West Ham game

[DarrenLeTiss]

Sounded promising by all accounts, whats the view from people that were there?

[Bishop]

good view from upper chapel

[rpb]

Very exciting times ahead - reminded me of watching Arsenal play (but, if anything, a bit faster)!

[Sold To The Man @ The Bar]

great from my seat also

[sentry]

This will be my last post of the day.

Good result, and McGoldrick scoring is great news, against good opposition as well. Killer lasting the 90 again.

Bring on next weekend.

[Nexstar]

We will walk this league.

So confident about next season after such a good performance.

Lee holmes was incredible down the left wing. Svensson, bart and mcgoldrick also did very well.

[Al de Man]

Very exciting times ahead - reminded me of watching Arsenal play (but, if anything, a bit faster)!

So we'd do fine as long as the Championship was populated with teams like West Ham and Arsenal?

[supergoose]

Let the glory years commence!!

[TheSaint75]

That was the 1st pre-season game I had seen, i've got to say I was mighty impressed with the style and passion we showed.
Spiderman is class, likewise Gillet and James, also Jake Thompson will be 1 for the future in the Theo mould.

I know WHU didn't play full tilt but we closed them down quickly and didn't let them play, when we got the ball we attacked quickly and accuralety most of the time.

Just need to keep tighter at the full back positions

Overall I wouldn't mind watching that football every week even if we aren't going to beat the really physical taller sides we will still score.

[Junction 9]

First time I've seen a Saints side with that pace for ages. Could be good, but possibly we lack a bit of muscle.

[Latheal]

Excellent performance and it was like watching Arsenal play. Thomson played well second half, Lloyd James looked good at right back, the midfield duo dominated most of the match and the only downside was we didn't win (and we still look dodgy at corners). Getting more and more encouraged with what I see and only hope we can carry it into the season. The first goal, from a pure football point of view was superb and the football in general was excellent. Bart also had a good game in goal. All in all, great entertainment (and even better that it wasn't a West Ham reserve side).

[Stu Man Do]

Actually the best (at least first half display) we have played in a veryyyyyy long time! At half time the guy next to me said he was amazed at how well we had played ... you just wouldnt credit it after last season. West ham to my mind put in full effort and got back into it 2nd half purely based on the fact they had like 8 (?) subs wereas we kept on nearly our whole starting 11.

Couple of points ... Jake Thompson needs to take his man on more, did this 2nd half and tore through the WH defence easily. Morgan S - What a bargain if he plays that way every game he wont be here long :-( and Svensson looked assured as did Lloyd James who looked much improved from the Celtic game IMO. My only concern would be Surman at left back as he was caught out several times when he had attacked and then not got back ala Skacel last season. Left back in our loan would be nice! All in all really impressed possibly starting to feel like we could be ok this season but Stoke will be the telling game I think!

[StuRomseySaint]

This is my last post of the day.

Them c*nts who were in the Itchen were far from promising.

On Friday night was a prime example of why Adult only priced blocks should be in the Northam, the little c*nts that were in there on Friday were an embarrasment.

If them c*nts are season tickets holders in there then I will be retiring to the Kingsland with my blanket after the first game of the season, even the Chapel would be more enjoyable than spending it with them choppers.

P.S - I know about imminent investment in SFC, which involves some local people, Alan Shearer and Dubai, unfortunately I am limited to 3 posts.

See you all tommorow. xx

[Causer]

Apparently the youngsters got stuck in and showed real fight is this true?

[S-Clarke]

It was such a great display... Schneiderlin was the best player on the pitch by a mile; he just oozed so much class around the likes of parker and Mullins.

Looking forward to seeing him play every week!

Talking to some WHU fans...they seemed to think we were ''over physical'' too. So either they're your typical ''poncy'' premiership followers, or we have a little more steal in our locker too.

[forever a red and white]

can't believe i won;t have a season ticket next year, could be a good season, but a few injuries could expose our weaknesses, still not sure of mcgoldrick and we do lack a bit of experiecne in terms of finishing off the game.

other than that we played very very well and West HAm still had a very good team playing

[SaintKenny]

Thought it was very promising.

[S-Clarke]

Apparently the youngsters got stuck in and showed real fight is this true?

Yep...esp Lloyd james at right back, who was excellent and committed. He had karl reid in his pocket all game.

[dynesty_saint]

Anyone know why DAVIS was not in goal?

[exit2]

I did enjoy the game, and yes we played well, DM took his chances well but (big BUT) we still have to play in league which is very physical and has shocking referees. Im still not convinced the young lads will handle the kicking they will get. I hope Im proved wrong. But all in all not bad at all

[TheSaint75]

Yep...esp Lloyd james at right back, who was excellent and committed. He had karl reid in his pocket all game.

James did go through the back of a WHU player which could have been nasty, think the player went off shortly after.
Youthful exuberance I call it ;)

[Junction 9]

Anyone know why DAVIS was not in goal?

He's injured. Not sure with what though.

