SaintRobbie

Shame really, but I thought West Ham outplayed us and were tactically better frankly. Ugly hoofing footy or not, Big Sam had studied how to beat Saints; park a bus rapidly at the back as Saints are slow coming forward into the last 1/3rd (even on a break), put in loads of crosses and high balls, which we always look nervous at clearing, and go for quick breaks and sucker punches as we expect teams to try and play through the midfield as we do. Also, never give up as this is a team that can't hold a lead at the moment... and seems to have nothing to play for except for 3-4 seats on a plane to Brazil in the Summer. We were out muscled, out thought tactically and frankly we give the ball away too much (or just kicked it out of play too often - Boruc). There were positives though. Lots of sideways possession made the stats looked good again (!) but a little hope that Ramirez may - just may - be able to change our game plan and break through strong defences with some direct play and skill (and by god does he know how to get a free kick just outside of the box). Also, great turn out of supporters - even though MoPo has yet to acknowledge he's let us down in the FA Cup.

I want MoPo to stay and build a team - his team. but, I was wondering on the train home after today's disappointing result if Cortese had him in mind for a couple of seasons to steady the ship into 8th place then sack him and take someone else who would fire us onwards and upwards into Europe. Certainly seemed that way and was reflected in his contract - isn't he a free agent in the summer, or is it next year?? Regardless, he was not signed on as a long term prospect. And NC talked openly about removing him if he wasn't up to the task. Made me reflect that MoPo has only really achieved 8th place or so at this level (admittedly he did have the financial rug pulled from him at Espanyol). So is MoPo expendable? Probably, and almost certainly was in NC's plan. Bottom line? I hope he stays, but I wonder if he was only ever due to be here for a short term fix. He's unproven in building a team at this level, and I would love to see him given the chance, but I do think he's messed up over the past week or so, especially over the FA Cup and his pretty poor defence of his team selection. And, its probably time he stopped bluffing and gave post match interviews in English (INLCLUDING THE FA CUP). Time to take the hit as the leader, and not hide behind our high achievers.

Dalek: back·lash [bak-lash] noun 1. a sudden, forceful backward movement; recoil. 2. a strong or violent reaction, as to some social or political change: a backlash of angry feeling among Southern conservatives within the party. 3. Machinery . a. the space between the thickness of a gear tooth and the width of the space between teeth in the mating gear, designed to allow for a film of lubricant, binding from heat expansion and eccentricity, or manufacturing inaccuracies. b. play or lost motion between loosely fitting machine parts. 4. Angling. a snarled line on a reel, usually caused by a faulty cast. verb (used without object) 5. to make or undergo a backlash. I refer the learned gentlemen to the dictionary definition where it quite rightly refers to upset Southerners: "a backlash of angry feeling among Southern conservatives within the party."

I am still angry. MoPo let the fans down with the decision to play an under strength side. He seems to be avoiding European football, probably for a good long term building reason but I say there's no problem with the Euefa cup - just play the kids with a little expectation management!! I hope he's learnt from this backlash. I am going to West Ham, but still finding it hard to muster as much belief and enthusiasm as I was a week ago. Seems like MoPo will go there for a draw on current tactics and keep 8th place to avoid Europe, achieve his contractual target and then watch our players leave in the summer. Negative? Yes. Angry still? You bet. All I want is MoPo to public ally set a target of Euefa footy next season to make the rest of the season worth it. As I say... Just get there and then use it to blood the academy. I'd be content with that next season. Football club dies without ambition - support fades and players crave success elsewhere. This is a decision point for MoPo.

MoPo owes the fans an apology. If not then frankly he can leave. I'd rather take my chances with an English management team that gave me hope instead of mediocrity.

MoPo owes the fans an apology. FA Cup means something. Something more than mid-table mediocrity. He's let the fans down AND he let the players down - all of whom seemed just as surprised that we weren't going for the FA Cup. If they don't learn from this then frankly I'd rather take my chances with an English manager. Sorry, but I feel quite strongly. Feel as if the season just ended like a wet fart.

You're right. We'll slaughter them.... COYBs !!!

Draw at best with this team. 1-1 I'm going for.

We've lost. Rubbish selection in my opinion. Does MoPo realise the importance of this game? The tradition of the FA Cup at this club? The fact its the only thing we can win this season? Weak defence - adequate midfield and weakest attack we can currently field. Strong bench but you can only make 3 substitutions. Disappointed. PROVE ME WRONG PLEASE MOPO - PROVE ME WRONG.

The entire team always plays for each other. That's the Southampton way. MP. Absolutely spot on quote from MoPo... Reflected in this evenings MOTM poll.

Hard to pick a MOTM tonight. Solid team performance. We deserved a win. Dominated.

Great stopper and organises his defence well - but his kicking is awful.

Stoke played well. Achieved their aim and worked hard. Saints still deserved the win. We miss having an attacking midfielder we can bring on to change a game and need to be prepared to run at defences. We also simply MUST keep the ball down in such conditions and against big strong sides like Stoke.

MOTM was Cork for me. He changed the game.

No.

LOL - makes me laugh every time. What were they thinking when they allowed that to go up. Wish we'd kept the original TB Statue thread.... god it was funny.

Season is not over..... but. FA Cup... Now that's worth going for.

oops Northam... auto correct!!! AHHHHHHH

Awful game, but job done. I thought we played down to the opposition. Felt like we were watching a job of work rather than an entertaining spectacle. BUT.... Guly "He's off to Brazil" from the Northern made my afternoon! Class.

Osvaldo is currently a liability. Quite clearly a liability. BUT... if MP can harness his potential after this he could be a great. Lets get behind him - as soon as Fonte openly does.

Advice to new CEO. Sign MP on a 6 year + contract immediately.

I'm going with a draw. 1-1

Jolly good - we'll have forgotten about Cortese in two more wins. We could do with a new wealthy owner to back MP though.....

I find all this rather fascinating. Cortese doesn't kick a ball. As long as MP says he's staying tomorrow I am fairly chilled out. It's his team. We are a top half Premiership team kicking onwards and upwards. We should be able to attract the best Chief Exec in the land. Loved his ambition and ruthlessness to succeed but a few weeks ago he insinuated MP would be sacked if he didn't deliver. Sorry but Cortese got lucky because he found MP. If he stays so do our players and so do we. Bugger all to do with Cortese on the pitch. Thank you NC for finding MP, but good bye. Frankly, I don't care.

Natural leader, motivates, communicates the managers messages, leads by example and well on his way to being the next Saints legend. I've watched him grow into this role. The lad is an outstanding, passionate and a motivator on the pitch. Captain? Hell yeah. Complete no-brainer.