Nigel - 5 points to save our season (and your job)

[SW11_Saint]

Stating the obvious I know, but:

1. Always play your best player. Liverpool don't drop Gerrard. Man City don't drop Kompany. If Rooney doesn't play for Utd they at least have someone of similar quality to replace him. So for gods sake PLAY RICKIE LAMBERT! And keep him on the pitch when he does play, don't keep dragging him off after 70 minutes to bring on 'fresh legs'. He's our most effective player, our leader, our talisman. Just bloody well play him.

2. Replace Lallana as captain. His appointment surprised most, but I suspect there was some logical thought behind it - he'd likely be an ever present, and the added responsibility might inspire him. However, it hasn't worked. I've seen nothing from Adam that suggests true leadership and, like Le Tiss before him, the mantle doesn't seem to rest easily, and may even be impacting his form, which in my view has been sub-standard for a lot this season. Call me old fashioned, but I like captains in the Alan Ball, Jimmy Case mould - barking out orders, encouragement etc throughout the game, and striking the fear of god into those not pulling their weight. Sadly we don't have players of that calibre available, but I'd give the armband to Steve Davis. He's done it for Rangers and N. Ireland and seems most suitable from our current crop (Rickie is another leader on the pitch but I've never been a fan of centre forwards as skippers - he definitely commands respect though).

3. Sort the bloody defence out!! An obvious one, and an issue that is unlikely to be resolved until January (when sadly it might be someone else doing so). I don't know of any Saints fan who felt our back four from last year was up to Premier League standard. It was glaringly obvious, yet we failed to do anything about it in the close season. Clyne is a good addition, and shows promise. The jury is out on Yashida - though to be fair to him he's had to play full-back which he clearly is not. The central pairing is the real problem. Jose and Jos, great guys that they are, are just not up to the job. I am not even sure if we needed to buy the best defender in the world, just someone with Premier League nous and experience - someone in the Ryan Nelson mould. Someone to marshall the back-line, and keep a cool head when others lose theirs - which is pretty much every game. Would also have added some much needed on-field leadership. As I say, with our current personnel I can't see any change in fortune (unless Yoshida settles and excels in the middle), they are unfortunately just not good enough for his league. He also needs to stick with. Goalie now and let him know that he's #1. Presumably Boruc from now on.

4. Be flexible. We need to be able to change our tactics to suit the occasion. What is the point of playing 'tippy-tappy' against Arsenal (who do it way better than anyone else in his league) when 3-0 down? I would have been happy to see us change to a more direct style. We likely would still have lost, but might have made more of a match of it. Don't get me wrong, I have no desire to see us play like West Ham or Stoke, and I think football 'on the ground' is laudable, but we need to be able to adapt when required. The same with our formation - when it clearly isn't working, change it; don't just bring on subs to play the same way. And on the subject of substitutions - they have often been baffling. Taking our best three performers off vs Man Utd. Continually withdrawing Lambert. Even yesterday taking Rodriguez off puzzled me, Guly had offered little (and I am no Guly hater). Nigel, we know you are learning at this level too, but you need to learn quickly from your mistakes. This league is ruthless, and so is the guy who employs you.

5. Keep confident. One of the things I love about NA is his positivity, keep that up fella. Like last season, after every game (win, lose or draw), draw a line under it and start again. That is a good way to approach things. The fans are behind you, however yesterday - losing 4-1 to a very ordinary West Ham - has many now starting to waiver. It's a steep learning curve and you need to learn from these early tough experiences - and fast.

COYS!

[RobM]

Oh good, another Nigel Adkins debate. We needed another one, the others just didn't cut it.

[kpturner]

Time to log out of this place for a few months I think. Endless threads on the same theme.

[pingwing]

1. Lambert is useless when 3 men sit on him, its what West Ham did as soon as he came on. Frustrating as it may seem we have to use him properly to get results. 80 mins of being man marked out the game (like against Fulham) does nothing other than run him into the ground.

