LaptopSaint

The worst thing about that abomination of a first half is that Forest were absolutely shit. And they were miles better than us.

Of course he won't. The silver lining at the moment is that despite winning only 4 in 29 (is it really that bad?) we're not even close to being cut adrift. Lots of bang average teams in the league this season and a little improvement could go a long way.

Played ok (not great) for most of the second half then gifted it to Fulham by failing to get within two yards of the Fulham player with the near post flick on. Atrocious defending. If everyone is fit (and without whichever superstars we sign in the next few weeks) we should be playing Macca Tino ABK DCC Sali KWP JWP Romeo Stuey Sam Chele

Also true that in the first few weeks Jones had to implement his ideas Sali and ABK were at the World Cup and Tino, Lavia and KWP were all injured. So that was just DCC available.

Why won’t three at the back work with Sali ABK and DCC? And KWP and a returning Tino at wing back? And Lavia patrolling in front of them? If it’s because the players have already decided it won’t work without trying out the ideas of a new manager they can fit in or fuck off IMO.

Mods, could you make sure you save this as a Golden Thread, please? I’d like to reread at the end of the season. Give him a chance FFS. If he fails, he fails. We go again.

Fair point. I was at both games, and there seemed to be less effort at Brentford away than at Brighton this week. Brighton was more lack of confidence than lack of effort. We looked scared to press, confused, and the soft first goal knocked whatever stuffing we had right out of us. Standing at the other end of the ground I presumed there must have been a massive deflection that my fading eyesight couldn’t see. But, nope. Nathan needs a dozen games to make his mark. Trouble is, if he fails we’re as good as down.

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FWIW (and I've never seen him play live) but my Cov City supporting mate reckons Gyokeres is the real deal and would make an impact in the Prem. Is he an option?

I'd take Amrabat from Fiorentina and play him alongside Lavia. He's been superb.

Boufal leaving a Spanish defender for dead and showing why we replaced him out wide with Theo Walcott and Adam Armstrong 🙄

Chris Wood and Ismaila Sarr Both know the league, both are achievable buys, both are better than what we have.

God that’s dull. Dellhurst is alright, but why couldn’t we have an interesting draw for once?

Is the Premier League back yet?

I think I'd offer him back to Blackburn on loan in January as part of a plan to buy (or loan) Brereton Diaz. Although paper talk is now that ManUre are sniffing around BBD so we probably have no chance.

He's not been in the greatest form for sure, but at least he's played regular football. And he's as close to a guaranteed penalty-taker as you can get. Philips? Gallagher? Nah... Rice and Bellingham start, but after that the cupboard is pretty empty. I'm really disappointed for him.

Good luck Nathan, and welcome aboard. Aggressive and on the front foot sounds good to me. Now time to deliver. COYR

Maybe he got an email with the subject line ‘The Saints want you’ and he’s now got the wrong end of the stick.

I'd play Adams and Mara up front in a 4-2-2-2. Give the kid a go from the off, and see what he's got. We can't really lower our goal threat much, so what do we have to lose. Either that, or gamble on Ballard. If Ralph's main aim is to escape with a 0-0 draw, it'll be AA, Moi and JWP behind Adams, with AMN and Romeo in front of defence. Unless ABK or KWP are fit the back five is unchanged, so in front of that I'd go Romeo-AMN, JWP-Stu, Adams-Mara Don't @ me. COYR

As it says on the tin. Can't make the Sunday kick-off so I've got two tickets in Block 41 of the Northam (standing territory) for sale for the Newcastle game. One adult, one U18. Face value £63 for the pair. Can pick up outside the ground on the day.

Making a substitution after one minute would certainly have been quite a statement of intent. Taking him off at half time, when nothing improved, was the right thing to do. But our main problem is lack of a goalscorer. End of. Having said that I sadly expect us to lose against Newcastle and Liverpool, and have a new manager for the next game v Brighton on Boxing Day.

If either of your buyers falls through for any reason, please let me know - cheers.

Also interested in a single ticket if anyone can’t go. Happy to collect at the ground or wherever. Hoping Lavia makes the bench. COYR

It hasn't changed my perspective at all. It's obvious we haven't been good enough over the course of 2022, and I think a new manager (if it's the right manager) would bring new ideas and give us a boost. But I'll support the players when they're on the pitch and give credit where credit is due. We've given nine new players first team debuts over the last 11 games, six of them aged 20 or under, and no one else in this league has done anything remotely similar with players that young. It will take a little time to settle, and the World Cup break will be brilliant for Saints. We could have an exciting future, and that fact shouldn't be camouflaged either.