saintant

Yeah, I think I'm right in saying he never collected two yellows in one match during his time with us.

I agree with much of this and I was very sceptical of Tonda based on him being only 32 and the coach of our U21s. My sceptism has been replaced by respect and admiration after our performances in the last two games. Of course it could be a false dawn but I don't think it is. The clever tweaks he has made all over the pitch have worked brilliantly. His attention to detail is clear and it is obvious he works tirelessly to get the team playing how he wants. In a few short weeks we have gone from a ragtag bunch who had zero cohesion, no shape and a look that they weren't enjoying playing to a well drilled unit in which everyone knows his role. The players are smiling again and the team spirit is back in abundance. Some of the football has been a joy to watch, fast, creative and with a clear aim to get the ball up the pitch and not constantly recycle it. We all know it could come crashing down but it doesn't have that feeling so I'd like to thank Tonda for giving me back the feeling of enjoyment and excitement when watching Saints play which has been missing for so long - I'm certain many others think the same and, if it goes pear shaped, at least we've had our hopes raised for now. Our long suffering fans deserve this to be the real deal.

I've a feeling Tonda may start Oriol for this one. He'll have now had a good look at him on the training pitch and maybe he's seen enough to decide he can trust him alongside Caspar with Downes suspended. He did give quite a big smile when Adam Blackmore asked if it was good to have Oriol in the dressing room and his reply was along the lines of 'it's good to have him on the pitch also'

Maybe I'm reading the room wrong but I don't buy into Tonda needing an old head to assist him. He'll have made many contacts in the game so, if he's given the job, I think he should be allowed to select his own team some of whom may be guys who have worked with him for the U21s. There will be people he knows and trusts who he thinks would be the right fit for him, let him decide.

Tonda loves London. His 3rd win there in a row coming up. 3-1 Saints.

He's already a Saint.

Under Tonda we've scored 13 goals in 4 games - keep that up and Baz will be more than adequate 🙂

It could be that the new work permit he'd need to become our manager is holding things up.

Tonda must be on Liverpool's radar right now 🙂

Is he any good with his feet?

Nothing whatsoever to do with Southampton FC.

Crazy as it seems but, after only 4 games, I'm beginning to wonder just how good this team could be and I never thought I'd remotely consider that when Eckert stepped in. The improvement in performance levels, given that Tonda has only worked with the team for 4 matches, is exponential. It's got me thinking how good will we be when we've a longer run of games under him and are even more well drilled in what he requires. Knowing us of course it could all fizzle out and be a false dawn but imagine how good the side will look if the upward trajectory continues. Exciting times.....maybe.

Good to see we are now among the top scorers in the Championship. Coventry are way out in front with 47 then it's Ipswich and Hull on 28 and us on 26. If current form continues we'll certainly outscore Ipswich and Hull.

Agree although he does need to improve his defensive duties.

The guy seems to be a workaholic. Asked by the Echo if he bumps into fans around the city he replied no because he is spending most of his time at Staplewood and generally has 3 meals a day there 🙂

With Downes suspended I would think Romeu will be on the bench for this one.

I thought that at the time but when I watched the replay it looked more like AA was deliberately slowing down and looking for Fellows to cut the ball back to him so that he had more time and space.

I have to admit I was a big sceptic at first but the performances in the last two games have convinced me Eckert is the man for the job. The stark difference in how we play now to the past season and a half is incredible. I'd given up on seeing the fast attacking football we're witnessing now. The guy pays attention to every detail, he knows how he wants us to play, he gets the players doing it and tailors his gameplan to suit the opposition strengths and weaknesses. He's been a breath of fresh air. Sure, it could all go pear shaped yet but every managerial appointment carries risks so why not stick with the bloke who has us winning and playing great football. His press conferences are starting to win him fans too due to the long pause after a question followed by a measured and succinct response.

Yeah, either that or rename it 'There's no new manager debate' because Tonda must be nailed on to be given a contract now.

Looking forward to seeing Caspar Jandar boss the midfield in yet another match. I hope we can keep him under the radar because I believe he's the player in our squad the big clubs would want most. He plays his midfield role to perfection and is the cog in the wheel we would most miss if he got injured.

We only have this guy until he returns to his own galaxy.

For me he is our best signing. He's the vital cog, the metronome, the conductor. We've missed this type of player for so long and he'll no doubt soon be on the radar of bigger clubs.

Yeah, I've thought myself that he could be an alien 🙂

Scienza and Fellows will rightly take the plaudits because they are eye catching players. However, for me the most important member of this side is Capar Jander. He gets better every game and sets the tone and the tempo with his intelligence - what a football brain this guy has got. He rarely gives the ball away and is always available keeping things ticking over so that the flair players can work their magic. Fast becoming my favourite player and he was immense tonight.

Still had him playing way too deep so he was always starting deep in our half. Eckert encourages the wing backs to get high up the pitch and the difference is night and day.