Smalls Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 Having witness all 3 home games I am now of the opinion that staying up will be a wonderful achievement. Any one saying different is kidding them selves. Just look at this team no striker sorry but Lambert does not look like a million pound player Patterson looks out of his depth Sag doesn't want to be here. Midfield is just average and defence so so. Sorry but we just had to win yesterday and there is just no excuse, christ their keeper really had very little to do. Pardew is making some what strange choices, they have a man sent off and our most gifted midfielder Schneiderlin stays on the bench crazy.Yes he is a passenger at times but we are at home they had a man off and really were not much of a threat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legod Third Coming Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 Staying up will be a good achievement. Then promotion next season. How does that work for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 Staying up will be a good achievement. Then promotion next season. How does that work for you? Guess it will have to do IMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 Teams that spend several million in the Third Division shouldnt be anywhere near relegation, -10 points or not... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALWAYS_SFC Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 Teams that spend several million in the Third Division shouldnt be anywhere near relegation, -10 points or not... Hopefully that will turn out to be true.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genk Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 I still think its hard to say at the moment as to what we should be aiming for. In 5 games time I think we will be able to make a rough estimate. Nearer the top of the bottom half of the table could be possible, but yes at the moment it does look like a relegation battle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 We should be expecting and achieving so much more IMO. Our budget and players should not be competing with Carlisle, Tranmere, Exeter...that's not a big headed comment, but it would be a severe **** up of of all proportions if we did get relegated. We shouldn;t be anywhere near come the end...i still stand by that. but we need to start winning soon....as im getting very nervous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legod Third Coming Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 Teams that spend several million in the Third Division shouldnt be anywhere near relegation, -10 points or not... I don't think we will be by the end of the season. But I seem to be in a small minority who like to start by conceding no goals and then buildi from there. I guess I come from the Goerge Graham and Kevin Keegan schools of management! Did you see yesterday's game Alps (That is NOT a vieled criticism, I just know you have been over!!!)? If you did, you could not think that it looked like a relegation side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genk Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 If we can just score some goals then everything will be fine. IMO the defence is sorted so knock in some goals and we will be winning in no time. Easier said than done though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hectors house Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 Personally I think the OP is looking at results rather than performance. There is a danger that a lack of results may drag down our performances but at the moment we are IMO improving - I reckon it is far too soon to be so pessimistic. Lots of people have said we need to be patient and as frustrating as it is we do indeed need to be so - if we were being out classed then I would be worried but we are not. I am confident things will get better just maybe not as fast as we all would like, relagation IMO is unlikely, in fact I feel we are more likely to make the play offs - although mid table is perhaps the sensible target. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 Having witness all 3 home games I am now of the opinion that staying up will be a wonderful achievement. Any one saying different is kidding them selves. Just look at this team no striker sorry but Lambert does not look like a million pound player Patterson looks out of his depth Sag doesn't want to be here. Midfield is just average and defence so so. Sorry but we just had to win yesterday and there is just no excuse, christ their keeper really had very little to do. Pardew is making some what strange choices, they have a man sent off and our most gifted midfielder Schneiderlin stays on the bench crazy.Yes he is a passenger at times but we are at home they had a man off and really were not much of a threat. 1) one of the most arrogant posts I have seen on here - takes some doing. 