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SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s rumours posts with other poster's replies to SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s rumours posts
26 Apr 2024 18:36:02
The spirit the team need now
Gents, it's been a shocking week. Automatic promotion is gone, key players are down and we just took a battering. The pundits have written you off, the fans have written you off and some of you have given up.
You now have two choices. Wallow in misery like boys or fight like men.
Winning at Wembley is every footballers dream and you have that golden opportunity. Who has what it takes? Who is willing to chase, to get stuck in, to be bold for this team. Do it for you, do it for Stu, do it for the fans.
We have spent a season playing sideways, now we need to go forwards. This is your chance to step up and be a hero. Fight for your place in the team. Do not look back and regret what could have been. Give it all you've got.
1.) 26 Apr 2024 22:42:36
I feel at this point I’d love to hear from an Ed (or 2408 who I’ve been trying to guess who you are) .
I’ve played various sports at a reasonable level, but I've never encountered a situation where the coach wanted us to do ‘plan A’ when clearly it was plan B or C or D that was needed .
How do the players get RM to change his ways, admit defeat, listen to the players .
why don’t the players on the pitch say f**k with this nonsense and unleash themselves ….
This is where my understanding ends.
Imagine being an attacking midfielder or an attacker, Waiting for that one defence splitting pass, That defence splitting run.
But all you get is sitting back and watching huge amounts of possession, but not where you want it to be.
So in reality, can the players just do it their way?
{Ed001's Note - it is quite common, you usually know it as 'losing the dressing room'. That is characterised by players ignoring instructions and doing what they think is right. Which is strange to me as I grew up with Liverpool dominating everything and that was the secret of their success. They put players together who knew how to play and just let them play. In fact there are a number of the players who tell stories about how they would ask for tactical instructions and be told that they should figure it out for themselves (well not in so many words, usually it involved them being told to go forth and multiply). Nowadays coaches want robots who just do as they are told, rather than thinking for themselves.}
2.) 27 Apr 2024 08:13:24
Complerely agree South_Hants_Rich and Ed001. Our flair players are being suffocated and they need the freedom to play. Stoke is a free pass. We should experiment and I hope the players push for that, if RM doesn't.
Give Lumley and Stephens a half and McCarthy and Bree a half. See who deserves their starting spot.
Give Sulemana and Fraser a real shot. We may need that pace against a high press and that tenacity in a cup final.
Take players on, put some crosses in the box. We are going to have an aerial threat with Ross Stewart coming back soon.
Go 4 2 3 1, put Sulemana up top, AA as CAM, put Jack Stephens in goal! Shave JWPs hair and pretends he's Will Smallbone. Anything!
Lets try something new. Give the players a free reign, show some fighting spirit, get the fans on the edge of their seat. At least for 30 minutes!
3.) 27 Apr 2024 17:59:29
Thank you Ed001 for that great reply …
I can understand that a coach may spot a shortcoming in someone’s game. but as you say, the modern coach, especially RM, are telling the players what they need to do!
Love the Liverpool story . cheers again
{Ed001's Note - very welcome.}
01 Jan 2024 10:32:29
Happy New Year everybody! It has been a pleasure posting with you. As an expat that does not get to see many games, it is great to hear what is going on from those closer to the action.
Reading some rumours about strikers and wingers coming in.
@Eds, any rumours with substance?
{Ed002's Note - Fabio Carvalho (AM/LW) He has no clear future at Liverpool, certainly in the short-term so a loan to perhaps Southampton or Leicester would be best for all. Liverpool would also consider him as a player they could let go in any part exchange transaction.}
1.) 02 Jan 2024 09:17:28
Thank you Ed002.
Hearing we are in the market for at least 1 striker e.g. Ings and/or Biovski and an AM or winger e.g Carvalho or Diallo. Is this abou right?
{Ed002's Note - Yes but much will depend on the summer and if promotion is achieved.}
19 Dec 2023 10:48:55
Jan rumours suggesting we could see
KWP out and Ben Johnson in
Che out and Ings in?
Would you take that scenario?
14 Aug 2023 15:26:17
Curious on who people think we should sell or keep out of Mara, Aribo, Lyanco, Bree, Perraud and Sulemana?
Hearing rumours that Onuachu may be off back to Genk with a swap deal for a right winger (think we are already strong here with Tella and Ameyaw).
Plus ABK going back to Germany. Then Holgate coming in on loan as a replacement (plus Downes for JWP). Maybe even Mccarthy to Everton.
50m spent on a quality GK, CB and Striker is what I think we all want now, with no more out the door. Then I think playoffs is achievable.
1.) 14 Aug 2023 18:24:01
I would keep sulemena if he is willing to fight and perraud is a good player and should be strong at this level. The others could go and I wouldn't be too upset although lyanco will give you passion, although I would play him as a dm not a cb
31 Mar 2023 17:57:59
If you are curious what Saints need to stay up, it is probably 36 points, which is 13 from our last 10 or 3 wins and 4 draws.