[exit2]

Anyone know why DAVIS was not in goal?

Hamstring injury. He was the pre match guest in the MLT suite and was saying how most clubs have 3 GK's and you will always have to fight for your place. One qulity quote was, when asked how he felt about the new style of pacey football, his exact words were " it scares the **** out of me!" "I get the ball, I look up and they are all gone, running up the pitch!"

[NickG]

I still have my doubts but am fairly confident we will be mid table at least.

Two things came to my mind

1) It was a friendly but more spirit and enthusiasm was shown than in most games for the last couple of years.

2) Who of the players who left deserved to be ahead of any of those young players?


Thing that worries me is young players often are more susceptible to drops in form.

Very excited

[dynesty_saint]

ah ok... thought maybe he was going to be sold.

[Roman]

Anyone know why DAVIS was not in goal?

Injured I think...

[up and away]

Originally Posted by rpb http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/forum/redbar/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?p=42#post42)
Very exciting times ahead - reminded me of watching Arsenal play (but, if anything, a bit faster)!
So we'd do fine as long as the Championship was populated with teams like West Ham and Arsenal?

I would put the house on you not being at this game. Tackles snapping in from the rug rats that made you concerned for them, as equally the opposition. They did not like it up em one bit. This performance would bring a smile to any Saints fan and had you beaming with pride at the end of it. So many good performances but Lloyd James just about capped it for me, though Thompson was equally as good. McGoldrick looked a different player after his goal and it was difficult to pick out a poor player. Bart flapped a bit but generally was good, defence let him down a bit but it was a fair result. We still have not got the balance right between defending and attacking but it was so much better than against Celtic. This game does not mean much when it comes to how we will fare in the CCC, but I am a lot less worried about the season than I originally thought. If things continue the way JP has started things out, it will truly be a miracle.

[Fozzybear]

What pleased me most was Mcgoldrick getting on the scoresheet twice. I feel his game is about building up a head of steam with regular appearances for the first team and the confidence it brings.

Last friday should do him the world of good - which is great news as i can see us leaning on him for a good goal tally this season.

[derry]

So we'd do fine as long as the Championship was populated with teams like West Ham and Arsenal?

Derby did well against that sort of team.

[St Marco]

The two people who i have been unimpressed by the most recently impressed me the most in that game. Mcgoldrick and Holmes. Was very happy with the way we played and if we can produce like that in the coming season i can't see us doing as bad as last season.

[Latheal]

This performance would bring a smile to any Saints fan and had you beaming with pride at the end of it... If things continue the way JP has started things out, it will truly be a miracle.

Agree totally.

[Saint Charlie]

Ratings anyone?

[Wes Tender]

Both of Mc Goldrick's goals were well taken, but both West Ham goals could have been defended IMO. Bart could have come across it seemed to me and kicked the ball into touch. Unless my angle of sight was misleading, he would have beaten the West Ham striker to the ball. It seemed that he thought about it but changed his mind. The other goal was poor defending for the corner. We ought to have had a player on the near post and he would probably have cleared it. If not, then somebody was marking Davenport very closely.

But it was an entertaining game and the lads fought well and didn't disgrace themselves against more illustrious opposition.

[Griffo]

The Itchen was ****. I agree. It had better not be like that next season, or home games are going to be thoroughly ****. What summed it up was 5 kids that went down to bottom row, obviously hadn't been to a football match before, shouting at West Ham players to pass the ball to them in the warm up and shouting "West Ham suck" at their fans while laughing manically thinking it was the norm to do at football :lol

Was very, very embarrassing.

[scally]

I still haven't got a clue if we are any good or not but the one thing I do know is that if they carry on playing like that they will be the most entertaining Saints side I have seen in years.

[derry]

It appears to me that the management have decided that few of the older players can play at the level of the youngsters. To compromise by mixing the team up would lower the work rate, pace and commitment.

[Legod Second Coming]

Why do people insist that we will be kicked off the park in this league??

We are so condescending of other teams.

For the record, we were outplayed more often than 'outkicked' last season.

As far as I am aware, Blackpool, Wolves, QPR, Reading, Coventry, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, Burnley, Barnsley and more... all play (or try to play) football.

We were once kicked off the ball/park, by Derby. We were outplayed by Watford twice - the only other major bruisers in the league.

Yes, you need man mountains at the back. In Killer and Thomas we have two.

[Third Division South Days]

I worked out the average age was under 23 and if Davies replaced Perry it would be under 22. Scary or what?

[thefuriousb]

I hope the performance on Friday encourages the fans to go out and support the team this season.

Lets put the politics aside and give our backing to the team

[S-Clarke]

Bart - 7 - Bit shaky, seemed to have some communication probs at times. But made some good saves.

James - 9 - I thought he was great, attacking, defending and getting stuck in all game. Looked class.

Perry - 7 - Okish...not as commanding as he was last season, a little dodgy at times I thought

Killer - 7 - Solid from Killer, always talking to the defence. Understandably a little rusty though...But it's just great to see him there again.