2) you are wrong in most of what you say. If you don't see that you are kidding yourself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 Having witness all 3 home games I am now of the opinion that staying up will be a wonderful achievement. Any one saying different is kidding them selves. Just look at this team no striker sorry but Lambert does not look like a million pound player Patterson looks out of his depth Sag doesn't want to be here. Midfield is just average and defence so so. Sorry but we just had to win yesterday and there is just no excuse, christ their keeper really had very little to do. Pardew is making some what strange choices, they have a man sent off and our most gifted midfielder Schneiderlin stays on the bench crazy.Yes he is a passenger at times but we are at home they had a man off and really were not much of a threat. I think you will find that the positivity police now have you under full surveillance. Negativity is not allowed on this site and you can no longer boo at St Marys. George Orwell eat your heart out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 Having witness all 3 home games I am now of the opinion that staying up will be a wonderful achievement. Any one saying different is kidding them selves. Just look at this team no striker sorry but Lambert does not look like a million pound player Patterson looks out of his depth Sag doesn't want to be here. Midfield is just average and defence so so. Sorry but we just had to win yesterday and there is just no excuse, christ their keeper really had very little to do. Pardew is making some what strange choices, they have a man sent off and our most gifted midfielder Schneiderlin stays on the bench crazy.Yes he is a passenger at times but we are at home they had a man off and really were not much of a threat. Our so so defence which did not concede a goal you mean :smt102 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 1) one of the most arrogant posts I have seen on here - takes some doing. 2) you are wrong in most of what you say. If you don't see that you are kidding yourself I rest my case - see my previous post. NickG has been challenged and no one can get away with that without being accused of being arrogant. Hey Nick why don't you let this forum breath now and again without trying to impose your view of the world? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 I rest my case - see my previous post. NickG has been challenged and no one can get away with that without being accused of being arrogant. Hey Nick why don't you let this forum breath now and again without trying to impose your view of the world? TBH I'm not sure you're really in a position to preach to other people when you are as culpable as they are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brmbrm Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 Now now. The last two league performances - 3 when you inclide Birmingham - have been so much differnt from the previous 4, not to mention the tail end of last season, that i can't understand what the OPoster is on. Stay well away, young boys and girls, stay well away. Chalk and cheese. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 I rest my case - see my previous post. NickG has been challenged and no one can get away with that without being accused of being arrogant. Hey Nick why don't you let this forum breath now and again without trying to impose your view of the world? If I quote a very very subjective view and then say everyone who doesn't agree with me is wrong - then you can equally call me arrogant. If he thinks we will go down (I don't) then fine - no problem with that. But to then proudly state that anyone else of differing view is wrong is setting yourself up to be called arrogant. Where did he challenge me? Moan all you like, this is a hobby for me and I prefer to enjoy it rather than be Victor Meldrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 We should be expecting and achieving so much more IMO. . indeed... "just enough" is very much part of our stupid mentality that sees us doing badly.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legod Third Coming Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 indeed... "just enough" is very much part of our stupid mentality that sees us doing badly.. On this DD I will always agree with you. We should never ever aim to survive. But WGS always said his first job was to get to 40 points, then start looking upwards from there. And I wouldn't disagree with that either. This year, in my view, we must first ensure survival and then look up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offix Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 Staying up is the only thing on my wish list this season. Doing that, while building a more cohesive team than we've had in many years, would make for a good season and good prospects for the future as far as I'm concerned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 6 September, 2009 Share Posted 6 September, 2009 Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlakeySFC Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 Bit early don't you think? Only been 6 games...on my bbc predictor it had us not getting out of the -10 until 26th Sept. and that's looking like it's turning out to be coming almost a spot-on prediction. Then we've got 6 and a 1/4 months to get our best foot forward and get some serious wins (and points) on the board...which i believe we'll do successfully and end up top-middle half of the table. