NickG

No he's right. Good player, if lallana & jay rod hadn't been in such good form he would be player. Looked effective every time I've seen him this season - before & after injury. Being kept out of side doesn't make him a waster any more than Cork being third choice. I think he would fetch decent price but prefer to keep him. Also greate to watch, have you ever seen him play?

Really? You think our defense are doing so badly away that a defensive coach should go? We have let in 19 goals away this season in 16 away games. The same as Man U and Spurs (two best away sides) although Spurs have let those in in less games so aren't quite as good as us. Chelsea are 5 goals better (one less game) and Man City 1 better (but two less games ). We have let in 8 less than Arsenal, 7 less than Liverpool. How experienced are the poorly managed defence that have achieved that? Ages of regular defenders; Saints 18, 19, 22, 24, 30 (And sure you said 30 year old needed replacing in the championship!) Newcastle 23, 28, 30, 32 Spurs 23, 25, 26, 30 Everton 25, 29, 31, 36 Chelsea 24, 26, 28, 30, 33 Liverpool 29, 29, 29, 30 Man C 27, 28, 28, 29, 33 Man U 24, 26, 32, 32 Arsenal 24, 28, 28, 29, 31 So with ¾ of defence far younger / less experienced than other clubs, the other ¼ many said wasn't prem league level - if we are badly managed and coached how come we have such a good defensive record? I think MP see's over playing defensive errors as a worthwhile risk to our play. Brendan Rogers said " We look to build our game from behind and that has won us many games this season, our ability to construct the game from behind. Sometimes it will cost you. " I'm sure you didn't predict this squad was good enough for 8/9th - so has manager done well? Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

No, didn't see today - was reliant on Solent so reluctant to be specific about today (they were saying Cork giving away possession but to be fair they don't always get right player!) More a comment on how we play as team (personal view home games only this season). We seem a better structured, more organised and effective team with fit VW and MS. Cork has done well once he got settled in but we certainly miss them. Cork seems to play into trouble/ leave space more. More than happy to have him in the side - but needs one of others with him Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Schneiderlin & Wanyama are clearly much better than Cork and JWP. A 3-2 defeat, away, to team as high as spurs, with both first choice CM out is hardly a disgrace! Surely even a fool can see he is an excellent manager for us? Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Someone predicted his scoring & England success... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2378319/Southampton-chairman-Nicola-Cortese-People-thought-I-E-T-I-Ianded-Saints.html Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Wonder how many posters saying it is inevitable that Shaw will go this summer were saying that he wouldn't sign a contract and would leave last summer? Remember these papers who have him sold did the same in the lead up to him signing a 5 year contract (as he said he would) last summer. Players will leave sooner or later but I don't think the exodus is a done deal, just as the reported exodus in January didn't happen. Don't think we should underestimate the positive team spirit at the club, must have an amazing atmosphere for likes of Shaw, JWP, Chambers, Gallagher, Reid - playing together in youth side of a league 1 side, sticking together and playing in the first team for a successful side - international recognition. Plus seeing older team mates going from lower league players to internationals. The comments and videos from players are more than just saying right things - its obvious they like and respect MP. They all seem level headed and will be very wealthy here. We have shown they can get England recognition with us - bizarrely Chelsea's established international is worrying about losing his place to a boy at saints! Guess a very personal thing, how much does champions league mean? Worth giving up everything here straight away? I dont know how summer will go but reckon we maybe pleasantly surprised! Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

I agree we won't increase crowd for games such as West Ham by much, if at all in short term. But I wonder what our Max crowd could be, for example against top side, when we doing well, 3pm kick off, good weather etc ? 42,000? Don't know. (Wrong "know/no" in other post sorry)

I've know idea about the economics of stadium expansion, or any our potential maximum crowd etc but few thoughts 1) most likely games to start attracting new fans, or new regular fans going to matches are against likes of Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea etc - these sell out. I've heard several parents struggling to take children to these. Surely if extra few thousand went to these it would trickle down to some getting hooked and going to other games? 2) Would bigger ground give the opportunity for other uses? 3) our average crowd is 30k. But range is only 28k-31.5k. We don't have many empty seats, nor much bigger crowds for big games. Variation of 3.5k. Sunderland's crowds vary by 12k, Everton by 6k, Villa by 12.5k. Maybe there is acceptance that a bigger ground won't be full every week and our crowds maybe still around 30k at times but a lot higher for a few games. 4) Villa's crowds this season may not always be much higher than ours (lowest 30k) but have also managed 42.5k Personally not bothered but wouldn't be surprised if we expand knowing will often have empty seats Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Current form? I'm sure he will pick the most appropriate number of games - 7 7 games - 4th! only bettered by Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City Or 10 games - 6th Or 6 games - 7th only goal difference off 6th. Interesting that those who dig hard to slag saints off say; - we are miles off a top 6 side - we have been found out - this squad / style won't last season But current form, over 6, 7 or 10 games puts us right up as top side?! Only a guide as difficulty of games, (un)lucky goals etc quickly change a form table but interesting counter argument to trolls.

