I have said it so many times I have to stick with it

[Secret Site Agent]

That I have always maintained, wether it be Saints or the England team, that I would prefer to see a bunch of kids work their socks off for 90 minutes, and lose, that a bunch of over paid, over hyped over aged prima donnas just go through the motions.

 

ANd win or lose I just have to say that this is what I saw last night.

 

I don't like losing. I don't want us to continue how we are at the moment. I have grave concerns as well.

 

But, I am man enough to say that the team are what I asked for, and I am very proud of them in not giving up yesterday, as they kept moving and pushing.

 

It must be starting to affect their confidence at the moment. But I for one will not boo and crucify them for what they have done so far, as they are playing their hearts out at the moment. I think they are a better team than that we had last year, to be fair. And I hope that if I manage to not undermine them when they are playing, they will come right again and start winning a few.

 

Just a little analogy for you who will look to shoot me down.

 

Western Europe invaded and over run. Outnumbered in the Air 2 to 1. Outnumbered on the ground 3 to 1. A little Island stood alone against this and when any other nation would have said 'We give in, please don't hurt us!' actually stood and said, 'Ah, **** it. Come and have a go.' After transferring in a few loan signings from the commonwealth, didn't do too bad in the end.

 

I just had to say it, that's all. There is nothing wrong in trying your best and never giving up, even if you don't succeed.

 

Now please discuss using cogent, well thought out constructive statements, especially where I am envoking the 'Dunkirk' spirit, as I can't believe I am doing it either.

[Saint_clark]

What they need is a win by 2 or 3 goals over a decent side (Wolves, Reading, Sheffield United etc) whilst outplaying them to give them the belief not only in themselves, but the system they are playing.

[alpine_saint]

1. Why did this need a separate thread ?

 

2. The Dunkirk analogy is wrong, stupid and plain ridiculous

[Saint_clark]

I too don't really get the Dunkirk analogy. It's not like our club is going to become a German speaking racist war machine if we get relegated.

[Whitey Grandad]

I don't like the analogy either, and no matter how we look at it, Dunkirk was a massive defeat.

[Saint_Rick]

Western Europe invaded and over run. Outnumbered in the Air 2 to 1. Outnumbered on the ground 3 to 1. A little Island stood alone against this and when any other nation would have said 'We give in, please don't hurt us!' actually stood and said, 'Ah, **** it. Come and have a go.' After transferring in a few loan signings from the commonwealth, didn't do too bad in the end.

 

[1965onwards]

I don't think many Saints fans are against the team consisting mainly of youngsters in the midfield and attack,but they know that experience is vital at the back in an English league.

 

A defense also needs square pegs in squeare holes,as was shown conclusively last season with Burleys bizarre selections.

 

JP has got the defense badly wrong,and it is undoing all the good work going forward.

[Secret Site Agent]

1. Why did this need a separate thread ?

 

2. The Dunkirk analogy is wrong, stupid and plain ridiculous

 

1. Because I didn't want to just hide it away, I wanted to start a debate before the 'boo boys' got involved.

 

2. Did I not make the statement that I couldn't beleve I was invoking the Dunkirk spirit.

 

Now please answer the following

 

1. How is this a constructive?

[Whitey Grandad]

Quite simple really. Good in the middle but we don't score enough, or even look like we will, and we are a complete shambles at the back and we let in far too many. Everybody knows that you build a team starting from the back and going forward, don't they?

[Saint_clark]

Quite simple really. Good in the middle but we don't score enough, or even look like we will, and we are a complete shambles at the back and we let in far too many. Everybody knows that you build a team starting from the back and going forward, don't they?

 

For me Pekhart needs to start instead of McGoldrick. He looks a better finisher and more of a threat in general.

As for the defense, the main problem is on the wings - Surman and James just don't have enough pace to play there.

[Thedelldays]

I have said it again myself..

 

I would rather we won every week at the highest possible level and that is what we should be aiming to do..

 

whether we win with a bunch of £30m players or a bunch of 18 year olds, it is of no difference to me..