Surman - 8 - I thought he got better as the game went on, loved the way he just charged forward with the ball from left back at times. Reminded me a bit of bridgey...

Thompson - 7 - Started quietly, but good better. Unlucky with the one on one...but he gave us a real threat down the right.

Gillett - 8 - A terrier..in their faces all game, a great crosser of the ball as well and seems to have the ability to pick out a v nice pass..

Spiderman - 10 - I love him already - oozes class. How did we get him here? Some of his cross field passes to Holmes were great... he just worked tirelessly all game.

Holmes - 8 - As some have said, I was a bit sceptical about him from the other games in pre-season, but he stood out for me. Caused them all sorts of problems down the left, and worked well with surman imo...

Lallana - 7 - He was quiet...didn't really see that much of him, popped up with some nice touches every now and then, but didn't really get involved as much as he can.

Mcgoldrick - 8 - Great goals, first one was a peach. Seemed to come alive after that, hopefully he can take that into the new season.

[redandwhitey]

At St marys on Friday I smiled. A lot.
That hasn't happened for a few years now, and that is why I am looking forward to the season.
Like the rest of us I don't know how we'll do, but if they play with the enthusiasm and commitment that they did on Friday I will be very hoarse after most games, having given them my vocal backing for the 90 minutes they are on the pitch.
Bring it on.

[Saint Charlie]

Cheers for the rating sounds very promising. Nice to have two genuine left footers on the left. Seems obvious but it has taken as so called "Dutch Non league manager" to do it!

[Hacienda]

Cheers for the rating sounds very promising. Nice to have two genuine left footers on the left. Seems obvious but it has taken as so called "Dutch Non league manager" to do it!

Saints playing players in correct position shocker!!

[manji]

Thoroughly enjoyed the game.I hope the current general optimism continues throughout the season.

[Leicestersaint]

I am very optimistic about this season, which i have not been since we were relegated. Thank goodness we are now bringing through some skillful youngsters and not relyong on old has-beens. Pace and skill is what we want and it will bring us results.

Let the good times roll!

[Joesaint]

God I want a season ticket i am so excited about this season, can't afford a season ticket but i'm aiming for a game a month. I am envious of all you season ticket holders.
COME ON YOU SAINTS

[Saintandy666]

2nd post of today. Next one and I'll have 0 left :/

What was the attendence like? Can't find it on the OS.

[Legod Second Coming]

2nd post of today. Next one and I'll have 0 left :/

What was the attendence like? Can't find it on the OS.

Touch over 12k

[Phil the Saint]

2nd post of today. Next one and I'll have 0 left :/

What was the attendence like? Can't find it on the OS.

I think it was 12,000 including 3,000 away fans.

[JustMike]

was a good game, very impressed with the players and the manager too. lets hope we have something to cheer about this year

[wild-saint]

The one thin I really hope this season is that the fns forget the petty squablles and principles of not going to home games whilst lowe is at SMS and get the fook down to the ground every week and fill the stadium.

We potentially have a the makings of a decent side but they are kids and will need the full unconditional support of the fans.

Lets forget our troubles, turn up every week to watch some slick attacking football and roar these kids to victory.

[benjii]

It was such a great display... Schneiderlin was the best player on the pitch by a mile; he just oozed so much class around the likes of parker and Mullins.

Looking forward to seeing him play every week!

Talking to some WHU fans...they seemed to think we were ''over physical'' too. So either they're your typical ''poncy'' premiership followers, or we have a little more steal in our locker too.

Think it was simply a misperception based on the fact that we were trying a lot harder than them.

[captainchris]

was a good game, very impressed with the players and the manager too. lets hope we have something to cheer about this year
Fantastic football - just like watching Arsenal at times.
Worries are just one really Jake Thompson needs another few months in the reserves or on the bench, he was carried most of the game and didn't support our fantastic right back. Perhaps SWP out there wide would be better but not sure of his positional and defensive qualities either?
Great football though and I would recommend anyone to go along against Stoke and have a look.
It's football I would pay to watch.
Personally I like Bart in goal too and was betting on him to stop Bellamy scoring with that one on one.
Thanks for to everyone involved with managing this site too, 8000 members goes to show you are doing a great job and it's well appreciated.

[NickG]

It was great to walk out with positive comments from strangers united by the commitment and skill we had seen.

[Le Goddard]

I have always believed this was going to work well but i was pretty shocked at just how well we played.

Was so impressed i just put £50 on saints to win the league at 66-1

[Crab Lungs]

My word, I'm in agreement with many of the posts on here, Saints were absolutely first class.

I could make an excuse that WHU were also exceptionally poor but you'd think they might make that up with their apparent Premiership class - obviously not.

It's been such a long long time since I've seen a Saints team move the ball FORWARD AND WITH PURPOSE! It must have been embarassing for WHU fans as their team appeared to be cut to ribbons almost at will with our incisive passing. WHU looked, at times, to be chasing shadows as Saints moved the ball around them with ease and if our finishing had been just a little bit better, we'd have had a couple more.

