Long Shot

Martin might communicate well and be likeable, plausible and fan savvy but there is nothing on his cv that suggests he can actually manage. Saturday was a massive crash to earth moment. That defeat was worse than anything under Jones according to Jo Tessem. Was it a one off? We shall see but I’m not over hopeful that SR haven’t made another clanger.

Too many Saints fans back the managers because “I like him he’s a nice guy”. I am sure RM is a great chap to have a pint with but his record is unspectacular to say the least and his tip tappy tactics are inappropriate and unlikely to work considering the players we have and the League we are in.

I agree with this. I had big doubts about his tippy tappy style which were partly eased by our performance at Hillsborough. All my fears have resurfaced after this embarrassment.

Don’t mind losing, it happens but I sure hate losing when all we offer is tip tappy passive football with no passion or fight. Very disappointed in RM’s team selection and his one dimensional tactics.

We undoubtedly have a strong squad but it’s overloaded and I’m sure the Board will be disappointed they couldn’t shift Tall Paul and ABK (update, just realised he actually went somewhere). Much will depend on the attitude of the wantaways. I am sure Adams will give his all (he’ll want to impress potential suitors in the next window). Not so sure about Sulemana though. I’ve gone for a 7/10 but as ever the proof in the pudding will be in the eating.

Not sure I’d welcome another reluctant Ghanaian

Or he sees his contract out with us then leaves for nothing next summer.

Heard from an impeccable source that money is an issue right now. Why that should be with all the incomings I have no idea but don’t expect any big money signings this week. Don’t shoot the messenger just passing on some info that came my way.

I’ve actually not been that impressed by Tella this season. I know he’s has been responsible for 2 goals but his all round game has been underwhelming and Sam A-A has been much more exciting. Adams going does concern me as we will struggle to replace him. He is good for 15-20 goals this season and those sort of players don’t grow on trees. How many loans are we allowed as we are up to 3 already and I thought that was the limit?

Obviously they want promotion and we are much more valuable as a PL team, that I accept but the point I was (clumsily) making was ultimately SR purchased us to make money. Yes they have spent but as things stand this morning most of that has been recouped.

With respect I think you are being naive. You are viewing things through the eyes of a fan crossing his fingers hoping that the owners have the club’s football interest to the forefront of their modus operandi. We are owned by a Serbian media tycoon. He has no allegiance to southampton FC (no matter how desperate you are to think otherwise) so he will manipulate us according to see how he thinks it’s best to make money. Fans are labouring under delusion if they think SR are in it to make us better. No they are in it to bolster their bank balance. Sorry.

Sports Republic are in this for one main reason and that is to make a profit. Let’s not ever forget that. Sure, us being successful massively helps that priority but our success is not necessarily the most prominent part of their agenda. They are businessmen first and foremost and banking 15m for Adams rather than getting nothing next year is a no brainer even if it leaves us dependent on the likes of Ballard.

Stephens already has 3 bookings

We’ve already got enough Ghanaians who don’t want to be here.

Bizarre post. Don’t confuse criticism with negativity and also the support for our last home game was remarkable especially as we lost.

I think we all “fell in love with Ralph” at first. He was like a breath of fresh air with his confident no nonsense manner but something ain’t right this season. I can only think the rumoured bust up he had with Rohl has effected him in some way. They fell out about a month before the departure was officially announced so maybe Ralph was hoping for a rapprochement? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

For those who might have missed this on another thread http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/4000947.See_today_s_Daily_Echo_for_a_blow_by_blow_account_of_Saints__AGM/

So you were there and saw him throw coins at Lowe did you? No, I thought not! I love the way people pontificate on here basing their opinions on nothing more than dubious heresay. As far as I could see (and I was there) RC walked down the aisle and went to toss some coins on the desk in front of Lowe and was immediately jumped upon by about 4 guards. I am not sure any coins actually reached Lowe - I certainly did not see any.

To be fair Daren - Rupert had already decreed that Anne McMenemy would have the last question - so the walkout did not stop any further business except the polling. Lowe's ridiculous anser to AM's question was the final straw for many - you had to be there mate, his behaviour and demeanour was extraordinary even by his standards.

Wise and true words

One of the points Crouch made at yesterday's AGM before it descended into farce and acrimony was that we had loaned too many young players and perhaps it might have been more advisable to have got in some more experienced hands. This kid maybe a good prospect but what we need right now is a bit of steel and a lot of leadership.

Perhaps you should have been there and thus got a better feel of the anger. Lowe was at his sanctimonious worst and had shut down any further debate at the time of the walkout. To see an AGM walkout like that painted a picture that will last long in Lowe's pysche.

Window Cleaner, AdriansFC, NickG over to you? Your country expects

I can only repeat that is exactly what Lowe said. I heard it with my own ears. He was also banging on about also signing a player who smoked and had dodgy knees but by then the meeting was in a state of uproar.

a respected non-political ex player, still close to the club. He actually said 25 to 30 grand to be fair. I have no idea how he got to that figure, but I assume there were meals, transport, entertainment and other expenses. Tbh it is not so much the amount but the fact that while cutbacks are made around the stadium and on the playing side the powers to be still get their little jollies. I am not against the players having a knees up at Xmas but for the whole shebang to take place over 2 or even 3 days in Dublin is a little excessive, considering the club is facing administration.