 

I mean, how many of the kids will stay long term either way, how many have stayed long term in the past and how many are from southampton (as people seem to think they are from the area)

[aintforever]

That I have always maintained, wether it be Saints or the England team, that I would prefer to see a bunch of kids work their socks off for 90 minutes, and lose, that a bunch of over paid, over hyped over aged prima donnas just go through the motions.

 

ANd win or lose I just have to say that this is what I saw last night.

 

I don't like losing. I don't want us to continue how we are at the moment. I have grave concerns as well.

 

But, I am man enough to say that the team are what I asked for, and I am very proud of them in not giving up yesterday, as they kept moving and pushing.

 

It must be starting to affect their confidence at the moment. But I for one will not boo and crucify them for what they have done so far, as they are playing their hearts out at the moment. I think they are a better team than that we had last year, to be fair. And I hope that if I manage to not undermine them when they are playing, they will come right again and start winning a few.

 

Just a little analogy for you who will look to shoot me down.

 

Western Europe invaded and over run. Outnumbered in the Air 2 to 1. Outnumbered on the ground 3 to 1. A little Island stood alone against this and when any other nation would have said 'We give in, please don't hurt us!' actually stood and said, 'Ah, **** it. Come and have a go.' After transferring in a few loan signings from the commonwealth, didn't do too bad in the end.

 

I just had to say it, that's all. There is nothing wrong in trying your best and never giving up, even if you don't succeed.

 

Now please discuss using cogent, well thought out constructive statements, especially where I am envoking the 'Dunkirk' spirit, as I can't believe I am doing it either.

 

Actually at Dunkirk we got shat on and ran away so that's not a great example, it was the Battle of Britain where we stood up to the Krauts.

 

We didn't just rely on young kids to pilot the planes either, we used some classy foreign imports from Poland and experienced pilots as well.

[yorkie]

I've said it again and again, and it's still true despite results, I'm enjoying this season and enjoying supporting saints. I'd rather do things this way even if it means less chance of success, but IMO takeovers etc will just worsen our long term situation. If we can become one of the few sustainable clubs with local lads and british players giving their all and improving then that's good enough for me.

 

The main difference even with the poor results now is that you get the real feeling players will learn and grow because of it, not like the burley days when we were going round and round in infuriating circles. I hated watching overpaid wasters in the first team and kids of a higher quality stuck in the reserves or youth team.

 

Many said they'd be happy just to stay up given the financial situation, yet some now seem to think it's an outrage we're near the bottom of the table. I still believe we'll have a half decent season, afterall it's just 5 games and some tough fixtures. In fact, it's only the blackpool result that really bothered me as we should be winning those. Overall though I find myself looking forward to the next match and trying to get to all the games I can. A year ago I struggled to even listen to the games anymore.

 

I endorse your thoughts.

 

I like watching teams that try - but do more than that this lot entertain. Sometimes the defending makes me laugh, and the over played passing - but it is better tahn the sh*te I have watched over the last few seasons with players looking at each looking for answers.

 

We all know who they were - many of them went almost as soon as the relegation door slammed shut but we still had our share of strollers in the side.

 

Just need someone to score the chances we create...after all if we start to convert these chances, we need to score one more than we concede. The Chris Nichol School of Management.

[AndyNorthernSaints]

I've said it again and again, and it's still true despite results, I'm enjoying this season and enjoying supporting saints. I'd rather do things this way even if it means less chance of success, but IMO takeovers etc will just worsen our long term situation. If we can become one of the few sustainable clubs with local lads and british players giving their all and improving then that's good enough for me.

 

The main difference even with the poor results now is that you get the real feeling players will learn and grow because of it, not like the burley days when we were going round and round in infuriating circles. I hated watching overpaid wasters in the first team and kids of a higher quality stuck in the reserves or youth team.

 

Many said they'd be happy just to stay up given the financial situation, yet some now seem to think it's an outrage we're near the bottom of the table. I still believe we'll have a half decent season, afterall it's just 5 games and some tough fixtures. In fact, it's only the blackpool result that really bothered me as we should be winning those. Overall though I find myself looking forward to the next match and trying to get to all the games I can. A year ago I struggled to even listen to the games anymore.