It wasn't just the manner of our performance with the passing and movement that I was impressed with, it was also the sheer hunger and determination from the team. Schneiderlin epitomised our performance, really - quality passing, good technical skill and put his foot and head in where it most definitely could hurt.

Lloyd James, for a midfielder cum right back was also impressive, and McGoldrick took his goals exceptionally well. Thomson and Holmes, whilst not in the same class as Spiderman were also good, although we definitely need them to get on the ball more often.

All in all, I was thoroughly delighted with the performance - I was just saying to everyone who didn't go that I wished they did - just so they can see for themselves that we could possibly do something this year...

[1976_Child]

Very, very, very impressive game of football. Well done Saints! If that sort of quick-flowing passing game doesn't get them back in to the stadium on match days then nothing will.

I think I walked out of the stadium at the end but I can't remember my feet touching the ground. I was on cloud nine! Frickin' well done! We will walk this league!

[davefizzy14]

Anyone take any pics of the game on friday?

[Crab Lungs]

Ah, some ratings (IMO)

Bialkowski 6, Just misses out on a 7 because of his tendancy to claw instead of catch/parry. Some excellent saves though.

Surman 6, Not one of the most impressive on the night but can "do a job" at LB. Would think he is only keeping Mills out of the side on experience.

James 9, Tough tackling and great going forward. Not bad for a central midfielder! See Jermaine, it can be done...

Svensson 7, OKish, got beaten in the air a couple of times by Carlton Cole and was a little bit shaky but you've got to give it to the guy, he's just spent nearly 4 years out without kicking a football! As long as his knee holds up, we've got a Prem class defender back. Bit unfair making him mark Bellamy though!

Perry 7, Fairly unnoticed but tidied up well alongside Svensson.

Gillett 7, Tigrish and busy, linked well with Schneiderlin and always on hand to help the defence. His delivery at set pieces was poor, but I'm sure it'll come good eventually.

Schneiderlin 10, No joke, this boy is absolute class. Stick him in the Arsenal team and he wouldn't look out of place. Not only has he got the desire and fight, he's got the technical ability as well. We might struggle if he gets injured/suspended as he seems to knit everything together. It's fair to say this lad will be the heartbeat of our team. Was in stitches when Parker AND Mullins just bounced off him in tackles.

Holmes 8, Has the tendancy to overcook his runs a little but from what I've seen this pre-season, this has been his best performance by a mile. Like the rest of the young 'uns, this boy has potential and if this enviroment hopefully he'll realise it. The most potent winger on dispay for both sides.

Thomson 7, Could have potentially been a higher rating if he'd have seen the ball a bit more and got at the left back just a tiny bit more. Still, excellent prospect and linked well with James.

Lallana 8, Quiet in the first half, but once I saw him up close in the 2nd I realised just what a good job he was doing. He, on his day, is going to be another key player for us. Tricky and clever, if he gets a bit more involved from the off, he could turn his potential into the real-deal.

McGoldrick 8, Was delighted to see him score those two goals of the highest quality. And, with that, the confidence seemed to surge back. I think he's getting used to preserving himself for goalscoring opportunities now and not so much running around like a headless chicken as per previous performances. He's a big unit too, don't think they'll be too many defenders enjoying a tussle with him.

[Pokerchampion]

i agree , hence John coming on for last 10 mins , he held ball up well to compensate for previous 80 mins very high tempo created by the young guns .

[benjii]

I have always believed this was going to work well but i was pretty shocked at just how well we played.

Was so impressed i just put £50 on saints to win the league at 66-1


Yeah we played quite well going forward (better than I expected) but weren't you worried that we could have let in a hatful against a lethargic and off-form team?

£50 to win the league - mental!

[captainchris]

Ah, some ratings (IMO)

Bialkowski 6, Just misses out on a 7 because of his tendancy to claw instead of catch/parry. Some excellent saves though.

Surman 6, Not one of the most impressive on the night but can "do a job" at LB. Would think he is only keeping Mills out of the side on experience.

James 9, Tough tackling and great going forward. Not bad for a central midfielder! See Jermaine, it can be done...

Svensson 7, OKish, got beaten in the air a couple of times by Carlton Cole and was a little bit shaky but you've got to give it to the guy, he's just spent nearly 4 years out without kicking a football! As long as his knee holds up, we've got a Prem class defender back. Bit unfair making him mark Bellamy though!

Perry 7, Fairly unnoticed but tidied up well alongside Svensson.

Gillett 7, Tigrish and busy, linked well with Schneiderlin and always on hand to help the defence. His delivery at set pieces was poor, but I'm sure it'll come good eventually.

Schneiderlin 10, No joke, this boy is absolute class. Stick him in the Arsenal team and he wouldn't look out of place. Not only has he got the desire and fight, he's got the technical ability as well. We might struggle if he gets injured/suspended as he seems to knit everything together. It's fair to say this lad will be the heartbeat of our team. Was in stitches when Parker AND Mullins just bounced off him in tackles.

