Holmes_and_Watson

two goes to head it properly/ clear it...but no, not us...

ah pants...

Not really set up to attack, so much as contain them further up the pitch, and rely on Redmond/ AA trickery to create. Leicester have been far more likely, with Vary having a couple of near chances (one thanks to McCarthy) and a header early on. Still hope we can nick it in the second half.

Everyone falling over seems to be cheering him up.

McCarthy... nearly gave that away...

lots of space there. We've had some positive moments , if not chances.

A bit of width from Redmond and KWP, drawing out ther defence to give AA some space. Solid midfield to not get overrun, and offer through balls for AA to run onto? Blind optimism? 🙂

Yups. It's certainly worrying, wondering where the goals are coming from.

Keep. As it stands, it's him, Adams and Nlundulu for next season. He offers something different to the other 2. And because of this. That said, if the club uncover a treasure chest, can replace Broja, then our 10s and elsewhere, and still have pennies for an obvious upgrade, by cashing in, then go for it.

Oct 2022... Ralph to board: Yes, we're 20th. But when you think of it as 20 out of 92 it isn't bad. For perspective... Board to Ralph: You have the perspective of an idiot. You are fired. 🙂

Just came across a link to it, and he could already not be keen to be part of a pathway here. https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/05/16/southampton-may-be-snubbed-by-9m-forward-he-wants-la-liga-move/

Species

The commentary mentioned the increase in goalkeeping coaching in the women's game, and how long it had taken. Rendell looked very assured. Since we are a club with a surplus of coaches who have played in goals, I wonder if any of them could be spared to help Rendell further ? 🙂 I also like Mott, for exactly the same reasons. Just gets on with doing a good job. Some excellent passes yesterday. That could well be a factor in the club deciding how much they invest in the team. If their goal truly is getting to the top division, they should be anticipating doing well with the majority of this squad. Investment and improving terms should be made on that basis.Much better to drive at the target than hope for the best and trip across it. Much better than some belated, half hearted effort after our better players drip feed out of the club to places where their talents are recognised. Thanks. I shall keep this handy for when I make an idiot of myself on other threads 🙂 I don't know the terms the top of our league next season are on, but we should be offering terms on a competative basis with teams looking for promotion, at least. After the team's achievements, I'm really looking forward to that increase in coverage the club have told us would happen on promotion. 🙂

McCarthy Valery Bednarek Stephens Djenepo Tella Smallbone Elyounoussi Walcott Long A. Armstrong Shop Window XI 🙂

Shades of Rupert Lowe's deluded confidence that our kids would storm their way back to the top. Something that's not far from my mind when the club go overboard with their pathway comments.

Menace

That'll be the same injury she was faking even as they celebrated with the trophy. What a kidder. I was sure she was still in pain from it. 🙂

Nice. 🙂 Surprised they lasted as far. The difference in physicality...pause for some to put in obvious comment...combined with the modern tactics is one of the reasons I've yet to see a dull womens game. Added bonuses of the lack of childish play acting/ cheating mean you get a proper game without the endless nonsense.

I was up and about when you made the first sandwich post of the day. Now there's this one, and not once did you tell us the filling! 🙂

Law

The last time I saw Gunn, he was trying to adopt De Gea facial hair. The thought crossed my mind that this had more to do with his signing than actual ability. When it comes to our 'keeper, let's try to get in someone who can do the job now, since that's what we actually need, rather than a wishful punt (much like what we have in goal already do).

If only we didn't have such an abundance of hard working, creative goal scorers in the senior squad blocking his path. 🙂

Balance

Rohl could well have been important to the roll out and training of RalphBall. But we have had good patches of form, since Rohl left. So we cI'dan do it without him. Of course Ralph could have brought in a life sized Rohl out, or had taped Rohl motivational speeches to replay for a while. 🙂 I agree we need someone of that level, who Ralph can work with without clashing, to support the squad's development. Or at least work away at planB, for use when Ralph's plan A doesn't work.

There were some big calls from the manager in that second half. Wolves switching to a back 4, solidified them. So we weren't able to have that space to exploit, the way we had when they had also been more attacking. Taking Freeland off was a big call, making us harder to break down, but at the expense of even more attacking outlets. Hughes and Merrick played well for them with more room. I was happy to see Gauntlett go off too. But we held our shape and worked hard to stop their chances. Then another big call to bring Rood on, to push them back at the end. George nearly levelled it for them, right at the death. That was a heart in mouth moment. An excellent game and massive congratulations to the squad and staff! Lots of good performances. While Pharaoh got the goal, Ware was the player of the match for me. After good work from Freeland on the other flank, more switched to Ware and she really worried their defense. Looking forward already to next season!