macca155

I'm not so sure about the negativity for this game. There have definitely been some green shoots recently, and the defence is tighter. A draw is not unimaginable. No Downes is a pain and I guess Aribo will step in. Ramsdale KWP THB Berdarek Stephens Manning Fernades Ugochukwa Aribo Onuachu Sulemana

That was much better, got the crowd singing for a while. Have to take the positives where you can. A win would have been great, but not losing was a pleasant surprise. Players put a shift in and there were some lovely moves that released players. Good to see. I thought Stephens did ok but he really doesn't like playing in a back 5, you can see that. THB was equally uncomfortable and was more frequently out of position. For me the stupid 5 at the back strategy is an arse. Just leaves a hole in midfield and the forwards (such as they are) isolated. The subs killed the game for Saints, as usual. That's down to Juric, I'm really not a fan. Seeing Edwards playing defensive midfield at QPR is really pissing me off Dibling needs a spell in the U21s.promote other youngsters. MOTM for me was Onuachu. Really put himself about and caused them problems. we survive a bit longer.

There's the nub of it. Saints were financial bullies in the Championship. RM's weaknesses were masked by some pretty hefty investment. He did a good job with those resources last year, but as you say the football world has seen his limitations. If he is genuinely able to self reflect and adapt, he'll be a successful manager somewhere. Juric is a caretaker, that's obvious. It feels like SR gave up before Christmas by appointing him.

I forgot Wood, he should be important for us. I guess three CBs of Stephens, Edwards and Wood isn't too bad for the Championship. Although I doubt Stephens will be happy with a backup role. By choice I'd keep Archer or Onuachu but they'll want to move. Inevitable really, not worth fighting it. Armstrong can do a job but he'll be looking for a move if his contract is up.

You seemed to have ignored Charles and Edwards, both of whom have done well in the Championship. Downes and Fernandes will go, Aribo has alread said hes off. Sulemana, Onuachu, and probably Archer will go. I'd say goodbye to Armstrong as well. Great servant but no future in a team pushing for the Premier League. Equally I can't see Bree or Bendarek staying and Sugawara's form has been grim so he will want to try pastures new. I think the new manager will be left with. Bazuna Bree Edwards Manning Wellington Charles, Smallbone, Lallana Edozie, Stewart, Frazer Add in Robinson, Ballard, O'Brien Whitmarsh, and maybe a few others from what is a successful U21 side. That leaves quite a bit of recruitment required. For me this is why a new manager needs to be resolved right now. They need to start June 1st. I suspect some names will stay if no one wants them. Let's face it their CV is toxic atm, but I reckon they'll be more of a problem than an asset. The exceptions are Downes and Archer but they'll have suitors.

All they are thinking of is their next move. They know they aren't wanted. They are playing for a manager they have no affinity with, and have to put with tactics that 30,000 of us there today knew wouldn't work. Wolves were pretty poor, there for the taking really. Saints have been turned over at home by all three relegation contenders. Absolutely tragic

That game was lost by Juric or at least made significantly harder. Reverting back to his abysmal defensive formation was inexcusable. Dibling and Sugawara just got in each other's way. Dibling came alive when Sugawara went off. Mainly because he could play wide and that's were he is effective. I assume Fernades was injured. He needed to be replaced by Downes and let Joe play further forward. Take off a defender at that point as well. Stephens up front was the crowning glory. Get rid of him and just start the rebuild.

In fairness he's tried everyone else. Last weeks formation was ok. ABK played most of the game. Jyst replace Will with Downes. Or is that too simple

Back to our so successful 3 at the back routine. .Manning must be the third CB. Carnage

Your right apologies, getting ahead of myself. Might just hang on for a few more games.

Date wise that's true, so that's something. Derby were relegated with 6 games left. Saints have 10 games left. Wolves drawing roday has extended our life a little. However if they win against Saints next week, they'll be 17 ahead. Almost certainly either Spurs or Villa, will have the dubious honour of relegating Saints. I really can't see them lasting to the Villa game. What a season.