JayRod and Morgan excellent today. Ramirez, Shaw, Clyne, Lallana, Lovren, Lambert - very good. Thought JWP, Boruc and Davis below their best. Clearly Guly is no Lallana or Ramirez but did a job...won several headers in our box when they piled the pressure. Enjoyable game. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Surely the most likely explanation as to why Katharina publically said she regrets his departure, wanted him to stay & thinks he has done a wonderful job is because its what she thinks? There maybe some bizarre conspiracy theory as to why she felt the need to say that but think its unlikely. A standard response could have confirmed his departure and thanked him - she clearly thought his performance warranted more. His performance was better than any of us foresaw - in terms of improving football performance, turnover and value. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

"With great regret we have accepted the resignation of Mr Cortese," said Katharina in a statement. "He has done a wonderful job at the club and we very much wanted him to stay.

There is continuity for signings / contracts / scouting / player valuations / negotiations / agents etc with Les Reid. How did NC learn? We now have a board with LR for football side, KL for money / over view / her fathers dream A lawyer An accountant And Kruegar. RK appears to be the figure head, pulling club together, unity, vision, ambition etc. I guess he will be over seeing projects, selling the club, sponsorship etc - ensuring image etc are in keeping with the direction they are seeking etc. Seems well suited on the face of it. MP spoke at the weekend about the project etc. I've never heard anything that raises my concerns that club maybe sold or MP leave (compared with other clubs / managers). As usual a lot of fearing the worst with no basis. Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Disagree. Think MP is a better manager. I think we looked better side the season before WGS (don't dare mention the manager that season but he was clearly better than WGS!). WGS was a good manager for us but, IMHO, over rated due to a single cup run (is Dennis Wise a great manager?) And his sound bites. MP clearly is liked and respected by his players, built great team spirit, play attractive well admired football, innovative, prepares / trains team well and has developed young players, clearly well thought of etc.

Curious as to what people are specifically angry (as opposed to disappointed) about? Sunderland's forum seemed to generally saying, when teams announced how they didn't have a chance. The defence was first choice available. Lambert played upfront. So was it the common practice of having a cup keeper? Or was it Guly for JayRod? Clearly weaker but club said he had had a knock - maybe should have tried him but he did play for 30 of 90. Was it JWP for Morgan? Would have much preferred Morgan but hardly bringing in an unknown reserve, JWP has played over half our prem time. Some, including other club forums have talked about him for England. Or was it taking Lallana off? Strange but nothing to do with cup - at that stage MP had taken Lallana off in over 50% of prem games. I think he did rest JayRod and Morgan so either it wasn't our best available side, or he genuinely thought the side could be freshened up with those two changes (as Morgan wasn't at his best and JayRod not 100%). My guess is somewhere in middle - freshening up and thinking side would be good enough. When it wasn't he made early (60) correction reverting to Morgan and JayRod - so our first choice side was on from 60! 52% possession, 11 shots, 6 corners, 15 fouls, 3 bookings doesn't sound like going through motions or manager not trying. Genuinely think some think we played full reserves. So, if you are angry, what specifically is making you angry rather that disappointed?

What a strange reaction, even by your irrational standards. What's your point? He achieved a saints record since prem era, your reaction? Not to enjoy it, talk about how he achieved it, whether it will be bettered? No, nothing positive at all. Instead look to find fault with saints elsewhere, why? Its bizarre this is the only club forum where posters criticise people for being a saints fan. Really don't know why you are here. If makes you miserable find something you enjoy, life is too short. Definition copied for you... fan (fæn) n 1. an ardent admirer of a pop star, film actor, football team, etc 2. a devotee of a sport, hobby, etc, follower, biased towards from fan(atic)] I take you view of me being biased, seeing positive etc as a complement. I do same with my kids, support, see positive, enjoy, encourage, not assume the worst. You should be pleasantly surprised, not much more than year ago you were saying "why the f%&k have we signed Rodriguez" now you seeing him play for England, Scheiderlin doing ok for fancy lightweight, Lovren doing ok for the signing of amateur corner shop summer transfer policy. Lighten up, will all be dead soon, enjoy it or move on!

Mauricio Pochettino has led us to 6 away wins this season. Previous best was 5 in 2000/01. Still have 4 left (Man City, Spurs, Villa and Swansea). Away record up with top teams.