 

Agree with you mostly but do you still think McGoldrick will score 20 goals this season?

Myself i'd prefer John playing to score some goals we badly need.

[aintforever]

I'd be happy to watch the kids try hard and fail if failing didn't mean relegation and administration leading to -10 points and possible League 2 the season after.

 

The whole future of our club is on the line, go down and **** knows what will be sold off? The Stadium and Staplewood will be at risk, the much prized acadamy will be history. Winning is everything IMO.

[saintjinksie]

We need to wake up and smell some coffee. i would rather see a whole team of stern johns doing naff all and being lazy but winning a game rather than watching a load of young blokes 'fighting for the cause'.

[GreenTreeFrog]

This is not intended to have a go at anyone – we are obviously playing a lot of young players but these are not ‘kids’ as many keep saying. Lallana, James and Lancashire are all 20, McGoldrick 21, Surman 22 and Gillet 23.

 

Players such as Walcott and Bale are still only 19 and made their saints debuts as 16year olds – 4 years younger than any of the above players. Of course we were not relying on them as the basis of the team back then so I realise it’s not exactly the same. My point is that the current young players are physically more developed than Bale and Walcott were when introduced to first team football so it is only experience, not ‘physicality’ they lack. This is important as hopefully that will allow them to develop very quickly, as they gain vital experience, rather than waiting for a ‘kid’ to grow into a man.

 

I hope they are given time and fans remember how poor we were last season when we spent a staggering £10.5 million on wages, a figure said to be higher than the previous year. That is not sustainable in the championship on anything other than a sell out at every home game and probably not even then.

[Delmary]

This is not intended to have a go at anyone – we are obviously playing a lot of young players but these are not ‘kids’ as many keep saying. Lallana, James and Lancashire are all 20, McGoldrick 21, Surman 22 and Gillet 23.

 

Players such as Walcott and Bale are still only 19 and made their saints debuts as 16year olds – 4 years younger than any of the above players. Of course we were not relying on them as the basis of the team back then so I realise it’s not exactly the same. My point is that the current young players are physically more developed than Bale and Walcott were when introduced to first team football so it is only experience, not ‘physicality’ they lack. This is important as hopefully that will allow them to develop very quickly, as they gain vital experience, rather than waiting for a ‘kid’ to grow into a man.

 

I hope they are given time and fans remember how poor we were last season when we spent a staggering £10.5 million on wages, a figure said to be higher than the previous year. That is not sustainable in the championship on anything other than a sell out at every home game and probably not even then.

The balance between youth and experience is weighted too heavily towards youth. I don't believe this youth experiment will work. I really hope that I'm proved totally wrong.

[sad saints fan]

That I have always maintained, wether it be Saints or the England team, that I would prefer to see a bunch of kids work their socks off for 90 minutes, and lose, that a bunch of over paid, over hyped over aged prima donnas just go through the motions.

 

ANd win or lose I just have to say that this is what I saw last night.

 

I don't like losing. I don't want us to continue how we are at the moment. I have grave concerns as well.

 

But, I am man enough to say that the team are what I asked for, and I am very proud of them in not giving up yesterday, as they kept moving and pushing.

 

It must be starting to affect their confidence at the moment. But I for one will not boo and crucify them for what they have done so far, as they are playing their hearts out at the moment. I think they are a better team than that we had last year, to be fair. And I hope that if I manage to not undermine them when they are playing, they will come right again and start winning a few.

 

Just a little analogy for you who will look to shoot me down.

 

Western Europe invaded and over run. Outnumbered in the Air 2 to 1. Outnumbered on the ground 3 to 1. A little Island stood alone against this and when any other nation would have said 'We give in, please don't hurt us!' actually stood and said, 'Ah, **** it. Come and have a go.' After transferring in a few loan signings from the commonwealth, didn't do too bad in the end.

 

I just had to say it, that's all. There is nothing wrong in trying your best and never giving up, even if you don't succeed.

