gio1saints

Seems to me it’s Che vs Danny Ings the back up for if he does not resign on? Or is that a smokescreen?? Both about the same height. Both about the same pace. Che a bit more muscular style of play perhaps but both like to hustle. Both like to collect ball slightly deeper and pass it to on- or goal hang. Both can play with Adam. Both not scored many goals in the EPL lately. Che has scored more recently at lower level though. Danny has played EPL more recently though only 20 games. Both on six figure salaries. Danny Ings supposedly £6m fee Che no fee but undoubtedly a loyalty bonus at least £1m. Would imagine the two deals work out v close in net terms. Who is the better buy or is it neither?

I’d like to think that if we play with 3 CB’s they will be THB, Jan (for his experience ) plus one new high quality younger CB that we develop ( along with THB of course). Wether that is BK or Wood or some other CB I don’t mind. Much as I admire his known qualities my default is NOT for it to be Jack plus THB and Jan. That would not be good enough imo for the EPL. A new great expectations CB would do us the world of good especially if they can be brought along within our current set up. Nathan Wood May fit that bill as does Bella-k. Jack would be my back up CB for suspensions, substitutions, injuries and cup matches.

That’s a great example with the second half showing what happens if Eng ( or any team) rely on longball too much. And it’s equally informative to note how Serbia started with a what I thought was over cautious low defensive block - which I think RM might be tempted to do this season away from home - certainly five in defence - because it was only a matter of time the Eng quality players unlocked the block and scored. Could easily have been game over at ht. And it could easily be game over for Saints at HT in some of these matches also if ( big if not saying they will just a warning) we go into these EPL matches with that inferiority complex in awe of those superstar players. Eng could barely cope with a technically capable but otherwise pretty average Serbia but who simply changed tactics. Same team completely different match second half. Same for Italy v Albania second half. Technically superior teams Italy were pushed to the end by the supposed lower rank in second half. Same players just different tactics/mind set. Eng and It deserved to win but both could have easily been draws in part Due to the change in the opponents tactical approach - more fearless less fearful essentially imo. Something I’m sure RM is noting.

You do know what moneyball means? It does not mean the player is chasing money. It refers to a book about uncovering value added players who are currently undervalued by the market.

But do you deny that 8 out of 10 users said that Nivea made them a better footballer? That sort of marginal gain could be priceless at end of season. “ Silky hands “ Alex McCarthy will vouch for that. Do you honestly think his silky hands goalkeeping performances at season end and Adams reintroduction are coincidental?

Adam has had more Nivea contracts than any of them. FACT. I think that’s going to silence you and any doubters as to the suitability of his recruitment - and the softness of his skin. And as if there’s any doubting thomases out there when you pick up that free sample of hand face cream that’s waiting on your seat / leaning rail for the opening day match you know all will be forgiven. When you /we all clap Adam iur hands will make a pleasant schlepping sound which will be unique feature of the Northam Wall-of-Sound. And become noted ( and acclaimed) throughout the EPL Maybe bit too much sun.

Know it is an overused term but he sounds like a classic moneyball player. I hope he has got some fire in his belly still ! Im sure SR data analytics had him down early days as a possible - but ONLY if on a free and low wages - because his age would normally otherwise preclude him ( and the likes of AL & RF ). Expect more of this kind of signing.

And even more than Nigerian international Joe Aribo and Ireland international Will Smallbone? But how can you be certain about that? 😂

Damn I hadn’t realised they weren’t English 🥱

Ok. Adam Lallana has got more England caps medals and trophies than Flynn Downes, Will Smallbone, Joe Aribo and She Charles combined. He also has more medals than RM, Jack Stephens, Ryan Manning, Ross Stewart, Che Adams, Adam Armstrong, Sam Edozie, Kameldeen Sulemana, Sekou Mara, Charlie Alcaraz and Ryan Fraser. Have I missed any other Saints forwards or midfielders? Happy now? He recently was invited to England training so he is obviously highly thought of - and ambitious - and given there’s obvious vacancies at SFC U21 level coaching I’d not be surprised to see him getting involved somehow. The players will respect him and will listen. And if they don’t they are idiots. That’s part of why he’s brought in. We you they know he is 36 and know he had zero goals and 2 assists last year. But Brighton did not seem a shit team because they had him in the squad and coming off the bench. And he can say “ show me your medals” to anyone in that dressing room- and win.

Apologies if it’s upset you that I exaggerated - but you surely know what I meant?

No I did not watch Brighton last year. They did well finishing mid table but I have no clue as to his impact on that. I’ve guessed as to why AL’s skill set might synchronise with the way RM likes to play- and that his obvious high level experience and voice is something RM might feel we’d benefit from. Seems pretty obvious plus the vacancies at U21 coaching is why he’s here for the year. A good free transfer decision imo as long as he’s not on too high a wage. I also don’t know who’s staying who is leaving from our MF. Without Flynn without Stuart maybe even without Joe there is a lot of pressure on Will and Shea. Joe Rothwell did not set the championship on fire so I’m glad he’s not returning.

