Saint Fan CaM

I think he's probably been arse-whipped by NC this afternoon or knew he was in for a good spanking anyway, hence his somewhat muted and quite different approach to the interview. I suspect he knows he's walking a very thin line now.

I think the subs silenced SMS today for a while - I believe many were wondering (like me) how long it the defence would hold on to a fragile 1-0 lead or 1-1 draw after substitutions that quite clearly suggested we were not going to try to win the game. Completely played into Fulhams hands IMO and that's the responsibility of just one man - step forward NA. I don't think he's going to last in the job if he keeps making poor subsitution decisions like he has been. His post-match interview was quite different and muted - I think he knows it too.

If he started, who would he replace? Lallana - the captain? Ramirez - our best player? Play him on the right where he's not played before? Can't see it myself.

I think this will be our first draw of the season 2-2. However, I can also see this being a hard game and with some key players out, Fulham will be no pushover - far from it - so it could end up 1-3. IF we lose, then I do fear for Adkins position - while winning became a habit last season, it could equally be said that a losing mentality may be starting to set-in to the players minds and if that's true then managerial change could become an inevitable consequence. There are experienced top Managers waiting in the wings for a pop at keeping us up I suspect. It's probably true to say the decision will rest on the nature of the defeat (if it happens) rather than the actual result itself - i.e. another game lost due to conceding late or tactical substitutions going horribly wrong.

Bent beat Fox to the ball twice in his zone when scoring Villa's goal which is probably why NA dropped him and put Clyne there. I think Fox has a real problem understanding the zonal marking issue and so gets caught. I think he'll be back for Everton though.

Not an easy game and I think we'll probably lose 3-1. However, the keys to this game will be shoring up the flanks, in particular ensuring Clyne is not exposed and secondly, not giving them time on the ball, meaning playing OUR game higher up the pitch, just like we did 2nd half against Villa. If we set-up the defence for zonal marking for corners and free-kicks into the box, Fellaini will have a field day. IF NA gets the tactics right and the team give everything for 94mins, we might come away with a 1-1 or 2-2 draw.

Suggest you read what I said sunshine. I asked a question - I made no assumptions - so after you take your foot out of your mouth, you might like to calm down a bit.

Welcome to Artur - looks to be a surprising and astute signing. I suspect the years contract was his choice perhaps, or that we've not had enough time to evaluate his personality which appears to be a big factor in making decisions on players. Let's hope he does well for us.

I think I made myself very clear TBF. To say "KD is screwed" is an immature and senseless comment. To say he is probably 2nd or 3rd choice now we've bolstered the GK ranks I think is more respectful to a guy who is a great character, can still play football if called upon and as club captain deserves more frankly.

I said on here some time ago that I predicted he could become our Sir Alex. Just wait and see - stability and focus on the right KPI's will get the club results unlike anything we've experienced before - it'll just take time to steadily build and shape it into the finished article. But also remember that NA is just one (important) cog in the wheel - there's so much more going on behind the scenes to make Saints a massive club.

"How screwed is Kelvin Davis?". Well if that's not disrespectful I don't know what is! Reminds me of a kid throwing away his old toy after being bought a new one. KD has been instrumental in so much of Saints rise through the leagues, both on and off the field - he's been a faithful servant and his saves did as much in the Championship as Lamberts goals. We've brought in good competition for the no.1 jersey - KD may still be selected if he proves he's better than the other guys (Gazza was OK, but let's face it he had little to do and on a couple of occasions looked rooted to the spot). So if KD plays again, are you saying you'll not be supporting him? Suggest you get a little perspective.

He will be our first choice left back now I would wager. Big shout out too for Frazer Richardson, who I thought put on a fantastic show at RB after being out for so long.

The perfect substitution for a tired Puncheon (who I thought was superb yesterday).

I reckon on 18. NA has the front line playing very fluidly and that suits Lambo, Adam, Puncheon and Gaston, also playing a higher line too. It's when that clicked yesterday that we tore Villa apart. You could see Lambo and Gaston in all kind's of space.

Incredible win. Incredible performances - Clyne better at LB than RB. Richardson had a great game and looked class. Only Fox looked shaky and even he had a better 1st half than normal I thought. We might just get something at Everton now?

I think so too. Cannot honestly see NA risking this game on PG - would be a shock. On the game itself, I am very much looking forward to it and think Saints could win, however I suspect we will be 2-1 up with 10 minutes to play and Villa will come back with a Bent substitution and goal to draw 2-2. Bitter sweet once again.

Mmm, be careful what you wish for springs to mind here. The lad may be one for the future, but this game is so important that if he has a mare, he may never get over it and some supporters may never ALLOW him to get over it.

Judging by the title, I think the OP has had a little too much fruit juice on a Thursday for his/her own good.

The whole ground will go quiet if things start to look dodgy let's face it and the Northam (despite contrary beliefs) will be just as bad. We need an early goal to soak up some tension from the game - that's the answer.

Great story...yep, see out his career at Saints and he'll be classed a legend I believe. His goals got us back up through the tables.

FFS, we don't play with wingers - what the hell is wrong with you? Have you missed the entire summer activity and all the games through that period? The formation is 4-3-3 meaning there are two outside strikers who drop back into midfield to defend. Again - we don't play wingers anymore! HTH.

As I posted above Art, I believe Kelvin D is still club captain. Agree that Adam probably could do without the added stress right now, but hey who knows...perhaps he's a completely different personality in the dressing room to the one we see.

Yep - this is much more likely I would imagine, but with GR and Lallana swapped.

My view is we will shock the world with a thumping of Villa and our season will be off to the start we deserve. And in other news...

Might as well get rid now. On the other hand, we could learn from the revolving door policy of the Lowe era, get behind the club we support including the Manager come thick or thin. If NC wants rid of NA, then it'll probably happen when we least expect anyway.