austsaint

Let’s hope it’s Larios and Manning leaving. Manning because he wouldn’t measure up at the level and Larios because while he may have the ability, how long do you persevere in the hope he delivers? Can see Meghoma developing rapidly, based on his age and the glimpses he showed last season. Already has the pace and athleticism needed while the defensive side of his game can be developed.

Have spent massive amounts on their defence; possess an impressive strike force, and dictate play by denying territory to their opposition.

Touche!

The three words at the end of your post are crucial. Until it's apparent McCarthy is the back up keeper - and not to Baz - there's reason to worry about next season.

You make a fair point. As things stand, only three players from our promotion squad are likely Prem quality. KWP certainly; THB highly likely and Flynn Downes very likely - maybe you can include Ryan Fraser as just about up-to-standard. Downes isn't our player yet and KWP is not certain to extend his contract. You could argue that players like AA, Aribo, Smallbone, Bednarek, Stephens, Adams have earned the chance to measure up, yet there are real doubts that they will. This is the immediate challenge for RM and SR. How do they balance the temptation to keep a successful squad together in an infinitely tougher league? How ruthless, and realistic are they prepared to be.

Yes, it's not so much that he signed the Liverpool shirts; got his big move and ended up writing weasel words in the Daily Echo - none of which would bother me if he was bringing something of value back to the Club after all these years. But what is the case for bringing Lallana back to the fold? What's he going to deliver? A bit part role on the pitch at 36; an experienced voice in the dressing room and a coaching role with the academy lads!

Yes, who can forget the (Boruc) goal conceded against Stoke on that windy day. A howler in every sense of the word.

Agree with that. AM's performances in the play offs were impressive but it should't obscure the many sub-standard Prem performances he has handed in featuring near post goals, fumbles and poor kicking. Apart from Boruc we haven't had a goalkeeper to inspire confidence since Niemi, and it's definitely time the Club aimed higher.

Watching the lead up to the goal for the umpteenth time I realise what a great pass Downes provided to Smallbone who then, in turn produces the sublime assist for AA. Downes would be/will be such an important signing for Saints.

You only have to recall ABK's first 6-8 games in the Prem, prior to the shoulder injury to know that he could be a big asset to Saints again at CB with someone like THB alongside. Dependent on his fitness; his mentality and a return to that early form. Big "ifs" of course.

Let's hope he does; immense again today, and for most of the season. With THB "in-the-bag", it only remains for KWP to extend for our best players of the season (along with AA) to provide a good start to piecing together a competitive Prem side. What a memorable day that was. Every Saints player gave something to the cause. THB, Bednarek, AA, KWP and Downes the stand outs but how good was Fraser in the LWB role, defending well and dangerous on the counter attack. Smallbone has played well in the last month and was solid and creative today - the assist for Armstrong was sublime and he has earned another opportunity at the highest level. Airibo, ran, tackled, harassed and got involved for the full 104 minutes - who thought he could run out a game like that? And McCarthy with the low down, left-handed save and the commanding punches clear has left a legacy over the last few games if today was indeed his last for the Club. Well done to R.M., he set the team up perfectly to counter the Leeds attacking strengths - forsaking high possession for defensive structure, astute counter attack and a pragmatic "get at them" approach. He and his coaching staff have shown great tactical nous in the play off games and the flexibility to tweak the style of play and personnel to counter WBA and Leeds. He has certainly earned the right to lead Saints back to the Prem. What a day it must have been for those at the ground. Great day for the Club and the city of Southampton.

Check your pulse! Surely you have to be a bit on edge; nervous, excited about this game - just like the players will be.

Anyone know whether Saints Player is covering the game. I find myself in Gubbio, and unsurprisingly there’s not much local interest in our game. Have walked from Florence….. if the players work as hard as I’ve had to, we should be a step closer to Wembley. yers

Drab, slow and hard to watch. We seem to have a three man attack if you can call Mara an attacking player. Brooks seems to be playing as an attacking mid, while Charles and Smallbone are both anonymous in CM. What is the point of Smallbone? He,s neither a holding nor attacking midfielder and acts as a handbrake on quick movement. I realise there are a few players being rested but as a lead up to the play offs this is a flat performance.

I'd like to be your bookie!

Difficult call for the Manager. While the pulse of automatic promotion flickers on I'd favour starting FD; hope for a half-time lead, and replace him with Charles, just like last week.

Yes, that was one of the things that stood out tonight. While there's the faintest of hope for automatic promotion and certainly in the play offs - the side that started tonight must be retained. That means THB and Bednarek at CB; KWP at RB, AA wide left and the three midfielders you mention. It was noticeable (particularly first half) how quickly we moved the ball and how little needless back passing took place. Some of that change down to the late keeper change, but the creativity and run that Armstrong and Aribo bring balanced with the holding skills of Downes was also part of the faster movement, less needless passing for passing sake style.

The Harlem Globe Trotters of Hampshire! Great first half of sublime attacking Football - it all started with picking the best team in their best spots.

Wasn't just the pass though - there was the mazy run from well inside our own half which culminated in "that pass". What a great moment. Good luck to the lad - he showed glimpses of Prem quality.

No, and maybe.

I made a similar mistake - believing that Edmund Hillary could never walk on the moon; but he did. Maybe Saints will be promoted automatically this season.

I was wondering whether Russ got Mara mixed up with Edozie! Similar hair styles at the moment. If Mara was to be brought on, it had to be in place of Adams - he just can't play that wide right role. Will surely be moved on in the Summer.

He did play well. I was thinking it preferable Bree at LB, KWP on the right - yet the creative work KWP and Aribo came up with probably justified Martin's decision. Good too that we had two CBs in their correct positions. A bit of hanging on at 2-1, yet you'd have to say a deserved win. Usual suspects played well - Downes outstanding, THB, KWP also good, but Aribo's game, particularly the first 70 minutes was outstanding. He is just the creative player we need in the play offs to unlock a defence in a tight game.

Aribo very good so far. Linking up well with KWP. Has an eye for a pass.

I completely agree; Poch was a much superior Manager/Coach than Puel. I'm the last person to be influenced only by numbers and tables - they are nothing without the qualitative eye for what's happening on the field. My opinions too come from watching on TV and my once-a-year trips home. You were the one who cited points tallies, anomalies and historic table positions, not me. The thing that is beyond dispute is that at this point - Claude Puel (whose Football style I disliked) has many more runs on the board than RM. And if RM doesn't find a way to get Saints promoted from the lottery of the play offs, I doubt he will get the chance to match Puel's record. For what it's worth, I agree with your 1 to 5 table of Managers - I'd have Puel ahead of Martin - otherwise, good call.