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicestersaint Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 depressing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruffo Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 depressing Well at least your avatar perked me up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintBobby Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 Having witness all 3 home games I am now of the opinion that staying up will be a wonderful achievement. Any one saying different is kidding them selves. Just look at this team no striker sorry but Lambert does not look like a million pound player Patterson looks out of his depth Sag doesn't want to be here. Midfield is just average and defence so so. Sorry but we just had to win yesterday and there is just no excuse, christ their keeper really had very little to do. Pardew is making some what strange choices, they have a man sent off and our most gifted midfielder Schneiderlin stays on the bench crazy.Yes he is a passenger at times but we are at home they had a man off and really were not much of a threat. If you expect us to get relegated, you can get about 3/1 on it. Put your money where your mouth is. You can quadruple your money in 8 months. You're speaking as if relegation is a 70% chance, not a 20% chance. Most Saints fans - and the money markets - think you're wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctoroncall Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 There are not many players in this league that can be really called £1m players, but it's what you are prepared to pay for them. Considering the dysfunctional strike force we had it was a worthy effort to bring last season's league one top scorer into the side. I think it's a bit early to throw in the towel or show your frustration when we haven't seen the full extent of the squad and we've only dropped a point from 20th place (safety) since the start of the season. If after another 8 or 9 games we are struggling for results and/or performance, then I'll start to panic about relegation like you. But at the moment things have improved. Saturday, 12 September 2009 Charlton v Southampton, 15:00 Saturday, 19 September 2009 Southampton v Yeovil, 15:00 Saturday, 26 September 2009 Carlisle v Southampton, 15:00 Tuesday, 29 September 2009 Southampton v Bristol Rovers, 19:45 Saturday, 3 October 2009 Southampton v Gillingham, 15:00 Tuesday, 6 October 2009 Johnstone's Paint Trophy Southampton v Torquay, R2S, 19:45 Friday, 9 October 2009 Southend v Southampton, 19:45 Saturday, 17 October 2009 Oldham v Southampton, 15:00 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 Whatever. 6 games under a new manager with no time for Lambert and Saga to gel, Trotman for 2 games, no Mills, no Holmes, no Waigo, Hammond still settling in. But no, let's panic, we're doooomed. I can't wait to see us get our strongest team out. Give us 5 or 6 games with our strongest team, THEN come back and tell me we're doomed. Spot on...........every team takes time to gel no matter who it is, lets see where we are after 12 games, not 6 ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gorgiesaint Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 I've not yet seen Saints this season due to work commitments & living in Scotland, so I only get to see highlights, match reports in the papers and SWF to follow whats happening. From that outside perspective, the start of this season does look similar to last season - an under-prepared squad (all be it for different reasons) and taking time to get the first league win although some decent performances. That said, last season, we were never going to improve with the side we had. This season, I do feel more confident that when this side gels we will be capable of going on a run and pull ourselves up the table. But the side has to gel. No doubt, Charlton away will be tough - but then we have games against Yeovil, Carlisle & Bristol Rovers which are all winnable. If we come out of the back of those games and we still don't have a win then that is the time to start being concerned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 i would take 1place above relegation right now if offered it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 1) one of the most arrogant posts I have seen on here - takes some doing. 2) you are wrong in most of what you say. If you don't see that you are kidding yourself I actually agree with him, but just because he's stated an opinion and used the word "I" doesn't mean he's arrogant ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 I've not yet seen Saints this season due to work commitments & living in Scotland, so I only get to see highlights, match reports in the papers and SWF to follow whats happening. From that outside perspective, the start of this season does look similar to last season - an under-prepared squad (all be it for different reasons) and taking time to get the first league win although some decent performances. That said, last season, we were never going to improve with the side we had. This season, I do feel more confident that when this side gels we will be capable of going on a run and pull ourselves up the table. But the side has to gel. No doubt, Charlton away will be tough - but then we have games against Yeovil, Carlisle & Bristol Rovers which are all winnable. If we come out of the back of those games and we still don't have a win then that is the time to start being concerned. Although I think the results so far have been really bad I am waiting for the next two games before getting really concerned Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 indeed... "just enough" is very much part of our stupid mentality that sees us doing badly.. Everyone who is saying "I want us to just survive this year" has also said "but we will be aiming for promotion next season". