04 Mar 2021 20:19:53
I agree with other posters regarding Ralph's constantly playing players out of position and hopefully we will have some back from injury this weekend to make his selections easier, however I do hope he persists with Forster as in five first team games has only conceded one goal and deserves a chance to build on those performances.

1.) 05 Mar 2021
05 Mar 2021 00:02:25
First time of posting in all the years I’ve been following the threads, so bear with me.
First of all, neither Forster or McCarthy are good enough at this level. Both are tremendous shop stoppers on their day (on off days, well . we all remember the Carabo cup final with Forster on an off day) . Given their height, neither command the six yard box well enough, uncertain whether to come or stay home. Their distribution is generally woeful - when did either turn defence into attack - McCarthy looks confused, scared even when clutching the ball before he all too often bowls it out to a defender under pressure. Forster is marginally better but again, decision making far too clunky. I would give Forster the nod against Sheff United on Saturday, if only to earn his £75K with a clean sheet.
Goalkeepers aside - I cannot let the opportunity to vent about Redmond pass. He is not deserving of the shirt - huff and puff and basically pointless. It’s churlish to say this but at times I would rather play with 10 on the pitch than have to see that pathetically smug grin of his every time he messes up (which is a lot by the way) .
Controversial - but I will say it anyway - what’s up with Bertie? He’s not the player he was - risk averse (always backwards and sideways) and if he does get forward he rarely beats the first defender. Playing like someone who is not having to compete for a place.
Finally, and with great regret, I’m questioning Ralph. Lovely, lovely man but someone who has run out of ideas. Team choices and substitutions have all the hallmarks of desperation. His persona on the touch line is of someone on death row. It’s just plain horrible to see him suffering like that and in many respects I do blame the senior players who are showing little to no leadership on the park but wax lyrical afterwards about how they must do better next week.
When Saints lose it spoils my weekend but somehow, I never get the feeling it effects players in the same way. Then I turn on the rugby and it makes me want to weep at the way footballers in general, including ours die and return to life every time someone knocks into them. I would really love it (think Keegan) if Ralph. sent them on a week’s boot camp with the Royal Marines. For God’s sake toughen up - it’s embarrassing at times.
Anyway, I’m done and fear not, I won’t be back any time soon with ridiculously long rants which change nothing. Actually, I do feel better for getting it off my chest. Best wishes to all Saints fans and maybe, just maybe, we’ll get to enjoy another trip to Wembley this year.

2.) 05 Mar 2021
05 Mar 2021 17:34:15
Hi Millertime, good to read your first post. When I posted recently anti Ralph’s decision making, suggesting he could be sacked, I expected a backlash from pro Ralph people. in fact there was no support.
Redmond is as good an example of what on earth is Ralph doing? In Redmond and to a large extent Djenepo, you have two players who are not contributing towards the team winning, quite the reverse. So many attacks are broken up by these two, losing the ball, poor passes, stopping and going backwards! We could have Messi up front and still not score! Because the simple fact is the front are not getting the ball!
What does Ralph say in the paper? Goals have dried up and we need more goals from midfield
Dried up? JWP not playing and important balls, Armstrong trying,

If he plays Redmond tomorrow after his absolutely appalling game v Everton then Ralph has lost it.

He needs to get Bednerek and Vestergard back together! I don’t care if Salisu wil be a ‘superstar of the future’ . he’s nit know and we need these two playing together!

Enough .

3.) 06 Mar 2021
06 Mar 2021 13:01:13
I agree with keeping Bednarek and Vestergaard as our central defence. I was thinking that maybe it's worth trying Salisu just in front of them in a 4 1 4 1 line up.

4.) 07 Mar 2021
07 Mar 2021 11:11:40
What a difference getting players back, especially KWP. We looked to know what we were doing, well drilled and playing like before. Bednarek and Vestergaard together again. I can’t fault Forster either. Much more the team of before. Great game - what a screamer from Che. We need to back this up now with a good performance at City.

5.) 07 Mar 2021
07 Mar 2021 11:18:39
I wonder if Jack Stephens could be converted into a 6? He’s got decent feet and is strong in the tackle. Plus he’s now 4th choice CB. Could he do a job if required?