This is based on an analysis of the min needed to survive over the last 10 seasons and final table projections based on the avg. points this seasons and the last 6 and 10 games.
Can we do it? If we avg. the same points per game over the season or last 10 games then no. If we maintain our form in the Selles era, then potentially yes.
This would give us 3 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses in our next 9 and needing a point on the last day to make it.
Saints are top of the bottom 9 clubs over the last 6 games. The other teams hit 13% fewer points than their season average, whereas we hit +62%. We will need that trend to continue, to have a chance.
Going to be a thrilling finale, either way and hope the stats are useful.
Here is a reasonable best case scenario:
Wins: Palace, Fulham and Bournemouth
Draws: West Ham, Forest, Newcastle and Liverpool
Losses: Man City, Arsenal and Brighton
1.) 06 Apr 2023 16:05:31
If you're really curious as to what Saints need to stay up I think we can say an absolute miracle
2.) 08 Apr 2023 19:56:45
At this point, I agree with you!
SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s banter posts with other poster's replies to SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s banter posts
21 Apr 2024 09:58:23
Meh I woke up yesterday reading that we could even be top by Tuesday if we win and results go our way.
Now, the playoffs it is.
I would be tempted to give Sulemana, Rothwell and Edozie a decent run out in the last few games to keep other players fresh and see what they can do.
1.) 22 Apr 2024 10:37:07
I felt the same too, we were could've been top and if would've been a miracle of a comeback but yeah playoffs if is.
Disappointed, but what can we so the best we could do it go on playoffs but a key weakness is when we play key games. This was a key game and we messed up and ghost a one off this has been happening a lot during this season. We got to stop this or even play-offs don't look plausible as we need a team that's strong in mentality and that won't break under the pressure.
10 Apr 2024 07:05:20
5 thoughts on the promotion dilemma.
1. As a Saint I want that euphoric Wembley win. As a Football fan, the top 3 deserve promotion more.
2. I fear promotion could mean get beaten most weeks next year but we also have a better chance of keeping THB and KWP so should have more hope than the year after.
3. Another year away could develop our young players and help us master more styles of play. Then again that depends if we stick or twist with the current approach.
4. The prospect of beating Pompey in the playoffs next year could be historic but the loss of finances and players could hurt us.
5. I do not have that same feeling of "a side on the up" as the Adkins and Lambert years. We need the vision and play to inspire that, whatever league we are in.
Which do you feel is best for the club? Promotion now or another rebuild year?
1.) 10 Apr 2024 09:55:16
Good question :
My answer is entirely dependant on whether we get rid of RM
Another year in the championship with him at the helm, will achieve nothing.
I fully support your comments about ‘developing our youngsters and ‘support more styles of play’ .
Then is never going to happen under RM.
He doesn’t even change our style of play within a game let alone a season. He’s also never really given the very promising youngsters a chance.
Stay in the championship / new manger .
Would need to be someone who wants free flowing, fast attacking football. A manager who wants to win a game from the first to the 90th minute.
Promoted / new manger
I think we have the squad to stay in the EPL, just.
I don’t think we have ever seen the best of our players as they have not been allowed to play naturally.
I would love to see RM unleash the team, let them play fast and direct football. There are some very good football players at Saints… but imagine being a lin attacker/winger and watching the pirates patsy football going on, meanwhile they are making runs, taking up good positions and never getting the ball.
So I’m not really sure we can fully judge the current squad while they are playing under RM rules of engagement …
2.) 10 Apr 2024 13:34:57
I think you have hit the nail on the head there @south_hants_rich
We have young exciting talents like Alcaraz and Sulemana but we have not played to their attacking strengths, nor have we had an aerial threat or air of unpredictably about us.
At the start of the season, I predicted 4th and that looks like where we will be. I think RM is probably a good man manager and I am grateful for that unbeaten run but his strategy does lack flexibility.
Our style needs to be adapted to our team strengths and the opposition, not based purely on the Board and Manager's philosophy.
Some very interesting games and decisions ahead.
3.) 11 Apr 2024 12:48:16
I understand the reasons for staying put but I would far prefer to go up - every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
As I previously said, we lack that winning mentality. That generates self belief which in turn gives players confidence to look to beat players, pass forward and take risks.
4.) 11 Apr 2024 21:28:56
Yes, the more I think both scenarios through the more I hope for promotion.
Being a Saints Fan is not good for the blood pressure but it is always fun to be fighting for something whether promotion or relegation, rather than languishing in mid table.
I think our ultra possession style may be damaging that winning mentality. Psychologically, if you are always playing safe rather than pressing forward that must take away that killer instinct and confidence. The fans get nervous or bored too, which feeds into it.
