lethallee

Be interesting to see further down the line if likes of Plymouth and Bristol will still be considered as host cities for 2018 cities with there well documented financial problems. I know a lot of the funding is provided but these stadiums have to be sustainable which is not going to happen with non premiership football and low gate receipts. I personally think Southampton could potentially come in as replacement host city subject to what division we are in of course. It wouldn't surprise me if this is already part of NC's 5 year plan. Obviously all this is subject to England being choosen as host nation !!

good point. I'd like to see Gobern be given a chance If chappers not fit.

Davis Richardson Fonte Martin Dickinson Lallana Hammond Morgan Holmes Lambert Barnard

Both lack mobility compared to others but neither of them are out of shape.

I thought 1st half we played quite well with some neat crisp passing but without creating any clear cut chances. Ref could of easily given us penalty when Lallana went down in box. 2nd half we were not as good and again no clear cut chances of note other than Lambert who should of got his header on target. Brighton came for point and got it by deploying somewhat negative tactcs. But have to credit there defending it was top draw. In terms of individual performances I thought Hammond had good game and actually think he is better holding player than box to box. Shame Chaplow was injured as he and Hammond is good partnership. Morgan had quiet game and never really looked threatening going forward (especially considering he was playing as the more attacking CM). Although Lambert worked hard he looks sluggish with no spring in his step - I suspect more to do with confidence rather than fitness. Fonte worries me when left one on one with opposition player. Jaidi dominant but poor distribution. There were lots of positives to take from last night and I am confident we will win most home games this season. Just need to get Lambert scoring and sort out our away perfomances. I actually think both will come good by end of the year.

2-2

no it will only hold 22,500

I think he would be better suited to higher level football. He would benefit from playing with more intelligent and gifted players. As you say he relies on good movement from others.

Some might think Schneiderlin is a cultured footballer but he offers nothing to a league 1 team. I am not Hammonds biggest fan but his performances have improved under NA. Chaplow and Hammond is the way forward until January at least. Barnard should be starting I feel more confident in getting result when he plays from start. Perhaps an opportunity now to give Dickson a go at LB.

Alex Ox main attribute is pace so makes sense to bring him on in 2nd half when opposition have started to tire.

Good win without playing that well. Lambert ok in first half; Lallana quiet up to first goal; Chaplow gave ball away too much. Ox good impact player from bench and should remain that way. There will be plenty more teams like Oldham coming here setting up in same way so something we have to get used too.

Apparently the boro players lacked the passion and determination on the pitch which resulted in him leaving. Passion and determination are trade marks of successful WGS teams so without these qualities his managerial ability is shown up. He didn't have the most gifted squad at his deposal when at Saints but the players always gave there best with great team spirit and in hindsight probably overachieved.

In my opinion he will be here until end of season and beyond if we get promoted this season. If we don't then expect him to go to PL team - he is PL class

Football is a simple game and that's what adkins get's across well in his interviews. AP approach was totally different which reflected in his interviews as they didn't always make sense.I think it's quite refreshing to hear NA interviews even though he does repeat himself a lot !!

You cannot stop footballers going out on the town, they have as much right as the next person. However I do accept that they need to behave and not get caught up in brawls etc... But same goes for anyone really whether your high profile or not. Ok he has injured hand which does not look good but he may of been acting in self defence. If I was attacked for no reason then I would naturally try to defend myself even if it meant landing some punches myself !!

The Managers thoughts on game: Adkins said we should of scored several in first 15 minutes but then Howe reckons we didn't create anything. I wasn't at game so couldn't say which manager's thoughts were more accurate. I will side with Adkins though as Howe probably had bit of sour grapes syndrom.

signed on 1 month loan http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~2170637,00.html

Perhaps NA is assessing all players currently at his deposal to determine who is not good enough and those players who just need more encouragement from there manager. I predict minimal players to arrive before January but on positive note there will be improved performances from likes of Morgan, Puncheon and Hammond which will ultimately help get the strikers scoring on regular basis.

I thought Adkins post match comments were spot on. Should of won game but didn't pass the ball well enough after scoring. Makes the game sound simple - get likes of lallana and Puncheon receiving the ball in dangerous areas and they will destroy teams. He seems to be very confident in his own ability and also team's ability. Still wants to win league... now that's positive thinking !!

Holmes to start instead of Ox. Ox can then be impact sub if necessary.

I think Ox should start from bench and be used as impact sub if needed. He was pretty ineffective yesterday. Puncheon should retain place in team as although can be some what frustrating he does boast that potential spark needed. He is going through a indifferent patch of form at moment but i believe Adkins will help his confidence and get more from him on a more regular basis. I don't think AP helped when comparing Puncheon with Le Tiss in terms of potential hero status with fans - Just a little pressure placed on him !! Centre midfield is a big problem area. Hammond is technically woeful and doesn't score or create goals. If he wasn't captain I think he would of been dropped few games ago but only matter of time before Adkins does the rightful thing.

Hammond offers absolutely nothing to team. Can't see how Guly can be much worse in my opinion.

20 odd goals last season from wide left suggest he can play there albeit not his preferred position. Lallana is good enough to play wide left, wide right or upfront but doesn't have physical presence for centre midfield.

I'd go with: Davis Butterfield fonte martin harding Puncheon Guly Morgan Dickson Lambert Barnard

Even last season there were many games which we only played well in one half but difference being to this season is that we were still putting chances away. Personally I think the pressure of being favourites to win league has affected the players confidence and decision making. Going a goal down in a game requires a certain mental strength to get back into game. This mental strength is obviously lacking at present. The general fitness of squad may be an issue but it would of been no different to last season except for the amount of second string games being played. Being bottom of league but club still expecting promotion means pressure on players is even more intense. I believe Adkins will be able to sort the mentality of the players but will not be quick fix.