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Comment | Southampton Already Have Their Target To Replace Russell Martin
at 12:34:51
"The fight we are now in? We’ve played 4 games!! Sure we need to change results and I agree that Martin looks like he is struggling to know how to attack the opposition but if we win today, will the same be said of McKenna? 5 games in, no win, only 2 points?
I do have concerns but when you think we’re not up to speed yet, this seems worse than the knee jerk reactions you accused fans of with Ralph when he had lost 9-0 twice..
Favourtism indeed extends to this website and the pen of the majority of articles. As much as there’s aspects I don’t like about Martin, you have to give him a proper chance to show what he can do with a fit and ready squad which was only assembled fully one game ago!
I don’t see how this article is helpful, again, you are trying to disrupt the club and stir people up when we need everyone pulling in the same direction to survive in this league. 4 games in is not enough time to make a fair judgement despite the poor start, we dominated against quality United players last week until the penalty and we have all seen improvement."
The truth hurts but one day you'll have to live with it or die failing. I think that's a fair report - conjecture is part of Nick's job let alone the fan's prerogative.
Hassenhutl should have been sacked because of two 9-0 losses in consecutive seasons, that was an absolute embarrassment and disgrace for the club and the fans, whilst he also used a pathetic, useless system that failed ( admittedly we brought in a lot of inadequate players - SR's fault).
Martin's system is clearly doomed to failure and relegation seems inevitable with Martin's current approach. Nick's simply making us aware of the possibilities if Saints lose their next few games. As someone else said, SR's prerogative is to staying the Premier Division. Hopefully they can avoid this by sacking Martin - unless he manages to see the light and change his ways ( we may still not survive with the players we have).
I have followed Eustace's managerial career and he does indeed seem to be effective at his job where ever he's been which couldn't be said for Martin when we signed him.
We must be realistic fighters not a delusional losers and frankly, I've had enough and want us to have a fighting chance, and a competent approach, to staying up this year. I'd be happy with Potter, Moyes or Eustace- at least they appear to have some common sense and football nous.
Let's see. I bet if we don't gain any points in the next few games, a lot of the 'folks' on here will be calling for Martin's head instead of bleating about giving him a chance. |
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Comment | Russell Martin Has Plenty Of Options For Manchester United Game But Will He Use Them
at 10:32:50
Whilst I agree with everything else you've said, I don't think you have to sneer to say 'tippy-tappy' tactics because that's what it was and frankly if we continue playing that way in the Premier Division then we're going to be relegated.
Say things the way they are, don't skirt around an issue and then you can progress, have an honest debate and make the necessary changes for the good. That's how you improve. If there's some hyperbole there, ignore it because you still have to move forward. Fans are passionate that's what a fan is, a 'fanatic'.
Effectively you're saying the same thing Nick - clear the ball when you need to in dangerous areas. It's not complicated algebra. How Martin hasn't figured this out yet as a professional, is bewildering to at least half the fan base.
My team for Saturday, in a 4-4-2 formation is, if fit of course:
Ramsdale, Sugawara, Bednarek, THB, KWL, Downes, Oguchukwhu, Fernandes, Dibbling, Archer, Diaz. |
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Comment | The Solution Is Clear For Russell Martin If He Is To Stay In His Job
at 11:59:47
The three weeks after the next two you mean Nick. Fair comments and I agree about Stephens - in all reality, though, many like him as a captain , member of the squad and man - including myself, he should not be first choice defender in the Premier League. However, if we played with two centre-halves I would see him as a capable back-up. That to me is short and long of it.
However, I really think the system is to blame and Martin has to change the system. You purchase ball playing midfielders to play the ball around not defenders and goalkeepers - their job is to stop attacks and shots around the penalty area and to get rid of the ball as quickly as possible. It really shouldn't be rocket science. Sure the better backs can pass the ball out effectively and that does have to come into the equation in the Premier league but there's a difference between that and less than effective ball-playing defenders knocking the ball around their own penalty box. Barcelona, Madrid, Man City and Arsenal can do to because on the whole those defenders are excellent ball players. We simply can not afford players of that calibre and so, ergo, we're not going to be able to knock the ball around. We have to play to our strengths of our best players, rather than get the players to play to a devised/designed system, and make adjustments when necessary. You don't have to be a manager to see this, you just need commons sense and decades of watching football.
