Saint86

It is hard to defend the manager in any way shape or form tonight (and I have been against sacking him). Did the wind suit the long ball team with nothing but pace/power players? Even so, there was no passion from our players second half. We got 1-0 up and then we sat deep and took no risks... We basically invited a team of long ball merchents to hoof it into our box and shoot from range. What the hell did we think would happen with the wind blowing towards our goal. Also, palace were on top and we waited and waited to change things. Then when we did, we bypassed our midfield and hoofed it with players that are ill equipped for that style of play. There can be no excuse from the manager (or the players) for that second half in a must not lose game! But when all is said and done. The squad is simply terrible. And it is no surprise where we are. We used to have Forster, Bertrand, Cedric, Toby, VVD, Fonte, Morgan, Wanyama, Davis, Mane, Tadic, Pelle. We have lost everyone in bold, and despite apparently making loads of money from tv revenues, sales, sponsorship etc etc etc... we have replaced every single one of them with a player who is no better and is often worse. That can only be the fault of this board. They fell out with Poch, they fell out with Koeman, they ripped up both their squads, hired puel, hired mopey... They are responsible for all of this and the club is in freefall.

I posted this would happen the summer we sold all our players (the first summer)... Was the inevitable end to the story. And now we get to hear all the pundits crowing until the end of the season saying "told ya so"...

So.... The saints are going down, with no money in the tank? No money in the tank? No money in the tank...

Our course was set the second Cortese went and Les Reed got in control. No ambition, no drive. Just sell of the jewels, bank most of the clubs income and find Kat a buyer whilst we trod water. Its a disgrace.

I hope you include this board in that statement.

People want to blame the manager, but this lot took a top 6 team that just missed champions league football - and created this in 12-18 months. And didn't get fired... WTF.

Les and the board are just as much at fault for this mess.

Les and this board need to go soon. Their tenure-ship has been an absolute train-wreck. Took the money and banked it whilst Kat got a buyer. And if you aim to stay still in this league you drop down. Simples. Negligence of the highest order.

Benteke is offside for that assist. We have been very poor this half though.

Dunno. But quietness is usually a good sign for us in fairness.

Fry is a complete tool tbh, if he was on ignore for everyone then this forum would be a much better place. Sadly the mods do nothing about him.

Lol. Talking about yourself again CBRFY?

Don't know whether to or

Yeah... because PEH has been dropped over the last couple of games...

Don't disagree, I just think he is hamstrung somewhat by the squad he has, and by the issues with VVD, Bertrand, Gabbi etc all wanting out. Not easy to come in and manage all that. He needs to be backed by our black box recruitment system and then given the season to see how he does. He has also been using Stephens, Target and McQueen vs Chelsea, Tottenham and United. None of them are that level of quality (yet). Although it is great to see them in the team and playing well.

On recent performances, its a better comparison to do Ali Dia vs Lemina...

I will be very dissapointed if he does that tbh.

I know most don't agree, but I think we have a good manager. Hopefully now VVD has left it has removed a lot of unsettling trouble behind the scenes, and the players will step up and play. It's evident that he hasn't lost the dressing room, and he is not afraid to change things to make it work. He deserves to be backed in the window and given until the end of the season at present.

Great point and a very good performance. Could probably have nicked it. Most importantly, the players played for the manager... and hopefully now that the VVD cancer has left the club we will see this continue. I know most disagree, but I think we have a good manager here and I hope he is given the chance (and the backing) to show it!

Are you incapable of handling any opinion but your own without scorn and disrespect?

I'm obviously not his biggest fan.... But I will sum it up thus-ley. Fans are worried about Mopey being allowed to spend the VVD cash and saying he should not be given that chance to waste.... Are these fans frankly morons? Mopey will not spend any of that money! This board, and chiefly Les Reed, will spend that money. Now we have zero say in this as fans. Fair enough. We have been bone idle and lapped up the PR rubbish spewed by the club far too readily as a fanbase... However! If we don't have anything other than a fantastic window, it needs to be the last one for those in charge. I cannot understand why we have allowed this transfer to be announced prior to us signing any other players? And we will look like total mugs if they get shed loads for Couts... Not only that, but it was abundantly clear in the summer that he did not want to be here, was unsettling the team, and was going to be sold anyway... so why the hell have we let him unsettle the team, played him when he has zero interest, and wasted half a season paying his wages. The whole VVD saga so far has been a train wreck. This january needs to be last chance saloon for this board and LR.

Pretty sure at least two of the teams that will get relegated this season will change their manager during it.

We just need a Mane replacement tbh. And for goodness sake, can people stop praising Puel's football. It was dire!!! And it is grand scale revisionism to suggest otherwise!!!

You are right in this, and i see your point even though we can both agree we aren't getting a world class manager. But some of this squad appear to not be interested, and seem to only be trying vs the big clubs to get a move etc imho.