Quite strange... Strange reading here that people are angry about Morgan and Jay Rod being left out... Then scan pre match thread and probably over half posts naming their best side for today leaving one or both out?? & considering (unless club blatently lying) JayRod not 100%. You can see why glasgow 's imaginary friends think time to stop supporting saints! If you don't care about saints in league maybe time to get another hobby? Angry - no , disappointed - yes still am

My post was written before reading that report but its pretty much what I was trying to address. Cork & Davis are both very good midfielder players, never worried to see them in the team & playing well. However, the balance of the side would be better, in my opinion, with Ramirez and Wanyama. I think a match fit Wanyama is a better player all round than Cork, yes unsurprisingly not instantly back to his best after a broken bone, but remember the reviews early season? Even if you disagree, I'm sure you would agree that defensively he is much better - the best we have for sitting in front of CBs (wasn't there a forward CB debate here once? Lol). That not only sures up the defence (now needed) but allows Morgan more freedom (often seems to need to help Cork out). Almost leaving Morgan to take on much of work recently done by Davis. Playing Ramirez allows him and Lallana to interchange with being a playmaker and more advanced centrally. We moved the ball much more quickly with Ramirez on Saturday and were taking shots. Unfortunately when the second goal went the rest of team lost confidence. The system with midfielder pushing forward worked better with wanyama in the side. Hope MP tries it...

I believe, what I consider to be, our first choice 11 are all fit. They may not be match fit or totally sharp. I would like to see the team given a run of games, build understanding and match sharpness. Boric Chambers (Clyne very close) Fonte Lovren Shaw Schneiderlin Wanyama Ramirez Lallana Rodriguez Lambert I would be confident of that team against Palace. Chambers v Clyne is hard. Thought Clyne was excellent early season but Chambers has been one of our best players recently. (Arsenal game in particular). I think Wanyama is a better player than Cork, although Cork has done well. Last season Cork seemed to get the credit for turning our season around. The same thinking can be used to show how much we have missed Wanyama. I think that Cork is mobile and technically good. His positioning is not as good as Schneiderlin. I think he gets caught out more than he should. He is not as solid defensively as either Schneiderlin and offers no attacking threat. This isn't saying he is bad just looking at differences to choose. Wanyama hasn't been as good since injury but Cork took while to get back to speed. I would play Wanyama for more protection for Ramirez over Davis. Think Wanyama may get a goal first as well. Davis has played well but every game Ramirez has come on recently he has looked very good. What those who didn't go on Saturday would have missed was how keen he was and how hard he worked. He was continually finding space, always wanting the ball and we immediately looked more likely to score. I think he could develop a scary partnership with Lallana. I would like to see Gallagher given game time.

Only strikers with more assists this season are Suarez and Rooney. Only arsenal, Liverpool, man u, man c, and Chelsea have players with more assists and goals. Although goals are low by his standards he is ahead of many other strikers. "For months"? It was only this month that people were raving about his Fulham performance. There is some negative rubbish on here lately, this, the myth of reserves playing Sunderland (still confused by this forum - JayRod is rubbish at moment and should be dropped / MP owes us apology for dropping JayRod lol), slagging of Sam Gallagher (young player who may well read this forum) after one good performance and hardly chance to impress yesterday, refusing to acknowledge Ramirez is good player and probably one who worked harder than most and always wants possession yesterday.

Personally see Lambert clearly ahead of Carroll. Goals - Lambert's last three seasons 8, 15, 27. Carroll's 0, 7, 4. Carroll is effective in the box, as is Lambert. Lambert can play the Rooney link up role, better range of passing etc. Penalty record - Lambert excellent, not sure if Carroll takes them but with only 11 goals in three years?? Character? Lambert widely praised for his popularity and positive attitude with the team - important for a world cup. Carroll has a poor attitude and has been sent home from international duty. Lambert currently in squad and scored twice, set up others. Carroll not played for your while. Carroll unreliable with injuries. Personally, if both fit, not even close unless Carroll scores at hugely better role than has done for years and Lambert has poor end of season. Not sure anyone with any sense could argue Berinho (career total 4 prem goals) over Lambert. Most forums are biased towards their players!

These selections, plus recognition for Chambers, Clyne, JWP show how well we are going and how well we are coached. Also show how ridiculous posters are slating our players - all four have had unfair criticism. Perhaps they will learn? Proud day

Lallana Shaw Lambert jay rod in

If players are fully fit and inform, my best 11 is; Boruc Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw Wanyama, Schneiderlin Lallana, Ramirez, Rodriguez, Lambert I would love that team to be given a run of games. I think Wanyama is better player than Cork and also offers better protection for Ramirez to allow him a free role. The closest call for me is Clyne/Chambers - was very impressed with Chambers in the Arsenal game. Liverpool are on a good run, but weren't they undefeated after their last St Marys visit for ages...until we went to Anfield? Be good to start being someone bogey team