M271

We were definitely below par today. unfortunately Norwich we’re in our faces with high energy, I thought that they would drop off in the last quarter of the match but credit to them that their fitness level allowed them to keep it up for 90+ minutes. Things that have been going our way lately weren’t today, 50/50 balls, passing accuracy, shots (in first half) off not on target, missed penalty, opposition getting the rub of the green with handball goal. Every team gets games like this but it was concerning how Norwich managed to control the game and hurry us out of possession time and time again.

Better to rest Fellows for another week and hopefully fully recover missing only one match, than risk aggravating his injury and potentially being out for several matches over Christmas and New Year.

1-2 a close game for me. We are seemingly incapable of keeping a clean sheet and will probably go 0-2 up then concede for a nervy end to the game but hopefully like Tuesday hold out for another 3 points. We do seem to have had the ‘rub of the green’ luck recently after a few seasons of things not going our way, last season every shot by the opposition seemed to go in, penalty decisions against but not for us and our rare shots not on target but it always feels like that for your team. Is our luck about to run out?

I would like someone who has been in the squad for the past 5 years to write an Autobiography about the going ons behind the scenes with the great churn of managers and players during that time. Stephen’s could write one called something like ‘Gifting Goals’ or ‘ Losing My Man’.

I agree that his last couple of PC have got more confident and relaxed and he seems to have built a rapport with Adam Blackmore. He looked like a scared cat caught in the headlights for his early PCs. Mind you it is easier when things are mostly going well and he’s not being criticised too much.

The test will be if we concede to make it 2 1 do we crumble and concede more or hopefully remain strong with Tonda organising us a properly and making effective substitutions.

When I asked the question on here earlier this week it was brought to my attention that several of his u21 coaching team were with him in ‘interim’ charge of the 1st team. I think they need as much credit as him for the improvement in our performances and results.

What is the coaching setup/personnel with Tonda? Is it much the same as Will had or have some u21 coaches come with him. They also need credit for the upturn in form.

I just hope that the Charlton match wasn’t a false dawn performance wise and is the sign of better things to come rather than a one off. The next 2 matches in quick succession will indicate have things really changed or not.

Was lallana in the dug out today? I didn’t notice him when watching on tv.

I would have thought if they we sticking with Tonda it would have been announced by now.

Is Oyekunle our u21 striker not considered promising enough to, if not start, then be in the match day squad as an option. I haven’t seen any u21 games so I don’t know how competent he is or ready for first team contention.

Yeah we really have some crap supposedly fans, don’t know why they turn up they don’t encourage the team. Continuously moan and shout negative comments at OUR players. At the final whistle I heard some boo sounds as the players and manager came across to applaud our fans, I initially thought there must be a Luuuuuuke or Rooooot type name they were reacting to but no it was boos for the team. I saw some of the more sane fans having a go at the booers who were in the vast minority. I can understand booing after a 3, 4 goal loss and the team not trying but after a draw where we played well for large parts of the game?

Today I’ve kept having a feeling of dread and tenseness and wondering why, then I remember the match is on tonight.

Taking the should he have saved the first goal or not argument out of it, it seems typical that for 2 league games in a row one of the oppositions few shots on target have been so accurately placed just inside the far post. I know that it’s all about what ifs but if those shots had only been a foot wider the last 2 results and points accumulated would be so different (we shouldn’t have allowed them to get into those positions though). P.S. do we know why Will was so angry after the final whistle with the opposition management team.

No they SHOULD do the draw THEN the post match reaction/interviews but they always do it the other way round. Hundreds of thousands of other team supporters are waiting for the draw.

I’ve lost Sky connection to the match Reloaded ok now

A Mad signing

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Saints have got transfer disfunction at the moment which makes it difficult.

Has anyone shared with SR the shelved plans for the Monkey, Chicken Petting Zoo. It would complement this new leisure entertainment initiative with an additional revenue stream. Has anyone still got a copy of the plan?

Sky Sport +

Managers / coaches more often than not like to keep their other keeper match sharp by playing them in League cup. It will be interesting whether WS goes down the route of major changes to the starting lineup or a few changes to keep the core of his preferred team to gel. He will obviously also have an eye on the team he wants to put out against Ipswich.

McCarthy in goal, Manning and Archer or Stewart who came on today starting + other subs not played today?

Come on Saints, it’s not just about today’s result but setting the scene and gaining confidence for the season ahead.