Adam Lallana is not some footballing megastar with a mystical aura said @CB Fry Compared to OUR squad he is. He’s got more caps medals trophies and international appearances than our entire first team and management combined. What is more His recent high level EPL experience in and around good quality footballing teams is pretty much absent from this squad. And that’s the entire point. RM is bringing in experience we lack - on and off the pitch - especially since we losing Stu and possibly Alex. Which point you seem to have missed or deliberately missed because making references to my mental state gets you more laugh emojis. Both probably.

It’s no secret our squad is not made up of serial high level achievers ( THB aside). I would not worry too much about whatever happened ages ago when he left. it’s gone. AL walks into that changing room and there will be genuine respect for him from everyone. When he talks they will listen- and he DOES talk. Inspired bit of biz (as long as he is not on a mad wage.)

Given that RM rarely fails to use all five subs I can see a good case for why he’d want someone to come off the bench at certain times who is very experienced in pressure situations and is excellent at retaining possession, slowing the game down if needs be etc. AL knows how to do that And, like JWP, will play exactly the position and way he is told like a total pro. I think that’s the nub of why he’s here.

Any idea if Stuart is fit for the bench? I know he’s been back in training last week or so but it’s all v quiet. Think it’s more likely he’ll be saved for the two more winnable matches if his fitness is still an issue. But if I was him I’d want to get on the pitch v Germany in Germany with that atmosphere for what will be his last euros in all probability. Good luck to him and Che if they are on the pitch. Unsure if I really want Che to play a blinder or not cos his wages might just go up if we want to keep him but a sense of fair play tells me I’d love to see him score a worldie for Scotland versus the Germans! * * which, having watched him all season not really scoring worldies but with a decent return is rather unlikely. His last volley though was good technique though not under pressure.

IF he scores v Germany in that high profile game both his wages and loyalty / signing on bonus will be upwardly reviewed by his agent. That One goal alone could literally be worth £1M+ to him. IF he does score just have that in mind as he celebrates with the tartan army. He’s just trousered a Mil for kicking a ball whilst on hols in Deutschland. I’d be fucking delirious as well.

How much do you reckon it costs to keep Che? Best guesses if he stays or if he goes receive a No-prize. Im guessing £100k pw + on a two year contract with a £1.5m loyalty bonus. It’s mental isn’t it.

Jack Stephens last goal for Saints was in the match v Newcastle in December 2019. He played a deft one-two with JWP, did a feint that sent the entire Newcastle team off to buy chip butties before slotting the ball home from the half way line with a no-look outside of his left foot half volley that did not bounce before it entered the net. The ball speed was recorded as 247mph and its in the Guiness Book of Records accordingly. I don’t see Che topping that myself. 😇

If we do not improve the squad I agree it’s probable we will go straight down. I would not consider that a reason why RM should not publicly praise his players performance in interviews. He praises them all if asked - it’s not just Stephens and Will. He’s trying to keep them motivated & encouraged to do it again and more. What he thinks in private is not necessarily what we see or hear in public. I would not want him to bad mouth ANY of our players in public frankly - that’s for behind closed doors face to face with the player. Managers that do that are usually at the end of their tenure. We will see if Will and Jack make the starting eleven but it won’t be related to how much he loves them, he loves ALL of them, it’s his signature managerial style. Does not mean he’s soft or weak. The opposite. Takes more courage to love than to hate. Many admire his approach and I’m sure players like Will and even Stephens may well have played at levels above their natural ability level last season - in part due to the self belief RM has encouraged in them. If that’s the case this year remains to be seen - but I understand your scepticism.

Nice post ( except the “ sigh” bit) and you’ve covered the most likely response range of most fair minded fans out there. Though you may have missed out the fact that not every fan will have the same expectations as you. On the question of “expectations” we will all disagree. But that’s still not an excuse for the abuse. This season we may well get battered at times - and most people will have that outcome in their range of Saints expectations - but for those that don’t……

IF ( and it’s a big IF) we are considering a hold the ball win it in the air and score goals new centre forward option we already got one that might be worth a second chance. If RM plays to his strengths - in the more pragmatic style of the last four games in particular - it’s not inconceivable that Tall Paul could be highly effective- and surprising- to opposition defences not accustomed to players his height- I’m thinking Crouchie levels of being effective if you play to his strengths. He does not appear suited to the PB style of play that was our bread and butter all season but - who knows- we may have the South Coast Andy Carroll who for a time seemed unplayable and a world class CF. Scoff away but he’s our player and we don’t need to spend anything to try him.