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 I actually agree with him, but just because he's stated an opinion and used the word "I" doesn't mean he's arrogant ? He also said "Any one saying different is kidding them selves". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Fry Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 On this DD I will always agree with you. We should never ever aim to survive. But WGS always said his first job was to get to 40 points, then start looking upwards from there. And I wouldn't disagree with that either. This year, in my view, we must first ensure survival and then look up. Yes, but that was when we were relatively poor side amongst gigantic clubs in the biggest league in global football. We're now the biggest spending team, with the best paid manager, one of the best stadiums and best crowds in a tiny division. We are Man United. We are Liverpool. This idea that "wouldnt it be just super, simply wonderful if we could scrape survival in this division" is just lunacy. Ohh how dare we expect anything else against the likes of Oldham and Swindon. And anyway, our current manager told us he was going for promotion this season, so why don't we judge him by those standards, as opposed to the standards of a manager from five years and two divisions ago? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 FFS. We will not finish anywhere near the bottom four. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up and away Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 Having witness all 3 home games I am now of the opinion that staying up will be a wonderful achievement. Any one saying different is kidding them selves. Just look at this team no striker sorry but Lambert does not look like a million pound player Patterson looks out of his depth Sag doesn't want to be here. Midfield is just average and defence so so. Sorry but we just had to win yesterday and there is just no excuse, christ their keeper really had very little to do. Pardew is making some what strange choices, they have a man sent off and our most gifted midfielder Schneiderlin stays on the bench crazy.Yes he is a passenger at times but we are at home they had a man off and really were not much of a threat. For this league, Lambert is about as good as it gets, just the pricing has gone out the window over the last couple of years. I don't argue with most of your analysis but I do get the feeling we will draw away from the relegation zone and it will be a distant memory by Christmas. A lot of this has to go down to Pardew, even Poortvliet had them playing it from the back, not hoofball. We need a player to create openings or generate pressure such that the other players are afforded more time and space, defences never look stretched against us. This could also be achieved by team play, but that looks a long way off for now. I don't know why, but am pinning all my hopes on Papa. Never seen him play but hope he could be the spark that lights up the team. There are several aspects to a manager and whilst Pardew has disappointed in some areas, his dealings in the transfer market look very good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintjersey Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 The arrogance of some people is quite unbeliveable. We don't have a divine right to be anywhere, I thought people would have learnt after relegation from the Preimership and now the Championship. Now I'm not saying we will be relegated from League One, but what annoys me is people saying 'we will be fine' or 'we are too good to go down, we have the best striker and goal keeper in the league'. Well actually going by our first six games if we carry on with that similar form we won't be fine. The fact of the matter is the players are not performing and we if carry on with this arrogant view that 'we are too good to go down', then surprise surprise by May we will be preparing for life in League Two, and will the same people still be proclaiming that we are too good for that league? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gorgiesaint Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 Yes, but that was when we were relatively poor side amongst gigantic clubs in the biggest league in global football. We're now the biggest spending team, with the best paid manager, one of the best stadiums and best crowds in a tiny division. We are Man United. We are Liverpool. We are a team whose pre-season started 3 weeks before the league kicked off This idea that "wouldnt it be just super, simply wonderful if we could scrape survival in this division" is just lunacy. Ohh how dare we expect anything else against the likes of Oldham and Swindon. No-one has said scraping survival would be wonderful - but acceptable. I hope the 'how dare we' is tongue in cheek And anyway, our current manager told us he was going for promotion this season, so why don't we judge him by those standards, as opposed to the standards of a manager from five years and two divisions ago? No why don't we judge him 6 games into a 46 games season Just what do people want? Do you want Pardew sacked so we can start again for the umpteenth time. If so, who would you like in? If not then yes, you also have a right to be critical but do you think Pardew is happy with the start we've made. The attitude that we should be beating teams like this because we're Southampton is large part of the problem - who knows, perhaps some of the players have previously thought like that. The back is starting to look sorted - we were very short up front on Saturday. This week we'll hopefully get Waigo and Saga will be back from watching international football, that should give us a boost up front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 He also said "Any one saying different is kidding them selves". Well, there's a lot of that on here, anyone saying any different is kidding themselves. :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 We'll be fine. We've only had a new manager for three weeks of pre-season, so we are well behind in timescales where we need to be. Plus there was other internal upheavel. I have been very impressed with Pardew who has quickly recognised the weaknesses the team has and has worked to address them. The "final two pieces of the puzzle" are yet to play, but we have another solid centre half and hopefully a pacy striker. All I wanted this season was for us to improve steadily, and to end the season on form. If that meant a chance of sneaking into 6th then great, if not I wasn't too bothered. Although obviously it would be great to have a win or two, I am not worried as things stand and am feeling pretty positive that my expectations will be met. Certainly nothing has altered them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polegategavin Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 Yes, but that was when we were relatively poor side amongst gigantic clubs in the biggest league in global football. We're now the biggest spending team, with the best paid manager, one of the best stadiums and best crowds in a tiny division. We are Man United. We are Liverpool. This idea that "wouldnt it be just super, simply wonderful if we could scrape survival in this division" is just lunacy. Ohh how dare we expect anything else against the likes of Oldham and Swindon. And anyway, our current manager told us he was going for promotion this season, so why don't we judge him by those standards, as opposed to the standards of a manager from five years and two divisions ago? Can I turn this idea on it's head metaphorically. If Man Utd or Liverpool were in the same position in the Premier League, i.e. bottom having not won any of their first 6 matches, would anyone suggest that they would definitely get relegated. Of course not. In fact most football supporters would expect them to find form very soon and starting stringing an unbeaten run together and start climbing the division, and in fact would expect them to finish in the top 4 as a minimum. If you go back to the 2007/08 season both Man Utd and Chelsea had pathetic starts to the season, first 4 or 5 matches, but still finished in the top 3, with Man Utd winning the title. This near histeria reaction we get from some fans is incredible, and I realise that every club has a core that react this way, it is either champions form or utter cr4p and we'll be relegated. During pre-season the majority of fans were saying that they were delighted that we had a club to support, and they would give Pardew as much time as he needed to rebuild our club, and ensure long term success and progression. Suddenly a month later because the results have been disappointing, some of those same fans are now declaring that we will be relegated and that it is a tradegy what has happened. I firmly believe that we will start winning games soon, and that we will win more than half our games for the rest of the season, as the team gels and the confidence grows. If however after 15 games we are still struggling, and have won fewer than 5 games then I will have to re-evalute, but until then I shall be patient and let Pardew do his job and implement his style of play and implement his strongest eleven. From what I have seen, albeit the extended highlights on Saints Player, since the Swindon game, we have had the lionshare of possession, played some neat football, just not had the cutting edge, or luck/ bounce of the ball, when in the danger area. We have been more and more secure defensively. All this considered IMHO I believe things will become far more positive sooner rather than later, I don't believe we shall be concerned about playing Charlton, just well prepared and up for the battle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 Can I turn this idea on it's head metaphorically. If Man Utd or Liverpool were in the same position in the Premier League, i.e. bottom having not won any of their first 6 matches, would anyone suggest that they would definitely get relegated. Of course not. In fact most football supporters would expect them to find form very soon and starting stringing an unbeaten run together and start climbing the division, and in fact would expect them to finish in the top 4 as a minimum. If you go back to the 2007/08 season both Man Utd and Chelsea had pathetic starts to the season, first 4 or 5 matches, but still finished in the top 3, with Man Utd winning the title. This near histeria reaction we get from some fans is incredible, and I realise that every club has a core that react this way, it is either champions form or utter cr4p and we'll be relegated. During pre-season the majority of fans were saying that they were delighted that we had a club to support, and they would give Pardew as much time as he needed to rebuild our club, and ensure long term success and progression. Suddenly a month later because the results have been disappointing, some of those same fans are now declaring that we will be relegated and that it is a tradegy what