Holmes 8, Has the tendancy to overcook his runs a little but from what I've seen this pre-season, this has been his best performance by a mile. Like the rest of the young 'uns, this boy has potential and if this enviroment hopefully he'll realise it. The most potent winger on dispay for both sides.

Thomson 7, Could have potentially been a higher rating if he'd have seen the ball a bit more and got at the left back just a tiny bit more. Still, excellent prospect and linked well with James.

Lallana 8, Quiet in the first half, but once I saw him up close in the 2nd I realised just what a good job he was doing. He, on his day, is going to be another key player for us. Tricky and clever, if he gets a bit more involved from the off, he could turn his potential into the real-deal.

McGoldrick 8, Was delighted to see him score those two goals of the highest quality. And, with that, the confidence seemed to surge back. I think he's getting used to preserving himself for goalscoring opportunities now and not so much running around like a headless chicken as per previous performances. He's a big unit too, don't think they'll be too many defenders enjoying a tussle with him.

Agree with most of that.
Reason for Jake Thompson not seeing enough of the ball was he is always unsure where he should be - probably a confidence thing, this why I am not sure he is ready quite yet. Also would give Lallana 9.
We are all getting very excited and carried away lol ......

[positivepete]

Bart - 7 - Bit shaky, seemed to have some communication probs at times. But made some good saves.

James - 9 - I thought he was great, attacking, defending and getting stuck in all game. Looked class.

Perry - 7 - Okish...not as commanding as he was last season, a little dodgy at times I thought

Killer - 7 - Solid from Killer, always talking to the defence. Understandably a little rusty though...But it's just great to see him there again.

Surman - 8 - I thought he got better as the game went on, loved the way he just charged forward with the ball from left back at times. Reminded me a bit of bridgey...

Thompson - 7 - Started quietly, but good better. Unlucky with the one on one...but he gave us a real threat down the right.

Gillett - 8 - A terrier..in their faces all game, a great crosser of the ball as well and seems to have the ability to pick out a v nice pass..

Spiderman - 10 - I love him already - oozes class. How did we get him here? Some of his cross field passes to Holmes were great... he just worked tirelessly all game.

Holmes - 8 - As some have said, I was a bit sceptical about him from the other games in pre-season, but he stood out for me. Caused them all sorts of problems down the left, and worked well with surman imo...

Lallana - 7 - He was quiet...didn't really see that much of him, popped up with some nice touches every now and then, but didn't really get involved as much as he can.

Mcgoldrick - 8 - Great goals, first one was a peach. Seemed to come alive after that, hopefully he can take that into the new season.



Spot on! A really enjoyable match to watch. We might struggle against teams who are organised at set pieces, but the pace we have, and the attitude to take a quick free kick every time we are fouled in order to keep the ball moving, along with the movement and interchanging we have with the front four will destroy some teams.

It may be that we do better away from home, I cannot see the style changing away, and teams at home are not used to dealing with such movement.

Agree with 10 for Spiderman. A class act, breaking up play, the best passer we have had since MLT, and gets forward into very clever positions. Was the best player on the pitch from both sides by a mile. Great signing.

Best football since the Chris Nicholl side?

[Saints foreva]

Anyone know why DAVIS was not in goal?
Don't know, don't care. Bialkowski played great but lacked communication skills.


Thought yesterday was very promising and at times it looked like we took the ****. :D

Looking forward to the new season, hopefully will be an improvement on last and who knows maybe this is the year.

COYR :)

[thefunkygibbons]

Great game overall

The playing of the ball to feet was a joy to see at St Marys

Killer was showing flashes of his old self, and in a few weeks will be invincible

I am so much more confident about this season now

[suewhistle]

Sounds promising. Do you reckon this performance will have increased the crowd for the first home game? Have you all told your mates? We may still fall suckers to a simple free kicked lumped into our box, but it would be great to see some good football next visit home.

[thefuriousb]

Sounds promising. Do you reckon this performance will have increased the crowd for the first home game? Have you all told your mates? We may still fall suckers to a simple free kicked lumped into our box, but it would be great to see some good football next visit home.

I would hope so. I hope that all supporters will put aside any "misgivings" and show their support for the players.

Surely, the backing we give them will only encourage them?! Based on the performance on Friday, does that not whet the appetite even more?!

I popped in on a mate on the way home who couldn't make the game and waxed lyrical. He knows I am hopelessly optimistic, but knew from the Claus game and reports of other pre-season games that I speak no lies (may just embellish or exaggerate!) :-)

[saint_neilo]

If we play like we did against West Ham this Season we should win this league with no worries best i have seen saints play since the prem IMO

[LaptopSaint]

As I said before...

With Morgan Schneiderlin
The Saints are gonna win
He's got the class to kick your arse
He's Morgan Schneiderlin Ohhhhhhhh....

