saints-til-i-die

Puel and a Koeman were both mentioned in the run up to their appointment. This would suggest that it's likely to be one of those discussed at this stage. That's worrying. Surely they won't appoint someone to play more dull football? Surely?

Where was a mystery guy mentioned? Link?

Was Bertrand actually that good this year. He seems to get a lot of praise from pundits (who see the odd game). I feel he had a much worse season than previously. Is there a bias in favour of him? I could be wrong. I'm not saying he was poor but really, was he GREAT? Genuine question.

Re-read Les Reed's January comments about Puel. He talks about him being a 'teacher' and teaching 'takes time'. He also said in a previous interview that when they appoint managers they tell them they'll get time and support and not need to be 'looking over their shoulder'. All this would seem to indicate that he is likely staying.

Re-read Les Reed's January comments about Puel. He talks about him being a 'teacher' and teaching 'takes time'. He also said in a previous interview that when they appoint managers they tell them they'll get time and support and not need to be 'looking over their shoulder'. All this would seem to indicate that he is likely staying.

Our strikers look isolated up front. The midfielders don't get up to support them. Both Gabi and Austin were surrounded by about 5 players. How do we expect to score with those tactics. Puel's taken no responsibility for his tactical errors and bemoans bad luck and good goalkeeping. Change the tactics! Don't lump the ball in from out wide to an isolated striker surrounded by loads of players then. He never learnt and kept repeating the same mistakes. Yes he's had some issues to contend with but his own point or tactical ability was his biggest problem.

A few decent managers in the Championship. While I am concerned about a manager change (naturally a cautious person) I feel that I won't be excited by next season if he stays. A new manger would inject some excitement for me, especially one in the Poch mound - more pressing, energy. I'm not saying that should be a reason he should go but something that I do keep thinking about. I don't want to lose the passion for football that I have but I can feel a little apathy creeping in.

Steven Davis? JWP? Not sure where I'd play these two with our current choices and formation.

Which position is best for each player? I'm not sure on some myself. E.g. JWP Thoughts?

Agree completely with the last post.

So no improvement once out of Europe despite all this time on the training ground. Reed and Puel said that there had been no time to improve players. What about now?

I keep flip flopping in my views on Puel and his performance to be honest. What did worry me yesterday was seeing Puel furiously waving players forward and gesticulating wildly but the players seemed to just ignore his instructions hence him having to constantly come out and repeat the same gesticulations. Are they listening to him? I really don't know.

Out of interest does anyone know how our first half of the season compares to the second? Which half saw the biggest points total?

Thanks for a reasoned reply. I respectfully disagree with your comment about Puel's tactic of dealing with Long. This could happen 'in house'. The club will make it known privately that he's available to other teams. I know what you're saying about the 'end of year' feel but I don't think this boring, dull football has just been a recent development. Most people where I sit have been bored most of the year. They've not ranted or raved but calmly spoken of their dissatisfaction and boredom coming to matches. This has been since Christmas. It's a complete shame that all the hard work building an ethos and positive atmosphere around the team appears to be fading. PS I have no idea why they appointed Black. Can't fathom that at all.

Been supporting Puel all season. Think he was dealt a bad hand with players sold last year and then the CB fiasco. Seen some good signs at times but all too infrequent, sadly. I can accept a manager making the wrong decision once or even twice regarding team selection but now I feel that he doesn't learn from his mistakes. Midfield is overrun with poor personnel decisions just like the weekend. His comments about Long are ridiculous and unnecessary. He shouldn't be saying what he is. What's the benefit? If he wants rid he should wait until the end of the season. I do not understand the logic of basically saying you want to sell a player, publically, at this stage. It's for those reasons I've reluctantly come to the conclusion that he probably needs to go. The fan base is divided. All this leaves me feeling like next year will be miserable at st Mary's. £600 is a lot of money for me. I've never been so bored watching the football I've had to this year. I don't think I can justify the cost. I can take losing but I can't face being bored. It's my opinion and I'm entitled to it, whether you agree or not.

Just been reading about the Hoffenheim manager. Interesting comments about formations and also the importance of man management. http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11881/10835874/what-is-behind-julian-nagelsmanns-hoffenheim-success-we-profile-the-29-year-old-manager-of-the-year Too young for Saints? Too good? Not proven enough?

I'm aware it's one game. I'm just saying don't make him out to be amazing (which he might end up being - I hope!) as I don't want you to get disappointed. I'm sure he's had some great games too. I was just adding some balance as it seemed nobody had watched Celtic's recent games. I agree though - his head was probably in Southampton!

Did anyone else watch Celtic's champions league match (1st leg) recently? His kicking was terrible and he didn't look good at all. He should have saved at least one, or got a hand to it. I was fairly excited by this signing before I watched that game. Just don't get your hopes up I'm sorry to say

Rosler! The next Martinez!

Gutted he won't be going to the WC as a Saints' player. Gutted.

Rosler for me. Martinez and Rodgers came from the championship and look at how well they are doing. Harry whatshisname didn't exactly set the world alight this year with QPR but has done well in the Premier League. Less snobbery needed I think. Koeman - record isn't great from what I've read; lots of teams gradually getting worse. Laudrup - too many issues (and won't hang around) McClaren - very up and down. A gamble. Then again, who isn't? Mackay - NO. PLEASE NOT HIM. Garde - from what I've read sounds good; by all accounts he wants a break from management this year. Yakin - was keen, but now hesitant. Some comments about him being fairly defensive at times in winnable games. Howe - could be great; could struggle. A gamble but more likely a long term appointment. Tuchel - sounds impressive but a gamble (just like MPo I guess) Garcia - by all accounts Brighton fans weren't too pleased with him. Moyes - can't make my mind up at all. Experienced but not keen on style of football... guess I've been so spoilt with good football for a few years I don't want to go backwards.

Is Targett the other LB?

So, I've not seen much of the youth squads etc. Who are we looking at as promising talents for the future? Chambers, Reeves, Ward Prowse, Shaw are the most known. Anyone know much of the youth set up and players?

Sadly I think you might be right...

Yes Adkins has clearly lost it; he has no idea how to manage a football club. The last 2 years were complete flukes. Over this period Adkins was able to get the players to pass the ball around extremely well and score a fair number of goals, playing largely attractive football which was widely acclaimed and acknowledged (in a league which most people felt you couldn't 'play nice football in' to be a success. This year, however, he's lost the plot. Suddenly he doesn't know his arse from his elbow. A likely story. (said with a sprinkling of sarcasm)