austsaint

Derry, I’ve watched most of JWP’s 200 plus appearances for Saints and I’m still scratching my head wondering what it is about his game that some supporters and up to this point RH decide is good enough to keep including him. By any objective measure he’s been mediocre this season. When is the penny going to drop. When is the mythology of JWP being some sort of dead ball genius going to be laid to rest? He’s been tried in every position on the pitch except CB and Goalkeeper and hasn’t demonstrated a fit in any role. I find his unchallenged selection this season bewildering.

Are you serious - Boufal was very good tonight. He balanced direct running at the defence with deft passes and touches and tested the keeper on three occasions.

But he should be...shouldn’t he? I know you are a JWP fan but surely you must concede he has been very average this season. Ralph has tried him at CM, RB and right side “wing back”, winger; and it’s the same old problem, he can’t fit in to any of those roles well enough. Adams, Djenepo, Boufal and Redmond are superior attacking players...PEH and Romeu are better midfielders and Cedric and Valery are better full backs. Even the corners and free kicks are not justifying his continued selection. I am interested to read your argument to the contrary.

Boufal I mean.

Great to get off the mark. Djenapo and Bourland have to be involved regularly.

Trying to find a place for JWP has been hard to understand especially since Ralph professes to want speed and creativity in his attackers.

Ings for Long (subs bench) and Boufal on with time to influence the game would be my changes to that side. Ralph won't drop Ward-Prowse though and he may consider Danso and Djenepo not ready. Nothing to lose though is there - in taking them on.

Poor defence apart - we won't be winning many games playing a two man midfield of Romeu and Ward-Prowse - absolutely no connection with the attacking three and Romeu isolated as the holding midfielder.

Yes, does anyone know, or can anyone guess why Augsburg were prepared/happy to let him go? Do they need the money; do they have a surplus of decent CB's.

The mid-field combination of PEH and JWP doesn't look right to me. May get away with it against Burnley but better sides will have a mid-field picnic.

Really good post. With Lemina's situation I had hoped Reed would get his chance in DM this season - I still think he is good enough at Prem level. A pity Norwich didn't sign him up. Hope he has a good season at the Cottage.

I hope you're right; but from what I've seen Slattery will struggle to establish himself at Prem level.

Some times with the passing of time I wonder whether Pahars was as good as I remember him being - he was brilliant for us. On topic, I really hope Boufal stays and takes his opportunity - he's a great player to watch and Ralph can certainly iron out some flaws.

I find it strange that the Club website hasn't written about Rohl's departure. It's also a worry in my mind that the likes of Kelvin and Dave Watson are now Ralph's right hand men - mediocre coaches who lump pressure on Ralph as a result.

I didn't see todays game, but everything I have seen of Reed points to a player who could be excellent cover this season. If we don't reinforce the defensive midfield then he slots in well as a tenacious more mobile version of Romeu.

I'd argue they are.

Yes, all of that's true - but he's at such a poor, clumsy level these days, and in the decline of his career, why not use the younger, talented players like Obafemi, Sims etc to achieve the same ends.

It's clear Long isn't going to be offloaded - I think he should be though, and a little "burst" of form late last season papers over the massive deficiencies in his game at 32. I'm not advocating replacing him with anyone; I'd rather use Obafemi and Sims to be the bench role players.

It's clear Long isn't going to be offloaded - I think he should be though, and a little "burst" of form late last season papers over the massive deficiencies in his game at 32. I'm not advocating replacing him with anyone; I'd rather use Obafemi and Sims to be the bench role players.

What happened to the massive offer from Spurs for Prowsey?

Chaz is the new "Osvaldo". Hope he goes to the Geordies; Steve Bruce and Charlie Austin! Their supporter who does the youtube clips is going to explode.

Benitez to Bruce - incredible isn't it.

We seem to be in a minority here. Unless Ralph has another attacking gem up his sleeve I can't see the case against a pre-season assessment by Ralph before the Club rushes to take 10 million.

I can't believe so many want rid of Lemina. If he does go and isn't replaced, will Hoj, Romeu and JWP be sufficient, given that Slattery doesn't look good enough and Reed looks likely to be moved on.

Must agree - Targett is a very good Championship LB and an average Prem player with lack of speed to create width his main weakness. If the Club can reprise the supposed offer of this time last year then selling would be very good business. Bertrand continues to be among our best players and has the game and athleticism to add value to Ralph's rebuild.