Schneiderlin Schneiderlin
Morgan Schneiderlin
Oh what fun it is to watch
him help Southampton win, Oh

Schneiderlin Schneiderlin
Morgan Schneiderlin
He comes from France, 'Allo 'Allo
And he'll kick your ****ing head in

Repeat ad infinitum

Still better than Spiderman theme tune IMO - but fear not I'm used to being in the minority :)

[mprobert]

I've seen all of Saints pre season games now and its great to see posters getting excited about the new season. I cant remember enjoying a game as much as the West Ham one for a very long time. There were a lot of smiling faces around St Marys!

The new Saints style, their technical ability, pace and enthusiasm bodes well for the new season and we will see some great games at St Mary's. They will surprise a lot of teams. I see more and more posters making comparisons with Arsenal. Spiderman will be in the Premiership within a year, with someone, and a few others show talent and ability beyond CCC.

On the reality check though - we still look vulnerable at the back, set pieces especially will catch us out. There isnt a great deal of height at the back. The other thing that worries me is the first few games - they're all pretty difficult and with a new young side, a few bad results could have a big impact on confidence levels.....on the other hand if they get away to a good start...

[Victor]

Talking to some WHU fans...they seemed to think we were ''over physical'' too. So either they're your typical ''poncy'' premiership followers, or we have a little more steal in our locker too.

Ha ha, very funny, loved the pun - but surely neither Dyer or BWP got on the pitch?

[Teddy Nutkins]

It was a pleasure watching that game, long may it continue.

[Wildgoose]

Loved the game and was surprised by the great atmosphere (friendlies are not often like that) and also by the way we played. Was fast, slick and some lovely one or two touch stuff at times.

I think we have a lot of potential quality but like some others on here have a little question mark over how we handle some of the bigger and more physical sides in the CCC. Will be interesting to see.....

Was impressed with all the team and surprised at how well Lloyd James fitted in at right back and Jake Thomson wide.....they've matured since I last saw them play, as have some of the other lads.

Overall came away buzzing. Really enjoyed it, a great night out!

[Mr Blobby87]

I couldn't make the game but reading this thread has got me buzzing.

[Matthew Le Tissier]

We will walk this league.

So confident about next season after such a good performance.

Lee holmes was incredible down the left wing. Svensson, bart and mcgoldrick also did very well.


my thoughts also

this was the best and most organised i have seen the boys since Strachan.

[Window Cleaner]

It appears to me that the management have decided that few of the older players can play at the level of the youngsters. To compromise by mixing the team up would lower the work rate, pace and commitment.


We will have to see what happens in a week or two but I suspect that the coaching team don't want the game being slowed down by "senior players".
If someone can't hack the pace it will ruin the whole system. Looks and sounds promising but we shall see .

[up and away]

Originally Posted by derry
It appears to me that the management have decided that few of the older players can play at the level of the youngsters. To compromise by mixing the team up would lower the work rate, pace and commitment.We will have to see what happens in a week or two but I suspect that the coaching team don't want the game being slowed down by "senior players".
If someone can't hack the pace it will ruin the whole system. Looks and sounds promising but we shall see .

I think physically several of the senior pro's are more than adequate. What I view as a real problem of trying to marry them to this system is more the speed of thought and ability to understand what is required. The other major point is that I don't see any of them with sufficient a passing game to fit well enough. Maybe I am being a bit unfair here, but until I actually see it I will have reservations.

[saint1977]

I really enjoyed it and the boys looked a lot physically stronger than the Celtic game. I had real concerns about most CCC teams overpowering us but I think these lads might just be able to handle themselves. Holmes impressed me as he did V Celtic, Morgan S is looking like a terrific bit of business and the biggest surprise was McGoldrick - you've set yourself a benchmark for the season now lad, go and grab the bull by the horns.

Bart was still a bit wobbly and I'd like to see Mills tried at LB V Stoke as I don't think it's Drew's best long-term position although he did well in the circumstances. I think it gave the fans something to build on so close to the start of the season which is vital.

[Hacienda]

I think physically several of the senior pro's are more than adequate. What I view as a real problem of trying to marry them to this system is more the speed of thought and ability to understand what is required. The other major point is that I don't see any of them with sufficient a passing game to fit well enough. Maybe I am being a bit unfair here, but until I actually see it I will have reservations.

I'd agree with that.

The nippers look fast & clearly understand what's required of them and the senior players don't, to the same degree.

That said we are going to need the old heads at times

[eurosaint]

FWIW here are my ratings also :
Bart - Good on his line, good distribution but a bit suspect on corners and (perhaps) communication!
James - Very impressed, especially going forward. Still much to learn but very promising!
Surman - Better going forward than at the back, still prefer him in midfield though!
Killer - Just to play 90 mins against a premiership side was awsome, welcome back!
Perry - A good foil for Killer, read the game well and made very few mistakes!
Spiderman - This guy will be a star! Calm, confident, strong and great vision! I'm already wondering when he will be sold and for how much !
Gillet - A dynamo with a great engine. Cross between Bally and Wisey !
Thomson - Theo mark 2, great pace, great potential but still a way to go. Should have buried his one on one!
Holmes - Sweet left foot, passing and crosses were excellent. Just a bit short of pace though, I reckon!
Lallana - Good ball skills and really does get stuck in. I'm sure he will improve quickly with a run in the team!
McGoldrick - Took his goals expertly but I'm still not convinced that he is strong enough!
John - On for 12 minutes and spent most of that time on his @rse looking for fouls! Could learn a lot from the youngsters !!

