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Comment | Saints Subsidise Trip To Swansea
at 09:05:08
It seems some around here still aren't comfortable with criticising Cortese 'cos he got us back to the Premier League and sold us a dream of Champions League football! Well he's gone now so you don't have to kiss his backside anymore!
I for one welcome the new regime; our Club no longer feels like it lives in fear. The ambition is still there, but the respect for our history and fans is back; ciao Cortese, it's been a blast.
All those that mock the corporate governance are the same ones who laugh at Pompey for not having it! Must be nice to sit on a fence and sway with the wind! |
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Comment | Saints Accounts 2013 An Overview
at 08:45:00
It's funny how some won't hear a bad word about NC but here's some news for you; he's gone so you don't have to be scared to have an opinion now!
Although NC deserves credit for our meteoric rise, Nigel Adkins and the playing staff won us the promotions because let's not forget, it is what gets done on the pitch that delivered the promotions. What these accounts highlight is that we (NC) were taking some dangerous gambles with someone elses' money. Our Ultimate Owner has now stepped in to set in place proper management of her business and finances which I welcome.
Someone mentioned the shirt sponsor; from what I recall, aap3 were being replaced but it got screwed up and at the last minute, it was decided to run out the remainder of their contract. What is very clear is that our stadium only holds 32500 which limits our income to pay for players and transfers, so it is vital that we maximise the commercial revenue opportunities to bring in the extra needed. These accounts show that the great NC was not achieving this and if it continued, we could be putting our Club into grave danger once again. For those that don't believe this, just look at what happened to our friends down the road.
I feel a lot happier about the running of our Club now. It is also clear that the atmosphere around St Mary's has improved now they no longer live in fear.
As for the Academy building project, that is a complete joke! To double the (already high) expected cost is insane and clearly Katharina was concerned about this too. And yet every week we see it on Saints Player in the background and it looks like nothing has been done since so where's is all the money going in it?
The Don is gone, long live King Ralph! |
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Comment | Saints At Tottenham Hotspur The Verdict
at 08:57:50
Agree with your post Nick. Lovren should learn to play to the whistle also; just watch his reaction for the second goal. As Soldado beats him, he stops and looks back at the linesman!
I was also disappointed that at the end, the majority of players and all the staff walked straight down the tunnel and ignored us travelling fans! Only the 4 kids and Adz made the effort to come towards us. This is becoming a trend now and I can't recall MPo ever thanking the travelling fans which is starting to give the lead to his players! Feel a little taken for granted of late. |
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Comment | Saints V Norwich City The Verdict
at 08:57:43
Complacency was a word mentioned by most pundits and media about this game, and they were right. On 37 minutes, I had to check the score board for the time because the atmosphere had died along with the tempo; it felt like the period of extra time at the end of the first half, but there was still 10 more minutes to play! It was clear to the crowd that Norwich were there for the taking but Saints then kept passing the ball backwards and eventually to Artur, which lost the crowds' interest as we wanted them to keep going forwards, especially as Clyne had been giving their left back a torrid time. By half time, I found myself considering leaving as I was bored!
Maybe all this was a consequence of an opposition who weren't really trying? Or maybe we were just significantly better than them? Either way, Saints need to learn to take advantage of that and attack as much as possible.
The second half saw us up the tempo but those final minutes were frightening!
I thought Rickie looked somewhat back to his old self when he came on but I get why MPo chose to start with Gaston. I've also noticed that with Gaston, we tend to get more free kicks around the oppositions penalty area because of his quick feet, something our (other) strikers don't do so well in.
I was disappointed to hear from the seats around me the mumblings when Guly made a poor pass (every time) but none said a thing about Jose's lousy back pass!? It seems our Brazilian friend is once again the scapegoat for some!
Anyway, a good read Nick, thanks for your efforts each week. |
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Comment | Saints At Chelsea The Verdict
at 08:50:04
The most disappointing thing about this match for me is that, apart from the gift we were given on 13 seconds, we never managed another shot on target the rest of the 97 minutes played! MoPo should have switched to 4-4-2 on 60 minutes and told his 4-man defence to hold a line together. Our problem was our wing-backs kept going up the pitch leaving the flanks open with two strikers to occupy Jose and Dejan! Our front men got crowded out and couldn't hold the ball up so it just came right back at us all the time in the 2nd half.