02 Mar 2024 09:31:57
3 scenarios I can foresee.
Where would you put your money?
1. The Big Comeback (12% odds) - Downes settles the side, Fraser leads a resurgence, Leeds do an Ipswich and we sneak into second against the odds, like we did earlier in the year.
2. Wobble Recovery (36% odds) We stabilise after a poor run, like we did before, learn to play against the press, edge a few key games and win at Wembley.
3. The Slump Continues (52% odds) Teams have found us out, we lose confidence and the crowd, RM does not adapt and we slide down the table and bottle the playoffs.
1.) 02 Mar 2024 18:32:10
I hope its option 1 realistically option 2 but a small little part of me is saying it probably end up being option 3. Ik a win is a win but it would've been a draw. We need new tactics.
2.) 03 Mar 2024 09:09:05
I agree. With Saints, you just never know but at least it should be a gripping finale.
3.) 03 Mar 2024 15:24:53
Option 2 for me.
Looking at it another way. 11 games to play. 6 Wins/2 Draws/3 Defeats would mean 20 more points and 90 overall. Probably not enough for automatic promotion.
Only thing that is going to change that is stop conceding so many goals (open door at LB) and hitting the net not the woodwork.
Oh and the little matter of not actually suffering the 3 defeats (Away at Ipswich/Leicester/Leeds) .
Those 3 games will surely decide the final placings this season.
23 Feb 2024 07:41:10
3 thoughts on our current position
1. We are vulnerable playing out from the back and without Downes. Teams are no longer scared of us and we have lost momentum.
2. RM needs to mix it up and his single mindedness cnmcerns me. Against the press, we need to go long down the channels every now and then to make the opposition cautious.
3. Still, I am grateful for the exciting promotion chase. Earlier in the season, at the start of our run, the most likely scenario was a dull switching between 4th and 6th for 25+ games until the playoffs and probably losing to Leeds. Now anything can happen and every game matters.
1.) 23 Feb 2024 20:43:49
Well written post …
Well, written post .
Ive used the example of the WBA away game as an example …
I was really expecting a close game, but what I watched was a game where WBA sat back and let us play the ball around like a 6 a side friendly .
They never really pressed us, they never closed down. they literally let us play! Play
And that is exactly what happened for over 20 games, coupled with the non losing streak, coupled with the amazing scenario of playing none of the top clubs!
I watched the run, thinking, any coach worry his money will not allow us the freedom, they certainly won’t allow us the freedom to play suicidal passes in and around the box. I’m not sure I’ve seen so many dangerous passes in one game; to be honest there are more dangerous passes played by saints in one game than I see in a season .
So now Martins style has been broken, we are in trouble unless we change!
Hull pressed us superbly, they hunted us down, there was no sitting and watching us play with the ball!
Unless Martin changes tactics, we will only just make the playoffs .
as I posted before, unbelievable that we changed nothing ….
2.) 23 Feb 2024 21:50:08
Totally agree with what’s been written - nothing more to say other than watch and weep as Leeds turn things round against Leicester
3.) 24 Feb 2024 08:39:05
Hull took is apart, so as it stands I would rather be 4th and play West Brom in the first playoff and hope Ipswich beat Hull.
Second is still possible but only if we play our best team, learn to play against the press, win the 6 pointers and get a bit of luck!
4.) 24 Feb 2024 14:23:29
It’s amazing to look at this table and think we could end up with 100 points and still not go up! It looks likely there will be four teams with 90+ points, when in your average championship season you’re almost guaranteed to go up with around 87.
Regardless of the tactical issues etc currently needing addressing, we have little to fear bar those three away at the top three - I’d fancy our chances at Ipswich, hope we won’t lose at Leicester, then it would all come down to that final day where who knows what could happen.
Leicester are falling back, Ipswich had a run of 1 win in 9, we’ve lost 2 in 3, Leeds were about 7 back of us until February. There are more twists yet - Leeds won’t win every game between now and May, and I think Leicester are catchable.
Just enjoy the ride and hope that if it comes to it, we don’t bottle the play-offs ?
18 Jan 2024 14:28:29
As our heads are all filled with potential PL promotion glory, I thought it might be interesting to look ahead and think what we might need for 100m + player sales.
I think we are wise to look for loans with options to buy now, so players can get to know our style and hit the ground running, if we get promoted.
My checklist and PL team is below. Value all your thoughts.
