david in sweden

Sorry, I work with language teaching. Many different nationalities,and I often see ..." what they meant to say " when people mispronounce, use wrong vocabulary etc, so I'm used to hearing bad /wrong pronunciations all the time. The earlier contributor seemed to be confused by MWs statement (on DMG) when he said " mentally right ". It did sound a bit strange! I might have said.. " he had the right mental attitude " (in order to play OK.) ..and not that he (DMG) was mentally unstable /or disorientated by arrest. Not having seen the game, I read observers who did, and suggested that DMG wasn't the only one who wasn't " in best form " , (not surprising against a top team pushing for promotion) - but clearly some people think the two things (his arrest / subsequent subbing in Brum game) were in some way related.

Not so many games, but a lot is often shown on cable TV. (Viasat Football, TV9 , and TV4 sport.) IMHO Pavey is " popular " because he is English, rather than his influence on the pitch, although he does turn in some good games. More interest seems to be for James Keene (Elfsborg) ...a former Pompey youth player (I think ?)...who was match-winner and star attraction in quite a few matches last year. Elfsborg were unlucky not to take the title, but Kalmar scored dozens of goals and were worthy winners, whilst Elfsborg had a fantastic defensive record (ala van de Saar / Man.U) but didn't find the net as often, and eventually only missed out on title by a couple of points.

He's not wrong there...playing to the whistle, (especially when added time is involved) shouldn't be done with one eye on the clock in the 46th min.!

Another instance of " unusual language " , wrong synonyms or misquoted expressions. Seems (to me) MW meant that (the arrest) hadn't affected DMGs mental attitude to the game. As far as subbing him at HT, it seems to me that we were struggling a bit (as might be expected v. a top team), and by all accounts a few other players might have gone instead. Maybe he (DMG) wouldn't have been " up-to-it" on the day, anyway ? Getting Paterson up to pace (after his subs. goal last week) would seem to have been a good move, and keep him sharp.

A home win (over Derby) would not harm their survival chances, but another home defeat for Saints would be catastrophic ! Losing at home isn't good for any team, but (logically) MOST teams win more at home - as they should. Losing tonight (Tuesday) would be a nail in the coffin that we might never be able to survive, even though our away form has been so good, we can't rely on that any more. Barnsley (our nearest rivals above) have 2 games in hand, even if we do win and overtake them. Hard times ! COYR !!!!!!!!!!!

That's 3 games away - after the away game at Blackpool. If we can pick up 10 points by then, then we will (hopefully) move up the table, and avoid the drop, assuming Norwich, Forest and Blackpool continue their slump. If less than 5... then we'd be as good as down already by May. A longer term revival, (say 20-24 points from a poss. 30) means we could still take the 10 point reduction - but still survive in CCC.

Of course it's difficult to take when former players score and ours don't; But consider the circumstances about their leaving - and also ask yourself - How long do you persevere with players before you let them go? The likes of Brett Ormerod; a nice guy, hard working and loyal was hardly ever up to standard with us, although the kindest that can be said is that he was a good partner (with assists) to James Beattie in JB's high scoring seasons. Other names like Mills (Donc), Howard (Barnsley) and Blackstock (QPR) keep coming up to haunt some people, but in fairness ; Mills wanted to go (and follow Wigley to Man.City), Howard was (by some accounts) someone with "an attitude" and not a good influence in the dressing room and Blackstock was only one of three or four in his generation in U18 side, not on top form just then, and it was a good deal at the time. In recent years, few strikers have had so much criticism (from fans) as had Greg Rasiak DESPITE the fact that he was ONE of only THREE strikers to have scored 20 goals in a season - in the last 20 years ! Now he is away on loan ..and scores OCCASIONALLY suddenly lots of people think it's a mistake. Rasiak is often sub. (not even first choice at Watford) and the last time I looked... hadn't scored as many goals this season as that other much-criticised, but much less experienced striker - David McGoldrick ! We need some perspective, and must learn to live with the fact that other (former) players will sometimes pop up and score goals that hurt us, however they can rarely be considered MUCH better than the talent we have now.

