Holmes_and_Watson

As Manchester United found out during their ghost town bus tour, you don't have to stick with one soccerball team forever. As clubs look down on "legacy" fans, leverage that to keep supporting the successful ones. In this Beeb article noticing the shift from Man Utd through Man City and back to Liverpool, winning is important. However, it does mention Brighton as a hipster choice. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cx2qd53v479o

It's hard to let go of a manager who had that common touch, and shared so many of the things the everyday bloke does ...(pauses to apply beard oil) For a manager who would rather sometimes lose and play to his philosophy to go to a club where every game is seen as a win or bust, is not a good fit. They've had a fallow period using what resources they had. However, the new takeover will have already raised expectations. Even the new owners have said that their aim is to win trophies and do well in Europe...while being sustainable. Massive expectations, uncertain budget. Good luck with that. Martin will be facing a load of teams that if they've been a bit braver recently, are quite happy to sit back and defend for 90 minutes. Rangers knocking it around at the back suits them fine. Only the poorly coached will be drawn in to even trying to get it back. For them a point against Rangers is an excellent result. And if Celtic are doing better, he's going to be under pressure anyway. Because to win the title, they are the only competition. The press are there to sell papers, not discuss transitions. They will happily stir the pot, like a shortbread version of Spanish football. We saw how Martin's system failed to cope in the PL. Against European opposition, he could well get unstuck as a Pep-lite coach, when others have developed past it. Like everywhere he's been, some fans will like the approach and others hate it. Unlike everywhere else, the expectation levels are relentless. He just has to win...all the time. I can see why his controlled system is attractive to clubs. But that won't stop them dumping him sharpish, if their own goodwill gets dragged down too. Edit:Beeb discussing same stuff. Martin "interviewed brilliantly." The article highlights many of their difficulties. Compare that with the new owner goals and fan expectations. Then drop Martin into the middle of it. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cx2jp5xp0njo

At least that's something they'd never do 😀 I saw the Opta team of the season (also doubling as Man Utd's Scouting list) had 10 other players alongside Trent, marking it out as different from the Fawning Commentator team of the season which was just him. 🙂

Dome

Nope, no relation. The first thing I did when I saw her playing for Brighton, was do a Google search. 🙂 But every time I've seen her for England, I'm always going to think of Matt's internationals, always followed by a "stupid Hoddle" 🙂

It sure was. Excellent Greenwood pass. England's passing undid Portugal, along with their work rate, and positioning. Different class. Portugal would have been relieved to see Hemp go off, only for it to be Kelly coming on. England still have some good options from the bench. Always good to see a Le Tissier in an England shirt too.

Brilliant half from England. Portugal set up to be compact, and take advantage through the centre. England straight out the blocks, beat them on both flanks, with Hemp turning her marker on a few occasions. Portugal forced back and to play out, which got them in lots of trouble, as defensive and midfield lines had so little space between them to get it clear. England's movement (from a team with lots of experience with each other and on field leadership), and one touch passing were things Portugal just couldn't cope with. Great to watch. Try to cope with Hemp just left space behind. Pushing up, meant England put direct balls over the top. Tuck in, and England were back to getting crosses in. Top stuff. At 5-0, Bronze was making lung bursting runs from wing back positions. They didn't let up and had far too much energy for Portugal. Cracking performance, with both sides missing some regular starters. Beever-Jones, only in because Russo isn't fully fit, involved in all 5 goals.

P&O: Sailing down the divisions with the Saints. 🙂

Only wages to consider if he's a gift. 🙂

I guess hypo didn't make it onto MLG's Huff List. 🙂

Taylor in a back 3 too.

Everyone needs a hobby to take them through the close season. 🙂

I thought it would be at home here. 😀

"I'm a tent". A statement of a tent. 🙂

Steady! Too much too soon could wreck things. 🙂

Saints 25/26...

The announcement says he's bringing in specific traits Still is looking for in his team. So, I'd guess everyone is fighting for a first team spot. If he offers more to Still's system in preseason, seniority might count for little. Also a further nod to players who have already indicated they want to leave, or who the club have said they want them to leave, to get something sorted.

With an offer like that, if he wasn't going to stay before... 🙂

He's gone back and edited his spelling too, I see. Even thought it's already been quoted further down. Some things never change. 🙂

Born in Germany, of Ghanaian descent. 🙂

Forgot to add, that since his work rate, assists and goals were excellent, he'd be ahead of the others for me. We could do with that Adams upgrade SR promised us to play centrally, with AA coming in from a wider position.

2027 @Over land and sea keeps an excellent thread that's pinned to the forum, for all our contract queries https://www.saintsweb.co.uk/topic/41841-keeping-track-of-the-contracts-2024-25/ .

Is there a picture of them glum faced and holding out the loyalty card they will never use again? 🙂

Couldn't agree more. If anyone at the club wants to sulk, thinks they are special, or generally gets in the way of the new manager, then they can be shown the door. Hopefully, a door that is already wide open for a number of players already after the last couple of seasons.

From interviews with people who are involved, there are always "far more clubs than you would think" looking to sell and more seeking investors. I'd not rule anything out, regardless of the backroom restructuring we see. Likewise, after 2 relegations, and plenty of wrong turns, I'd not rule out a number of reasons for Solak selling up. It's a big plus, whatever happens, that he is presently engaged in trying to turn it round. Hopefully, that continues into the summer window, and for however long he stays with us.