david in sweden

I think JWP completed his 100th appearance (did I read) several weeks ago. I don't have his total game time to hand, and if we remember that he also played in our first game back in the Prem.2012...it adds up to a lot. It seems that some people don't judge him in the same way, perhaps in the light of the fact that he's been with the club since junior school age, and was quite outstanding at U18 level. Now captain for England U21 (and even gets a mention from Roy Hodgson). So what's wrong? If he plays so well for England.. then why not for Saints? Many midfielders go months - even seasons - without scoring many goals, but still make a valuable contribution with passing, corners and free kicks etc. JWP has been around so long, without ever finding his best role in a Saints team that has changed personnel and formation ..not to mention managers a few times. He's certainly one of the most enthusiastic players I can remember in a Saints shirt, but it doesn't always come over on the pitch. I don't think he has reached the stage where he can be considered to be a starting player, but still managed to get time time in every match. Whatever his correct role in the team?...he hasn't found it yet, but he's still only 20/21 (?)....so in time he may turn out to be a good player. As for Juanmi....? I'm really willing him to have a good game, if only to try and justify the fee that was paid out. In most games I've watched, he hardly seems to be involved, and I'm not even sure if he's had a shot on target (?) in c. 400 mins. of football...not a good sign for a striker. but then again both Pelle and Mane haven't scored much in the last 2-3 months.

(Despite fan disapproval) Ronald Koeman has been very fair to Juanmi, and given him 10 Prem. sub. apps. ...and yet he still looks like a fish out of water. APPS: 4 sub.apps in Europa League. total 80 mins.+ 157 mins in 2 Capital Cup matches + c. 150 mins.in 10 Prem. sub.games = 0 goals. I'm sure he has talent, but it hasn't showed through. In comparison Shane Long, who had very limited action last season, did have an impact when he came on in games. With Long as the only " fit " striker at present, it really is about time that Ryan Seager had a start. He could hardly do worse, otherwise can expect to see Juanmi...again !

well, you'll be able to find out in the next two games...... whilst he's suspended.

(ROMEU)..........(thankfully) not injured ..and will be back in time to cover for ......Wanyama's TWO match ban ...

I don't think that Cedric is so bad, (he was improving slowly).....but a lot on this board didn't agree. Hopefully he'll be back in training soon, but if we rule out further chaos ..and Marina can DAJFU ..and with Jack Stephens back (?) ....perhaps " problem" is the wrong word .

If Stephens is back for good, not just " an interim visitor "....before going out on loan again...then expect to see him as an extra RB /CB , and Caulker can go on his way. Gardos on the way back (?)...Cedric is between injuries and although Martina hasn't blotted his copybook...yet....maybe Jack would be another option at the back.?

1) They were the only 3 players to reach 20 goals in a period of almost 20 years....(not so bad). (2) I think you'll find Raziak scored some cup goals, too.

How long before I get worried? ...........if we're in the bottom three with one game left to play. We older fans have lived through much worse times than these....... .......and considering the players we've had to replace in the last 2 years,....... there have been times in the distant past when 13th place in the Prem. looked really good .

Of course, the alternative being ."oh you're here at last, Sadio, forgot the time did you?. Now let me try and fill you in on everthing I told the others before you came " Nonsense isn't it . Of course, he needed to be disciplined, but with his goal scoring record recently (one goal in last 12 games)......did we really miss him?

It's sure to boost the team's confidence if you boo some of our leading players often enough..... really what a suggestion (!)

I recall " something around £12 million" being quoted at the time of his arrival......

maybe....... that's why they only stayed for an hour ...?

on his travels ....Jos Hooiveld also had a good season with AIK (in Stockholm) and the club did very well that year. Now he's back here again, (with AIK)...and regained his hero status.

......about sums it up. As I recall he was criticised by many because didn't move around a lot up front....(reminiscent of Pelle in that respect) ..... BUT he did net 20 goals one season ...which put him in an exclusive Saints club along with MLT and James Beattie (make of that what you will ).

I've watched some highlights from U21 games, and those matches where he's featured, and whilst he's good on the ball, his role is primarily about winning the ball first, but some of his tackling has the referee reaching to his pocket for a card - and t.b.f....I'm surprised gets away with so much and isn't booked more often. Those early comparisons with Paul Scholes ......didn't just refer to his hair-colour. ..

A lot of us felt that...but it all came at the time AFTER Pochettino deserted us, and I think those players were "brain-washed"into thinking we were doomed without him. Panic set in , and the big clubs " smelt blood " and swooped in for the kill. With the prospect of a new (then unknown) manager arriving, they all wanted out. If we were to put money aside ..I wonder.. how many of them (with hindsight).. would have stayed.....had they known we would later sign Ronald Koeman?

I know that Koeman stated that we won't sell anyone in January, but with the effects of yesterday's "afters", I wouldn't hold him to that statement. We're talking about two of our " key players " .....but if they can't tow the line, then I believe we're better off without them ....and start looking elsewhere. For the money they get paid, the club deserves better behaviour. I wonder what the rest of " the dressing - room " feels about this?

I totally agree Duncan.....Wanyama's behaviour was so ridiculous, he knew he was on yellow already... ......as as for Mane (?) ....someone buy him a new watch, or teach him to tell the time properly. Despite the defeat. Koeman has my full support. A rule is a rule for everyone......there's no reason for their lack of discipline, and no reason to just forgive and forget.

He mixes his verb forms, and doesn't understand prepositions. (Suggest he's angry at Wanyama's idiotic behaviour). Players shouldn't make ridiculous tackles when they're already on a yellow card.

well... Norwich scored in the 76th minute.. .the ref. has to stop the game in order to being on subs. I agree with a few others we looked in control until then, but our fault was in front of goal - as usual. We should have gone in 3-0 up at HT. Long had 3 good chances, van Dijk 3 ....and Bertrand's miss ....was unbelievable. Tadic, Clasie and JWP had good chances saved.

disappointing isnt it ?....suggest a new training regime where Coco Martina teaches everyone how to score from mis-hit chances..........

I wouldn't say it was so obvious ....we lost two of our best and bought in 7 players (?) that's more than most clubs, whose fault is it that they aren't "star players" already?

OK Whitey.... one day less then, but the point made is the same. WHO are all these clubs who are making big signings ...... when the window hasn't even opened yet ..really !

Steven Davis (31) and Jose Fonte (32) are the last of the experienced players who were with us when we started our first season back in the Prem. (2012) (I'm not counting Kelvin Davis (who is out of contract in June) and JWP, who despite having played 100 games, still can nail down a regular starting place. They are the last of the "old brigade ", and with all the comings and goings ..and the financial limitations placed us by UEFA, we're likely to lose more of our best - in time. Steven and Jose have contracts for another couple of years, but we don't know where their replacements are coming from?, and we can only hope that adequate replacements can be found, either through development (U21/ Academy) or that "The Black Box" can turn up some new gems. Either way, with a playing staff where most have had only 1 or 2 seasons at the club, we stand on the verge of a generational change, and must hope we can survive. When Steven Davis eventually moves on ...we'd better hope we have someone else ready to take up the no.8 shirt, as there aren't many good candidates at present.

U21's have played only 10 games this season (what have the FA done to the fixture list?)...they have won only 4 of those 10, and lost 4 of the last 5. McCarthy, Isgrove, Stephens, Turnbull and Gallagher are /have been out on loan. Of the rest.. just who would you promote to the first team?...and who would you drop in order to bring them in. ?