macca155

I mean it's not happening obviously, but can you inagine Jose in charge. It would be an interesting and fun ride.

We need more of this, unrealistic opportunism. Excellent

Decent guy had plenty of credit with fans at the start of the season, but hopelessly out of his depth in the PL. He was left in post far too long. The board share as much responsibility imo. He needed proper Prem players and some decent coaching experience support brought in. He had a small chance of success anyway, that clearly became zero. Look at Nuno, quality manager, decent pedigree, supported by the board, que success, but even he was chopped eventually. I do worry about what comes next. The choices are going to be very limited.

Oh yeah I hadn't seen Perez scored two. Oh so not as bad as I thought🥺 What the hell are KWP, Downes, and Aribo doing. It's like they can't be arsed. I can't even see what he can do to sort this.

I hate to be the prophet of doom but we were only 4 0 down at half time in the two 9 0s This may not end well everybody

Applaud and whistle for several encores

That is outrageous on Nathan Wood. That lad has taken a fair bit of stick from the fans. Turns in two reasonable performances, earns some credit, and gets dropped. Grrrrr No Onauchu of course, they so want to sell him. However positives, a back 4, all in their proper positions. A midfield of Aribo Downes and Fernandes. Clearly going to take the game to Spurs. Sully is a strange one, but let's not forget the transfer window opens in 2 weeks or so. Moi cynical

Yes but Palace were never going to be down in the gutter with Saints for long. Not with their squad. I can't see Saints surviving but it will be at the expense of Leicester or Everton if they do.

How very dare you ... get out. You can never be too far south

Hey no spoilers

I wouldn't say that for one minute. He's a top manager, I'm a bit iffy about about his football style, but I bet he'd have us up cheering reasonably quickly. Potter builds squads and style, a bit like Pochettino, but that takes time. He won't come to Saints in their current predicament. Absolute hiding to nothing. Cooper or Robbins are more likely, and are they an upgrade on Martin? Who knows

That's my take on him, elements of Puel but a little more attacking. With all this debate on Martin I am reminded of one of Brian Clough's great quotes. "Players lose you games, not tactics. There's so much crap talked about tactics by people who barely know how to win at dominoes” He's right really, but RM really needs to ask himself why his team concede so many goals from mistakes. Probably a good place to start.

The problem is we've had Puel, Pellegrino, and Jones. Martin for all his stubbornness is not in the same league as that bunch. I know opinions are split on Puel, but for me his football was dire. I'd rather go down fighting than watch that season after season. I agree with @Fitzhugh Fella if only he would adapt his style a little I'm sure he would feel less pressure from the fans. Relegation is pretty much a cert. Perhaps use the time we have to fine tune his philosophy into something less predictable. Potter won't come to Saints, don't be daft, but the board could at least think about what he would do if he did. Put someone in above Martin who'll get him to be flexible.

Yes and it's a big one.

Well it is a winnable game that's for sure. Although it needs some sensible play for once. With Bendarek and Onuachu back the team is definitely stronger. How RM sets them up is another thing altogether. Nathan Woods is the one positive to come out of the last two games. One swallow and all that but the only way a club like Saints can progress is to give players like him game time to progress, and get up to Premier League standard. We need a big unit at the back and he is that. Although I share the collective frustration, I do still want RM to succeed. I just wish he would stop messing about with selections. Put out the best players in their best positions. For example leaving out Aribo for Bree against Villa, was ridiculous. No surprise the team barely entered Villa's half.

That's a tad harsh, against teams with equal or lower skill levels it probably works. Boring as but reasonably effective, we saw that last year. Villa didn't play long and coped with our press quite happily. Fitter, skillfully, and well prepared players make for an easy team talk as you say. RM has a weak squad, but these tactics aren't helping.

It's all very well Russ getting spikey with the fans, but the cold hard truth is that Emery, Nuno, and Maresca completely owned RM on the pitch with their tactics, preparation, and in game strategy. I didn't think Villa even had to try hard today, their style of play completely nulified any chance we had. Frankly bringing Watkins on at the end was just cruel.

Well desperate performance, we are in big trouble. Dibling's lungs have been hanging out for the last 15 mins, needed subbing. Good to see Wood have another decent game. That at least is a small positive.

Well obviously!!!

Only 1 0 anything can happen yet..... despite our turgid football

Not so sure, weather will make it the usual lottery but .... players will respond after Wednesday. I expect we'll see more of a Liverpool Brighton (2nd half). Three front line players returning, Lumley hopefully we'll learn to put his foot through the ball more often, especially if Watkins is anywhere near him. Woods will replace Stephens, if Bendarek isn't available. I was surprisingly impressed with him on Wednesday. Still probably be beaten but a tight 2 1 I reckon. May even squeeze a draw put of it. Quite honestly if it's another horror show, even the likes of me will be calling for a change. With a manager like Robbins available, there are decent alternatives.

Oh I agree the outlook is bleak but I have no fear of relegation. I just want it to be dignified. Need 12+ points to avoid another unwanted record.

Hey come on, no need to be too despondent. We all knew this run of games was going to be tough. Just have to stand tall. THB possibly Bendarek, Downes, and Dibling are back. The side will have more balance and structure as a result of that. I would have Lumley KWB THB Wood Manning Dibling Downes Aribo Fernandes Armstrong Archer I'd prefer Onuachu but presume he's unfit. A midfield that might just contain Villa would very a good starting point. The grim reaper can f*** off we aren't dead yet. COYS

Absolutely zero surprises from that game. Chelsea have some unbelievable talent and are a very well drilled side. I rarely notice opposition players I'm too one eyed on my own team for that. However Palmer and Menduka were very impressive. I expected a defeat and it duly arrived. Jack's an idiot, he's supposed to be a professional. Up to then he'd played quite well and the side needed him. He should expect quite a lengthy time on the bench now. Clearly we'll be relegated. The squad simply isn't good enough. The manager's naivety and inexperience, coupled with SRs weird recruitment and 'don't play ABK' philosophy, makes for a disastrous season. I thought Wood did well, especially as he had to run that defence on his own for an hour. No doubt he'll take Jack's position now. Archer looked lively and Fraser stepped up in an unfamiliar role. Manning gave 100% we can ask no more. Just grizzly, I stayed until the end, why I do not know, I just can't leave early. I clearly enjoy pain. Forget this game but I sure as hell expect an improvement against Villa. No excuses there.

Yhis plus Archer and Frazer linking up well. There are good things happening but the defence is desperate.