Started nervously then realised they could actually play and the first half was surprisingly decent. For once the midfield wasn't completely overrun. That made a huge difference and they seemed to have more space and time. 2nd half it fell apart a bit, but I'm not too despondent, that's been a feature of the season, so no surprise it happened against Liverpool. We'll be relegated in 2 or 3 games, so at this stage avoiding a drubbing is about as good as it gets.

Are we playing 4 6 0 today? 4 Defenders on the bench seems excessive as well. 1 or 2 of the academy players who are scoring for fun, would be a better bet.

True MLG but they also hadcs points deduction because of it. However clearly an effective tactic.

Agree with most of that although iffy about anyone from Plymouth. No chance of a new goalkeeper. The club rate Bazunu, like it or not he'll probably be our keeper. At some point Stewart has to show he can actually play a few games. Bendarek might stay if no one comes in for him. Whatever happens, this time they have to play the younger players. No team survives in the PL unless they bring talent up with them.

Firstly take control of the situation. Tell Dibling, Ramsdale, and Fernandes they are under contract and staying. They'll be worth more after a decent season anyway. They'll be an exodus of players but none have good CVs now so I wouldn't bank on too much cash coming in. Certainly very little going out. In ddefencenovreal change. Without bollocks tactics it could be ok. Sugawara, THB, Wood, Edwards. and Manning can cope with the Championship. Stephens and a couple of youngsters as back up. Midfield needs major work. At the moment it is Charles and Fernandes. Add O'Brien-Whitmarsh possibly. Need to add two major purchases preferably defensive minded players. Up front Dibling, Edozie, and Archer. However crucially Ballard and Robinson to feature from the start. Successful teams bring good players when they go up. Probably need a CF as well, let the scouts focus on that now. Above all else develop a simple system, that plays to the players strengths, and is resilient over 46 games. No trendy Pep garbage just ensure the team is fitter than others and technically superior. Easy

Downes at fault there 2 0 Too easy for them

A bit more fight tonight but usual bollocks at the back. Any of the three CBs could play in Aribo's place allowing Joe to be pushed forward for Smallbone. Be a better team, no question. Good save from Onuachu, come on Saints.

Blimey the crowd are jumpy, do they know who they are playing

Sweet jesus what a line up. This is going to be too traumatic to watch. What the hell is Juric doing. If he insists on playing 3 at the back then play Stephens, Wood and, THB. They at least have some experience and knowledge of defending. Madness I tell you madness

Great post,nailed on in my opinion. This season is going to do a lot of damage and it will take several years to recover. The squad will be hollowed out of any remaining talent. Forget promotion it will all be about survival. Nobody will want to be associated with Saints for a while, we are way too toxic. However for me the real damage will be amongst the fans themselves. They are being switched off, and many will be lost for ever. Season ticket sales next year will be a shock for SR. I've watched them for 60 years. Seen some desperate stuff over the years, but have always remained positive. Today I was relieved to be elsewhere. I can't say I'm looking forward to the Wolves game. I'll be there of course but boy do I need something to cheer.

I'm at the England Scotland rugby so totally reliant on forum comments. Is it really as bad as it seems. I mean 2 0 isn't that bad a score considering other games.

Hey plenty of time for us to beat that record

Agree with that but with 2 years left on his contract he's not going to attract many 'millions' in transfer fees. Moving to the PL so early did for him. He really needed time in the Championship, to develop the areas of his game that didn't match his distribution. He's short on confidence and experience now. Certainly needs to move to reboot his career. I think he will, there is a good goalkeeper in there in my opinion, but our fans have turned on him now. I can't see a way back at Saints.

The reason it's a proper derby, is that form and reason go out the window. Each team is as a capable of raising their game, or bottling it as the other. Imagine Saints had drawn Pompey in the cup at Fratton Park, this year. They would fancy their chances and that can be an intimidating ground if they smell blood. Player for player Saints should be favourites, but I can't say I'd be that confident. Still be a great game though.