2. Yeah Lallana isn't the captain, Fonte should have done it, Steven Davis could do it.

3. Well yeah this is glaringly obvious, no idea what's going on but some sort of firing squad needs to be taken to our first team to sort this mess out. I think Gazza should have been left in goal but hey ho.

4. Rodriguez HAD to come off yesterday, not a premier league player at the moment, it was embarrassing to watch. Guly on the other hand was doing well on the left, provided a lot of cover for maya which was essential. Not sure why at the substitution point we didn't shuffle everyone around into their best positions because Myuka isn't really a winger sadly.

5. Something will come good.

[SW11_Saint]

Time to log out of this place for a few months I think. Endless threads on the same theme.

What were you expecting - debate on the merits of the European single currency? Discourse on the problems in the middle east? it is a Saints forum FFS, you should really expect there to be a fair number of posts on erm, Saints. See you after your sabbatical.

[Badger]

Oh good, another Nigel Adkins debate. We needed another one, the others just didn't cut it.

I'm surprised no one has started an "Open letter to Adkins or Cortese" thread yet.

Certainly would have been one in the old Saints Forever days.

[Roger]

Stating the obvious I know, but:

1. Always play your best player. Liverpool don't drop Gerrard. Man City don't drop Kompany. If Rooney doesn't play for Utd they at least have someone of similar quality to replace him. So for gods sake PLAY RICKIE LAMBERT! And keep him on the pitch when he does play, don't keep dragging him off after 70 minutes to bring on 'fresh legs'. He's our most effective player, our leader, our talisman. Just bloody well play him.

2. Replace Lallana as captain. His appointment surprised most, but I suspect there was some logical thought behind it - he'd likely be an ever present, and the added responsibility might inspire him. However, it hasn't worked. I've seen nothing from Adam that suggests true leadership and, like Le Tiss before him, the mantle doesn't seem to rest easily, and may even be impacting his form, which in my view has been sub-standard for a lot this season. Call me old fashioned, but I like captains in the Alan Ball, Jimmy Case mould - barking out orders, encouragement etc throughout the game, and striking the fear of god into those not pulling their weight. Sadly we don't have players of that calibre available, but I'd give the armband to Steve Davis. He's done it for Rangers and N. Ireland and seems most suitable from our current crop (Rickie is another leader on the pitch but I've never been a fan of centre forwards as skippers - he definitely commands respect though).

3. Sort the bloody defence out!! An obvious one, and an issue that is unlikely to be resolved until January (when sadly it might be someone else doing so). I don't know of any Saints fan who felt our back four from last year was up to Premier League standard. It was glaringly obvious, yet we failed to do anything about it in the close season. Clyne is a good addition, and shows promise. The jury is out on Yashida - though to be fair to him he's had to play full-back which he clearly is not. The central pairing is the real problem. Jose and Jos, great guys that they are, are just not up to the job. I am not even sure if we needed to buy the best defender in the world, just someone with Premier League nous and experience - someone in the Ryan Nelson mould. Someone to marshall the back-line, and keep a cool head when others lose theirs - which is pretty much every game. Would also have added some much needed on-field leadership. As I say, with our current personnel I can't see any change in fortune (unless Yoshida settles and excels in the middle), they are unfortunately just not good enough for his league. He also needs to stick with. Goalie now and let him know that he's #1. Presumably Boruc from now on.

4. Be flexible. We need to be able to change our tactics to suit the occasion. What is the point of playing 'tippy-tappy' against Arsenal (who do it way better than anyone else in his league) when 3-0 down? I would have been happy to see us change to a more direct style. We likely would still have lost, but might have made more of a match of it. Don't get me wrong, I have no desire to see us play like West Ham or Stoke, and I think football 'on the ground' is laudable, but we need to be able to adapt when required. The same with our formation - when it clearly isn't working, change it; don't just bring on subs to play the same way. And on the subject of substitutions - they have often been baffling. Taking our best three performers off vs Man Utd. Continually withdrawing Lambert. Even yesterday taking Rodriguez off puzzled me, Guly had offered little (and I am no Guly hater). Nigel, we know you are learning at this level too, but you need to learn quickly from your mistakes. This league is ruthless, and so is the guy who employs you.

