Saint Charlie

I didn't notice anything different to normal. Bag checks still woefully inadequate and a Stoke fan had a smoke bomb it seems. Complacent.

What the ****ing hell was that? Worst ever at SMS IMO, especially first half, which is baffling seeing as we have a good team and were on a good run. Easy to moan at the players for an undoubted poor performance, but the fans didn't deserve any more. Koeman obviously noticed too, but was too polite to say it in strong terms. Northam non existent first half.

He was bought to be back up to Pelle and flexible to play out wide. Which is great apart from he is ****e out wide. Waste of money on a player with an average past, no improvement potential, no resale potential, sizeable wages and who doesn't suit our systems/style.

Dreadful allround. A few observations: 1. We are the easiest team to counter attack as fullbacks play high and midfield is quite immobile and doesn't flood back quickly. Makes you realise how much ground Schneiderlin covered. 2. Subs were odd I thought. Clasie was playing well and looking sharp. Mane obviously needed to come on, but should have been for Long so we kept our shape. Just because you need a goal, bringing loads of attackers on doesn't do much if there is no space for them to play in. Mane barely got on the ball in dangerous areas because Long/Pelle were already there. The JWP sub made sense for set plays but not in the sense we were setting up to be countered and he has no pace/ball winning ability. 3. The crowd were as poor as the team. Truely awful atmosphere which definitely makes a difference to the players. 4. Whenever we start Long out wide we never seem to play overly well. His technique is dreadful, and he has no clue how to combine with the fullback which meant Cedric did none of the underlaps he has used to good effect when partnered with Tadic or Mane who have more awareness. If he plays, it has to be as a striker because his touch isn't up to it out wide. IMO he was a panic buy last summer and doesnt fit our style, but thats another topic. 5. Pelle should be fined for his costly booking. I bet if someone looks at all 5 at least 3 are stupid and petty. If he was getting booked for clobbering centre backs then fair enough, but they are mostly soft. 6. Only slight positive was some delightful Clasie passing first half, he is improving game by game but IMO should now be trusted to play 90mins.

Hopefully none of the Yoshida RB stuff today.

Bertrand also picking them up quickly considering he missed half the games. Pelle's are annoying because most are stupid yellows and it will result in him missing a game with no real backup in terms of style and quality.

I think they just pitched Gallagher above his level and Stephens to a team probably just a bit too good.

I probably agree with the above although wouldnt let Forster get as far as another 18months. Re Pelle, I think he may join one of the big Italian teams to ens his career, maybe on a free at the end of his contract, which is also the end of Koeman's.

Of the players we signed last summer Pelle signed a three year deal (up end next season) and Tadic, Forster & Mane four years (up end 2017 season). 1. Would you approach all for extensions? 2. When is the right time to do so? 3. Do you think they would be keen? 4. How much of a factor is Koeman's position at the club? Bertrand, VVD and Clasie all signed 5 year contracts which seems to be a slight shift in policy and a good one IMO as just gives a little more leeway.

Is he not allowed to be professionally frustrated despite earning lots of money? Interesting viewpoint.

http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/juanmi-unhappy-at-southampton-already-wants-return-to-former-club Would hardly be a suprise to be honest. To go from a Spain squad with all the quality they have to not really being trusted as a sub for a midtable English team must be quite frustrating. Just looks physically unsuited to the PL. Will be interesting to see how we handle him and try to give him game time - a consequence of being out of Europe earlier than planned too.

No Mane in training videos but probably just doing light session after all the travelling.

Be good to see how he does up against Glenn Whelan who is having a good season and is pretty physical.

Pretty sure our game with Stoke will also feature a grand total of zero French players FWIW.

Instead they ask about us maybe signing a non league 16 year old. Poor show really. Gutting for Jay Rod. Gone from being on the verge of a World Cup in Brazil to struggling to get a game. Hopefully the surgery will be successful and he isnt out long. With Ramirez dropped off the scene we are quite short on attacking options all of a sudden.

Jay Rod still injured with "pain in his foot" that has lasted nearly a month now. Such a shame, he must be feeling very frustrated.

Didn't he also mention a few times ways Saints should have been more like Plymouth, the team two leagues below? Never going to go down well.

U21 player Jake Flannigan has unfortunately re-ruptured his ACL during his recovery from the first injury. Was getting close to training again when it happened. Awful news for him, missing that much time in developmental years is tough.

Is the right answer. As proven by his career before and after that spell at Saints.

How many goals did Pedigree score last season?

Brushed a shoulder but easily going in anyway.

2-0 Rooney. Setup by more Alli aggression to win a ball lots would just have pressed and stood off. Really hope JWP is watching and learning how you match technique with the desire to influence a game. Clear to see how Spurs feel Alli fits a pressing game.

Dele Alli showing everything Saints fans hope JWP could be. Most of the best players virtually bypass the U21s. Absolute bargain at £6m. Great deal by Mitchell/Spurs.

Koeman said he should be training after the Intl break, but doesnt look likely. Will soon be a month since he last made a squad, which is surely more than a niggle?

Kyle Abbott has signed for Worcestershire from July to Sept.