Poortfliet - Did exactly what he said on the tin ! Played the young lads, fast, pacy, energetic, committed and fresh! The method was very much pass and move and made it a good game to watch !

Conclusion - I don't want to get carried away but this was the best Saints performance that I have seen in ages ! Sure it's gonna be different on a wet Tuesday night in Swansea but there were many positives on Friday and I hope that we can move forward from this point !!

[NickG]

FWIW here are my ratings also :
Bart - Good on his line, good distribution but a bit suspect on corners and (perhaps) communication!
James - Very impressed, especially going forward. Still much to learn but very promising!
Surman - Better going forward than at the back, still prefer him in midfield though!
Killer - Just to play 90 mins against a premiership side was awsome, welcome back!
Perry - A good foil for Killer, read the game well and made very few mistakes!
Spiderman - This guy will be a star! Calm, confident, strong and great vision! I'm already wondering when he will be sold and for how much !
Gillet - A dynamo with a great engine. Cross between Bally and Wisey !
Thomson - Theo mark 2, great pace, great potential but still a way to go. Should have buried his one on one!
Holmes - Sweet left foot, passing and crosses were excellent. Just a bit short of pace though, I reckon!
Lallana - Good ball skills and really does get stuck in. I'm sure he will improve quickly with a run in the team!
McGoldrick - Took his goals expertly but I'm still not convinced that he is strong enough!
John - On for 12 minutes and spent most of that time on his @rse looking for fouls! Could learn a lot from the youngsters !!

Poortfliet - Did exactly what he said on the tin ! Played the young lads, fast, pacy, energetic, committed and fresh! The method was very much pass and move and made it a good game to watch !

Conclusion - I don't want to get carried away but this was the best Saints performance that I have seen in ages ! Sure it's gonna be different on a wet Tuesday night in Swansea but there were many positives on Friday and I hope that we can move forward from this point !!

to be fair he was taken out a treat!

[Window Cleaner]

to be fair he was taken out a treat!

whereas the kids- you can't kick 'em if you can't catch 'em
Until the mud comes along.

[derry]

whereas the kids- you can't kick 'em if you can't catch 'em
Until the mud comes along.

They don't have muddy pitches anymore. They will be even more lethal on slippery pitches.

[Bakovnetski]

Spot on! A really enjoyable match to watch. We might struggle against teams who are organised at set pieces, but the pace we have, and the attitude to take a quick free kick every time we are fouled in order to keep the ball moving, along with the movement and interchanging we have with the front four will destroy some teams.

It may be that we do better away from home, I cannot see the style changing away, and teams at home are not used to dealing with such movement.

Agree with 10 for Spiderman. A class act, breaking up play, the best passer we have had since MLT, and gets forward into very clever positions. Was the best player on the pitch from both sides by a mile. Great signing.

Best football since the Chris Nicholl side?

Hopefully with Killer in the side for an extended period then we will regain the ability to defend set pieces rather than flap. We need a vocal goalie too. How was Bart compared with KD?

[s0108787]

Hopefully with Killer in the side for an extended period then we will regain the ability to defend set pieces rather than flap. We need a vocal goalie too. How was Bart compared with KD?

I don't know about bart against WHU, but i was quite impressed at how much Davis communicated with his defenders at Cheltenham.

[Le Goddard]

my old man snuck a camcorder into the westham game. So will upload our one touch move towards the end to youtube when i get time. I'm not 100% sure he caught the move but should have some good stuff on there.

[Saint_Ash]

We were brilliant on Friday! Loved it, hadn't seen Saints play like that in a long while! Sneiderlin was my motm by a long way! Great vision and get stuck in! Looking forward to the season ahead!

[Andy_Porter]

West Ham are 5-2 up against Ipswich at Portman Road. With a pretty similar team to the one which played against us.

Green, Neill, Upson, Ferdinand, Widdowsson, Behrami, Parker, Noble, Etherington, Bellamy and Ashton.

edit: missed Etherington.

[Roman]

West Ham are 5-2 up against Ipswich at Portman Road. With a pretty similar team to the one which played against us.

Green, Neill, Upson, Ferdinand, Widdowsson, Behrami, Parker, Noble, Bellamy and Ashton.

That looks a slightly stronger team than the one at SMS, especially at the back. But still....

[ottery st mary]

West Ham are 5-2 up against Ipswich at Portman Road. With a pretty similar team to the one which played against us.

