Saint Fan CaM

And 6) Appointing Selles as interim Manager to the end of the season. Who would not bet on this being reality?

A good old conspiracy theory - Rasmus had no intention of appointing anyone other than his chum Selles. It was as plainly obvious as our relegation that Marsch was never going to join on the terms offered. Yep, starting to think Selles will take us down and probably start the re-build too.

Slightly disappointed that SR are seemingly not acting decisively as I’d come to the conclusion that JM could be a good fit. However, I’d also come to the conclusion that keeping Selles at the helm until end of season was not a bad idea from the Boards POV, particularly when relegation is pretty much nailed on. However, I don’t believe Selles is going to be able to coach/manage the team to any level of consistency…I think he’s been too close to the players. And the game(s) he’s taken charge of already have been poor. Where now? Who the hell knows…it’s like trying to predict the weather.

Err, and his mates Bree and Janny B.

I don’t doubt that his huge sense of self-worth will help him through, but if not I hope his mental health doesn’t suffer…nobody should wish that on anyone else. The pay-out compensation should help soften the blow a bit too, however once he starts the search for something new the reality of having to fish in a lower grade pond will be hard. I primarily blame SR for appointing him in the first place - a huge mistake - so don’t hold any malice towards NJ.

I believe Jesse M beat them recently 3-0? Must be an advantage having that knowledge in the bank come Saturday?

Doesn’t know where Wales is and has no passion for young welsh girls.

You may be right ultimately, but his tactics are not identical to previous incarnations. For example his press style is “press to score” rather than just press for possession and “press as one” rather than the stretched out press we’ve seen with Ralph etc.

Breaking news in SSN now: Jesse Marsch on verge of becoming new Southampton Manager Looks like it’s happening - get behind Jesse!

I don’t think that’s a given…SR have the financial clout to keep these guys for at least a season in the Championship I would think (plus parachute payment) and they’re on contracts. The only issue will be if they have relegation clauses in their contracts - more likely with Tall Paul and Sally. Might need to sell if we don’t go straight back up.

Well I have to say I was not in favour initially of Marsch, mainly because there seemed to be better high profile candidates available. The problem of course is they’re likely not available to us! Having done a bit more research (including watching his utube CV video which I thought was good), I do think that he would be a very good fit. And as someone has already eluded, sometimes so called ‘failed’ managers do extremely well at another club where their tactics, training and philosophy are more suited to the club and squad setup. He’d be coming into a reasonably unpressured project…try to keep us up, or if not, keep the squad motivated for a big promotion push in the 23-24 season. I am now fully bought into the JM hype and I hope the club get it done quickly. Well, until he plays Bednarek, then I’m fully #marschout! 🤣

Hugely revealing these insights and I suspect there could be more in time. Given the evidence…the stats shall we say…it’s clear to me that the team’s performance was adversely affected by (a) Jones insecurity and lack of tactical know-how and (b) a legacy (or even on-going) pressure from the club to play in a certain way (hence his comments about compromising and doing it his way). Just goes to show that any Prem Manager is sandwiched between demanding players, the Board and the fans so the CV has to indicate balls of steel and a clear identity, neither of which Jones had. Despite his dismal time here I hope he’s able to regain some self-respect and mental health. Having a shit load of money doesn’t necessarily mean you’re happy. One things for sure, you’ll not be seeing NJ near the upper tier of English football any time soon.

Good point well made! Trouble is I’m not sure where he’d best fit in, although I might be tempted to play him instead of JWP…I know, controversial. Perhaps start him instead of Stu A or push Sully up front and have Alcatraz on the right.

From Twitter this morning… Once again, all staff at Southampton received an email from Martin Semmens this morning. Informed them of decision to part ways with Jones & co, which was not easy but “one we believe is in the best interests of the club”. Adds “now we must all pull together”

Caballero KWP (or Bree) DCC. Salisu. Perraud Lavia Sulemana. JWP. Stu A Tall Pall. Arma. Subs: Baz, Che, Orsic, Edozie, Mara, ABK, Lyanco, KWP/Bree, Djenepo, Ely Attack is best form of defence against Chelsea right now and fuck it, what have we got to lose - don’t score, don’t win games? We need masses of pace and I’ve not seen that from Orsic yet so he’s benched. Edozie on for Stu at about 60mins to run at tired legs. I’ve noticed Tall Paul (like Crouchy) is actually better with his feet than his head, so would tell them to only hoof it when clearing defensive lines…i.e. don’t risk tip-tap passing it out at the back unless it’s clear Chelsea are not pressing. I hope Selles doesn’t try anything too radical otherwise it’ll be too much for the team and it’ll be another shitshow. Something tells me though that we’ll see 5 at the back again with Bednarek in place…reckon that’s his thing. A win would be a huge moral booster. It might also see Selles stay in post until end of season and frankly I wouldn’t mind that.

So, looks like Marsch is no.1 favourite now? Highly risky appt if true. Gallardo or Nuno would be my choices.

Wow, Poch ahead of Gallardo?! I’ll give up entirely if Allardyce is appointed. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Selles in charge to end of season.

Late to the party here - great news! Its difficult to second guess where SR will take this - Selles to the end of the season makes sense in terms of relegation, but if there’s even a glimmer of hope they may decide to appoint a ‘star’ manager short term… Bielsa?

#jonesout I’m numb to it now. Bring on the Championship.

Love seeing Bednarek get all nice and pally with Lemina as they walk in the pitch. If didn’t know better I’d say he put that ball in our net as compensation for his mate being sent off. But anyway, he’s our best CB back in from the cold, so it can’t be. Jones the utter coward getting straight down the tunnel, not even waiting for his players. Such a poor manager - bet he’s laying into his players telling them how much shit they’ve brought down on him. If he had any sense of decency he’d resign immediately, but he won’t because in his mind it’s not about him. I’m not hurting over the inevitable relegation because Ralph and the Board pretty much sealed that and I’ve been expecting it for months. What I’m really pissed off about is the lack of summer signings and the appointment of Jones.

Great chance from Sully but ultimately not enough. Criminal that we’ve let them win - utter shit.

Think Jones is too busy ball watching…needs a sun. Oh beautiful - Bednarek does what he does best and gets an OG. Twat.

AMN has actually been very solid today…so far. Wolves starting to knock on the door and we’re looking nervous. Not a good sign.

Who does Jones sub? Not easy to decide…perhaps Armstrong for Tall Paul?

Don’t think we’re really making them pay for having 10 men TBH. Need to make them run when in possession.