 | News
Comment | Finn Azaz Looking To Experienced Saints Coach To Regain Form
at 18:17:08
I never doubted that Adam Lallana was going to be a significant addition to the coaching staff, although I initially hoped he was going to be influential in Tyler Dibling's development this season!
Clearly Finn Azaz is a talented player and willing to learn and adapt so we really need those very vocal but ridiculously negative supporters to allow other new signings, and the manager, some respite.
What on earth do these individuals believe they are going to influence when they abuse players, obviously Downs recently, are they proud of their behaviour? Time to support the team not massage your online ego. |
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Comment | Southampton At Derby County The Verdict
at 12:05:25
I'm confused by your rant about leadership, organisation, frustration, collective team issues, individual errors etc Nick. Even if Manning had stayed in position his concentration was broken by the official's error and he switched off. Compare that to Armstrong being allowed to avoid four defenders and score puts it into a bit of perspective.
I agree that the team isn't yet finding rhythm but some of the passing and movement was streets ahead of where we were last season. Maybe I'm just being optimistic but the team isn't struggling in my view just bedding in some quality new players.
We all thought Azaz would be a nailed on starter and Captain Jack was a perennial liability, but we know that one will improve and the other is unlikely to progress. However, McCarthy defies the view that the team has collective issues or lacks organisation. Once the blend comes together the results will also start to flow before very long. |
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Comment | Depth Of Southampton Squad Is Will Still's Problem
at 18:31:22
I know there are multiple reasons for transfer decisions but it does seem, to me, ridiculous that Ramsdale is on loan at Newcastle and ostensibly hasn't played a game. If he isn't going to play we might as well send them Bazunu or McCarthy to sit on the bench rather than waste his talent all season. |
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Comment | Will Still Says Players Have To Get Out Of Bad Habits From Previous Systems
at 10:44:59
I'm disappointed that you've decided to include political comment in your analysis Nick. I hope you don't turn the forum into a lap dog of the partisan right wing press, which always dictates the narrative.
Other than that, an interesting insight into the "old habits die hard" assessment by Will Still. |
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Comment | Southampton V Portsmouth The Verdict
at 10:44:49
Clearly not the outcome that any of us wanted but certainly better than losing the match.
No lack of effort or desire but when every other team in the league realises that they can just park the bus and get a point away from home it's going to be a very frustrating season.
Early days, but we've brought in players with a reputation for providing goals and assists. Fingers crossed that the expectation is rewarded in the games ahead. |
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Comment | One In And Four Out Likely At Southampton On A Controversial Friday
at 11:06:55
No doubt at all, Fernandes is a very good footballer but I very much doubt if he'll change West Ham's season around. Although it would have been a bonus to keep him at St Marys Azaz and Fellows should provide more goals and pressure on opponents.
Let's be realistic, if Dibling and Fernandes had reached peak performance levels they would have be poached by the wealthy elite anyway. Fingers crossed, but in my view the club has gained from the transfer activity. |
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Comment | Southampton Make Surprise Right Back Signing
at 12:49:51
Everyone entitled to an opinion Saintjonah68 but I'm thinking that your half full glass must now be empty. Looks like an experienced player with a decent pedigree to me but my glass is already topped up following the start to the season and some interesting transfer moves in the pipeline. |
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Comment | Southampton Open Talks To Sign Forward From Lens This One Is Quirky
at 23:38:44
It's usually fun to speculate on these projected deals particularly when very few, if any, of us know much about the player in question. I'm firmly in the "never heard of him" camp but, as Nick has posted, at least the rumour source has some credibility.
Guilavogui is 27 so not likely to be offered a contract looking at future development or major profit. Maybe Lens have been offered on of our players, like Dom Ballard, on loan?
Whatever happens, we'll all know the outcome of the speculation soon. |
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Comment | Return To Southampton First Team Squad Down To Dibling Says Still
at 12:46:48
I very much doubt that Dibling is mature enough to make balanced decisions concerning his future in the game, which probably leaves influencers, such as managers, colleagues, agents and parents, having to step up.
Some young people quickly adapt to the minefield of adult life and others will struggle to make rational choices throughout their lives. I suspect that most of us just have our ups and downs, without too many errors of judgement, often acting on instinct.
Tyler is at a crossroads and hopefully he has at least one trusted advisor who will focus his attention, and I'm hoping that person is Will Still. It appears, basically, he's been told to keep fit, decide where he genuinely wants to be, clear his head and be in a happy place. Then, when you're ready to play, commit to the decision you've taken.
Just maybe, after he's reflected on his experience at Chelsea, we'll see him back in our squad next month. If not I wish him well but try not to jump from the frying pan into the fire. |
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Comment | Southampton At Northampton Town The Preview
at 12:46:51
I have the same understanding as StAnt that there won't be too many changes in the line up. Unless imminent transfer activity demands that any player needs to be removed from the squad it makes sense to use the same players from the weekend and simply adjust the starting eleven.
