Saint Garrett

One of the things that Morgan and Davis are pretty good at is ball retention. They're not very good at getting stuck in and driving forwards like Mulumbu was the other night against us. Admitably they both gave the ball away a fair bit on Monday night, but I don't think thats the problem, hence why we've had a lot of the ball in all our games. The problem is defensively, not when they have the ball.

If you're worried about us not being able to shield the back four with 2 pretty defensive minded CM's, how do you think we'll get on with an attacking midfielder in CM with an 18 yr old. I wouldn't even play like that on FM !!

Bump - Went on sale today for just STH with no games needing to be attached.

We certainly have defensive minded people at the club in Dodd/Jaidi and Crosby. Surprised we aren't using them to help the defence out.

You say that but he is a class act. I've always said he's one of our best players and we really struggle when he doesn't play. However he was atrocious on Monday night - but his bad performances have been few and far between. He's one of those players who plays well in a team with confidence, but never going to be a match winner on his own. You can slate him for playing the easy pass, but we all know he is capable of the hollywood 60 yard cross field ball as well. What would you rather, he passed it to our defence, or gave the ball away trying to pass it forward everytime. No he's not a player who is going to run around a lot, and put in flying crunching tackles, but then we don't play like that. I'm sure if he had a bit of a powerhouse alongside him in midfield he'd look far better. Almost think that him and Davis are too often trying to do the same thing. It was only about a month ago people on this forum were saying he should be called up for France but never would get a chance while Deschamps is in charge. He has put in more good performances than bad this season IMO but we're just not playing well as a team at the moment.

Lallana will play regardless. He is a good player who will make things happen and he does try hard, but half the time it means that he is out of position, therefore leaves Fox with 2 attackers. Possibly more of a 'home' player than an away. Can we afford to start both Lallana and Ramirez away from home ?! I have my doubts.

I do agree, but I just feel he gives us a bigger physical chance. Too often this season, our players have just been pushed off the ball.

I blame Lallana personally, then Morgan, then Yoshida. Should never have been able to get that shot off.

Left field shout but he gives us a bit of power and gets stuck in, atleast he offers something unlike Punch, and although I like Mayuka, I feel he's a better impact sub. Guly was a key part in why we were promoted last season lets not forget that. All the abuse he gets Is out of order IMO!

I bet it's not far off !! Like you said I think the defence pretty much picks itself. I would also be inclined to go with Rodriguez up top with Ramirez in behind, Lallana and Guly wide.

I agree Bearsy...Can you imagine Joey Barton playing for our team, he'd slate the rest of the lads!

It's almost a must win game on Saturday. With this set of easier fixtures, we need to get the ball rolling and pick up 3 points - will be a big mental boost IMO.

Although I do agree to a certain extent, I don't think Deano is the answer. I do think however he should have not been allowed to leave as he has been a part of this side for a few years and our captain. Think we do miss his leadership. But I wouldn't say we particularly miss his quality.

1. A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy). 2. A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team. 3. A person who sits behind a keyboard and moans 24/7.

Because we spent £30m this summer. If we'd barely spent anything then maybe it would be believable. But even then, it would be a disgrace if we didn't go up and attempt to compete and take 20th, especially with the increased TV money that comes in next season.

But the thing is, what would you have done differently. In hindsight, the subs Vs Man Utd prob helped us lose the game.... BUT just before they were made, Man Utd were in complete control anyway and we needed an outlet. What better than bringing in some fresh legs ? Lambert not starting: Does he really deserve to be sometimes? Especially away from home the way we play, we need forwards to close oppo down away and put in the work rate, Rickie isn't going to do that. Playing players out of position: We've got gaps that need filling due to injury, especially at the back. We have had to make do with the players we have. We've proved this year that we suit the 4231 formation far more than 2 up front, so you can't blame him for sticking with it. What else has he done wrong !?

And who said he wouldn't learn from his experience this season?! We owe him some loyalty if we expect it from anyone else. The players or any other manager in the future.

He's not even gone yet FFS.

Christ, lock this thread.

Fantastic. Really want Nigel to turn it around and believe he is more than capable.

The last thing you want in a relegation dogfight is to split the fanbase. It would be a travesty if he was to return.

Genuinely yes. Getting relegated doesn't scare me. We can always come back up again. We'd be an absolute laughing stock if we took that budgie back and we went down again.

***** Redknapp. I'd rather go down with Adkins that have to put up with that *****!!!!!!!!!!

BBC Solent Sport ‏@solentsport Deal to take #pompey boss Michael Appleton to Blackpool hinges on two clubs agreeing compensation @solentsport understands

Gazza no1 although if Boruc can sort himself out and get fit then him - but sounds like he might have caused a bit of an issue and where we are in the league, the last thing we need is for someone like him in our team.