Dangermouth

Only thing I'd say is the Dutch can be quite determined, or stubborn if you will.

You see, I like Stephens a lot. I've always liked a skilful centre-back that could and would carry the ball and make things happen and who could read the game. But what you've just said is what Swindon fans sometimes said 3 or so years ago. They also picked up on his defensive lapses/positioning. I think the Coventry fans also said likewise. If people haven't seen the 5-5 against Sheffield United, if they can they should although the highlights show only a bit of the picture. This is why I don't think he'll make a top class player: he's not defensive-minded enough (or loses focus/concentration) and doesn't think defend first, then play. It's those errors that will be exploited by the players he will play against because they are so good. I could almost see him as an attacking mid or a box-to-box midfielder but again I think he'll probably just be out of position a few times which could prove costly and I really can't think of anything other than hope he himself will iron out these problems because he comes across as sufficiently bright, as do a number of our 'youth'. Then, perhaps, he might come close (ish) to the player someone mentioned above: Bobby Moore (before my time, but there is footage around of him playing).

Yep. We have a number of, at best, journeymen. Much as I like him Davis is one. He works well at what he does but is somewhat limited and requires better players around him. It's why I like Sims: I think he's an intelligent and skilful (and knackered, unfortunately) player who can/will grow into a damn good player. The opposite of the one I no longer have time for who I won't mention as it's obvious as he's now in his what, 5th season with us. I do think the change of manager might help as anyone who encourages players to play early, intelligent, forward balls should/must help us as we do have a forward line that could do a lot of damage (Austin in and around the box, Gabbiadini a little behind him). I think that part of the reason that wasn't alluded to was that we were so slow and intransigent in our play that we were always facing a packed, in place defence who were set to keep us out whereas the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal were and are good at getting at teams so they couldn't or wouldn't do this e.g. Hazard running at players and beating them draws a defence out of shape as does the quick passing game of Arsenal (or any top team).

I was happy when he signed as were many. As were many Boro fans. I think the majority now think he's got an attitude problem, especially up there. No doubt their forums will have something on him but he wasn't very popular after his decision to leave in January and many of them, while they raved about him in the division they've gone back to, didn't think he was that good in this one.

I agree with this. One thing Saints have always had to a degree was a soft underbelly which is where winners like Keegan and Shilton coming in made a huge difference. I would have liked a Roy Keane figure here just for his drive (as well as his under-rated ability to be a one man midfield at times) to instill that into people. I think to some degree VVD has it, and Clasie actually should as well, and I think with our younger players a lot of that would rub off on them so they go out there with that attitude that you describe. I think that's why Poch has done so well, as much as his pressing and the fitness he instills. I would have taken Terry because he is first and foremost a defender and I think that that would help (among others) Stephens who would then, I hope, iron out that slight lack of attention or whatever it is that affects his positional play. That and using his left foot more and we could have someone like Mark Wright on our hands. While it was good that we had Koeman for a while, when players have to look him up to know how good he was it slightly detracts from his 'wow factor' that someone more current e.g. Terry still has. It's the only reason Gerrard got a job, isn't it? So yes, I'd like a couple of old heads with a couple of 2-3 year deals to be able to play but also to be able to teach things that aren't necessarily coached, but passed on through experience learned.

Thanks for the heads up. Went and watched some vids of Niemi and Shilton. Seems shameful to put FF in the same sentence, tbh. Was interesting to see how many long shots there were against Shilton; wonder how we'd do if we did that more often (and on target).

https://southamptonfc.com/news/2017-07-21/ryan-seager-two-year-contract-and-mk-dons-loan-southampton Good news. I wasn't too sure about him at first but I think he might have something having seen him at Crewe.

Pretty much sums up my feelings. There has to be better out there unless good keepers are becoming an endangered species.

It's 'lord it over'. HTH. (I'll assume it was deliberate as you were copying McInnes who unfortunately didn't eat his hat this year).

Gallagher's not a lump: he's a good player.

Yes please. Head up, good feet, quick to move it, decisive, good tackler. Like all our reserve players should be.

Shouldn't that be mangle Liverpool (please)?

Apparently Puel was 'perfect' for us; so I'll wait and see. If he's as good as the kits it's CL here we come. I'll wait for the interview with him to judge how 'perfect' his English is and for the 8-0 wins over whoever the new Sunderland will be before I decide we keep Forster in goal. Where are all the links to all the analyses of how he tells players to kick the ball and run after it?

Should be top 3/6 depending on how teams do for the first couple of months. Then let's hope we don't do a West Brom and tank it in the 2nd half of the season.

In answer to the OP: Tuchel or someone of that ilk. Certainly not one of the two you mentioned.

It is indeed frustration. I was quite happy when he was appointed and didn't join the chorus of complaints that he was an unknown, didn't do his tie up properly and so on but looked forward to what he had to bring. Having seen that I would like to see him, Black and the coaching staff be removed in the hope that next season I can see some football not crab-ball.

Sell him. He'd do well in France.

All of them miss although Gabbiadini's obviously a very good player so it's more the fact that no-one passes to him when he makes his runs than he himself.

So he's accusing people who criticise Puel of being Skates again. And again the mods do nothing. Anyway, we'll win 3-0. Stoke are crap this year.

Says the person who got me banned for 'trolling' while being its greatest exponent ...

We'll win at least 3-0. They'll be dispirited, the fans will turn against them and the manager will play some of the youth players to give them game time and stop the valuable assets being injured. Hats off to anyone who wants to go all that way though.

I think you're wrong in your assessment that Puel adapted in any way. It was stated time and again when he was appointed that he was known for being intransigent and by and large he has been. Whether it was only player power that did ensure he changed his tactics slightly I don't know but it is clear that Saints under him mirror Nice under him and other teams under him. For the most part they play very defensive and score few goals. One season of having Ben Arfa play well against poor opposition and score a lot of goals hasn't made him any different from how he's always been. I think the excuse that his wife hadn't settled which came out in January was setting the scene in case he flopped and hope he'll be gone sharpish.

He's been Puel'd. He'll be off to Liverpuel in the summer.

Name calling again. Club plant or scion of Puel? Congrats to Forster on a very good penalty save.