trousers

If only there was a way of resisting a call for a managerial change (like myself) without coming across as pompous and self-righteous (hopefully not like myself)...

Aye. That's probably a better way of articulating what I was attempting to convey at 1am this morning! I also purposely refrained from using the phrase "club plant" as that would obviously be a ridiculous notion and somewhat conspiratorial... That's never happened on here, ever...

Most, if not all, local journos tend to prefer to ingratiate themselves with the club they report on, as they know that rocking the boat is likely to cut them adrift. I'd be surprised if most journos don't already know the full story with regards RS and are keeping it under their hat to avoid souring relations with the club, which is understandable I guess.

Every manager we've had down the years has had a clutch of unwavering backers on here, regardless of their questionable acumen. Whilst it's obviously good to have alternative views, I agree that some of those who defend a manager to the hilt regardless, and against a prevailing tide of discontent, can tend to come across as sycophantic, obsessively defensive and having a superiority complex. FWIW, I still have a hunch that Martin can turn things around this season, but I also appreciate why a lot of people don't see it that way.

For the first time in my married life (nearly 35 years and counting!), I managed to get my own way.... and it turns out we're heading for.... Seychelles... yay! Going in about 5 weeks. Any hints, tips, etc from anyone that's been, in particular any day trips to recommend? (nothing too strenuous given we're the wrong side of 55....! )

Always good to read differing points of view 👍

Actually, on reflection, this is probably a better reaction to that news....

Ha! That would actually be quite amusing... Come on Ten Hag... you know it makes sense...

Nah... much prefer this version....

You've missed the point (just for once...). I was responding to the "unbeaten run" comment, that's all. My viewpoint is that said run became counterproductive. Other viewpoints are available of course. It's not mandatory to agree with eachother....

Yes, by the skin of our teeth when, perhaps, it should have been more comfortable....

Yep, the much lauded "unbeaten run" ended up being a hinderence rather than a benefit. We became too satisfied with draws because it "preserved the unbeaten run"...

That's spooky... I watched Naked Gun last night where this tune is played over the credits. Any parallels to be drawn between the Drebin and Martin...?

The thing is, the way we play, and with the calibre of players we have, is more often than not going to result in "individual errors", ergo these "on another day" scenarios, whilst they will happen from time to time, are likely to be relatively rare. That's simple logic and probability.

Yeah, realise that, but Ankersen was there for 5 years and one would therefore assume he was happy with the philosophy that was deployed there?

Don't most teams "play out from the back" as a default these days but the difference being they aren't dogmatically wedded to doing it 100% of the time during a game? Brentford had 37% of the possession yesterday, highlighting that they aren't as obsessed about keeping the ball as we are.

Apologies if this has already been covered somewhere on the forum but this has been bugging me the last few weeks, so better out than in...! When Ankersen was at Brentford, he co-presided over a club where the playing philosophy was the opposite to what he and Sports Republic have implemented here at Southampton. Why would he do that? Why wouldn't he think: "We created a successful team at Brentford playing a certain way, let's do the same at Southampton?" To me, it smacks of us being used as some kind of experimentation... We already know his over-riding philosophy in life is: "if it ain't broke, break it". Is there a point where he sits back and reflects: "you know what, we've tried a different approach at Southampton but it's not working, let's revert to the tried and tested approach that I helped implement at Brentford" or does ego always triumph over common sense in these scenarios? Don't most top businessmen attempt to replicate success rather than ignore it?

I was a fairly vocal critic of Russ during the couple of patches where things weren't going too well last season (i.e. the dire performances in Sept '23 and during the run-in around about March '24 time). However, my gut feel this time around is to give him the benefit of the doubt - I've a hunch things will start to come together as the season progresses. Nothing scientific or logical, just a hunch. Will take stock of my viewpoint again around October/ November. Prove me right please Russ!

Fair point 👍

Russ indicated at the pre-match press conference that "2 or 3" of those that played well Vs Cardiff were in contention to start versus Brentford. Assume he's talking about 2 or 3 from Archer, Fernandes, Dibling, Big Les and Amo? Given Archer and Dibling played a full 95 minutes only a few days ago, and Amo perhaps is better suited as an impact sub at the moment , I reckon we could see Fernandes and BL as starters...?

I think 'he' may be suffering from Charlie Wayman posting syndrome...

Blimey... Can I borrow your stock post in December when it all goes tits up...?

4/10