saintstowin

RM seemed to be on a short leash patience-wise last season. Why? Underperforming at times. Along with him embracing the notion that his style is innovative. I can see how that was perceived as (and may well be) arrogant and annoyed some people. This season he has very little evidence to back up his continuing confidence, but is doubling down. Even I'm annoyed at him for this. I don't expect to hear 'we're not competing and I'm struggling to adapt' but it is possible to get across that sentiment (be a bit humble). I expect his personality will struggle to do that. The players like him, they'll be hearing how important they are, but even without that it is fair enough that people might just like him. I'm assuming we all expected we'd struggle this season. I also expect if we had a manager with more humility, both towards our predicament, and his responsibilities such as adapting rather than actively avoiding change, there would be more understanding and patience.

We played well at times against Ipswich and were unlucky not to win. I know there's no saying 'don't change a team that almost won' and even a win might lead to necessary changes. However I don't know what he was thinking changing positions of very effective players in the most recent game, and not starting our most calm and experienced player. RM has now backed himself (in more ways than one) into a corner where he probably feels justified into making even more changes. Unless those changes are go back to what worked against Ipswich I don't think this is a good plan or will end well.

That was a sorry night. It simply didn't work and after Ipswich some continuity would have been fine. Lallana and (despite missed chances) Archer should have started. Too much to dwell on but one very small part summed up a key element that we need to change this season. Fraser gets fouled 10 yards inside their half and by the time I look up the ball is on the edge of our box and we're under pressure because we chose to play it backwards. That is just bad football and not taking responsibility. We're not good enough to pass up opportunities to get the ball forward.

We played well. From my seat anyway. It was an engrossing game. Mentions for Sugawara, Fernandes, Dibling, Lallana. Downes grew into the game. Lovely goal. I'd say the back 4 and GK all played very well, under pressure in the 1st half especially. I liked the line up albeit KWP a surprise. I felt for Archer with those low hard passes to him on half way, tough to control and not sure of the point. When we played him through he was unlucky, never quite in control of the 2 chances. We were the better team but didn't get that vital 2nd. Unlucky.

I've ended up with 2 spares today. One is U14, one is Over 65. Chapel block next to away fans I think. Presume you can just go in, or go to ticket office to change. Face value. Can direct message me if interested. Cheers.

I like seeing Saints win games.

What a shootout! Not ours.

At least Dibling on the bench shows he's going to get another start in the league this Saturday.

He's said the team will be different next match. Last season after that awful run he did modify somewhat. And at the end of the season. Any changes will unlikely be enough to lead to great results given the league. But I think they'll lead to better performances, higher intensity and more directness. He's not a complete fool he knows we need to show signs of learning, and adapt. New signings yet to play or settle. I remain hopeful of fewer self inflicted mistakes and happier times albeit towards the bottom of the league.

I've bought 4 on general sale for Ipswich and although I have the app I selected postal, and paid a quid for that. But the site says only app tickets can be used. I'm confused why postal is even an option then. I also have no idea how 4 of us get in if I'm the only one with the app! Some are children so the app is not something they'll have. Got a few weeks to get my head around it.

I can see a loss on Saturday, and like many of us feel we're a bit off being totally prepared for the season ahead. I'm going to (attempt to) see Saints this season similar to perhaps how Luton saw their team last season, or I imagine Ipswich will see theirs this season. These two came to mind anyway. By that I mean, we've had so much time in the top flight and our deterioration was one the club should have avoided, it's hard not to feel we should be better than those types of teams. And that can affect levels of patience, such as how long before there is a collective upset at possibly regular defeats. But that is where we are really. We will need that kind of underdog spirit, not accepting or expecting a bad season, but shifting the levels of those two things compared to our most recent premier league experience. And most importantly retaining the feeling from last season, not forgetting how great it was. And then we'll qualify for Europe and it'll all be lovely.

Did I read or hear that RM said he was an idiot for not picking AMc sooner, or something like that? If so, I'm sure it was mainly a self deprecating comment that would also big up AMc, rather than one to criticise GB. But I think this enforced break will mean RM has (and takes) the opportunity to look for an upgrade.

What a day. Nearly home. That was the most nerve-wracking last 15 minutes I've ever had. We played so well, defensively brilliant, who'd a thought it! 2nd leg and today have given more than enough amazing football memories to last forever. Nice one Saints.

Yes I noticed that getting on the train. Great to see!

I'm glad he's continuing next season whatever the league. Assuming he's not nabbed by a team taking a gamble on him. It's been a brilliant season, best in years. For large parts it's been steady and he's done well. Success not all down to RM, and he's made mistakes, some infuriating. But just when it was most needed he's come through with really good management. I think he's shown he can learn and adapt. The team will change next season whatever the result but much will be the same, and consistency in having RM will help.

Unlike the FA Cup Final where the vast majority went in yellow, do you reckon it'll mainly be red and white in the stands? Notwithstanding those that have or buy the black kit, trying to get everyone to turn up in that colour seems a bit too sobering.

Quite a stressful time. We can console ourselves that a win means losing a lot next season and tickets easy to come by, and a loss means mid table and the same easy ticket access. Phew. 😇

Anyone really struggling/panicking, ticket office might be worth a call. 02381 780 780.

Similar. I got to see the seats and it just kept saying loading and then kicked me out. Now an hour to get back in.

I'm stressed reading this and I've not even had the pleasure of the system until tomorrow at 930. Similar to some above I'm very much hoping I can buy for my F&F who are all members and linked to my account. Two of them are children so hopefully the system allows someone to buy their tickets as they cannot do so themselves! And I did buy their membership via my account so I guess that is possible.

I think they've said that customer numbers must have been created by 11 May. Is that the way they hope people can't get round it? There's always a way though.

When the membership window opens on Monday will I be able to buy 4 tickets (if available) in 1 transaction? All 4 of us are members and linked to my account. Like I would for a normal match day to take family with me. I'm assuming, and hoping so. All 4 have purchase history from this and previous seasons.

Will we be more likely to play 4 at the back at home?

It's a decent result. They have a big gap between their home and away form. Yes would have liked a bit more attacking but this is two games not one and we should be confident to get the job done having kept it to a draw today.

I ended up phoning at 930 because the site showed no tickets, but if I then clicked on match tickets from that page it let me in, however it greyed out my friends/family so I couldn't link a ticket to them! Odd. Yet yesterday it seemed to be willing to sell me 1 ticket even though I'm not a member. I didn't go through with that purchase as I wanted more than one. Streamlined process! Helpful ticket office person though. Good luck getting one by other means if you're still looking.