Southampton banter 2

13 Apr 2024 17:09:14
This is actually biblical,

I can't believe that this win and Leeds and Leicester lesson losses has put us back in some sort of a fight.

Since we vs them in our games we need to beat them. And we could get autos and if Ipswich continue a poor form and we win all our games that could actually win the championship.


But call me delusional I probably am

14 Apr 2024 12:50:25
An Exodus from the championship would be nice!

The below scenario is very optimistic and would take a lot of luck but it is plausible.

Ipswich. 96. (2W 1D)
Saints. 94 (4W 1D)
Leicester 93. (1W 2D 1L)
Leeds. 92. (1W 2D)

That said, whenever I say top 2 is possible we fall down the places and whenever I say the gap is too large we usually go up the table, so I am going to stick with 4th!

11 Apr 2024 16:49:57
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new player profile about, Alexander Isak

10 Apr 2024 23:07:11
I hate this club. After Blackburn all hope was gone. Now we win and none of the top three do, and we're only just over a game back.

On this promotion / manager chat, the dream scenario is we win the play-offs, Amorim is snapped up by Barca, so Liverpool move for De Zerbi, and Brighton go for Martin. Other options are Iraola is snapped up by a top six La Liga side, maybe West Ham completely diverge from their plans with Moyes even, but we end up in the PL without a manager, and could potentially attract Potter, or failing that Cooper.

Promotion under Martin and I can't see us being better than three PL sides next year regardless of team unless we develop a counter-attacking style. Stay down with Martin and if we don't go up next year then we won't for years. Stay down and Martin is poached, maybe we get Cooper, but again it'll be a weak team.

Having said all that, who gave Luton a chance (points deductions aside) and can you imagine a play-off final victory at Wembley. Wouldn't say no.

11 Apr 2024 11:48:13
I like that dream scenario a lot.

I appreciate RM getting us to the playoffs and for his celebrations with the fans but given Burnley's experience, possession football is probably not the way for a relegation threatened side in the Prem.

Let's hope for an epic playoff win. All things considered, I think promotion now is best for the club.

10 Apr 2024 07:05:20
5 thoughts on the promotion dilemma.

1. As a Saint I want that euphoric Wembley win. As a Football fan, the top 3 deserve promotion more.

2. I fear promotion could mean get beaten most weeks next year but we also have a better chance of keeping THB and KWP so should have more hope than the year after.

3. Another year away could develop our young players and help us master more styles of play. Then again that depends if we stick or twist with the current approach.

4. The prospect of beating Pompey in the playoffs next year could be historic but the loss of finances and players could hurt us.

5. I do not have that same feeling of "a side on the up" as the Adkins and Lambert years. We need the vision and play to inspire that, whatever league we are in.

Which do you feel is best for the club? Promotion now or another rebuild year?

10 Apr 2024 09:55:16
Good question :
My answer is entirely dependant on whether we get rid of RM
Another year in the championship with him at the helm, will achieve nothing.
I fully support your comments about ‘developing our youngsters and ‘support more styles of play’ .
Then is never going to happen under RM.
He doesn’t even change our style of play within a game let alone a season. He’s also never really given the very promising youngsters a chance.

Stay in the championship / new manger .
Would need to be someone who wants free flowing, fast attacking football. A manager who wants to win a game from the first to the 90th minute.

Promoted / new manger
I think we have the squad to stay in the EPL, just.
I don’t think we have ever seen the best of our players as they have not been allowed to play naturally.
I would love to see RM unleash the team, let them play fast and direct football. There are some very good football players at Saints… but imagine being a lin attacker/winger and watching the pirates patsy football going on, meanwhile they are making runs, taking up good positions and never getting the ball.

So I’m not really sure we can fully judge the current squad while they are playing under RM rules of engagement …

10 Apr 2024 13:34:57
I think you have hit the nail on the head there @south_hants_rich

We have young exciting talents like Alcaraz and Sulemana but we have not played to their attacking strengths, nor have we had an aerial threat or air of unpredictably about us.

At the start of the season, I predicted 4th and that looks like where we will be. I think RM is probably a good man manager and I am grateful for that unbeaten run but his strategy does lack flexibility.

Our style needs to be adapted to our team strengths and the opposition, not based purely on the Board and Manager's philosophy.

Some very interesting games and decisions ahead.

11 Apr 2024 12:48:16
I understand the reasons for staying put but I would far prefer to go up - every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

As I previously said, we lack that winning mentality. That generates self belief which in turn gives players confidence to look to beat players, pass forward and take risks.

11 Apr 2024 21:28:56
Yes, the more I think both scenarios through the more I hope for promotion.

Being a Saints Fan is not good for the blood pressure but it is always fun to be fighting for something whether promotion or relegation, rather than languishing in mid table.

I think our ultra possession style may be damaging that winning mentality. Psychologically, if you are always playing safe rather than pressing forward that must take away that killer instinct and confidence. The fans get nervous or bored too, which feeds into it.