1. 40m for THB, Fraser, Downes, Rothwell
2. New CB for ABK, CC, Lyanco sales
3. 15m for new experienced CDM
4 15m for new CF + Onuachu sale
5. 10m for new LB/RB + Perraud sale
6. 10m for new experienced GK
7. 15m for New RW
8. 5m in for Aribo and Bree sales
4 2 3 1 example:
New CF/Stewart/Mara
Fraser/Sule AA/Alcaraz NewRW/Edozie
Downes/Smallbone New CDM/Charles
New LB/Larios New CB THB/Bed KWP
Baz/New GK
SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s rumour replies
27 Apr 2024 08:13:24
Complerely agree South_Hants_Rich and Ed001. Our flair players are being suffocated and they need the freedom to play. Stoke is a free pass. We should experiment and I hope the players push for that, if RM doesn't.
Give Lumley and Stephens a half and McCarthy and Bree a half. See who deserves their starting spot.
Give Sulemana and Fraser a real shot. We may need that pace against a high press and that tenacity in a cup final.
Take players on, put some crosses in the box. We are going to have an aerial threat with Ross Stewart coming back soon.
Go 4 2 3 1, put Sulemana up top, AA as CAM, put Jack Stephens in goal! Shave JWPs hair and pretends he's Will Smallbone. Anything!
Lets try something new. Give the players a free reign, show some fighting spirit, get the fans on the edge of their seat. At least for 30 minutes!
02 Jan 2024 09:17:28
Thank you Ed002.
Hearing we are in the market for at least 1 striker e.g. Ings and/or Biovski and an AM or winger e.g Carvalho or Diallo. Is this abou right?
{Ed002's Note - Yes but much will depend on the summer and if promotion is achieved.}
02 Jan 2024 09:02:39
Completely agree with both comments.
Seems RM has fallen into the trap of trying to put all the best players on the pitch, even in their secondary positions. It may make some key players happy that they are not on the bench but not something to be playing around with, especially Mid season.
Also gives me a concern SR are considering selling KWP, so are trying Stephens in his position and then will get a replacement winger. This could cost us promotion, we need to keep our PL players.
While recent results have been positive, progress is needed. Thumping a team's B side with their head not in the game over the holidays is one thing, winning when teams are fighting for every point in the last 10 games will be something else.
We have Leicester, Ipswich and Leeds away in the final 20 games. Ipswich and Leeds have already played twice, so they have an advantage. The table going to be very close. We need to have our best players in their best position moving the ball forward with purpose to get promotion.
26 Sep 2023 15:16:34
Great article and agree with all your sentiments.
26 Sep 2023 06:51:12
Completely agree.
If we had a manager who could adapt our style to our team's strength, wouldn't they be rubbing their hands with glee. You have the tallest player in the league in Onuachu, fastest player in Sulemana, proven scorers in Adams and Tella.
I would be running the channels and crossing it to tall Paul. Playing long to hold it up or flick it on. Counter attacking with Alcaraz, Sulemana and Tella.
SaintThatAKickInTheHead!'s banter replies
14 Apr 2024 12:50:25
An Exodus from the championship would be nice!
The below scenario is very optimistic and would take a lot of luck but it is plausible.
Ipswich. 96. (2W 1D)
Saints. 94 (4W 1D)
Leicester 93. (1W 2D 1L)
Leeds. 92. (1W 2D)
That said, whenever I say top 2 is possible we fall down the places and whenever I say the gap is too large we usually go up the table, so I am going to stick with 4th!
11 Apr 2024 21:28:56
Yes, the more I think both scenarios through the more I hope for promotion.
Being a Saints Fan is not good for the blood pressure but it is always fun to be fighting for something whether promotion or relegation, rather than languishing in mid table.
I think our ultra possession style may be damaging that winning mentality. Psychologically, if you are always playing safe rather than pressing forward that must take away that killer instinct and confidence. The fans get nervous or bored too, which feeds into it.
11 Apr 2024 11:48:13
I like that dream scenario a lot.
I appreciate RM getting us to the playoffs and for his celebrations with the fans but given Burnley's experience, possession football is probably not the way for a relegation threatened side in the Prem.
Let's hope for an epic playoff win. All things considered, I think promotion now is best for the club.
10 Apr 2024 13:34:57
I think you have hit the nail on the head there @south_hants_rich
We have young exciting talents like Alcaraz and Sulemana but we have not played to their attacking strengths, nor have we had an aerial threat or air of unpredictably about us.
At the start of the season, I predicted 4th and that looks like where we will be. I think RM is probably a good man manager and I am grateful for that unbeaten run but his strategy does lack flexibility.
Our style needs to be adapted to our team strengths and the opposition, not based purely on the Board and Manager's philosophy.
Some very interesting games and decisions ahead.
05 Apr 2024 07:33:38
Very insightful @2408.
So, your predicted team would be something like the below?
Bree.ABK.Bed.Perraud
Smallbone.Downes.Alcaraz
AA.Stewart.Fraser
Then with Edozie, Rothwell, Aribo, Ameyaw and Mara etc. off the bench?
Would love ABK, Perraud and Alcaraz back but I am not sure they want to be here, unless we get promoted or change manager.