I’ve tried to anticipate some worst case scenarios for Saints- and Russell. Long thread so turn away now if you hate these type of posts. Here’s one scenario : No wins by mid- late September and all this conjecture about if he will be poached to be overtaken by a “who will be our next Manager” thread. It’s not some amazing revelation that we will probably struggle - with whoever is in charge. It’s very very likely - but also predictable that an impatient and growing mob will not be able to control themselves or their anger- which will be directed at him. And SR. RM will take full responsibility as a Leader should, but it will be nasty and personal - as usual. This forum will be sick with the volumes of personal abuse being written. It won’t matter how we lost, the style of play or any of that bravery stuff. Or even if there are signs of improvement. There will be NO acclimatisation to the EPL time allowed. It’s likely to be instant results or out. That hypothetical scenario may not be too far off the truth, and indeed might be bookies favourite if one could bet on such negative eventuality. I ask myself is that what we really want to see this season? How can it be avoided? IF RM does not start winning immediately would SR & fans persist with loyalty? Flip a coin. Wait til Xmas probably. But some fans (you know the ones) will prob demand he’s out sooner. It’s a tough gig going up and even just surviving but I think there’s an equal chance Saints are going to make it harder if the chose to twist rather than stick with RM. In the subsequent scenario that’s he gone by Cmas or sooner we could end up with a three manager season: Hypothetical Manager #2 might be more of the same - a 30year old from Portugal, the Bundesliga or some obscure but done well lately La Liga team - and after he’s failed and is sacked a rescue mission exercise to recruit #3 Potter or similar might take place. Or they might go straight to a Potter type. My current evaluation ( subject to change and results of course) is that the chances of RM making it past Xmas are less than 50% - imo. Much less than 50% if we are averaging less than 1pt a game or much more than 50% if we average 1.5-2pts per game and are at top end of the league at Xmas.

The idea of Chris Wood, and Ross Stewart for that matter, is a logical solution to a very obvious problem. The obvious problem is that Saints are notorious for passing it around our own penalty area ( and even 6 yard box). It did not escape the attention of a number of ( lesser) teams in the latter part of the season and I do not expect it will have escaped the attention of EPL teams right from the start of this. We will get uber pressed and goals will be conceded needlessly. Without Gav in goal - and a less football more conventional orientated gk in his place - say Alex or similar- we are much more likely to go long. At present going long with our relatively powder puff mf and tiny forwards is essentially just giving the ball away - only Che is able to hold the play up- just about- at Championship level. At EPL level less so I predict. A more reliable basically bigger stronger physical presence up front would give Saints an option we do not currently have. Especially if they have EPL experience. Chris Wood makes perfect sense from that perspective even if he does not brilliantly fir other PB and future value football characteristics. It’s not an irrefutable case to buy Wood but it is a case to recruit at least one more in the squad with his characteristics now Che is Leaving - or even if he stays and not just to rely on Ross.

Regarding the GK situation. I’m in a minority of one on this, I think, but I remain certain that there is some truth in the assertion that the nervous pressure to “play football” in such a critical position as goalkeeper was negatively cumulative with Gav. Especially given his comparative youth. I think that this eventually dulled or reduced his shot stopping, shot saving, penalty area physically dominating and overall presence. The priority last season seemed always for him to play with his feet - pass it around - often whilst under severe pressure at times. Anywhere else on the pitch a misplaced pass or slightly short or slightly wrong or slightly sub optimal control of the ball and you can often get away with - maybe you foul the player who dispossessed you ( as Saints often do when caught on counterattacks) but that’s simply not possible for Gav in his six yard box without giving away a penalty. I know this is all obvious but what’s not been taken into account, imo, is the nervous fatigue / tension that this constant life or death pressure can create. I think his football skills are very high indeed - but currently that’s ( to me) obviously been to the detriment of his standard goalkeeping skills. And the longer the season went the more obvious it became. When Alex took over it was clear what a mentally fit more standard goalkeeping characteristics goalie could do for us - and those who argued that were he in goal earlier we might have got automatic may have an excellent point. Id like to think that Gav, and Saints, would learn from this and take that into consideration more this upcoming season. Asking any new goalie to play in that way - especially a young one- is going to take its toll. I’m not against the system- if and once the goalie has mastered it and it does not reduce his standard goalie skills, but at present it’s a bit hard for me to justify ahead of a season in the EPL when the pressure is even higher. Hoping it’s s work in process but I’ve yet to see a gk not do a mess in his own six yard box yet - and I’ve no doubt it mashes up the mind - and turns fans against you even though you are only doing what you’ve been told. Even the so called “ world class” goalies are susceptible. It might be a fatal flaw in the system.