trousers

Given we're now mathematically out of the auto-promotion race, I'd leave Downes out of the squad. Given how pivotal he is to the way we play, the risk of him getting injured versus Leeds is higher than the risk of playing him in the play-offs with next to no match practice. Need to wrap him up in cotton wool. IMO of course.

Btw, any idea what's happened to Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez...? Hailed a a "wonderkid" at the start of the season... broke into the U21 squad.... but hasn't appeared on any teamsheets over the last couple of months IIRC.... injured I assume? https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-scarily-talented-southampton-fc-wonderkid-who-must-have-a-first-team-pathway-view/ " Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez may not be a household name yet in English football, but he could well be in years to come. The 15-year-old Southampton academy product had scored nearly 50 goals for the Saints across different age groups by March 2023. He'd only joined the club in the summer of 2022, according to Junior Premier League. The centre-forward is eligible to play for England, Portugal and Venuzuela, but has already played for England Under-15's, scoring four goals in two games in February this year. These are remarkable statistics and the Saints will be thanking their lucky stars that a player this talented is on their books. Keeping hold of Rodriguez will be crucial for the club in the years to come. As Birmingham City showed with Jude Bellingham, age is no object if you're good enough to play first-team football. However, it's important to remember that Rodriguez is only 15, if he's rushed into first-team football too early, it may stunt his development and may even lead to injuries. On the other hand, it's important that Southampton ensure there's a path to first-team football for Rodriguez, as he could be a future star at first-team level. If he continues to perform for the Saints academy, it won't be long until bigger clubs start circling. It's crucial that they find the balance between rushing Rodriguez's development and keeping the player happy. If the forward was to break into the Saints' U21 set-up this season, then he could well see himself involved with the first-team in training and during pre-season next year. At 16, he'll be the same age Bellingham was when he made his debut for Birmingham for comparison. Russell Martin will be aware of how talented the youngster is and will want to ensure he keeps his feet on the ground and performs for the Saints' academy sides. It's unlikely that he'll get a first-team look in until he's playing for the U21 side, that should be Rodriguez's aim for this season. " (the above article was written last year; he turned 16 last month)

Seems a tad odd that we're not giving Ross Stewart a 30 minute run out in this game given Martin has confirmed he'll be involved versus Leeds? In fact, we never seem to use the U21s/B-Team games to give fringe senior squad players match fitness run outs these days. I wonder when/why that philosophy changed?

Can't think why that would happen this summer, unless Sport Republic's business plan is wholely reliant on returning to the PL at the first time of asking? Anyway, given past takeovers, we'll surely hear rumours on here long before anything happens.

To be fair, the person who gets to use the 'Charlie Wayman' account on Sundays has always been much more level headed than the Saturday fella...

Indeed... Fancy people coming on here trying to make a point ad infinitum....

I rather suspect that's the general idea... He's very good at his craft to be fair....

I rest my case... 😂

If only there was some bright spark on the forum who could help put that seemingly fantastic run into context...

How about the manager of Portsmouth Community Football Club...? To get that tinpot club promoted must have taken a level of genius previously unbeknownst to mankind.

Huzzah! A statement upon which the whole forum could probably unite... (Well, almost... 🙂)

Why is the team doctor leaving two weeks before the 3 most important games of the season...? 🤷‍♂️

How do we know that the 'stick' option doesn't also result in "limping to the end"...?

Mainly narrow wins and too many draws...?

Given they just dished out the fans' and players' Player of the Year trophies on the pitch, one assumes there's no end of season awards presentation evening this year? Anyone know why?

Is this parade / presentation taking place or what? More stewards left in the stadium than fans now...

If he comes on, here's hoping he doesn't pick up one of his innocuous "slight knocks"...

At the game...only my 3rd at St. Mary's this season... Have we really been this "exciting" to watch all season... Can only assume most of the players can't be arsed because they're saving themselves for explosive and committed appearances in the playoffs...?

Fancy that... A politician that highlights the things that back up their stance and keeps shtum on things that don't... Heavens; we'll have politicians writing suggestions on the side of a bus before you know it....

Depends which version of Ralph you're referring to... The bright-eyed bushy-tailed Ralph when he first joined us or the worn-down disillusioned Ralph we ended up with...?

I wonder how many of those were comfortable* wins versus narrow wins? (actually, genuinely interested in how we compare with Leeds, Leicester and Ipswich on that measure. My perception is that they win 'comfortably' much more often than we do, but I admit that perception and reality can often be different) (*for the sake of discussion, let's say 'comfortable' = 2 or more goal margin.... I'm sure there are also games won by 1 goal that could be described as "comfortable" based on how the game played out, but its obviously easier to use goal difference per game rather than something more subjective such as "performance")

A reasonable and pragmatic post IMO. You're right, the vast majority of people on this forum have given Martin the benefit of the doubt over the course of the season... but the flaws in his approach are laid bare for all to see. It's difficult to defend him right now, despite the relatively positive season we've had overall.

And there was me anticipating you being sympathetic to @gio1saints's plight....