Sunnyside Saint

For the first goal, and we've seen it before, he's not giving himself the best chance to get anything on the ball, despite having a decent dive at it. It must be his starting position is off, his footwork, assessment of angles and/or his timing. Yes exceptional saves are required when you are starting from the wrong position, recovery or reactional saves if you like. But these become more routine saves if you're in a better position before the shot comes in. That's a keeper making his job look easy, not flailing around because he's out of sync with the action.

I'm excited when he gets the ball. It's been an absolute age since that's happened. What a gem!

Who was that ex Man Utd assistant or coach that was working in the US? Would SR revisit? He was high up the shortlist last time. Edit: just read above, think the name was Eric Ramsey

Seems we are looking at a succession of managers who have failed to make an effective team from the squad at their disposal. Is it really possible that they've all been duds? Somehow I don't feel that there's a particular lack of talent with the current crop but perhaps I'm misreading it? I even had a hint of an improvement over the previous few games. Not sure now. Is it that we're just missing a couple of cogs that could pull it together? The chain is only as strong as the weakest link. It's demoralising that we have been subjected to this sub-standard "product" for a while now, notwithstanding the achievement of gaining promotion under RM, there were good moments, but for me watching his team was mostly like having teeth pulled. I had optimism at the start of this season for a new dawn, yet to materialise. I really hope it can be turned around without the need for another upheaval.

It's baffling, new manager, new coaches, a whole bunch of new players but the same old failings are apparent, mentally weak, passive, reactionary, error-prone, careless, lack of confidence I could go on. Surely the new recruits didn't bring this baggage with them so how have these traits permeated into all them so quickly, and from where is it coming?

The player trading model likely works in the Championship. Haven't crunched any numbers on it but could it yield higher margins?

His body language isn't great is it. I wonder if he's the same with the players? Not exactly inspirational. He wouldn't get past the first round of interviews in a lot of companies fidgeting and scratching like that. He looks so uncomfortable, makes me feel uncomfortable watching him, find myself turning it off.

I feel Scienza could be the one to galvanise our season. Fully embrace him and our attacking prospects/intent, and all that comes with that, look better. Alternatively we will plod along with more of the same mediocrity.

For the love of god I hope the poor fella doesn't read this thread 🤣

And usually the commentator will say "great cross but nobody there to get on the end of it"

Couldn't believe it for a minute. If the players were going to kick up a fuss it would have happened under Russ, he threw them out there on the pitch with a playing philosophy none of them could execute and let them sink or swim with it. While none of it was his fault. If ever there was a time for a player rebellion it was then.

I'm not one to wet the bed but I'm shopping the adult diapers aisle. Granted its early days for WS and the new recruits but the uptick in optimism I had on the new manger and signings is evaporating. We look so far away from being an effective team. it really is a worry. What are we trying to do on the pitch? I can't fathom it. We look so "out of sorts" as a club right now. Have we got the expertise and grit to right this ship? I find it pretty wearing being a saints fan at the moment. It's my club so no option but grin and bear it and hope for an improvement.

Crosses into the box don't require a big centre forward if the ball is played in low. Perhaps it's the idea? We conceded a shed load of goals over recent years to pull backs into the penalty spot area to be dispatched by an unmarked on rushing forward or midfielder. Crosses to small guys can work.

Agreed, I think is starting position was too far right. He invited the shot to his left but left himself too much to do to get across to it. It also looked to me that because of this he hard to hurl himself early which meant that he was already on the way down as the ball passed him. Perhaps if he'd had covered a couple of more steps to his left he could have made a better dive at the ball. Not saying he saves it but he certainly gives himself a better chance. It was a misjudgement from him.

To be used for the open-top tram parade upon promotion I suppose?