Osvaldo was very poor and needs to show his worth much more than he did. Whether Rickie started or not, I don't think it would've made a difference because the problem was as Nick says, in our defence. I can't even recall many times we managed to string a decent run of passes together in this match and the amount of times Wanyama and Morgan got caught by Torres dropping back to hurry them was ridiculous. We didn't seem to learn and adapt enough and that is disappointing.
At least at Arsenal we did attempt to score several times but sadly at The Bridge, we never and that pisses me off. I can take losing to a side like Chelsea as they are a strong side but, I expect us to at least have a good go and that didn't happen yesterday. For me, our worst performance to date. |
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Comment | Hodgson Tells Jay Rodriguez Not To Be Disapointed
at 09:52:05
That interview was aired on Sky Sports News just after the match. The Paper must have been among the assembled journalists there.
Personally I think Jay's time will come. He now has a great incentive to have an excellent season with us and put himself in the frame for the Euro qualifiers, when many of the current crop will be moved out to make way for a younger squad. |
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Comment | No Real Answers From Sociedad
at 08:29:57
Based on our first half showing on Saturday, I would say we got to see the likely Squad for WBA with the exception of Jos. Clearly MoPo has a problem with Gaston and Yoshida both having to travel to Japan and back this week as I suspect they would be his normal picks instead of Guly and Jos. So I think the team he fielded first is the most likely starting line-up. In truth, we had a better fluency going forward with the first 11 then after when it got changed. It did get back to something resembling it late on when JWP and Punch came on but in-between, we lost our momentum.
As the match goes, I was impressed by our speed and movement going forward; an improvement on last year. Wanyama looked the real deal in the centre, breaking up play and pushing us forwards; I think he will be a real stand-out in the BPL this coming season. The defending was poor though! Morgan/Shaw were amateur for the first, a bit of luck for their second as that was never meant as a pass to their winger, and as for the third, have we never heard of tackling!? |
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Comment | Why Is Billy Sharp Persona Non Grata At St Mary's ?
at 08:45:19
In pre-season last year, Billy was by far our best striker, scoring more than the others put together! I think the issue is a personality clash and he is considered divisive in the dressing room around certain players. Just look back to the last few games of the CCC season to see he avoids congratulating one or two. |
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Comment | Stoke Game Cheap Seats Sell Out In Record Time
at 08:44:59
Although I have a ST, I will be going to White Hart Lane on this day to see Spurs take on Sunderland with my Boss; that game will be far more significant for the two teams involved than our last home game and worth a watch. It was also be followed by the traditional team walk around the pitch at the end to take the applause of their fans; something we don't do at St Mary's anymore, instead it's being replaced by a new tradition of pitch invasions. And for that reason, I'm glad I'm going to The Lane instead. |
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Comment | Saints V Liverpool The Verdict
at 13:53:20
Spot on Nick, fully agree with everything you've said.
I've come to the conclusion that the reason why our new style beats top sides and not others is because top side are used to being the attacking dominant ones and not used to be attacked so dominantly. Whereas lesser sides are used to defending and relying on set pieces to get them a goal.
As for ItchenNorth's comment about the substitution of Ramirez; his ball retention is not top drawer as he got it nicked from him many times yesterday (and in other games) and he was not the only one making chances yesterday. At half time, Rodgers took off a light-weight Joe Allen and replaced him with Lucas to try and get a grip in midfield. At that point, the flair of Ramirez wasn't going to be effective as LFC started to get some of the ball. So quickly changing to Davis assured that we got control in the midfield once more as MP also moved his front men around to adapt to the change. After that, we held possession again and created many more chances with Jay Rod and Shaw driving them in particular. For me, a good, decisive change at the right time to ensure LFC didn't get back into the game and gives us a platform to score again. |
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Comment | Our Chairmans Exclusive Interview
at 09:12:59
Hulk_Wogan is right, the Chairman will not list publicly his reasons as that is disrespectful & could lead him into a law suit. Fact is, the reasons were in there if you listened carefully. When appraising Pochettino, he stated that he would help to retain our Youth and attract big signings. Essentially he is saying that with Nigel at the helm, this was hampered which would impact our progress. We may all think Nigel is great but out in the big wide world of International football, he's an unknown. Pochettino however, he's well known in Spain and Internationally. Young players will feel he can coach them to a higher level than Nigel because of his experience and that helps the Club when they get approaches from others.
