St Louis

I do get your point and I do agree, I just think the reality is that football is eating itself now... and sadly the wages, transfers, stadium improvements, etc are all out of control and cost clubs millions just to keep up! Sadly its us that get hit with the bill. I dont know the answer really. I think a lot of 'proper' football fans will be tempted to lower league and non-league football in the not too distant future.

The club is a 'business' too, and one that loses money currently. Given we've had 6 years of price freezes (and even drops this year), I dont think its too bad and was expected. I dont think the club have hidden it either, its all over the club statement that prices will go up on average 10-15%. The new fan zones and safe standing all come at a cost too, so I personally dont mind having to pay <£100 extra for that.

You cant really coach a 27 year old striker how to finish, and that is what cost us today.

If Che Adams could finish, we would have been 2 or 3-0 up and cruising 😠 I'm not convinced he could even finish his dinner!

I cant get any of the above streams to work (I dont usually have a problem). Anyone got a decent one?

No, you are right he hasn’t made loads of mistakes individually, so it isn’t personal criticism. But collectively we don’t look as solid when he plays at CB and THB gets moved out to fullback, that is the problem IMO and why we are conceding goals.

He’s not for me personally. I used to love listening to Merrington on Solent, he’s missed.

Agreed, last night was a mess and down to Martin. The thread I was replying to was looking at the bigger picture (not just last night) and someone suggesting we might not have the right manager in place for promotion, and I was just pointing out that he has done a brilliant job IMHO taking us on the best run in our history, and to me has a lot of indicators that he will be a success with us. Personally I look at the huge number of positives since September, rather than just the last week (which hasnt been so good).

I know we were poor last night (but Hull are a very decent side, so no disgrace and needs perspective.... we cant win every week, etc), but Martin has just taken us on a record unbeaten run with some superb football and results along the way. Are you still not convinced by him? A couple of recent results aside, I havent enjoyed watching a Saints team as much as this for a LONG time, and surely the manager deserves the credit for that.

Gutted if we are leaving Hummel, I've really liked our kits with them (especially the Home and the White one), but maybe thats because I'm an 80's/90's kid.

Do you think Martin or any other staff member could stop Alcaraz wanting to leave Championship Southampton for 36 x Serie A Champions and Italian giants, Juventus? Even if they wanted to. This decision would have had nothing to do with Martin, of course he would want to keep our young gifted players. Plus, its a loan, which if successful will bring us a much needed £35m. If it doesn't work out for him in the 6 months there (and we get promotion), he may well be back with us next season anyway. The money, plus the players (understandable) desire to want the move, means we dont have much choice (especially Martin!)

He's OK at this level, and is decent enough backup, especially if Holgate leaves. But he is clearly behind Bednarek (50+ International Caps) and Harwood-Bellis (England U21 Captain, clearly a star of the future), so I hope he doesnt end up with more game time than he merits. I do agree that by giving him the captaincy and convincing him to stay, it's left a slightly annoying/unexpected dilemma for Martin to deal with.

You’ve probably answered your own question there. Rarely works out between colleagues, and will often cause an awkwardness around the workplace.

I think you might be over thinking it. I think Adams probably is trying his best, he just isn't very good. He has only hit double figures twice in his league career, one of those was 8 years ago in League One (he only got 11) and the other was a seemingly one-off 22 goals the season before we bought him. He averages 5.5 goals a season over the other seasons of his professional career. I personally reckon Ings on a 6-month loan (see how it goes) would be a big upgrade on Adams.

So if we avoid defeat this weekend, does that mean it will be a new League record for us, which had lasted over 100 years?