.....surely it depends on the service they get from midfield. I don't think Giggs or Rooney have the same problem as Saints do... the role that DMG plays (in the " hole" ) is vital to feed the two front men, and if that doesn't work then it's a problem. IF not DMG ? Who is the best passer of the ball from our midfield ? Lallana, Surman, Gillett..or ? Euell is undoubtedly more effective up front, so he's best kept there ..so what is plan B?

for those fans who follow the fortunes of former Saints players and ..are interested in Swedish football...see my update on OVERSEAS SAINTS thread. regards David Cross Stockholm Sweden.

when I posted last year I noted that several hundred people looked at the thread, so for those interested..here goes. Former Saints midfielder...Anders Svensson (captain of Elfsborg) missed half of last season but despite a strong fight - Elfsborg missed title against eventual champs Kalmar. Anders is fit and playing again... and scored winner in practice game at weekend. ( Swedish season starts April and runs to November.) Most interest fór Stockholm fans is the (second) promotion of Brommapojkarna (Bromma Boys) which is the "Mother of all Academies" and the nursery for many of the top Swedish players who move on to top clubs. They run 180 teams in Stockholm for boys and girls from 6-15, and their senior side contains several teenagers, as well as older players who return to the club in their twilight years. Two years ago they were promoted to the Swedish Prem. and although totally unprepared for the top flight, were unlucky to be relegated on goal-difference. Last year, they made a terrific run-in and, finished third in Div.1 (read CCC) and won the play-off - so they are back again in the Prem. For them every game will be a David /Goliath match and secretly everyone is willing them to survival this time around. More updates as and when ... David Cross Stockholm Sweden

I believe he had, (what is politely described as) an " attitude" , and it didn't go down well in the dressing room, or with the coaching staff. Mark Peters had a few games with Brentford and later disappeared from League football. A similar situation with Brian Howard (later Barnsley) I think, but with more success, of course.

My thought entirely, saint Ed with 6 experienced players... and 5 " newer recruits ", it might be described as one of Ted Bates better sides ... " a good balance of youth and experience " Having TOO MANY youngsters at one go, (as we did in the Autumn) is the difference. Now Perry has someone "dependable" in Saijs. to play alongside, Skacel showing a bit of form now he settled, and with Saga and Euell up front... the younger lads have good role-models, and a bit more time to play themselves in. The youthful midfield ; Lallana, Surman, Schneiderlin, McG. and Gillett - look exciting with so much energy to run around. COYR !!!!

Sounds worrying that, Did he get booked by the ref. for removing clothing after a goal celebration?

I'll go with that too, Andrew. Three wins on the trot is great , isn't it ? ..(when did that happen last ?) BUT I'd be happier to see this form continue a bit longer.

ME too ! People need to " read between the lines" and not take every word literally. My understanding if that was the same; his long lay-off means he is even more eager to get fit and back playing again. Too many " injured " players with long lay-offs hobble around (yes in pain, too), but have the wrong attitude. LOOK poor me, I'm injured. Others are angry as he** every week that they cannot go training, and are longing for their first kick about, and totally obsessed with their return to the team. Most players have at least one "big" long-term injury in their career, the real test is how they come back from it. Some return but never recover their form, and some that do never get back in the reckoning. Those with longer memories may recall Andy Townsend..who came as a 35K recruit from Weymouth Town in the last days of Lawrie Mac's time. He got regular games with Chris Nicholls side, but broke a leg in a pre-season friendly. By the time he came back he was battling with MLT and Rod Wallace for the no. 7 shirt. Nicholl must have thought he'd done good deal in getting £300K and sold him to Norwich. But Later moves to Chelsea and Villa...and over 10 years as a regular in the Irish international side showed that it was one of Nichol's few (major) mistakes in the transfer market. Townsend was made of sterner stuff. I hope that Pulis recovers ..and gets to play, but I'd hate the thought of history (perhaps) repeating itself.

Good point adrians, All strikers need to be a bit ****y / arrogant, it goes with the territory, and rightly so. You can keep as many clean sheets as you like, but you still have to score to get the points. Look at recent form between Man.U and Arsenal, both have very tight defences but one scores goals regularly and the other finds it tough. Rasiak is NOT a team player, and he is still obsessed with himself. (Beattie was a bit - but no-one minded as long as he was scoring.) Euell is a bit further along the line than most and he has become a team player, helping others and giving chances that others might take themselves. I'm pleased for his sake, I think he deserved his goals on tuesday - if for no other reason than effort. IF he can retain his current form for the rest of the season, he could be the single most important factor in keeping us up. Like Stern John and Dwight Yorke, who have both peaked in their careers, he has so much experience and skill that in the right team, he runs the show single handed. IF we stay up.. and JE goes, Rasiak may return a more humble player who's prepared to put his own efforts aside and become MORE of a team player than he was before. I think he'd do well, as NO-ONE has ever scored so many away goals for Saints in one season as GR.

