Saint Fan CaM

Bit of a mess really - got to pity their fans...one minute their on their way to the Prem in 3 seasons and the next everything is falling to rat poo. I think the "quietly quietly catch a monkey" approach taken by Nicola and Markus is working a treat. I still have to almost pinch myself when I think how good the club set-up is now compared to how poor it had become under the previous regime. And we're in League One with Alan Pardew as our Manager! How fortunate are we?!?

Agreed

Delldays - striving for mediocracy is a trait our previous Board were guilty of and to maintain that midset this season would see us relegated once again. If we strive for excellence (as we should), this will STILL not guarantee a top 6 place THIS SEASON unfortunately, largely because of all the adverse factors that the club has had to endure over the summer (i.e. since going bust). We MIGHT get to the play-offs...we might not, but IMO this will not represent failure given the utter depths the club fell to in all respects.

Absolutely...good post.

I think there are three key points to this decision... a. Donny need a short term loan - Gillet is not a bad player atall, especially with the right team make-up. b. Gillet is a small guy and AP needed to raise the overall size of the team for this division so they literally didn't keep getting beat up and overun by the oppo's especially in midfield. Good move IMO. c. Gillet is part of last seasons losing team mentality. It showed in so many of the younger/smaller players and is only now starting to be erradicated. Good move by AP to marginalise that element in the squad.

Do you honestly believe that Exeter and Yeovil are looking to achieve anything but the highest position possible???!?!! That really is being completely disrepectful of those clubs and frankly the wrong mindset entirely...i.e. "we're such a big club we have the right to win everything". I would bet my house on their respective Managers telling their teams to go out and win every match without exception and regardless of tactics. With this in mind I cannot for minute understand why you think your above comment has anything whatsoever to do with the opening post, which suggests that by averages we're odds on for a play-off place. Once again let's be clear - it MAY happen, we might all WANT it to happen. But given the start to the season it's very unlikely to happen, even though our form currently may suggest otherwise. For that reason, I completely disagree that a mid-table to lower placing would be 'disgraceful' as you put it THIS SEASON. Next season - completely different kettle of chips.

Just to be clear, I did not say that I thought it was impossible because clearly mathematically it is possible. The PROBABILITY though is that it will not happen and that is a more realistic view IMO. However, I like every other Saints fan would be over the moon IF a play-off place is achieved. Any competitive sport is about winning and I am sure AP sets out a game plan every match that he thinks will win the game for us. Clearly, aiming to win is the prime objective on matchday. Sometimes though it doesn't work and the -10 gave us a massive deficit to overcome this season with little margin for error, which is why Markus and Nicola set a 5 year recovery plan. Much of our margin for error was used up in early season draws/losses because of a missed pre-season. It's coming together and we can be optimistic, but this needs to be channelled to the long-term rather than short. One thing is for sure, I will not be calling for AP to be sacked IF we don't make the play-offs, but there's a good chance some on here will because they want everything now. Good management and patience will get us back to the Prem - of that I can say that I am certain.

34 games left - law of averages might say that 1/3 of these games would be wins (i.e. 11), 1/3 draws and the rest losses. So, let's give the team a little advantage and say we win 12, draw 11 and lose 11. That's a total of 52 for the season and so not enough to get to play-offs, but will be a respectable finish given where we started. It's also much more realistic taking into account rubbish ref decisions, injuries etc etc. I think mid-table is about right ready for a mighty push next season and this fits exactly with the clubs 5 year plan. Anything above 52 pts will require huge luck and will be a massive bonus IMO.

What a top top result. This team is really starting to get it on now. Great game plan from AP. Can't wait to see next game now.

What the **** is going on? Surely that is a sending off? What are Solent saying about it? (please)

Come on you red & White maaachiiine!!!

I feel like the poor relation here with super slow match updates...BUT Yeeeessss 1-3!!!! I was thinking two things after the 2nd goal went in...(a) we're starting to show some real metal at last and (b) the two new signings must be wondering if they'll ever get picked!!!

Yeeeesssss! Come on f-ing Saints!!!!

Was it a headed goal or a shot?

I'm limited to using my I-touch in Ibiza & the player (well Adobe) doesn't work on I-touch or I-phone. Any other net radio links would be great?!

Keep the info rolling in please guys - gutted I cannot hear the game even tho I have a Saints player account. ):

Superb start lads!

Thanks for all the updates from those with radio-still abroad with only the foru and Sky News to keep me informed. COYS!

OMG. I swear I will never say a bad word about Wotton again. Says loads that Saga didn't take one tho. COYR & W machine. Lol.

Pls someone keep us without radio updated on pens!

I hope Wotton doesn't take a pen - he's bound to hit it bcakwards into the wrong goal! Lol

Not putting pressure on opposition keeper at home? Now that frankly is terrible tbh. Sounds just like the team from last season. Tells methe sooner we ship out these 2nd rate players the better.

I do believe we are fielding 6 1st team players?! ):

Not sure bringing on Saga will be the answer. If that guy ever scores another goal for Saints I'll eat my socks.

According to SSN Torquay are starting with a 3-5-2 formation. Pretty adventurous stuff away from home? Looks like it might pay off.