5. Keep confident. One of the things I love about NA is his positivity, keep that up fella. Like last season, after every game (win, lose or draw), draw a line under it and start again. That is a good way to approach things. The fans are behind you, however yesterday - losing 4-1 to a very ordinary West Ham - has many now starting to waiver. It's a steep learning curve and you need to learn from these early tough experiences - and fast.

COYS!

I'm sorry but le tiss was captain end of 93 til end of 95. That's when he played his best football so I don't agree on that.

[Topcat]

I agree with SW11_Saint's points.

Just one problem. "We need to be able to change our tactics to suit the occasion." I agree but you overlook the problem that Adkins HAS to play the 433 formation so his tactics are constrained by this bone headed approach that the Club are enforcing.

[CB Fry]

1. Lambert is useless when 3 men sit on him, its what West Ham did as soon as he came on. Frustrating as it may seem we have to use him properly to get results. 80 mins of being man marked out the game (like against Fulham) does nothing other than run him into the ground.
.

So, just to confirm, rather than start with a player so feared that the opposition have to "sit" three players on him...leave him on the bench so the opposition can then free up those three players to focus on beating us.

Starting your best player on the bench is not using him "properly".

Seriously, you are mental.

[BILLY]

Stating the obvious I know, but:

1. Always play your best player. Liverpool don't drop Gerrard. Man City don't drop Kompany. If Rooney doesn't play for Utd they at least have someone of similar quality to replace him. So for gods sake PLAY RICKIE LAMBERT! And keep him on the pitch when he does play, don't keep dragging him off after 70 minutes to bring on 'fresh legs'. He's our most effective player, our leader, our talisman. Just bloody well play him.

2. Replace Lallana as captain. His appointment surprised most, but I suspect there was some logical thought behind it - he'd likely be an ever present, and the added responsibility might inspire him. However, it hasn't worked. I've seen nothing from Adam that suggests true leadership and, like Le Tiss before him, the mantle doesn't seem to rest easily, and may even be impacting his form, which in my view has been sub-standard for a lot this season. Call me old fashioned, but I like captains in the Alan Ball, Jimmy Case mould - barking out orders, encouragement etc throughout the game, and striking the fear of god into those not pulling their weight. Sadly we don't have players of that calibre available, but I'd give the armband to Steve Davis. He's done it for Rangers and N. Ireland and seems most suitable from our current crop (Rickie is another leader on the pitch but I've never been a fan of centre forwards as skippers - he definitely commands respect though).

3. Sort the bloody defence out!! An obvious one, and an issue that is unlikely to be resolved until January (when sadly it might be someone else doing so). I don't know of any Saints fan who felt our back four from last year was up to Premier League standard. It was glaringly obvious, yet we failed to do anything about it in the close season. Clyne is a good addition, and shows promise. The jury is out on Yashida - though to be fair to him he's had to play full-back which he clearly is not. The central pairing is the real problem. Jose and Jos, great guys that they are, are just not up to the job. I am not even sure if we needed to buy the best defender in the world, just someone with Premier League nous and experience - someone in the Ryan Nelson mould. Someone to marshall the back-line, and keep a cool head when others lose theirs - which is pretty much every game. Would also have added some much needed on-field leadership. As I say, with our current personnel I can't see any change in fortune (unless Yoshida settles and excels in the middle), they are unfortunately just not good enough for his league. He also needs to stick with. Goalie now and let him know that he's #1. Presumably Boruc from now on.