Is this that Anglophile / xenophobic bit again ..an English manager ! How many " successful " English managers are at the top of the Premiership, or even the CCC for that matter. Very few! What is this obsession with ENGLISH managers ? Yes there are a lot of English managers unemployed ..so why do you think..? Most of them are still trying to play the 1990's 4-4-2 formations and don't play enough wide men. You must play according to the squad you have and thats what the successful men are doing. Know your limitations! After the disgraceful sacking of that " boring old Swede Sven Göran E. " the MEDIA got what they wanted ...an English manager, who was probably the worst candidate to ever get the job. I was ashamed to watch England games with MacLaren's team selections. I like the Dutch football style, always have, ever since the heady days of the late 70's when (apart from occasional English side,) teams like Ajax, with players like Cruyff and van Basten were an absolute joy to watch. I hope we survive ..and that the club has the courage to let Wotte & Co continue their football " experiment ". IF we get this side up to scratch NEXT season, they'll take the league by storm.. if they continue to play like this. COYR !!!!!!!!!

Of course there is a big culture clash here. " E 'aint Inglish ' iver " Take it from me, living with and speaking a " foreign " language can be very challenging at times. Although I must say that Mark Wotte handles English considerably better than his predecessor (!) and somewhat better than some established English managers...(sorry 'bout dat 'Arry !) On the contrary I think Wotte "style" is very positive, none of this whining and moaning. Even after the tragic Sheff Utd game, which we deserved to win ...MW was quick to defend his strategy " ..one point was no good ..we needed three " .. even though it backfired, a lot of managers would have defended the last 5 mins. and held out for a point. He knew we needed three. IMHO ...his manner (NO, not his record)..is just as agressive and positive as Lawrie Mac in his early days, who wasn't afraid to call a spade a spade and used harsh words when necessary. Anyway, we don't all have to like him, and as someone said...as long as we keep getting the points who cares what he says or does ?

A goal, any goal is great for the confidence. well done David McG. Maybe he'll put 2 or 3 the right side of the posts tonight !

A goal, any goal is great for the confidence. well done David McG. Maybe he'll put 2 or 3 the right side of the posts tonight !

well at least based on the last two games, we're not relegation candidates ...if only we can keep it going !!!!!!!!!!

Of course I'm pleased (nay) overjoyed.. at the result..and the 3 points, also pleased for Wotte's sake. He's taken an enormous amount of stick from many impatient and rude people on this site in the last month and I hope that in future some will be a little more patient before booking his return ticket to Amsterdam for him! It's not easy taking over a side in the bottom 3 ....and after New Year, too but despite some of the other recent sad results, I think he has put a new passion and guts into the side. We can hope the winning streak will continue but in my book, Wotte has already turned them around, but we still have some catching up to do. COYR !!!!!!!!

Look at it this way, Alpine....OUR injury list has been pretty bad at times, too. Starting with Michael Svensson, (and Thomas already out), then Lee Holmes....Lallana (and others) have all had spells in the treatment room. Injuries are part and parcel of a season....along with missed penalties and shots hitting the woodwork (like Bris. City game) and personally in our present situation .. I don't care if we play Weymouth Reserves and get 3 points - it all helps. In the last 45 years as a fan, I've seen some great football (and we all like to watch that)... in games where we've come away with nothing....and others where we didn't deserve anything ...and yet got all the points ! Let's not look to win every game with "purist " football ..just get the points! COYR !!!!

Laugh if you will, but sooner or later we will put it all together and really slaughter someone, and McG's shots will start to go in...... instead of being saved / missing the post, and with Saga " on form ", hopefully Preston was just a warm-up for that. 5-0 ? (sounds outrageous,) but I grew up watching a Saints team who did that half a dozen times a season, and even 5 away from home sometimes........so why not ?

I know Ipswich are good at home, but so were Reading until we beat them. I think we have a good shout v. Brum. They look awful at present and the longer KP is out the better for us .