I've always disliked the idea of giving second string players, like McCarthy for example, game time and see no reason for Bazunu not to play. Resting fit players on the off chance of injury is as ridiculous a concept as resting them during training. Match fitness comes with stability and confidence, not by encouraging players to switch on and off.
By all means give Downs a starting role and maybe move Armstrong to a wide position but unless Taylor Harwood-Bellis has a confirmed future at the club there seems no point in him playing.
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Comment | Southampton V Wrexham The Verdict
at 12:25:53
As ever, some very balanced posts highlighting the pros and cons of both individual and team performance performance. Two things that stood out for me were the the performance of Stephens which was pretty much error free and crucial at key moments, a big thumbs up from one of your long time critics. Secondly, I couldn't see that Tyler Dibling would have enhanced the performance and maybe he should reflect that media hype doesn't always make you a star. Never forget how brutal the pundits can be when you're sitting on the bench after a big money move and fail to adapt.
Other than that I, also, felt that Armstrong knew that he'd not played well and probably out of position. On the other hand it may be that he hasn't anything left to give and should consider a move to get his game back on track? He may reflect, on yesterday's performance, that he isn't going to be a first choice pick with Stewart, Downs and Archer all looking much sharper.
Anyway, a well deserved result and whereas we've so often failed to break down teams parking the bus quality and fitness paid dividends yesterday. Onwards and upwards. |
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Comment | Southampton Have Bid For Fernandes Replacement Turned Down
at 12:19:23
Equally, I don't have any knowledge of Jack Rudoni but 9 goals and 12 assists definitely caught my attention. At 24 he's also got experience at the right level so, thankfully, the recruitment team hasn't just been looking at players with potential. |
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Comment | Southampton Technical Director Defends Jack Stephens Contract
at 12:08:55
If the quote from the Technical Director is accurate " I know and Jack knows that not everything was perfect. Absolutely. Nobody tries to hide from that. He knows he can do better."
"I'm really positive that he can. What I see from him in the pre-season is very good. I'm very positive that he can bring good performance on the pitch." then we are in for something of a revelation.
Jack now has to deliver on the pitch or those words are meaningless. If he has upped his game and becomes a rock in defence I'm more than happy to give him full support. At present my gut feeling is that the captaincy puts too much pressure to up his performance to a level that he can't achieve. Play to the best of your ability Jack but please don't try and be a leader by increasing the risk of failure. |
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Comment | Southampton V Brighton The Pre Season Verdict
at 13:44:37
Are there any supporters who believe that Jack Stephens should be a first choice pick for anything? I genuinely feel sorry for Jack because his confidence must have taken a battering but, at his age, he is not going to improve and the errors will become more costly.
The manager is now having to make a tough decision that will impact not only on Jack but also the entire team. Whether Jack is selected or not the choice could have negative outcomes for the player.
I'd probably smooth the ground by giving him a seat on the bench and see if he's willing to motivate others and use his club captain status to positive effect. By lifting the disappointment of players substituted and calming the nerves of new players around him he could actually become more of a leader.
Other than that, it's going to interesting to see the team sheet for the opening match because there are so many options to consider. Whoever plays we can only ask for 100% and proper direction from the coaching team. |
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Comment | Everton See Tyler Dibling Bid Rejected By Southampton
at 12:41:12
I take your point saintmark however, taking into consideration the way previous managers squandered Dibling's flair and enthusiasm by strangling his natural talent I'm not surprised by his apparent petulance and loss of form.
Presuming that Dibling is not pushing for a move and the new manager has not only reignited his enthusiasm but also recognised his best playing position then we could be looking at a huge transfer fee down the line. 27 million now or 70 million next year could be the difference. |
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Comment | Atalanta Submit Increased Bid For Sulemana
at 13:02:45
I've tried to work out from the ffp, psr, or whatever the rules are currently tagged with, regulations about the financial impact of selling players at a loss. Tbh I'm none the wiser and certainly more confused because the variable on sustainability are like playing snakes and ladders. A question for any poster, or Nick, if we sell players at a loss does that reduce the club's ability to bring in new players? Indeed, can the losses be offset by giving academy developed players modest amounts of first team playing time? Are there any of the current financial constraints that can't be beaten by the wealthy clubs legal teams? Yes, no, maybe?
Other than that, neither Onuachu or Kamaldeen are the club's future and most of our surplus players aren't viable commodities so probably time to bite the bullet regardless. |
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Comment | Dragan Solak Puts End To Speculation At Southampton
at 18:44:12
And, for what it's worth, a vote of confidence from me. I believe that Will Still can get the squad to work as a team, not only winning but also gaining the huge benefit of adaptability. Can't wait for substitutions that have a positive impact on results rather than the headless chicken syndrome. |
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