4. Be flexible. We need to be able to change our tactics to suit the occasion. What is the point of playing 'tippy-tappy' against Arsenal (who do it way better than anyone else in his league) when 3-0 down? I would have been happy to see us change to a more direct style. We likely would still have lost, but might have made more of a match of it. Don't get me wrong, I have no desire to see us play like West Ham or Stoke, and I think football 'on the ground' is laudable, but we need to be able to adapt when required. The same with our formation - when it clearly isn't working, change it; don't just bring on subs to play the same way. And on the subject of substitutions - they have often been baffling. Taking our best three performers off vs Man Utd. Continually withdrawing Lambert. Even yesterday taking Rodriguez off puzzled me, Guly had offered little (and I am no Guly hater). Nigel, we know you are learning at this level too, but you need to learn quickly from your mistakes. This league is ruthless, and so is the guy who employs you.

5. Keep confident. One of the things I love about NA is his positivity, keep that up fella. Like last season, after every game (win, lose or draw), draw a line under it and start again. That is a good way to approach things. The fans are behind you, however yesterday - losing 4-1 to a very ordinary West Ham - has many now starting to waiver. It's a steep learning curve and you need to learn from these early tough experiences - and fast.

COYS!

Totally agree.

[Dalek2003]

I am surprised that people are surprised about our lowly league position.
I don't think the board are surprised or worried at all as we have a number of plans in place including taking relegation inot account.

[kpturner]

What were you expecting - debate on the merits of the European single currency? Discourse on the problems in the middle east? it is a Saints forum FFS, you should really expect there to be a fair number of posts on erm, Saints. See you after your sabbatical.

We don't need umpteen threads on the same subject - i.e. Adkins and his future.

[SW11_Saint]

We don't need umpteen threads on the same subject - i.e. Adkins and his future.

Well, that's what we've got. I am sure you'll cope.

[kpturner]

Well, that's what we've got. I am sure you'll cope.

You are right, we have lots of attention seekers who would rather start a new thread than add their observations to an existing thread on the same subject.

[RobM]

You are right, we have lots of attention seekers who would rather start a new thread than add their observations to an existing thread on the same subject.

By why contribute to discussion, when you can scream 'look at me' instead, while repeating the same thing everyone else is saying already?

This weekend this forum has consisted of some pretty good opinion (covering all sides), ruined by in-fighting, pointless repetitive threads and absolutely no moderation at all (funny, since we just appointed new Mods).

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Time to log out of this place for a few months I think. Endless threads on the same theme.

Bye

[rshephard3]

So, just to confirm, rather than start with a player so feared that the opposition have to "sit" three players on him...leave him on the bench so the opposition can then free up those three players to focus on beating us.

Starting your best player on the bench is not using him "properly".

Seriously, you are mental.

My thoughts exactly. The other obvious point being that if it takes 3 players to stop him scoring it might just create space and chances for others. Not that our £6.5 million superstar looks like hitting a barn door but you never know!

[Saints Warrior]

NA got no problem, 45 points to go! as there is no one to come in. Not including the skatenapp as he would attract a huge demo and pitch invasion

[kpturner]

Bye

From the man who wrote a long tome explaining why he wasn't going to contribute to this forum any more. Classic.

[Micky]

5 points to save our season - bullox - we'll not get 5 points this season.

[SW11_Saint]

You are right, we have lots of attention seekers who would rather start a new thread than add their observations to an existing thread on the same subject.

And I was also right, you'll cope.

[Reynoldson!!]

4. Rodriguez HAD to come off yesterday, not a premier league player at the moment, it was embarrassing to watch. Guly on the other hand was doing well on the left, provided a lot of cover for maya which was essential. Not sure why at the substitution point we didn't shuffle everyone around into their best positions because Myuka isn't really a winger sadly.