09 Apr 2024 12:12:37
Someone summed it up brilliantly - we need 9 wins from our last 7 games!

To be honest, we will struggle to make up the points even if the three teams above us didn't pick up a single point in their remaining games.

Lesleee is spot on about Bazuna - I recall one outstanding save but that's about it. As I said, it the goal posts were about 12 inches narrower, he would be decent, but he is always a few inches short of getting a glove on it and/or a second too late in moving his feet.

Coventry have a lot to play for tonight so we will need to be at our best to get three points.

I'm more interested in the line-up than the game itself - Right Moron need to work out a plan of how to overcome West Brom or Norwich over two legs. That will be possession football I guess.

09 Apr 2024 17:48:26
Right Moron! Love it!
Have faith . we will have 87% possession in the playoffs, with 75% of that being in our half.
we will have 2 corners, 875 passes of which 570 will be backwards, we will have one shot on target .
And lose to an 88th minute goal, when we pass to Buffoono from 5 yards out while he’s surrounded by opponents .
So Stop moaning and rejoice in the possession

09 Apr 2024 18:46:15
If he plays Aribo again I think I’ll go gaga! I’ve never seen anyone so one footed, he looks like he’s going to fall over the ball if he gets it on his right foot. He had a great chance on goal on Saturday, he was inside the box on the left, no one around him and it was crying out for a right foot shot across the goalkeeper, and what does he do? Awkwardly shuffles across to his left foot and lays it off for Adams whey that time was in a tight angle with the goalkeeper at the near post. I am also pissed off with Bazunas distribution, it is so slow he waits until the opposition are back in position. Oh and Right Moron has no plan B

09 Apr 2024 19:27:36
I see - it’s been me all along!

Thank you for the counselling South Rich Hants.

Just to add, putting Stephens in front of Bednarek is a master stroke. Genius in fact ….

Enjoy the game - if that’s possible!

My totally misplaced optimism forecasts a 3-0 win!

10 Apr 2024 02:05:58
Two.pieces of info that really lift the spirits—-1. Saints win over Coventry 2.Southampton FC journalist recommends 3 Managers who could potentially replace Russell Martin (Yeah) in the event he gets captured by Brighton FC. All three are brilliant Managers and I would be overjoyed and gladly accept any one of them in a heartbeat.,!

06 Apr 2024 21:02:49
Well that was underwhelming to say the least today.

Totally inept. RM said he wanted 24 points from the last 8 games. We lacked application and urgency today.

Rothwell, Brookes and even Fraser all poor. Then we bring on Adams, Edozie and the dynamic duo of Sulemana and Mara who contributed exactly nothing.

Think we will be lucky to get another 8 points - should be enough to get to the playoffs but the players look as though they have lost belief.

whilst RM can not be blamed for persistent individual failings at both ends of the pitch, the inflexibility in his system and, in sharp contrast, the tinkering with team selection/meaningless substitutions is his responsibility.

Out unbeaten run had to end - even the top 3 are wobbling now - but He is accountable for not steadying the ship since. His performance at the business end of the season has been very poor.

It comes to something when I can`t get angry about today`s game compared to the 5 points thrown away at Easter.

07 Apr 2024 04:16:45
Martin says he THINKS he knows why Saints attackers faltered at Blackburn : Would somebody solve the mystery and explain to Him it’s the very same reason (after hours and hours on the training pitch) that has.been happening ALL SEASON.!

07 Apr 2024 08:20:30
I have to give a mention to what appears to be Stephens new Midfield role! I have no idea why is now tinkering with the team every game, when we had a stable formation, specially the back four, at least you want to expect…
We have Stephens wandering around in some random role, clashing with the midfield and defence.

RM you’re a genius at being incompetent.

Yesterday was awful. We are playing a team that is on a very bad run, attendances dropping .
And we pitsy patsy around.

Meanwhile RM spews out his cocky rhetoric …

06 Apr 2024 15:49:18
Half time . 72% possession
0 shots on target
3 corners
Blackburn
1 shot on target
8 corners

Possession does not win games .

06 Apr 2024 12:35:17
If promotion via the playoffs is on the cards then I think it only happens if Lumley is in goal for it. I'm not saying he's an amazing keeper, however the few times he has played he's looked more solid than Bazuna.

We've had a goalkeeper problem ever since Forster first lost his form. A goalkeeper who saves shots needs to be our summer priority.

04 Apr 2024 15:04:58
Guys what kind of players can we sign this summer that could've make us a Premier league or at least survival team. At the moment we aren't bazunu really isn't fulfilling his potential and letting goals pass him. So like what kind of keepers and strikers could be sign?

