Lallana's Left Peg

Just back from the game. A bit scrappy, a few players off form tonight, but did well to come back and bossed the second half to be fair. Could have had a few more as well. Bolton worked hard and had dangerous wingers but little else beyond that. They tired quickly in the second half. Our lads enjoyed celebrating the second goal in front of the Bolton fans, who were all booing - they seemed to get a buzz from it. Luke Shaw - what a player. Everything looked so easy to him and his pace is pretty savage too. Much be an instinct he has to be near the ball and when we broke out of defence he was often further than the midfield. Unbelievable engine on him too. Hope he stays.

Bump for anyone in the North-West. Will be heading to this tonight.

Just been told that Neil Lennon has told the media (after Celtic's match today) that they have rejected our approach for Hooper.

Just back from the game. Bit of a peculiar one today. We played a lot of senior players who are a little out of form along with a very ineffective strikeforce of Lallana and Doble. It was a diamond formation with James Ward-Prowse (who only turned 17 a few months ago) at the tip of the diamond. And it was ****. No out ball (Lallana and Doble in the air...) meant the defence messed about with it more than usual in a bid to keep the ball, but not only didn't they have an out ball, the midfield did not seem to be organised to determine who was going to be doing what. It was really frustrating. Coventry also rested several players and came out of the blocks quickly, thanks in no part to us encouraging them with some very sloppy play. We had Białkowski to thank for us only going in one down at HT. Not that Coventry carved us open, but it was basic things like defending set pieces and balls over the top that did the damage. At HT we changed it, going 4-4-2 with Lallana out on the left and JWP up front with Doble. JWP did more in 5mins than Doble did all game in terms of running, keeping the ball, showing, and competing. The change in formation worked and after 60mins until the end we bossed the game and Coventry ran out of ideas and couldn't cope with the passing and movement. They still countered well, but that was after we would mess up rather than any sort of methodical tactic. In the end we saw the game out easily and a lot of confidence and belief came back. I was happy to take a draw for the extra game off Lambert's suspension but the confidence and comeback for the win means more for the team and so I am still satisfied. Thought Jack Cork was MOM today - outstanding and took on a leadership role with the kids.

His is press conference today apparently Lennon confirmed Saints interest in Commons but said he wants to keep him.

Lots of people are very anxious because of recent form and they see promotion slipping away. So they are in a bit of a panic and because this guy doesn't appear to be a sure thing like a known commodity already playing in this country / division, he is not being given a fair crack of the whip. I do not see him as a panic signing, I have more than enough faith in Adkins that he would scout someone properly - both in respect to talent and suitability for our team on and off the pitch - before making a bid. Yes it would be fair to say the settling in process for foreign players can be assumed to be longer than players already based here, but at the same time I am sure Adkins and Cortese are acutely aware of how big the opportunity is to go up this season and will be doing everything they can with the resources we've got to give it our best shot with no regrets. Adkins deserves the benefit of the doubt with this one based on his efforts thus far.

I didn't know that - interesting. Well as a free agent I think it definitely won't be the only signing we make up front.

Aside from Leicester and West Ham, I doubt you'd find any other team in our division about to spend £1.8m on a player this transfer window. People are understandably a bit cautious as this could be our only striker signing this window. But even if it is, Lambert, Connolly, Guly, and Tadanari is a decent stable of strikers to choose from. Plus Guly, and it sounds like Tadanari too, can play in other roles. I've discounted Barnard as he has hardly featured due to injury thus far. We have to trust Adkins with this one. Cork, De Ridder, Hooiveld, and Fox have all been decent signings in my opinion, so lets hope this guy is one too. I think this takes our spending since promotion up to about £5.5m - £6m?

Great interview with the commentator bloke. It sounds like he is a very 'Adkins' type of player. A bit of guile, sees a picture, and good technique. The downside of all that positive is the inconsistency, otherwise he'd be going to a much better club. As long as we with enough options to cover injuries and loss of form, having a lot of these players is no problem as when they are flying they can't be stopped in this division. My only concern is our pressing need for a massive contribution now - in the last half of the season. We saw with Guly last season, and De Ridder this season, that it takes players from foreign leagues a little while to settle down and be in a position to tangibly contribute. And if it does take Lee a while, I sincerely hope fans do not get on his back as they panic about us going up. That said, I obviously hope he hits the ground running!

He was just being professional and doing his job. Not very nice but it happens in football. Lambert should not have given him a chance to react in that way, even if the Ref was not doing his job properly. Poyet clearly encourages that sort of behaviour as the ill-discipline is prevalent throughout the team and is reflected in their disciplinary record. But we knew all this before, so no point moaning about it now. If that is how they need to behave to get on then good luck to them.

