MarkSFC

Well "John Smith" if you think I'm scum thats an interesting situation. Your opinion of me is based on my very constructive post on my opinion of watching Hammond for getting on for 25-30 games this and last season. And you call me (and others) scum without any debate. Having an opinion on a footballer who I pay money to watch is perfectly fair, whatever I think. Having an opinion of the person who had their say rather than purely the words written is truly pathetic. When you get a chance maybe you will read my post in full and debate "my opinions" as you feel fit. If though you want to comment on me personally without knowing or meeting me then you should not be welcome on this forum.

I can't think of a game where Hammond has run the show. Sure I didn't see them all but neither do I recall Reading that he was awesome, even for one game. This sums him up for me. His "range" of performance is quite narrow and his "best" is good in league 1 but beyond no way. He also fails to produce his best regularly and this wasn't noticed in a winning team. In a losing team it is obvious. I've also said on another thread that I don't think he has known whether to sit or run but that could be partly Pardews instructions. He would be best used from the bench. It's strange that he is captain cod he seems quite quiet on the pitch and never seems to get the game by the scruff of it's neck to coin s phrase and certainly doesn't lead by example.

Until yesterday I thought a speedy right winger was top priority. I'm not do sure now. I thought Alex Ox-C looked like he is becoming settled and st times looked superb. Maybe getting someone else right now will stunt his development a little. Also I just wonder whether maybe Lallana will go out there as NA seems to like righties on the right and lefties on the left! Perhaps wait till jan and sign Antonio permanently rather than a stop gap now? Defensive CM is paramount. Butt/Case type of player to let Morgan attack. I think Hammond and Morgan never really knew who was doing what role...sitting or running! Butt is available isn't he?! Another striking option is obvious. A loanee will be difficult I suspect. I think we should go for Vassell as could also play down the right if needed. Experience and would buldoze a few defences. Not prolific higher up but maybe great here. Surprised he hasn't gone any where yet so may be easier to get now.

It was interesting today. Under Pardew this season the first 20 odd minutes were played at ultra high tempo and then we petered out to nothing. Today I though in the first half we played some ok stuff on two or three occassions but at a much slower tempo. In the 2nd half though I noticed a completely different team. They appeared to step up the pace and seemed more confident - I wonder if it was coincidence or magic words from Adkins - they played the simple ball quicker and the team seemed to move as a unit up and down the pitch better. Width was utilised whenever possible but there were also lots of balls in to the feet of mainly Barnard but also Rickie. When Holmes and Dickson came on we looked very potent down the left and it was great to see a double substitution, very positive stuff. Of course the quality of play is no where neat but it was a bit Spainesque stylee. Hammond although better in 2nd half is the weak link. An average tackler at best and an average passer at best. Seems to me he's never worked out whether he's a sitter or a runner, neither of which he's good enough at. For me although the quality and consistancy is lacking I think Morgan showed glimpses of being very good. Got his foot in s few times and made (or looked to produce) some very good clever passes. For me it's going to be fascinating how Adkins fits Lallana back in because so far he has put round pegs in round holes. Lallana playing left mid/winger is not that!! After today though I am extremely confident that we have a clever manager in place, someone who plays football in a positive exciting way and is focussed on results. We still need two or three more loanees but we will be right up there come May I have no doubt excited again........

Great letter, well done The Kraken! Glad The Echo published it but they had no choice really!! Hopefully they will canvass fans' opinion in a better manner?!!

Affiliating myself to SISA or having the suggestion that they represent my viewpoint on Saints is like saying my political views and affiliation is that of the BNP. In other words they are in my opinion a nasty blight on our club and our fanbase. Their tactics are always confrontational, egotistical and self-serving. They have strong beliefs which manifest themselves in the wrong way. The Echo let's itself and it's readers down everytine it gives the association lines in it's paper. Of course it's their choice what they publish but maybe they should realise in reality there is no official Saints supporters group. The Internet has changed that. This forum, SISA, the Trust and others are littered with people who in bygone tears have either had some sort of local fame and or some inside track to Saints, and or felt like they were somehow more worthy than most fans. It seems to me that under the new owners and boss all the aforementioned "perks" and or "kudos" has disappeared. Because of this the slightest little difference of opinion is made out to be something much more serious or sinister. To cover something from that article in the echo if I recall correctly, fans are not entitled to know who owns us. The company is a privately owned business. The clues in the title! As a customer either buy the product or go elsewhere. If your emotional attachment prevents this then form a group get a few thousand of the customer base, sign a petition or hold a rally or something similar. If indeed thousands upon thousands feel the same (ie the majority) then fair enough, your petition will speak for the fans. Holding a meeting in a small pub with your mates hardly constitutes collating the view of the fans.

Well I'm glad you're not motivating the team!! Class (whatever class that is) is permanant, form is temporary. Top coaches are just that because they get players to perform. Pardew had 2 months and couldn't do it....adkins has 3-4 games. I think he will, but more importantly so does he!!! We will of course see in a couple of weeks!!