Martin was pragmatic in making the right changes for the play-offs, it was a critical situation, but than why does he persist we his tippy-tappy defensive system against superior teams in the Premier League? Doesn't he understand we have to win matches ?That is very curious to me. He'll definitely have to change in the next three matches to get any points but that 's going to mean a fundamental rethink in team loyalties. I think Fernandes, Archer, Ugochukwa and Dibbling should all be brought in. There's two weeks to integrate them into a new system Russell! BE great if it happens but I won't hold my breath. |
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Comment | Justin Bijlow Fails Southampton Medical
at 21:46:37
"This is a big blow to Southampton's hopes of staying up, unless a truly class keeper is signed, then it is hard to see how we can survive."
But we need three players if we're going to stay up: goalie, creative centre mid and a proper goal scoring centre forward. Come to think of it, didn't I say this at the start of the transfer window? Nothing's changed. |
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Comment | Southampton V Lazio The Verdict
at 22:34:58
Here's hoping Charley stays but learns to control that temper. Maybe a bit of a result for us - him getting involved in a fracas. |
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Comment | Southampton V Oxford United The Verdict
at 12:30:49
All very well being decent and generous about our squad but the Premier League and teams aren't that merciful. We'll be taken to task immediately without mercy. Better to face up to reality and kick the management up the backside - it's our only resort as fans - and after all they're certainly reimbursed well for it. Tell the management: start proving you're capable of running a Premier League club. The rest of us would get kicked out of a job if we weren't up to scratch, even a crappy job. There's certainly far too much leeway given to management when players that just aren't good enough and constantly get cudgeled. The constant filling of the squad up with mediocrity just doesn't won't hack it. |
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Comment | Southampton V Oxford United The Verdict
at 11:11:52
I thought McCarthy was at fault for the second goal. He seemed to get down too slowly for a Prem keeper's quality and the ball went under his hand or at least within touching distance. Two years contract was madness. If he's keeper this season we're going down. |
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Comment | Southampton V Stoke City The Verdict
at 12:58:23
ŤSorry, we simply need a new manager. This guy has simply proved he hasn't got what ugly takes at the final hurdle. OK the team were great on their npn losing streak but we're we ever convinced that they were serious contenders. I don't think so. In that period the players has some togetherness, and there was a fairly consistent team. The centre back pairing of HB and Bednarek had a great deal do with this, wholt Stu Armstrong , Adam Armstrong were playing consistently well. That was down to the players not the manager. When it comes to the time when a sensible, clear head is needed, we don't get it. Think of the way McMebemy and Bates operated. Unfortunately Martin couldn't hold a candle to them. |
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Comment | Alex McCarthy Or Joe Lumley That Is The Question For Russell Martin
at 10:48:31
Martin had to have a good reason for playing McCarthy over Lumley but he didn't because Martin said he just wanted to see how McCarthy 'got on'. An unprofessional decision, in my humble opinion, considering we needed to win the game against a play-off contender. That for me was a risk too far and totally unwarranted. Although Saints played well, Martin got lucky as Preston might as well not have turned up. It'll be different against Cardiff on Saturday. |
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Comment | What Brought About Russell Martin U Turns Against Preston
at 13:55:15
Occasionally, and by a lot of it is by luck or being forced into it, Martin finds the right combinations. Last night was one of those nights. So if Martin's got any sense whatsoever, he'll start with the same team but swopping Lumley for McCarthy. Pick the best team possible and make changes from the bench when necessary not from the starting line-up. Credit to Manning for his last two performances but then again he is a left back. |
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Comment | Southampton V Coventry City The Verdict
at 14:14:49
A classic Russell Martin Jekyll and Hyde performance and the players also have this Jekyll and Hyde aspect: positive, show our prowess and potential in the first half; second half sitting back, more defensive tippy tappy and dangerously vulnerable. Frankly we're lucky we got away with a win in the end.