As for the MLT issues, NC made it clear that he is welcome. However, continuing to publicly slate NC in the Media, makes it personal which was what NC was saying and for as long as MLT continues that, NC will make it hard for him. MLT keeps going over the same old things which is becoming boring now. The "free tickets" issue was publicly retracted by The Sun with an apology after Lawrie Mac complained. They stated NC did not say those things and they had made them up. MLT also chooses to fight Benali's issue publicly which is actually a private matter between FB and NC. I am sure Benali is a big boy and can fight his own corner; MLT should stay out of it. And as for his complaint that he is "guarded" whenever he visits St Mary's, I can understand why as clearly NC feels he will be divisive if allowed to wander into the Corporate area and undermine him.
Whether we consider NC's interview as polished PR, that fact is he has set out, without making any statements that could land him in Court, his reasoning for the Managerial change. He also called on supporters of the Club to be united and trust in his decisions. Up until now, the major ones he's made have all proven to be correct. Pardew, Adkins, £1m for Lambert, broke two transfer records in one season, etc, etc. His style may appear unorthodox to many but his backing of the Club is unquestionable. He may appear strange to many who haven't worked in a major corporate business, but for someone that does, be assured his behaviour is exactly like the Executives I have worked under for the past 20yrs. Emotion doesn't enter their thinking; they make decision, live with the consequences and move on.
Whatsforpud: the original programme sellers; was that a full time job that's deprived families of their entire income? No! The Club has made a decision to improve that area and has replaced them with a new style of programme seller. |
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Comment | Saints At Aston Villa The Verdict
at 16:04:11
Personally I am chuffed with the away win and 3pts more to help us climb up the league, especially with two very tough games in the next 8 days.
I thought our 1st half performance was excellent and was really pleased to see J-Rod playing up top. I think he is a real prospect and feel he brings something extra with his pace, movement and harassing defenders; we don't get that from Rickie. In away games where we going to play a lone striker, I would always start with Jay to help us defend from the front. Rickie holds the ball up well but is winning less battles in the air these days with his back to goal.
As for the penalty; well lady luck smiled on us yesterday for a change. Sadly the Media have branded Jay a cheat for diving and "conning' the referee (Olly Holt's words). This despite Jay looking surprised at the decision, not calling for it and saying clearly he didn't dive. In the same day, Mata falls easily at Stoke and no column inches or TV punditry is dedicated to it? I think it scandalous that Jay is getting the stick due to lazy journalism and hope The Club make a strong, public defence of him.
As an aside; in the away end, why was your mate dressed as a French onion seller yesterday Nick? |
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Comment | Saints V Chelsea The Verdict
at 09:13:54
I was chuffed for J-Rod getting his goal and the way he scored it too; it was classy and should show Nigel he is more than capable of filling in for Rickie. Apart from that though, the service up to/into him was poor for most of the game leaving him to come a look for the ball.
I though Boruc did okay myself; all of their goals were well taken and would beat most keepers. So I was surprised to hear on Solent so many calling for Kelvin back; I don't think he would have done any better at all.
I was surprised he didn't give Richardson the RB role and left Cork in the Midfield where he would've been more offensive. I also thought he should've brought Tadanari on earlier and perhaps replace Puncheon sooner too, who was taking too many touches in the final 3rd again! His inability to play with his right foot also made it easy for Ashley Cole to marshal him too.
Chelsea had some serious players to use and never field a weakened squad in Cup matches so Nigel had to match that up if he was to be seen to be taking it seriously. All in all, I was disappointed by the result; the number of goals conceded more than the loss itself.
