 | News 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. |
 | News 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. |
 | News 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. |
 | News 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. |
 | News 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. |
 | News 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. |
 | News 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. |
 | News 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. |
 | News 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. |
 | News Comment | Southampton Midfielder On Leeds United Radar. at 11:57:44
I'd also prefer to keep Shea Charles in the squad for next season, a year older with the benefit of a full season behind him it makes no sense if he fits into Will Still's plans. As for going to Leeds, I can imagine a situation where the team struggle, Farke gets replaced and Charles goes first to the bench and then back out on loan. Not exactly progress. |
 | News Comment | Who Wil Return From The Cold For Southampton After Juric Exit at 19:32:57
No harm at all in speculating who might stay, who might go, who believes that they're a much better player than actually are, probably a few of those in the squad. However, there are a couple of other considerations I think. How do you offload players on expensive contracts who won't want a pay cut and how many of the players in the squad will be suited to the new managers needs. I'm presuming that the managerial appointment will be made only after the guys on the shortlist have watched the squad in action, not necessarily live, and done due diligence on their ability to adapt. Thankfully there are, allegedly at least, managerial candidates who have credibility this time around. Whether there are players in the squad that either have the talent or can learn to play at a higher level is the new manager's immediate concern. |
 | News Comment | Southampton Appoint Ivan Juric at 11:32:20
Welcome indeed Ivan, I suspect that several players who RM wouldn't even allow on the pitch will be raring to go and have a point to prove. What a shame that Charly Alcaraz was sold in August I think he would have flourished under the new manager's style of play. |
 | News Comment | Southampton V Fulham The Preview at 12:41:10
Templarinexile,rightly or wrongly I'm not convinced that the majority of the players are necessarily ill equipped for the PL. I would say that the players were certainly ill equipped to play the game RM envisaged in his dreams, or fantasies. Let's give the new manager, presuming Juric is now at the club, the opportunity to use the players strengths and see if they can compete with other teams on a level playing field? |
 | News Comment | Who Had Heard Of Pochettino ! As Saints Fans Question New Manager's Credentials at 18:45:35
Absolutely right lansdownsaint, the negativity of some supporters beggars belief. Considering some of the other names touted around for the job I'm delighted that Ivan Duric is willing to take on the challenge. Unlike recent appointments we won't be paying stupid amounts of compensation to another club or pandering to the inflated egos of those unemployed who believe that they are too good to even consider the job. There's no way of knowing whether he can get us out of the relegation places but equally there's no reason to think he can't improve the win ratio either. |
 | News Comment | Southampton Linked With Ex Danish National Team Manager at 23:23:15
Considering that so many of the potential candidates are unproven, unavailable or destined for better opportunities Kasper Hjulmand could be the right fit for the role. As the club already has Adam Lallana in house they wouldn't need to look any farther for "someone with the necessary Premier League nous" to advise a new manager. Having worked for many years with Jurgen Klopp, like him or not, Lallana's tactical awareness is probably top level. |
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