I thought Rodriguez looked one of our best to be honest

[mafiboy27]

In Adkins we trust! I've would have expected a loss away at City,arsenal and Everton under any circumstances and hope for a point at Upton. It's only matches against Wigan and West-Ham who hve been really dissapointing imo. Fulham have actually showed real class. I think we're just 4 points behind scheudle and a win v Spurs will nearly level that. I hope we keep to the long term plan and stick with our positive top-bloke manager!

[Sidney Fudpucker the 3rd]

Stating the obvious I know, but:

1. Always play your best player. Liverpool don't drop Gerrard. Man City don't drop Kompany. If Rooney doesn't play for Utd they at least have someone of similar quality to replace him. So for gods sake PLAY RICKIE LAMBERT! And keep him on the pitch when he does play, don't keep dragging him off after 70 minutes to bring on 'fresh legs'. He's our most effective player, our leader, our talisman. Just bloody well play him.

2. Replace Lallana as captain. His appointment surprised most, but I suspect there was some logical thought behind it - he'd likely be an ever present, and the added responsibility might inspire him. However, it hasn't worked. I've seen nothing from Adam that suggests true leadership and, like Le Tiss before him, the mantle doesn't seem to rest easily, and may even be impacting his form, which in my view has been sub-standard for a lot this season. Call me old fashioned, but I like captains in the Alan Ball, Jimmy Case mould - barking out orders, encouragement etc throughout the game, and striking the fear of god into those not pulling their weight. Sadly we don't have players of that calibre available, but I'd give the armband to Steve Davis. He's done it for Rangers and N. Ireland and seems most suitable from our current crop (Rickie is another leader on the pitch but I've never been a fan of centre forwards as skippers - he definitely commands respect though).

3. Sort the bloody defence out!! An obvious one, and an issue that is unlikely to be resolved until January (when sadly it might be someone else doing so). I don't know of any Saints fan who felt our back four from last year was up to Premier League standard. It was glaringly obvious, yet we failed to do anything about it in the close season. Clyne is a good addition, and shows promise. The jury is out on Yashida - though to be fair to him he's had to play full-back which he clearly is not. The central pairing is the real problem. Jose and Jos, great guys that they are, are just not up to the job. I am not even sure if we needed to buy the best defender in the world, just someone with Premier League nous and experience - someone in the Ryan Nelson mould. Someone to marshall the back-line, and keep a cool head when others lose theirs - which is pretty much every game. Would also have added some much needed on-field leadership. As I say, with our current personnel I can't see any change in fortune (unless Yoshida settles and excels in the middle), they are unfortunately just not good enough for his league. He also needs to stick with. Goalie now and let him know that he's #1. Presumably Boruc from now on.

4. Be flexible. We need to be able to change our tactics to suit the occasion. What is the point of playing 'tippy-tappy' against Arsenal (who do it way better than anyone else in his league) when 3-0 down? I would have been happy to see us change to a more direct style. We likely would still have lost, but might have made more of a match of it. Don't get me wrong, I have no desire to see us play like West Ham or Stoke, and I think football 'on the ground' is laudable, but we need to be able to adapt when required. The same with our formation - when it clearly isn't working, change it; don't just bring on subs to play the same way. And on the subject of substitutions - they have often been baffling. Taking our best three performers off vs Man Utd. Continually withdrawing Lambert. Even yesterday taking Rodriguez off puzzled me, Guly had offered little (and I am no Guly hater). Nigel, we know you are learning at this level too, but you need to learn quickly from your mistakes. This league is ruthless, and so is the guy who employs you.

5. Keep confident. One of the things I love about NA is his positivity, keep that up fella. Like last season, after every game (win, lose or draw), draw a line under it and start again. That is a good way to approach things. The fans are behind you, however yesterday - losing 4-1 to a very ordinary West Ham - has many now starting to waiver. It's a steep learning curve and you need to learn from these early tough experiences - and fast.

COYS!

Can't really argue with any of that. Wise words. Particularly point 3!

[SW11_Saint]

Can't really argue with any of that. Wise words. Particularly point 3!

Cheers.