I hope Jose is not out for long as he has improved enormously this season. He will be a major loss at Villa if he is not fit and that could cost us dearly. |
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Comment | Saints At Stoke The Verdict
at 10:49:36
Nick, your point about accurate crosses into the box is one I wholeheartedly agree with. This season, we just simply haven't been putting the crosses in and have taken far too long in our build-up in the final 3rd of the pitch on too many occasions.
Noticeably yesterday, both Punch and Guly were putting plenty of balls into the danger area for Rickie or Jay to try and get onto to and it caused Stoke a lot of problems, leading to all our goals.
As for the shot Guly had which went wide; it would be unfair to single that out as defining as some fans are doing. Fact is, he was reacting to a save to a one-on-one which Jay should have buried and at least he was in a position to miss it. But how many other opportunities did we create that got us into a scoring position after that; very few if any?
It does feel like a defeat but I would've taken a point before the start as Stoke are a very tough side at home and have seen off better teams than us so far, only conceding 4 goals all season so far; we managed to score 3 against them! My only criticism is that we made defensive substitutions which forced us into a deeper position to counter Stokes bombardment. However, given that they had so 4 up front, we should have pushed Richardson into our midfield to close the flanks higher up the pitch and prevent crosses coming from there, whilst leaving is a counter-attack option. |
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Comment | Saints V Sunderland The Verdict
at 10:58:36
Couldn't agree more Nick. I was confused to see J-Rod back on the bench when against Reading, he bullied their defence, chased every loose ball and put in a good stint? Mayuka lacked a first touch and apart from one clever run, offered very little.
As for SDR, I don't think he's good enough at this level and although it excites some when he runs fast in a straight line, I feel he doesn't offer a great deal as an impact sub. I too felt Tadanari would have been a better option.
It was also noticeable (and not for the first time) that we lacked a true counter-attacking threat too, often slowing down in the final 3rd and waiting for others to join in? The lads need to learn to use those opportunities when they come and be decisive; none of this pretty Arsenal-like football around the 18yd box when a good old fashioned strike would be better. How many goals in the Prem this season have gone in from a deflection or rebounded to someone else for a tap in?
All in all a disappointing day which has put more pressure on us for the next two games; both away and against difficult teams to break down. |
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Comment | Time To Get Behind "ALL" The Players
at 08:20:14
It was interesting to see Fonte turn to the KIngsland crowd and, while gesturing with his hands, asked "Why are you doing that?" He looked bemused and angry that our crowd would boo one of his team mates for coming on to the pitch. He kept doing it until the applause started and then he applauded back.
I was glad Jose did that to make a point to the boo boys in Kingsland and stick up for his team mate.
I was ashamed hearing the boos from our supporters. I think it would help if the Northam started chanting him as soon as they see him to give him a confidence boost next time. Fair play to the Northam though for making a right noise for him to drown out the boos.
However, Nick is right and this has been going on for ages now. I remember being at Coventry away and he was getting all sorts of stick (some racial), just before he assisted 2 and scored himself. He was the difference for us that day but still got pelters from some quarters of the crowd. It has to stop; it is becoming a bit of a joke amongst some fans now and personally, I don't like it. |
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Comment | Pardew To Bid For Lallana
at 08:53:56
So a story on Lallana turns into a debate about Puncheon!
To put the record straight about SHAW for someone who posted "has he signed a new contract yet"; as he is under 18, he can't sign a professional contract and so is still on Academy Papers. Just like JWP, I am sure that as soon as he reaches his 18th Birthday, the Club will offer him a 5yr deal.
As for Adam going to the Toon, £5m is a major undervaluation of him, he still has 4yrs to go on his existing contract and is the kind of lad that is loyal having fought so hard to get us up. He enjoys a great life down on the South Coast with his family and is not into the things the stereotypical footballers tend to be. He prefers the quiet life, walking his dogs on the beach and reading. |
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Comment | Saints At QPR The Verdict
at 10:48:02
I agree Nick, the defensive errors are still there but yesterday, they didn't hurt us as they have done in previous matches, and as we know, it only takes a second or two and we've conceded.
