macca155

Have to get close to him first

I wish, my last appearance in goal was a disaster. 1994 staff team, jumped for the ball, missed it, landed on my ankle, which promptly broke, they scored with a rebound of my arse. On second thoughts that sounds familiar 😂

I said I didn't like it , for that very reason. If there is a genuine reason then I can live with it. Robinson can at least provide some excitement. The rest is bollocks.

I don't like Scienza being on the bench, but I can live with it. Robinson has enough about him to cause problems. If Leo is carrying a knock then probably sensible. He may be more effective for 30 mins when Birmingham have lost their edge. What is ridiculous is yet again playing 3 CBs. Yet again the opposition will exploit the huge gaps in midfield, and put the defence under pressure. At least Frazer and Romeu are up in the stands. Bringing Scienza and Matsuki on as impact subs, should provide something to watch.

So true and I am expecting another horrible defeat. However, the players will be well aware of the criticism they have received. Been pretty unanimous reading the thread. On occasion they do seem to put a bit more fight into a game, when that happens. Just my opinion but I'd go McCarthy (just to give Bazunu a kick up the arse) Wellington THB Wood Manning Downes Bragg Jander Fellows Armstrong Scienza Subs Baz Edwards Quarshie Robinson Azaz Matsuki Sesay Williams Oyekunle Deliberate team and sub selection to make a point. The 3 U21s will at least want to prove themselves. They really can do no worse. Not happy about dropping Azaz, but his form has dipped. Looking to bring him on once the midfield has been controlled. There is a danger of the three starting getting in each other's way, but somehow Saints have to control the midfield. If Frazer Romeu or Aribo are anywhere near tonight's squad, then it will be weaker.

Could be but who knows, Ralph, Martin, Selles, Juric, Still, and now Tonda, all seem to have been working under a cloud. Jones was the exception but he was a lunatic.

McCarthy and Wellington are worse than the current incumbents imo, if that is even possible. Ridiculous situation to get into. However just dump Stephens he isn't needed. Put in Bragg to bolster the midfield. That will immediately take the pressure off the defence, and maybe, just maybe, Bazunu and Manning will be less exposed. Birmingham will be forced to commit more to attack, that inevitably will give our forwards more room and time. Also grow a pair and start getting narky. Fed up with other teams taking the piss I know somebody who knows more about about football tactics than me, is going to point out the flaws of that system, but they have to try something different.

That game has really knocked the stuffing out of me. Had such high hopes of a morale boosting win, but all we get is the same predictable garbage. I'm pretty much convinced that someone at the club is forcing Tonda to play this style, and make these substitutions. He cannot be doing this by free will. Oxford are a poor Championship side, but even they had sussed out Saints and managed to sneak a win. Just embarrassing, considering the money spent in the summer. 3 CBs weren't needed, put an extra man in midfield, to help deliver some decent service to the forwards. If thousands of Saints fans can see, why the hell can't they.

Utter madness bringing him back. Did the club learn nothing from Walcott or Lallana. Great servant and all that, but his legs had gone when we got rid the first time. Just ridiculous to see him used before Bragg.

They chant his name, beyond belief. Great business getting rid of him, then we let him slide back in. We'll buy Bendarek back next

He was 4 years ago, let alone now

Yep and yet people on here still refuse to see it. He's made us shitter, if that's even possible

Straight through Romeu, absolutely terrible. And the crowd chant his name

Romeu and Frazer are both desperate, why oh why. Saints look like a pub team, just embarrassing now. We all know what's coming ..... seen this film before

Why on earth are people suggesting midfielders. Manager never plays enough as it is. I suspect they are preparing to spend some money in January. The summer buys were mostly an improvement. Promotion remains well within their grasp. As always the major issue will be whether they can clear players off the books first. Encouraging gossip about Downs, that clears a spot.

Of course, nobody knows if he would have scored goals for Saints in the Championship. However I think he was a safer bet than Damian Downs. A lot cheaper as well. Anyway good to see him playing and scoring.

Yep, recovered on our time, scored goals for fun in the under 21s, sold to Orient ..... 10 goals in 15 matches. Wished we'd loaned him.

That's a harsh reality fact, that is very depressing. Love seeing youngsters come through the ranks. Dibling made a big mistake moving, he was nowhere near ready. As he was playing silly beggars, the club rightly cashed in, and replaced him with Fellows and Scienza, not to mention Robinson already on the books. Such a talented player, but he is in danger of not realising that potential. In contrast I still think selling Ballard was a mistake, that boy is a goal machine once he gets going. Reminds me of Steve Moran a little.

The alternative way of looking at that, is the players were free to play their preferred instinctive style, whilst they were between managers. I find that hard to believe, but it certainly seems like Tonda has coached them back to the old ways.

Coventry are a good outfit, you can see why they are doing well. Take a point but so easily could have been 3. As others have said, without a target man, they just don't have the ability to put real pressure on the defence. Cross after cross was easily dealt with. No need to get all unnecessary about the tactics. Until they improve the strike options, it's hard to see how any variation is going to work. Long way to go, play offs are well within reach. Just need to keep the pressure up.

Maybe more strategic, I wouldn't jump to conclusions. Lampard will have been watching us carefully, good to change things a little.

Hold on Alex what am I missing. To me they are resorting to old ways as there is no outlet for them. A thin midfield and a static front line offer little opportunities. Add to that players who have a predilection to passing backwards and you have what we saw yesterday.

Been good to read this thread, as there is a real consensus building. Take away the frustrations with individual players, and we can all see clearly where the issues lie. Why in earth can't they see it. The return of Russball is very alarming, have they learnt nothing. Clement is an average manager, but he knew exactly how to deal with it. That whole game hinged on the penalty miss. Norwich gained self belief from that and the crowd got behind them. Saints are a dangerous team, but old frailties returned. All is not lost yet but that defence is a disaster at the moment. Bragg looked good again when he came on. Game was lost by then, but that's a small positive to hold on to. Really tough set of games coming up. Need to avoid being bullied by these teams.

That 2nd goal summed up all the issues. It was right in front of us, so no hiding. Manning completely out of position allows their guy to get a cross in. Stephens loses his man, and then Bazunu is beaten easily at the near post. You can have all the Scienzas you want up front, but if the basics aren't being attended to at the back ... then this shit happens. Has Martin returned as a coach by the way.

Buying strikers in January is notoriously difficult. Everybody wants one, and those that have one scoring aren't selling. Armstrong and Azaz are top scorers in this league, Scienza won't be far behind soon. Might get a loan but who will want to play as back up to Armstrong. Night as well use our youngsters for that. Forget any goalkeepers coming in. The club are committed to Bazunu and Ramsdale looms large. A classy solid CB may be an option. Decent money might prise someone away from a competitor. Need someone to put their head on the ball. Loan back Walker Peters he's doing fuck all at West Ham. Imagine him linking with Fellows. I still think Jan will be all about players leaving.