04 Apr 2024 20:52:34
Downes is crucial, we must try and sign him permanently. Looking at the loan players, Fraser and Rothwell are realistic but I’m afraid we’ll lose Harwood Bellis and Brooks. Adams Stu and Mccarthy are leaving, I expect Onaucha, Caleta Car, KWP, Sulemana and Lyanco to be sold. We should move Manning on and consider bringing back Perraud Bella kotchap and Alcaraz, unless Juventus pay silly money. I think Bazunu is worth persevering with as is Bree Mara Charles . Add Maghoma Larios Dibling Amo Ballard Payne and Stewart, give them some playing time and it could get interesting . Like to see a couple of experienced heads and maybe an ilias chair / Asprilla type player to create more in the final third. James of Birmingham is going to be a hell of a player.

05 Apr 2024 07:33:38
Very insightful @2408.

So, your predicted team would be something like the below?

Bree.ABK.Bed.Perraud
Smallbone.Downes.Alcaraz
AA.Stewart.Fraser

Then with Edozie, Rothwell, Aribo, Ameyaw and Mara etc. off the bench?

Would love ABK, Perraud and Alcaraz back but I am not sure they want to be here, unless we get promoted or change manager.

03 Apr 2024 01:11:44
Automatic promotion was never on the cards for me. I mentioned the manager/team was never enough to get us there on first try. However I do think playoffs is the best option overall.

If by some miracle we got automatic promotion we would have seen a false confidence, no only from the board but also and more importantly.the fans. I've always stated that fans need a reality check. Hopefully now as a collective we can all see ourselves for what we are a decent promotion chasing team .rather than this automatic/deserved to be in the premier league team.

No one deserves anything. You get what you get on merit. Look at Ipswich, sure they're possibly be straight back down again next season but it where they are right now is where they deserve to be and likewise so are we.

So, hopefully for us going up the more painful way (if we manage promotion) will humble everyone and show there's still a hell a lot more work to be done.

On that note I'm not totally against RM, I know he isn't a premier league manager for sure but wether it's by luck or not he has kept us up and towards the top of the league all of the season. If we don't go up I'd probably give him another season. Why? Because of stability.I'd rather the board take Thier time and find the right man (even if that means replacing RM at a time when the team is at its best) rather then knee jerk decisions. Knee jerk decisions are only ever a gamble and we could find ourselves tumbling down the league, least for now if we have to have another year in the championship we know with RM were at least be up and near the top.

The one thing I would change overall though is Bazuna. I'm sorry dude but youve had 2 full seasons for progress with us, one of which is dropping down a league but you aren't getting where you need to be. he's very athletic and would arguably be a great sweeper keeper except for one vital part .He NEVER saves anything?! He ways gets down low and dives where he needs to be but never gets the ball. We need a SOLID keeper who makes one or two decent saves a match, one that dives and pushes away/stops the ball, not a keeper who is essentially just another defender.

03 Apr 2024 08:06:42
lesleee A very constructive, sensible and well thought out post—well done!

04 Apr 2024 16:08:13
I agree, very thoughtful post. but I do disagree, in that I think we should be getting automatic promotion.
Firstly our goalkeeper - quite simply not good enough, way too many goals conceded which could or should have been saved.
I agree totally that RM is not an EPL manager.
I also think that RM is hugely responsible for our league position. His insistence on playing Stephens, breaking up the hugely successful partnership of Bednerek and Harwood-Bellis, has completely destabilised our defence. Not only were we scoring goals, we were conceding little. Stephens may work hard, wear the badge with pride, but he pulls others players out of position with his poor positional play.

Dropping KWP against Ipswich? He’s messed around with KWP so much this season, Left back, right back, right midfield/wing .

His substitutions have been late, wrong players, wrong tactics .

Picking players out of form, dropping players in form .

05 Apr 2024 02:33:34
I'm not disagreeing on RMs faults . He's a stubborn bastard. What I am saying though is that if we don't get promotion this year and the fans call for his head then anyone who comes in HAS to get promotion, because anything short of that and we may as well stick with RM. I can't think of anyone willing to join us who will guarantee us promotion.

For all his faults RM this season would have done everything but get us promotion, meaning anyone else who takes his place would be no better unless promotion is guaranteed with them. All in all i'd rather someone who knows the team/players have another crack at it then gambling on the unknown because with RM you know that we're going to be competing again whereas with an unknown sure they might be awesome but there's also a very real chance than when you roll that dice that new manager ends up sinking the ship and sends us down the league.

I'd rather take the RM gamble for another season then the unknown gamble as we've had some real dodgy managers in recent times. Better the devil you know.

05 Apr 2024 03:30:57
south hants rich Agree totally with all of your observations but would add that in order to prevent chaotic destabilisation RM remains in place until the absolute right Manager becomes available ( dependent whether or not we qualify for EPL next season and whether or not the Board have the Balls to carry it out.! Furthermore an ideal opportunity would be an appointment in conjunction with a newDirector of Football ( apparently according to reports) to foster a harmonious working relationship.