Green, Neill, Upson, Ferdinand, Widdowsson, Behrami, Parker, Noble, Bellamy and Ashton.

No one to wear good old Bobby Moores no 6 shirt therefore they are only going to play with 10... Andy. Or he is ghosting it..

[Andy_Porter]

No one to wear good old Bobby Moores no 6 shirt therefore they are only going to play with 10... Andy. Or he is ghosting it..

Ooops, missed Etherington.

[ottery st mary]

Nice one.
Interesting these pre season games and no real meaning except team and fitness. That is except for us and renewed optimism.

[S-Clarke]

On an interesting note....West Ham have put quite a few past Ipswich at Portman road tonight....

Finished 3-5 to West ham. Similar team to the one which played us, but with Dean Ashton playing...

[dadc76]

great game on friday a joy to watch long may it continue

[Deano6]

We were brilliant on Friday! Loved it, hadn't seen Saints play like that in a long while! Sneiderlin was my motm by a long way! Great vision and get stuck in! Looking forward to the season ahead!

I agree. He's a top player, come on leaps and bounds.

[Junction 9]

He's still got a long career ahead of him as well. Got stuck in well and won the ball back against a few prem players.
Let's hope he stays around.

[SuperMikey]

I have always believed this was going to work well but i was pretty shocked at just how well we played.

Was so impressed i just put £50 on saints to win the league at 66-1

£50 well spent ;)

[Crab Lungs]

Blimey! How time flies!

[Saint_Jonny]

That game really was a brilliant watch, had loads of fun that night. Best pre-season game ive been too for sure. Shame it didn't carry on into the season!

[benjii]

Yeah we played quite well going forward (better than I expected) but weren't you worried that we could have let in a hatful against a lethargic and off-form team?

£50 to win the league - mental!

Yay, go me!

I am the football genius. :)

[RedAndWhite91]

We will walk this league.


Very exciting times ahead - reminded me of watching Arsenal play (but, if anything, a bit faster)!



Was so impressed i just put £50 on saints to win the league at 66-1

lol

[Thedelldays]

This is my last post of the day.

Them c*nts who were in the Itchen were far from promising.

On Friday night was a prime example of why Adult only priced blocks should be in the Northam, the little c*nts that were in there on Friday were an embarrasment.

If them c*nts are season tickets holders in there then I will be retiring to the Kingsland with my blanket after the first game of the season, even the Chapel would be more enjoyable than spending it with them choppers.

P.S - I know about imminent investment in SFC, which involves some local people, Alan Shearer and Dubai, unfortunately I am limited to 3 posts.

See you all tommorow. xx

:supz:

[for_heaven's_Saint]

my old man snuck a camcorder into the westham game. So will upload our one touch move towards the end to youtube when i get time. I'm not 100% sure he caught the move but should have some good stuff on there.

Be interested to see this!

[S-Clarke]

ah good read, those were the days. *cough*

probably the best game Morgans had for us though, shame it was only in a pre-season game.

[Thedelldays]

ah good read, those were the days. *cough*

probably the best game Morgans had for us though, shame it was only in a pre-season game.
look at the loon starting these little beauties

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=877

this one for a special mention

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=11472

:smt107:rolleyes:

[benjii]

:lol: Fair play mate!

[Denzil]

This is my last post of the day.

Them c*nts who were in the Itchen were far from promising.

On Friday night was a prime example of why Adult only priced blocks should be in the Northam, the little c*nts that were in there on Friday were an embarrasment.

If them c*nts are season tickets holders in there then I will be retiring to the Kingsland with my blanket after the first game of the season, even the Chapel would be more enjoyable than spending it with them choppers.

P.S - I know about imminent investment in SFC, which involves some local people, Alan Shearer and Dubai, unfortunately I am limited to 3 posts.

See you all tommorow. xx

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Dark Munster]

look at the loon starting these little beauties

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=877

this one for a special mention

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=11472

:smt107:rolleyes:


on the other hand....there were just as many that wanted to storm SMS when pearson was appointed..

he was an average-poor manager at best who wonthe grand total of 3 games...whoopee do

:supz:


I'm a Saints fan of over 50 years, so I have to worry. Will Jan be able to keep the lads playing so well? Are these last two games just a blip, and will the results will start going against us? I don't think so, I'm confident this team and JP's style are good enough for us to compete at the top end of the table.
So now I have to worry about whether a big club will move in for him. We know he's not on a high wage, so his contract would be cheap for a Prem club to buy him out. Why is it so hard supporting the Saints......
:smt044:smt044:smt044

[Junction 9]

JP managed under very difficult circumstances, all very well knocking him now.

[Marino]

Yep, wouldnt he have loved the chance to spend millions rather than be told to get on with what we've got and some kids.

[Badger]

But what exactly was the point of dredging this up ?

[Le Goddard]

I thought we played some very very good football at that game. The bet i put on was £25 which got doubled to £50 as it was a new account. Why not? I could probably earn my money back in the time it took you to find this thread again.