has happened. I firmly believe that we will start winning games soon, and that we will win more than half our games for the rest of the season, as the team gels and the confidence grows. If however after 15 games we are still struggling, and have won fewer than 5 games then I will have to re-evalute, but until then I shall be patient and let Pardew do his job and implement his style of play and implement his strongest eleven. From what I have seen, albeit the extended highlights on Saints Player, since the Swindon game, we have had the lionshare of possession, played some neat football, just not had the cutting edge, or luck/ bounce of the ball, when in the danger area. We have been more and more secure defensively. All this considered IMHO I believe things will become far more positive sooner rather than later, I don't believe we shall be concerned about playing Charlton, just well prepared and up for the battle. Exactly. You would, however, have moron Man U fans saying "Fergie out", "we're doomed", "we'll never win anything again" etc... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Wayman Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 Frankly, it doesn't seem even remotely possible to avoid relegation on performances we've seen so far. If we do it'll be by a point or two on the last day, which would be yet another but not-so-very-great escape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 (edited) We'll be fine. We've only had a new manager for three weeks of pre-season, so we are well behind in timescales where we need to be. Plus there was other internal upheavel. I have been very impressed with Pardew who has quickly recognised the weaknesses the team has and has worked to address them. The "final two pieces of the puzzle" are yet to play, but we have another solid centre half and hopefully a pacy striker. All I wanted this season was for us to improve steadily, and to end the season on form. If that meant a chance of sneaking into 6th then great, if not I wasn't too bothered. Although obviously it would be great to have a win or two, I am not worried as things stand and am feeling pretty positive that my expectations will be met. Certainly nothing has altered them. Me too, other than I felt exactly the same about "steady improvement" as the kids got experience last season, and look what happened there. The bit in bold I don't agree with. What worries me is not now that our signings haven't gelled, etc., its that they've shown they can perform by putting in the effort against Birmingham and being so impressive then, and have now reverted to type. This worries me because it's nothing the manager can do anything about once they've crossed that line - he has to somehow get them to fear the kind of humiliation/show they can perform at a Premier League level that they had against Birmingham as a driver for their effort in every match, and we've already dropped from that high back to turgid, slow, unimaginative "wait and see" football. Nothing happens in football without effort all over the team - it's what Strachan brought us, Sturrock kept it for a while, and since then, it only happens when the players want it to. We're nearer turning Hammond and Lambert into plodding 4th division players than they are to turning us into successful League One challengers with current attitudes. Edited 7 September, 2009 by The9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bakovnetski Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 Mid-table mediocrity...bring it on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 Can I turn this idea on it's head metaphorically. If Man Utd or Liverpool were in the same position in the Premier League, i.e. bottom having not won any of their first 6 matches, would anyone suggest that they would definitely get relegated. Of course not. In fact most football supporters would expect them to find form very soon and starting stringing an unbeaten run together and start climbing the division, and in fact would expect them to finish in the top 4 as a minimum. If you go back to the 2007/08 season both Man Utd and Chelsea had pathetic starts to the season, first 4 or 5 matches, but still finished in the top 3, with Man Utd winning the title. This near histeria reaction we get from some fans is incredible, and I realise that every club has a core that react this way, it is either champions form or utter cr4p and we'll be relegated. During pre-season the majority of fans were saying that they were delighted that we had a club to support, and they would give Pardew as much time as he needed to rebuild our club, and ensure long term success and progression. Suddenly a month later because the results have been disappointing, some of those same fans are now declaring that we will be relegated and that it is a tradegy what has happened. I firmly believe that we will start winning games soon, and that we will win more than half our games for the rest of the season, as the team gels and the confidence grows. If however after 15 games we are still struggling, and have won fewer than 5 games then I will have to re-evalute, but until then I shall be patient and let Pardew do his job and implement his style of play and implement his strongest eleven. From what I have seen, albeit the extended highlights on Saints Player, since the Swindon game, we have had the lionshare of possession, played some neat football, just not had the cutting edge, or luck/ bounce of the ball, when