All this to me shows that in reality Martin isn't a very confident manager. He overthinks his strategies, tinkers too much ( the Tinkerman, Ranieri, tinkered for Leicester but he had world class players to tinker with) and that we don't have many consistently top quality players. Martin listening to the critics was good, but this was only half done and sometimes the wrong choices are made; putting Stephens in at centre back but leaving out Bednarek. That doesn't matter too much to me because Jack usually plays well here and here played well tonight, rampaging forward on occasions and poking the odd decent ball forwards. But why break up the record breaking centre half pairing of THB and Bednarek - it smacks of unconfident decision choices. When Saints don't have Armstrong in the starting line-up we miss a large amount of creativity and goal threat. OK he doesn't seem to be able to play 90 minutes but at least leave him on, if fit, for 75 minutes because he's always capable of creating a chance. Fraser I thought was ineffective and Suleman might have been more of a threat with his pace. Adams was probably exhausted after his efforts but unfortunately moving Armstrong back into the centre doesn't seem to work especially when he's much more effective coming in from the right - where's he's scored most of his goals and been successful. Mara still flatters to deceive for me but then again he rarely gets a string of games. This season would have been much better spent, as I said at the start, with him going on loan to get as much first team football as possible. Hey ho, we march on. |
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Comment | Defence Is The Best Form Of Defence
at 12:17:58
Martin really doesn't have a plan B, he just deals with the situation sometimes in a skewed way according to biases that are not based on solid reasoning. It's been said many times recently but use 'round pegs for round holes' not square pegs for round holes. It's obvious but Martin can't see and/or stubbornly won't apply the logic that most fans can now see. Over the decade or so most fans also realise that Stephens can only operate effectively in one position - centre half. Other clubs also know this because whenever Stephens is out of position then that area is easily targeted and leaves Saints with a crucial weakness. Don't get me wrong, I think that Stephens is a reasonably good centre half (and I thought was one of our best players against Middleborough - but, and this is my point, in his accustomed centre half role). That should be his playing role in the squad and presently that should be as a replacement if THB or Bednarek, who are clearly our best centre-half pairing, aren't available. Martin complicates something that should be very simple. We simply don't have the defensive quality to tinker with positional changes.. |
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Comment | Russell Martin Take A Bow
at 13:28:27
I feel some of the initial criticism was warranted ( because real fans are passionate of their club and are due their criticisms, albeit not positive on occasions, and this may still represent true and realistic points that should be listened to and subsequently seriously acted upon for the good of the team and club. In a democracy you improve and progress by listening - and compromising - to all voices.) but the good thing about Martin is that he did listen and he did make many, if not all, of the necessary changes - the ability of a good manager given backing and time. He has been able to do this with an excellent all-round proficient footballing squad for the level of the Championship ( he didn't have this at Swansea or with Milton Keynes). Martin has also proved very good at man management, and, along with his staff, has seemingly improved most of the squad players. Nevertheless, let's not get too carried away with ourselves because some things are not perfect or have not been changed effectively as yet.
In reflection of the previous comments let's look at, from a fan's perspective, how the key players have developed under Martin's management over the last five months.
Bazunu was inexperienced, and he's still inexperienced, but less so now of course, thanks perhaps to some luck and circumstances. Martin stuck with him. But did he realistically have a replacement? I'd say probably not. And in this restricted situation Bazunu was allowed some mistakes and allowed to regain his confidence and develop his goalkeeping psychology into a stronger place. Also allowed to do this with an improving defence. It's pleasing for Saints fans to see a true potential develop through rough times into a proper professional footballer and this is what we're seeing with quite a large numbers of Saints players both inexperienced and more experienced.
Karl Walker Peters always had the potential but this has evolved a stage further with Martin. He's trusted and responds by putting in 100% every match. One of Saint's best players this season although there are quite a few up for that accolade. He's allowed to develop by instigating an attacking opportunity whenever and wherever he sees it. In the Premiership I'd say his weak point was defensively but in the Championship this is less of a problem because it can't be exploited so easily and because Martin has insisted that everyone defends and holds a position when necessary.
Left back is the most problematic position in the team and I'd say it hasn't truly been solved yet. Certainly if we go up either players will have to step up or we'll need a top flight player. Martin has tinkered a bit and Bree played well there, as well as KWP standing in but largely Martin has trust in Manning. Who has improved over recent weeks since he regained the position - all to his credit. Certainly the mistakes made at the start of the season seem to be ironed out. Personally though, I think Perraud is the best option in this position and if only Martin had had him as first choice he no doubt would have developed into a better player suited to Martin's style of football.
