david in sweden

Orient needed a striker (George O'Brien) and Dave Webb looked good as a budding 19 year old full back, but he was an ambitious lad and saw we were going nowhere after a couple of seasons. Back to London, then ? - NO PROBLEM !

INDEED.... pound for pound....or should I say, MILLION for MILLION.. his agent must have seen us coming. I'm not actually sure if he wanted to stay in the first place, but once he took a look at his contract / offer.... it must have been a no-brainer. One of the worst-ever deals I can recall. Let's not forget who was manager at the time. Pochettino knew him (and his problems) from before, but must have thought he could rehabilitate him...

YES..right of course, my stats. actually showed 21-6 and very few of those were on target, nevertheless...... it was the 77% possession, I was looking at.... but the 0-0 away match was completely the opposite.....71% possession at one point in the game, but only 3 shots against their 6 ... Of course I wasn't decrying the whole season, but we had 60%+ possession in more than half of the games but only home fixtures v. Hull, Newcastle and Norwich were standout results. I'm sure I wasn't the only frustrated fan who saw so much possession rewarded by so few goals (in comparison to ball possession).

.......too much monkey-business?

AGREED, but we have to admit he was a big step-up from Jos Hooiveld.. who (thankfully) DAJFU in the Championship season, but was clearly out of his depth in the Prem. Lovren had a big ambition when he came, but it now seems his ambition may have outstripped his talent.

.........who looked so much better, because of some the players around them - who thankfully stayed.

...and good, honest observations from one of the most egotistical managerial voices I've heard in many a year. I wonder.....if he applied for the Saints job after MP " jumped ship? "

Agreed..even though some of our new hereoes aren't in the same generation as Academy newcomers, they all seem to be teachable and capable of improving themselves - even more.

there's no doubt that Pochettino's training methodology considerably increased the players work-rate, over that which Adkins had created in the lower divisions, despite the fact we were able to exploit the talents of Lambert, Lallana and Schneiderlin and the increased use of wing-backs. The pace in the Premier League was much faster than the Championship level and tbf, I don't think players or manager were quite prepared for it, and it was painfully apparant in the first half-season prior to Adkins' sacking. Pochettino's system upped the work rate considerably, but many times we achieved a huge share % of possession - often without ever creating many goal chances. Both games v. A. Villa were prime examples. Koeman said "his training formula" concentrated on intensive player activity for shorter periods in the game and we do seem to be able to find positions better now without everyone running around like headless chickens for 90 minutes. For all the good that Pochettino created, Koeman seems to have players relaxing a little more and has removed the need for that endless, non-creative ball-possession.

it's surely a product of a number of different issues that have all (finally) come together... ....after the bankruptcy (and Liebherr buy-out) ..Nicola Cortese (to his great credit) dragged the club, shouting and screaming into the 21st century. Re-organisations, re-structuring, tighter financial control and a few sackings thrown in made him the man you loved (or) hated. Managers (who DAJFU at different times). Credit must go to Alan Pardew in the beginning, (although there is no clear picture of why he was sacked). Nigel Adkins (who must have surprised himself) but was not quite upto the Prem.quality required in the first season....and Pochettino (who achievements have been well-documented (ad nauseum) on here for the last 6 months. The Academy which gave 16 year-olds a chance to train alongside first team players..(instead of only cleaning their boots) and an atmosphere of firm friendliness and good interaction between everyone in the club. Ronald Koeman echoed my thoughts (in interview today) that the summer "desertion " by some famous names, has given him the opportunity to build his own squad - instead of inheriting the previous fellow's. His appointment, and the current run of good games is proof of something " a bit special at SMS," but as I was once told ...many years ago ..." don't try and analyse your success.... just enjoy it "

Whilst we all marvel at the success of our Academy (to the detriment of many others) it does seem puzzling and although " The Southampton Way " sounds a bit mysterious to some, and "corny" to others, from time to time small cameos come out from interviews....that throw a little more light on the subject (like recent Les Reed presentation which was videoed...(if you didn't see it look back it's worthwhile) ....but I can recall an interview with Rupert Lowe...who was credited (by some) with developing the structure of the original Academy, was asked the banal question by a journalist in an interview.... ........................." where we found all these footballing talents ...when no-one else could..." he replied... "we are not looking for footballing skill (in a very young player)...we look for intelligence and athleticism....the rest... we can teach ".. (the more I think about this, the more common sense it makes). (perhaps the difference between those young footballing talents who can pass a lot of GCSE's ...and those who ask.... what do the initials stand for?)

Maybe not all domestic, I can't recall their line-up for that game, but I think there were a number of players who are with PL clubs ?..or ..

I think it may be that we are the only club doing it ......with any degree of success.........

that segment was about his "dancing career " in his teens...his older sister bullied him into it, but he became good .. though he doesn't say if it was ...quickstep, tango or paso doble:smug:

Fantastic...(thanks for the input The9)....that sounded really impressive.....if only players and officials understood how it was meant to work, it's be a perfect world.

another example of a player finding a place in the right team in the right league at the right time - and it fits his ability. As I recall, he scored more goals for Saints as an oncoming sub. than he ever did when picked to start games, when he was frequently subbed off himself. Pleased for him, but at his stage (and age)in his career, he's better off earning big bucks in the U.S. than harbouring thoughts of a return to the Football League. Championship level ...on a good day.

As I recall.....The " goal celebration rule " came about because one or two players had additional advertising on a vest under the team shirt which wasn't a sponsor message - what a crime that is in today's soccer market? Later it was adapted to cover all sorts of message and the latest interpretation of the rule seems to cover " excessive celebration ". Now I suppose it'll be down to the individual refs. to interpret that rule. Was it "excessive " celebration?....or just the joy of scoring......I mean.... what do refs. expects players to do in celebration when they score an important goal ? Smile ....and wave to the crowd? ....go back to the post-war days. A goal scorer might be expected to wave his arms, smile or even ....shout. His team-mates might come and ruffle his hair, pat him on the back and say " well done, lad " Now let's get back to the centre circle and get on with the game.

as usual .....they are two months behind in everything they write. Continuing to quote Pelle and Tadic's as " surprise summer signings " .....really is wearing a bit thin now. I'm sure most neutrals are aware of where Saints are in the Prem.Table and who's who .... very poor journalism.

very interesting article and more background info. about " The Southampton Way ".. Onwards and upwards.

whether he goes or not......I'm surprised that the media still regard such a rumour as a forgone conclusion and that Jay Rod would want to move to "a big club " like Spuds, and that we would come with open arms to accept some measly offer for him........just because it's THEM. The fact of the matter is that, aside from winning the League Cup in 2008 ......they haven't won a trophy since FA Cup (1990-91) and it's a surprise to me they've survived at the top end so long as Daniel Levy seems to change managers almost every season. Of course if JayRod has this " longing " to join Pochettino mindset.... that may be a short-lived situation ....as MP may not survive the rest of the season. To continue thinking of Spuds as a "Big Club " .....is like people thinking England are a world-class nation in international Football.... because we won the World Cup - once- 48 years ago .

according to (someone's comment) recently on this site.....Jason Dodd had said that Ryan Seager was the next " big thing."....

I seem to recall reading / hearing a comment form Koeman...... that he was going to review Jack Cork' situation in December....?.......or ?

Point taken, but at the same time it must be boring for someone who's been out for 6 months to have to go on about his recevery... when all he wants to do is be out there training with the rest of the squad. Better to wait for interviews when he's back in the action.........

and you thought it was all a dream .....

Mmmm... perhaps they couldn't get an advert to fill that top corner?