in the danger area. We have been more and more secure defensively. All this considered IMHO I believe things will become far more positive sooner rather than later, I don't believe we shall be concerned about playing Charlton, just well prepared and up for the battle. Ridiculous analagy Man U were champions last year and are not in the relegation. We were relegated last year have won no league games so surely there is the case for a little concern Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Fry Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 No why don't we judge him 6 games into a 46 games season Just what do people want? Do you want Pardew sacked so we can start again for the umpteenth time. If so, who would you like in? If not then yes, you also have a right to be critical but do you think Pardew is happy with the start we've made. The attitude that we should be beating teams like this because we're Southampton is large part of the problem - who knows, perhaps some of the players have previously thought like that. The back is starting to look sorted - we were very short up front on Saturday. This week we'll hopefully get Waigo and Saga will be back from watching international football, that should give us a boost up front. Yawn. I don't want Pardew sacked. My point is in agreement with Pardew - he wants promotion this season, he said it and I think that is absolutley what we should be aiming for. The only people I am having a go at are the fans making out we should be only be hopeful for, and eternally grateful for, scraping last day survival. That would be utterly unacceptable, for me, for Pardew and for any sensible fans. People working themselves up to make this some kind of stupendous acheivement when we are the biggest spending team in the league is utterly ridiculous. Can I turn this idea on it's head metaphorically. If Man Utd or Liverpool were in the same position in the Premier League, i.e. bottom having not won any of their first 6 matches, would anyone suggest that they would definitely get relegated. Of course not. Err - that was my point in the first place. It is the Le God Third Coming and others on here who would be Man United fans saying "wouldn't it be brilliant if we finished fourth from bottom, that's all we can reasonably expect". Can you see any Man U fans saying that? Because that is officially the "positive" viewpoint on this forum. It's bloody laughable. I'm sick to death reading people pretending to be "the positive fans" by saying all we should hope for is fourth from bottom and no one is allowed to complain if that is all we achieve this season. Well Alan Pardew doesn't agree with that sentiment, so I am not sure why it is given such credence on this forum and used as a stick to beat so-called "negative" posters who want precisely what Alan Pardew wants. A hell of a lot better than where we are now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 Logically, it was never feasible for Saints to do a Leeds or a Charlton this season, starting with such a weak squad, even weaker than the one relegated last year. Therefore avoiding relegation has always been the only realistic objective this year. Despite the weaknesses still in the side, mainly the reserve players not so far replaced, the rebuilding should be enough to get to safety. The only doubt for me amongst the new players is Mellis, who looks like another of Chelsea's failed young signings, but with Jaidi and Waigo to come in and Saga back, things should start to turn around this month. If we don't get 6 points in Sept I'll be worried, but I feel we may well get 7 or even 9, so we could be getting close to contact with the bottom teams by the end of the month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sport_Monkey Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 Its funny how peoples views are so different (Which I would not change for any reason as life would be quite dull!) Although frustrating that we have not won yet I am also quite happy that we have only lost two games out of six. Whether that is under acheiving or not I don't know, but it is something to build on and with out being one of the over optimistic brigade, I also think that results will start to come and we will be okay! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheff Saint Posted 7 September, 2009 Share Posted 7 September, 2009 I think people expected us to roll up and destroy teams. We had very little pre-season and have only last week finished building the team. Yet we've on ly lost twice. With performances improving. And as for AP, know one on here knows for sure, but all the noises he is making about the players he's bought in, the scouting, the training and his long term plans -well they seem the right noises. We will end this season a very good team. Probably not good enough for the play offs as i reckon we'll be to far behind due to inconsistency caused by the above reasons. But after Christmas, with a little more tinkering, i reckon we'll be very good. It would have been lovely if everything had just 'clicked' straight away but the chances are it wouldn't. At least we are building what looks like big and deep foundations. This season can only be a failure if we haven't improved by the end. And if we have we won't be relegated. For my money i reckon we'll be nearer 6th than 21st and set fair for next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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