did well, would be missed but not terminal, if we get the right money, let him go.

08 Jun 2026 16:57:02
I have smelt fish for a while