The two central defenders have developed a partnership because they've been playing together consistently - and consistency is a theme to Saints success ( consistency of team selection is a luxury unheard of for Saints in many years and can't be underrated). Again , this is partly down to lack of options but whatever the circumstances, consistency has allowed Harwood Bellis and Bednarek to show their true class at Championship level whilst continuing to develop as better players. HB is now showing his excellence as a ball playing centre back. In contrast to previous years we also have good options that can cope at this level as replacements in Stephens, Holgate and Charles although changes won't be as strong as the first pairing.
Right wing or wing back has proved as difficult as left back to get right. Tella's leaving has not successfully been replaced. Adam Armstrong has been the most successful player in this position and I think it's probably his best position - as the statistics of assists and goals - shows. If Martin can convince him of this, and Saints manage to find an effect centre forward, surely this is the way forward into the Premiership. Again Armstrong has been able to show his potential and ability at Championship level and has proven to be one of the best players at this level. Martin rightly made him captain, his confidence has been regained and seems to improve with each passing match.
Downes has improved and cemented his position as a crucial part of the centre of midfield. Giving 100% and filling the role to a T. The kind of stability the midfield needed especially after JWP's transfer.
As Saints are basically playing 4-3-3, the left side and right sides of midfield have not been claimed by anyone although we're lucky to have players good enough and flexible enough to fill those roles. Stuart Armstrong, Alcarez, Aribo, Charles, Smallbone can all fill those roles, and are good enough, when needed although those players have their preferred positions. Rothwell on the right would also be an excellent addition. These positions have not truly been claimed by any player as yet and would need cementing if Saints were to gain promotion.
The forward line has also been a success this season unlike the struggles of previous seasons. Adam Armstrong's already been mentioned and the left side has been successful with the success of both Edozie and Fraser who have both seen substantial development under Martin. The centre forward position ( I feel a team always needs a centre forward unless occasional tactical alterations are needed and especially if you play two wingers - not as obvious to some people as it seems) has been problematic with the injury to Stewart - brought in to do a centre forward 's job - and Che's original lack of opportunity and poor form. However, with the threat from the wings and the more direct positiveness of the midfield Adams seems to been showing a new lease of life despite transfer speculation. It looks as if Adams and the club is between two stools at the moment: the club would take the opportunity to sell Che if the right offer came in but equally might be happy, if Adams success continues, to offer him a new contract in the summer - presuming Adams is happy to do so. I don't think Martin has any say in this other than pressing the matter by playing him (or not). Again Saints don't really have a choice not to play him at the moment.
In conclusion Martin hasn't got everything right yet but he's got a lot of it right and continues to learn and develop as a good manager. Fans can only hope that SR will give his effectively backing and listen to him. His true test, of course, will be in the last half of this season and, if get promoted, in the Premiership.
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Comment | Saints To Take Midfielder On Loan From Bournemouth
at 10:35:01
Watch the guy on YouTube: he's very skilful, makes surging direct runs - so we don't have this type of player - however his end product cross or shot seemed to be a bit lacking at times. Judge for yourself - with his experience, and potential, I think he'll be a great acquisition, as long as he remains fit of course. |
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Comment | Southampton Have Danish International Midfielder On Their Radar
at 14:51:00
Sounds like the agent is keen to raise the price of the guy. Unless he's international/world class I can't see any of those top clubs going for him. That probably leaves only us! If he also plays on the wing - that doesn't sound like the kind of midfielder we need at present.
On YouTube he looks pretty decent but I'd look like a world beater on YouTube. The guy plays in the Danish first division so what's that, the equivalent to League 1 or 2 in the UK. At 27 you're taking a substantial risk on a player of this calibre. Unfortunately, in recent years, Saints have also got a track record of signing players under the radar but they're usually under the radar with good reason because they're generally useless players ( I won't list them all - I haven't got all day).
Another cheap, useless, squad player on colossal wages we don't need. Don't waste time and money please SR, maintain some measured judgement and sensible consideration and learn your past lessons. |
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Comment | Saints Appoint Colin Calderwood As New First Team Coach
at 14:02:48
Seems like a good and sensible appointment to me. Good summary of the situation by Nick. We definitely needed a more experienced, independent hand especially in the defensive coaching department. I'm happy about this move and hopefully it's a move in the right direction and about improving the team and club and not just satisfying Manchester City to improve their planning and bank balance. We'll wait and see. Onwards and upwards. |
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Site Scores| Forum Votes: | 18 | | Comment Votes: | 95 | | Prediction League: | 3 | | TOTAL: | 116 |
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