VectisSaint

We lost because we weren't very good, in fact we were abysmal. Decisions didn't go our way but really it didn't matter, we were poor again.

6 Jan 1968, Saints 3 Chelsea 5. Big Ron (2) and Mick Channon for us, Ossie amongst others for them. Martin Chivers last game. Helluva game, dreadful weather if I recall stood in the Milton. Hooked. My old man took me to the game, which was difficult for him being a Pompey man, afterwards he said, I've done my bit took nipper to his first game, never setting foot in that place again (he was true to his word). Palled up with a few other travellers from the Island for future games.

All this talk of bringing a loanee in flies in the face of Ralph's previous line that it takes several weeks to get someone up to speed with our system (I think he said it with regard to Salisu). Now we are looking at bringing someone in and slotting them in immediately. Sounds like an old Les Reed 'philosophy' situation to me.

Strange to send him to Sunderland. Is Lee Johnson considered a good coach (he might be, I don't know) who will help Vokins develop? Surely there was a more local club or somewhere a bit higher up (Championship) where we could have kept an eye on him more easily and even got him back to Southampton on occasions as we used to do with with Stephens and the other guy when they were at Swindon. A lot of our other loans have been to Gillingham (where ironically Sunderland are playing this weekend). True Joush Sims went to Donny, but Sunderland, thats almost a foreign country 🙂 By the way I don't think Vokins did too much to be worried about on Tuesday, sure, made one (big) mistake, but really looked quite reasonable otherwise (better than Valery, who also wasn't really that bad). I think people expect too much when one of the younger players is drafted in, unless they score a hattrick (striker), make a couple of goals or get a clean sheet they seem to be considered failures. It takes time to get up to speed (as Ralph has told us several times).

KWP still out (wonder how long this will go on, with no access to recovery facilities). Presumably Valery will continue at RB. Romeu and Djenepo back.

I must admit I didn't realise that John joined to help Ted, I had always thought he started with Lawrie Mac. Nice piece by David Bull on the OS that relates his early days. https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2021-01-28/an-appreciation-john-mortimore-southampton-football-club-28-january-2021

I suspect he was not sure because the injury had only happened in training shortly before the pre-match presser, and probably hadn't seen him since. It takes a while to assess an injury, possibly needing scans etc. The concern for me is what Ralph alluded to last week, recovery from muscle injuries is a big problem at the moment because the players are not allowed to access some of the facilities due to Covid. So something that in other circumstances may have been innocuous turns into a bigger problem (cf Romeu).

Think you'll start to see more of this. The Academy system really doesn't work for so many talented young players. These kids should be playing competitive senior football at 18 or so, not languishing in some u23/reserve team playing occasional games in a non competitive league looking for an occasional scrap to fall from the table and be given a 5 minute run out in the 1st team. They don't get the chance in the PL. I see the same thing is happening with a Polish kid at Man U. They are looking to go back home, not because they are home si k but because they want to play proper football. So often now a kid really doesn't start their career properly until they are about 23, 4 or 5 years wasted. Meanwhile the Club (I don't mean us in particular) buys in talent of the same age and they go straight into the 1st team.

Sad to hear today that John Mortimore has passed. Former President of the Club, and a long relationship from when he was coaching back in the Lawrie Mac days. Good man, will forgive his links with the Skates. Playing career was with Chelsea as a Centre Half. Managed in Spain and Portugal as well as that lot down the M27. RIP John.

Doesn't even mention poor old Sam McQueen.

Don't think he meant tonight, but that Diallo could feasibly play LB/RB if needed when all three of our CMs are available.

The concern with KWP is what Ralph referred to last week, not being able to use the recovery facilities because of Covid. What would have been an innocuous muscle problem pre Covid now becomes potentially a longer term issue as with Romeu etc.

Seems to me some (most) on this thread need to listen to the Semmens interview with Adam Blackmore https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p094xq72 (about 10 minutes in). In summary all the talk of Danny's contract, him not being happy, demandiing a release clause etc etc is bollocks made up by the media (my words). Danny is perfectly happy at the Club, and will be at the club until (at least) the end of his contract (2022) in his view. Danny doesn't want to discuss his contract at the moment more interested in playing and scoring goals. There is and will be no Release Clause in his contract (or any other Saints player, as far as he is aware), Release Clauses are pointless in the Southampton FC Business Model. If a Club comes in with a substantial offer for Danny or any other player then the Club will not stand in their way. No interest, offers or enquiries of any sort have been received. Danny hasn't asked for anything beyond the normal (that means release clauses). End of story really. From what I heard if people want to continue worrying about this situation for the next 6 to 18 months then that is their business but really there is nothing to worry about and anyway there's not much you or I can do about it, so why worry. If you believe the Club (Semmens) then you are best just putting this to bed and find something else to worry about. If someone comes in with a massive offer and Danny and the Club think its right, he will go. Having discussions about things which we are told are nonsense seems to be a futile exercise. Of course if you don't trust what Semmens says, then you can go on pontificating and putting your personal health at risk by worrying. Personally, Semmens has always been pretty straight and I have no reason to doubt him and I never considered that Danny would want to leave anyway (at least not before his contract ends). Ralph seems pretty relaxed as well.

Was taking the corners for a while. They weren't very good (though to be fair neither were JWP's when he took them later). Thought it was strange Vokins was taking them and not JWP, as did the commentators, unless it was all part of a plan to give him some experience.

Possibly because he's injured. 17th December, out for 6 weeks with hamstring injury, reported Darren Moore (https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster-rovers-boss-delivers-injury-verdict-josh-sims-3071875)

Good win, always good to beat the Gooners. The 49 year wait for Gabriel's 28th goal for Saints is finally over.

What the feck are you on about statto. Injuries and reports on them are bread and butter for football clubs. No one said anything about the 'personal matter'.

Strange that it is said Danny is wanting CL football, but is being linked to Spuds. Just remind me of their current position and who would be the team they might overtake, Liverpool looking most likely I suppose.

There is no reason at all why the club cannot be open about the current injury situation, which has nothing to do (apparently) with the 'personal' situation. But they won't because it is not how the club work. Can you imagine if this had happened to a player at Man U or Liverpool? No way would it have remained private.

You didn't quote the winky thing from my post. 😉

Maybe its because he can't eat together with the other players. Ralph said that was a problem because of Covid. The other things cryo-chamber, sauna, even swimming pool could be covered elsewhere or at his home, but eating with the other players is not simple to replicate. 😏

Fine for me, sadly have to listen to Hoddle whining on, and someone playing 1970s tennis computer game in the background, but good stream.

Glad someone has noted that its nothing to do with salary, this was stated explicitly yesterday (By Ralph?) yet so many on here seem to keep banging on about the money, suspect that his wage demands are nowhere near what is being bandied around on here. I agree it seems likely that it is a release clause issue. People also seem to be a bit blinkered about him going to a Top 6 club, maybe his thoughts are further afield, perhaps Ronald is trying to tempt him to Barca to replace Messi or perhaps he fancies a go in Italy or Spain. There's still a long way to go to the Summer, lots can happen between now and then, I'm not going to worry too much until this season is over, I still think his affinity for Southampton FC is a bigger factor than some credit.

It may even be more expensive, but at least the Club will have a bigger margin, which is good for the finances of the club. Like JBS said UA golf gear is top class, only started wearing it because of Saints sponsorship.

No reason not to play Bertrand, he is suspended for the next PL game so no need to rest him.