Overall, I enjoyed our performance and we seemed to grow in confidence as the game wore on. I think the fans had a lot to do with that as they were noisy all game. I do agree about Corky; he's brought something extra to our midfield and it has showed in both the games so far.
I did think Puncheon had a good game too but in the first half, he could've made some better runs into the space on the right and given Clyne better options and stretched QPR more. For some reason he wanted to stay close to him which led to some congestion and a counter-attack being missed.
My only real criticism would be that we didn't seem to want to counter-attack much and on the one occasion we did, Ramirez ran out of puff by the time he reached the penalty area and Ferdinand nicked it off him easily. Overall though, I enjoyed the day; Loftus Rd is a proper old school ground and can be very intimidating but we made it into a home game quite easily. |
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Comment | Saints V Tottenham Hotspur The Verdict
at 13:11:48
It is amazing how different we all see the game!?
We were woeful 1st half and Fox was very poor in his primary role as a Defender, often getting caught out of position. Lambert gave the ball away too easily which in onc instance, led to their 2nd goal as they got the ball from him and were up in our 18yd area within a few seconds!
Boruc needs to improve his distribution too; I believe Gazza is our best at that as against Villa, he put it on Rickie's head 9/10 times. Rickie only won about 1 or 2 balls punted up to him from Boruc all game so we were not even able to hold the ball up well and against Spurs, that is dangerous as was proved. For their 1st goal, Yoshida should've challenged Defoe instead of following him which allowed him to walk across our back four and pass to Huddlestone. As for their 2nd goal, Boruc should've done better off his line and Fonte should've cleared it better.
Second half was much better, with passes going forward into the channels more and played at a higher pace. AVB clearly saw his team under pressure as he took off Defoe for a midfielder, then Huddlestone (who ran their midfield) and finally brought off another midfielder for Dawson in the dying minutes.
To clear up the Guly sub; that was because Davis has run out of steam and we needed some fresh energy in the midfield, which Guly brought. I am not sure if Fox was injured or Adkins looked at his effort and decided enough was enough as Defoe ran down our wing and Fox watched him do it, not giving any chase whatsoever!? I felt more confident with Reeves on as he defended first and was calm on the ball. He was also able to put in a few crosses which were level, not lofted so more difficult to defend against.
I was also pleased to see J-Rod get his goal; he seemed to be spurred by that and drove on for more.
A mention has to go to the Northam who started the singing and made so much noise at the right times to push the lads on, which clearly gave them the extra bit they needed. St Mary's rang out with the correct version of "Oh When The Saints, go marchin in" for ages and it was fabulous to hear, even after the final whistle!
And for those that questioned the formation; it was 4-4-2 and changed to 4-3-3 when Mayuka came on, with J-Rod going out to the left wing and Adam floating behind Lambert. |
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Comment | Saints V Fulham The Verdict
at 10:24:20
Interesting verdict Nick and one I agree with in the main, especially on the SRL substitution. For large parts of this game I thought we kept our shape well and defended from the front. Our midfield were superb yesterday and made a big difference when compared to the Everton game. In fact I would have given MOTM to either Morgan or S Davis.
In the first half we really looked like a team that didn't want to concede any goals with everyone doing their bit to defend in all areas of the pitch. Of course there will be times when the opposition get a period of dominance and at first, it looked like we would weather it, until the reckless defending from Jos gave them a goal and a foothold into the game. I don't know what you think but it seemed to deflate the crowd and players; I for one was fuming at that point and felt sick we had just given Fulham a goal they didn't deserve.
Certainly I don't want to hear any more of the PR saying how we are learning or how we are working hard to keep clean sheets; I want action now, not words. I left SMS yesterday feeling like it was 2 points thrown away, not 1 point gained.
When I got home, I watched the game again and right after, watched the Spurs/Villa match. What a contrast that was with Spurs passing the ball at pace and into good positions with only a few touches. Some of our guys needs to think more quickly and know when to just put the ball into the box. As Nick said, there were times yesterday when we went into blind alleys on the right and took too much time there allowing Fulham to regroup. I'm disappointed with yesterday of course but unlike some of the bed wetters, don't feel Adkins should be sacked! The players have got to take some responsibility for this. |
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