Yes but I would think Adkins has more than earned the trust from the fans so it is disappointing to see them react with a 'actions speak louder than words' response to that. The transfer window has been open 48hrs. If no movement by the time the Leicester game comes around then fine, but for now put a bit more trust in a Manager who has given the club an outstanding 18 months.

Agreed. Most reassuringly, it suggests the wheels have been in motion for a while, not just as a knee-jerk reaction to the last few weeks. So hopefully the guys brought in a long-term targets rather than short-term panics.

From what I can tell in the first half it was only a matter of time until we scored. In fact we did but the Ref didn't give it. Then the red card changed the game. What is disappointing is then conceding 3 goals in 30mins. That isn't acceptable even when you have 10 men. We should have been better organised to deal with the situation. We now have Guly injured along with Chaplow, Fonte, Jaidi, Barnard, and De Ridder (who I assume is injured). The lack of options today harmed us and it is definitely time to get a few new faces in who must be familiar with what is required and can hit the ground running. Remarkably, we're still top after one win in six. A nice 2 week break from the league now and I expect the reserves to play next week. Our form is a concern but it is not unexpected. The big picture still looks very positive and I hope this place doesn't become a hive of negativity. Be concerned about our form but do not treat it like the end of the world.

Why are you so negative? No wonder you appear to be at odds with so many things Southampton FC related these days. Nothing is achieved with a negative attitude. No-one can deny that the sum of our team is greater than the parts - we're top of the league at the half-way stage and the Manager is a positive person who has created a positive environment. Can you imagine what we'd be like if he shared your opinion? I remember conversing with you after the Walsall game last season and you were all doom and gloom. You may be a negative person in general but I can assure you football is far more fun when you attempt to get some enjoyment from it. I don't think for one minute you want Saints to lose but at the same time I don't understand why you are so pessimistic. Look at all we've achieved this calendar year - how can you be in the frame of mind you are after that?

Plenty of clubs were interested at that price. Plenty were put off by the wages he commanded. If we're paying him anything like that he was rumoured to earn at Chelsea I can see why.

In which case I wouldn't believe that leak at all - it may just be political jostling from the club to position themselves for a lower fee etc. In my opinion, it doesn't make sense for the club to rule out targets as it narrows options down and any position of bargaining. You are correct - the club did say that. Sharp said he rejected us. I usually go with what the club says but in this case I believe Sharp more than the club. I guess we'll never know the truth but I just think the chances of Saints agreeing a fee and speaking to a player and then rejecting the move without saying why (e.g. medical concerns in the case of Fontaine) is peculiar. Adkins knows all about Sharp already and if it was an issue around wages then surely that would have been sounded out via the agent before Saints made a bid as bidding for players you can't afford is stupid.

It's some news that creates more questions than answers. Not fussed about Maynard, Sharp would be nice but he rejected us in the summer and we've moved on since then. More importantly, does that mean our reported interest in the other strikers is still valid? Or did the Solent just not mention their name? And who is their insider - I suspect only a few people in the club know genuine transfer targets.

We're going through a little phase but no-one can say it is a big issue. We didn't play great today, but we kept things tight and nearly got the second that would have secured the three points. Disappointing to only get a point, but where we are at the top of the league on merit and a couple of home games now to gather some momentum ahead of a tough January.

Hooiveld was brilliant all game. Dominant, assured, and great decision making.

Excellent - I'll be going to that game.

Saints U18s: Steve Mowthorpe; Luke Shaw, Jack Stephens, Jordan Turnbull, Matt Young ©; Sam McQueen, Corby Moore, James Ward-Prowse, Calum Chambers; Joe Curtis; Jake Sinclair. Subs: Chris Johns, Conor O'Sullivan, Harrison Reed, Fraser Colmer, Domininc Gape.

Any news on whether the official site is offering twitter commentary or anything on Saints Player? This should be a good game - Sheffield United were in last years final and looked ok although they have had to sell their promising striker (Jordan Slew) to Blackburn.

Seems to me we're going with a diamond formation to get hold of the ball.

Just watched the highlights and Dodd said that Cortese, Hunter, and the first team management team were all present. Seems like we have a lot of prospects but I'm genuinely intrigued to see how we try to integrate them into the first team over the next few years. It would be great to see some break through and remain at the club longer than a season.

What has happened to the £4.5m that was used to bid for Rodriguez only 3 months ago? I would suggest that there are funds available if the right player is about. We didn't hesitate in spending £1m+ on Hooiveld.