Excellent post!!

I can't agree with the OP at all and I do think that sort of attention seeking self serving rant is pathetic. But if that's your true feelings St Marys will be a better place without you. As for Pardew, I do think that we may have got one or two more points but at the time of his dismissal he had failed me in terms of his squad. He did improve the defence, well the full backs at least. However he completely failed to improve on the attacking options we have. About 3-4 weeks beforehand I remember a thread where Alpine amongst others were very critical of this lack of activity and at the time I remarked that as ling as Pardew added 2-3 attacking options by close of the window then I would be happy. Although he did not get the last two days there are no signs that anything would have changed. As such we would be in exactly the same position with no striker on the bench (when one is out) no width in our play, a lack of pace particularly out right and up front, as well as another option to Morgan and Hammond in midfield who are not good enough. I think it is very probable that the last 4 results still would have happened with Pardew in charge and he would now be gone for football reasons.... In hindsight he seemed to have got quite complacent and full of excuses. Adkins will bring in a new energy, enthusiasm, coaching ethos, fresh ideas and (hopefully!!) two or three loanees. My gripe with Cortese (now) is that he didn't get rid of Pardew earlier!!! Boycott all you want you will miss out.

As disappointing as this start has been for a dew reasons I thought I would look at Norwichs start last year and compare our chances. After 6 games: Saints 4 pts. Norwich had 8pts after 10 games Norwich only had 13 points. Our next 4 games are; Colchester (H) Sheff Wed (A) Yeovil (A) Bournemouth (H) now if we were firing on all cylinders we would probably expect 3 wins and a draw in Sheffield. That would mean we would have 14 points, one ahead of where Norwich were last season. Let's assume that we win the home games and get one draw at Yeovil, that would put us on 11 points, two behind Norwich. Nigel Adjins has to get this team team going very quickly and 2 or 3 people in and the next 4 games are likely to be the only "grace period" he will get. Coming out of that series of games with at least 7 points will be ok. In the last 10 seasons it has taken an average of 92 pts to be champions and 83 for runners-up. 76 is average for 6th place. So what does this mean? Well at the start of the season the target must have been 92 plus points. If after 10 games we only sit on 11 points (7 in next 4) we will be 2 behind Norwich last year. Therefore matching their form would mean 93 points and certain promotion. Of course this "looks" tough but even if we had more points now I suspect that most on here would expect a points tally in the low 90s. Therefore if in fact we were to win the next 4 we would be on 16 pouts and 3 ahead of Norwich last year. We can still go up!!!!

Blackmore or Merrington (cant remember which) made the point that as Adkins (alledgedly) refusedcto resign and insured that the deal be done fairly and properly, then he most certainly is not a yes man. I tend to agree. I think he is a decent bloke with principals but had a very clear vifion kn what he wants snd how he's going to get it. His " I'm the manager of the football club" comment yesterday also suggests he is his own man.

He seems to have a good eye for a striker, so I would be very surprised not to see one loaned very soon. We also need pace out wide, more so on the right and a decent midfielder! I would think he will address that quickly.

What an incredibly depressing thread. Speculating in this is symptomatic of this site, football in general, and the world at large...speculation based on failure and negativity. I wonder how (almost) anyone on here ever achieved anything when their first though is one of failure. I accept the range of possibility stayed but by asking the question in the way you did you are leading the answer in a closed mind, negative manner. Someone at some stage WILL manage this club for many many years, maybe even more than Ted or Lawrie. How many Ssints fans in 1977 thought we will go up AND stay there for 27 years? Football has become synonymous with the society of wanting everything now if not before and if that doesn't happen try something else. It is my sincere hope that Nigel Adkins (and NC) are here for the next decade. Of course in this day and age most people in every day life will stag in any job fir about 2-3 years. Therefore, football MUST adhere to this!!!

He's clearly not a great manager and motivator but probably a great coach implementing other peoples instruction.

R.I.P. Fellow Saints fan, my condolences to all your family and friends.

Width and pace. More bite and mobility in centre midfield. An extra striking option. Give the team direction, expectation and freedom. Improve fitness. Get a win at MK Dons.

Happy with the appointment, happy it's sorted. Not excited but even though I had hoped for a really "exciting" manager, adkins seems to fit NCs vision and set up perfectly. A very decent man (his actions and words this week confirm that) and exceedingly well qualified and a wide range of knowledge which seems to cover every aspect of football management and coaching. I get the "underwhelmed" feeling of some......I was there....but the more I think about it and read about him the more I like him. and before someone suggests that I'm just changing my viewpoint to fit, NO, my viewpoint would never had chdnged for someone like Brown eg!!! Three points against MK Dons and we are only 5 points behind so easily game on!!! Just need a couple or three loanees!!

