Badger

Most damning thing about it is that he hasn’t been plucked from some remote far flung tinpot league in Ecuador or New Guinea, but from Germany, a league known only too well to Spors and our Head Scout. Next time let Mariella take a punt.

Based on earlier reports, he’s two weeks away …

It’s called the ‘David Connolly Syndrome’.

This seems to be a bit of an apologists post on behalf of SR, or at the very least one trying to make some damage limitation. I don’t think it’s hindsight to be critical of the player or the signing. I think many questioned the pedigree of the player, and the fact Koln - recently promoted- didn’t see him as an important player for their future and he seemed readily available without too much competition. The only surprise is that’s he’s worse than anyone feared he might be. Unfortunately Saints track record in signings only goes to add to the ‘expectations’ of the doubters at the time. Archer another poor signing, called by many at the time including me. (In the interest of balance though I thought BBD might be worthwhile based on his scoring record at half a season at Sheff Utd). None of us can be right all the time, but our recruitment of strikers is a pretty pitiful success rate. Nothing to do with hindsight.

And the GK situation. McCarthy is performing well at the moment admittedly, but we all know some of his limitations. Then we’re only an injury away from bringing back Crisp Packet Hands.

Yeh, but meaningless statistics aside, he had a good game didn’t he?

Possibly but if it is then it’s further evidence of dereliction of duty by those in charge, who can only have been sleepwalking in recent weeks. The writing has been on the wall for a few weeks and matches now (esp Hull), so if they haven’t considered the possibility of a change, even making tentative enquiries, then that is shocking. But on evidence of recent seasons not a surprise.

If anything we don’t look as good in terms of physicality and fitness

Based on what you’ve seen here to date what does he seem like to you? A young manager with a decent track record elsewhere with potential, or one who is really struggling to impose himself and make an impression? Like it or not, whilst our form and performances continue as they are, his backstory will continue to be trotted out as someone who has left the comfortable world of managing from a keyboard to struggling to do it in the cut and thrust of Championship real world. The ‘laptop’ comment is - rightly or wrongly - the one that many fans especially of other clubs see. And at the moment little is being seen to dispel the implied criticisms.

Just read that Steve Bruce is now available. Again. Wasn’t it Les Reed who was said to be impress by him ?

Think you knew how this might turn out when you typed that didn’t you ?

All winnable - although Ashton Gate is a bit of a bogey ground - with a decent manager, set up, and motivation of the team.

At least we’ve seen an improvement in nuns this season

Do you mean Downes (Flynn) or Downs (Damion)? Or both ? I assume it’s Downs, but both came on today, both haven’t been playing well (Flynn occasionally, Damion continually), and both have had some flak from supporters. Apart from that, at least they don’t look alike.

You’re probably right. Things aren’t going well, but let’s leave it until another day before thinking about making a decision. Then there’s the Sheff Weds match after that one ….

Formerly on the Rasmus spectrum if reports are to be believed.

Many a true word said in jest. As you say, there are no signs it’ll get better. I’d be surprised if Saints aren’t sounding out potential replacements already.

When does anyone think we'll announce his new three year contract ?

Pleased for them. Don't suppose they've got any up and coming Terry Paines these days have they ?

Its concerning how we manage to sign players and coach their skills and even it seems appetite for the game out of them. It's a touch of both though that some players we know won't be up to standard over a season (Bazunu the obvious one). In other cases, like you mention it largely rests with the manager, selection, tactics, motivation - it just isn't there. Thing for me is that we seem to sign players off the back of form and peformance elsewhere then want to play them in a different way. Square pegs and round holes springs to mind. Azaz perfect example, obviously doing great things and standing out in this Division for Plymouth and Middlesbrough, so why isn't he doing it for us, what are we asking him to do differently ? Said it before but to date he has the hallmarks of another Alan McCloughlan signing. Might also add recruitment into this, try buying round pegs for round holes, but once going onto the pitch it is on the manager for me. How much have we spent, and where are we in the league ? Ridiculous.

Board "Give him till the next international break " "well that was a creditable draw at home to Sheffield Weds ... see how he gets on to the New Year" late Dec "well of course, it isn't fully his side, lets see how he gets on spending £40m, Johannes any more [duds] we can get cheaply to grow on from Germany ?" end of Window ; "well lets see how his players bed in .." Easter " we're making headway getting away from the bottom three be a shame to change now " End of season " hey Will, we've prepared a new five year contract ready to sign..." And some fans will go along with it.

Wonder if Big Adam will remain silent on the issue.

One point out of six away to Hull and Derby. Credit to Still for dropping some of the 'undropables' but a piss poor return from games we should be winning.

In other good news up this way Gloucester, Bishops Cleeve beat Sholing 2-1 today as well. All very good but none of it really compensates for Saints dropping points.

Trying to be positive then,today is one more point than we'd have had if Bazunu was in goal.