There are two critical words to consider here...."on form" we certainly have the best TEAM, but we do not have the best squad on form or otherwise! Keeper - arguably the best two! LB - two good L1 players, any higher, not sure CB- Fonte too good for L1! Jaidi excellent back up now. Martin is getting better and better but there are better in the league. seaborne, no thanks!! RB - Richardson best in league last year, Butterfield from the Chsmpionship, Overall the defence is far better than last year CM - Morgan is good and developing but no where near form Hammond is best used as back up. Wotton, fourth choice maybe Guly, too early to know yet. Unfair to judge as not had a real chance in his best position LM - Adam, obviously no one better! Holmes,when fit can be useful Mills, Dickson, ok for back up RM - Puncheon, creative, like his attitude but is not getting enough results for hid effort Ox-Ch. Exciting prospect but should not be relied on for 40 games overall I think we are worse off than last year without thenoptiins of Papa and Antonio out right and I think we need a very commanding centre midfielder Strikers - lambert, IS the best on form, isn't on form! Barnard really good for this league will likely only be 3rd or 4th choice higher up. Connolly is class but needs to feed off Lambert and out-swinging crosses Overall we lack a striker as highlighted yesterday, when one us out we have NO option on the bench. ( I know Doble was there but he's not a real option yet is he!!) to sum up we have a great team "on form" for this league but I think we need to sign on loan ( and then permanantly in Jan) a Centre Midfielder in the mould of Savage, Barton etc, and a tall quick striker. We also need a right footed right winger!! Then we will have the best squad!!

Someones personal preference for manager is perfectly entitled. The trouble is everyone had different standards based on their own life and based in what they are used to. In this case we are used to "mainly" having preety good "names" as our manager. Rightly or wrongly most peoples opinion or expectation of where we should be playing is in the Premier. After all for about 40 out of the last 50-55 years we have competed there, and that time frame preety much covers most of our fanbase. With the best financial backing we have ever had I fir one expect us to return to the Prem in no more than 3 years. To achieve that means an exciting journey will be upon us. Can Adkins deliver something at a club who's owners and fans have high expectations on the back of a very limited career? Will Adkins be able to attract the players neccessary? Will Adkins get the respect and trust of the fans? These are the main questions that for me cast doubt on his appointment being a success. I will back the manager whoever he is but I think in out current situation Adkins is more of a "risk" appointment than a "solid" appointment. He's definitely not exciting and if he come in will have to work very quickly!!!

Just offering an alternative "possibility" to that the press make up!!

It's very possible that both Wharton and Adkins realise that no real offer will be made and in order to save face are now commenting publically. In other words, maybe Wharton got upset when Adkins went for an interview, then came back and discussed it with Wharton and told him how much he would actually like to go to Saints BUT no offer was actually made. Wharton upset bt this then spun a story to the press that in fact Adkins was the wanted man but compo had not been agreed. A tactic designed to either drive up any compo (should any offer of employment come Adkins way) or to make it very hard fir Cortese to make an offer, if indeed he decided too. Meanwhile Adkins is keen on the job and when the press interview him about it he shows his hand too much and in the process blows any faint hope he had of getting the job and also makes it difficult for himself at Scunny because now the Chairman and the fans realise that he would prefer to be at Saints. Meanwhile, elsewhere, Cortese has been watching all this unfold and if infact he never did make an official offer to Adkins certainly won't do now even if he had thought his mind. What's more, if his fellow chairman in scunny is publically saying a decision needs to be made this can actually mean that Cortese needs to make a decision on whether he want Adkins, rather than the (gossip column) take on matters that compo needs to be agreed. I know there are those on here who think Adkins will be good for us, Derry for one, who's footballing knowledge I respect, and whose posts have opened my eyes a little to the prospect of Adkins, however, there is a part of me that would love to see someone else, just to prove that everything that gas gone on over the last two days is more or less fiction!!! I am an optimist but I still have a sneaky suspicion that we will get a good surprise when the new man is appointed!!!

Exactly! I don't believe it's that we didn't meet their value more that Wharton didn't want Adkins to leave and tried to either get more compensation or make sure we didn't get him. Cortese is acting differently to what we have been used to but IMO he is extremely clever, astute and professional. Football hasn't been a very sound business for decades, maybe Cortese is the visionary changing all that very slowly but surely and the establishment dint like it. What a shame! Go Nicola!!!!

I think most people are impatient as you, me included, but it's hardly ridiculous or a slant on the structure. Probably more indicative of the number of applicants. Aston Villa took 3-4 weeks to appoint Houllier and they apparently only interviewed 3 people. Get a grip mate!!!!

Because the Internet and media is full of rumour. The truth is not known. When you have no genuine interest in the subject most people will just believe what is said because it's far easier than thinking it through or waiting for official statements!!

that's a fair comment, and it was Arsenals choice to pay in the end, as it's our choice in this case. I don't think the issue is us paying compensation. I think the reason the deal is pulled is that Wharton went public and Cortese won't do his deals in public. I like that, it's the right way of acting, unlike Whartons approach! This may cost us a little bad pr in the short term due to shortsightedness by some but in the long term his strategy will do us proud.