 

Now please discuss using cogent, well thought out constructive statements, especially where I am envoking the 'Dunkirk' spirit, as I can't believe I am doing it either.

 

 

 

I agree with your sentiments about standing up and being counted,but following your anology through a little further,this little island would have been well and trully knackered if a rich american backer hadnt come in and provided the finance in the the form of lease lend,so maybe we still need a bit of help.

[Legod Second Coming]

I endorse your thoughts.

 

I like watching teams that try - but do more than that this lot entertain. Sometimes the defending makes me laugh, and the over played passing - but it is better tahn the sh*te I have watched over the last few seasons with players looking at each looking for answers.

 

We all know who they were - many of them went almost as soon as the relegation door slammed shut but we still had our share of strollers in the side.

 

Just need someone to score the chances we create...after all if we start to convert these chances, we need to score one more than we concede. The Chris Nichol School of Management.

 

If you do the right things for the right reasons, justice says you will eventually be rewarded.

 

What I admire in our current team is their willingness to work and attempt at all times to play football, regardless of the situation.

 

Even yesterday, with a two goal deficit we didn't simply look to hit and hope or lump it, we kept trying the basic ingredients that make for good football - passing and moving.

 

Yes, the defending for the first goal was poor. At times thereafter it was last-ditch. On occasion amateurish.

 

But frankly, the defence was playing together for the first time and, after 28-odd minutes, without one of the men who had been practising the line-up all week.

 

Making excuses for tired and disinterested journeymen is one thing - FORGIVING apprentices quite another.

 

The 4-1 was flaterring on the balance of play - not necessarily the chances created mind.

 

If you're doing 80% of the things needed, do you change the 80% in the hope that someone else offers 100%? Or do you look to put right the remaining 20%.

 

I have heard - and frankly, it's comical - people talk about Ostlund and Powell and Wright... as though loising 4-1 at home with ELEVEN men against Palace who sacked their manager two weeks later - never happened at all!! Never happened... I must have dreamed it...

 

There are still only five games gone. Just five. We're one point from safety and five from the play-offs, we've played Birmingham, Derby, QPR and Cardiff (three of them away from home), all far-superior teams on finance and squad. All favourites for promotion.

 

And yet, it's time for the cyanide.

 

Really? Really?

 

I find this level of sado-masochism bordering on the pyschologically deranged.

[Secret Site Agent]

Actually at Dunkirk we got shat on and ran away so that's not a great example, it was the Battle of Britain where we stood up to the Krauts.

 

We didn't just rely on young kids to pilot the planes either, we used some classy foreign imports from Poland and experienced pilots as well.

 

The Dunkirk spirit was a feeling that even with our back against the wall, and nothing to look forward to, we kept going on. We didn't give in. We didn't shout and boo at the troops coming back from France and we didn't give up during the Blitz.

 

This is my point for you with limited intelligence. Lets not shout and bawl at a team that keeps going even when 4-1 down.

 

Oh, and for those that say, 'I want to see us win every week in the premiership,' may I just say, 'Well, Duh!!! and please wipe the spittkle from your chin'

 

The expression 'No ****, Shurlock' also springs to mind.

Edited 16 September, 2008 by Secret Site Agent

[Secret Site Agent]

If you do the right things for the right reasons, justice says you will eventually be rewarded.

 

What I admire in our current team is their willingness to work and attempt at all times to play football, regardless of the situation.

 

Even yesterday, with a two goal deficit we didn't simply look to hit and hope or lump it, we kept trying the basic ingredients that make for good football - passing and moving.

 

Yes, the defending for the first goal was poor. At times thereafter it was last-ditch. On occasion amateurish.

 

But frankly, the defence was playing together for the first time and, after 28-odd minutes, without one of the men who had been practising the line-up all week.

 

Making excuses for tired and disinterested journeymen is one thing - FORGIVING apprentices quite another.

 

The 4-1 was flaterring on the balance of play - not necessarily the chances created mind.

 

If you're doing 80% of the things needed, do you change the 80% in the hope that someone else offers 100%? Or do you look to put right the remaining 20%.

 

I have heard - and frankly, it's comical - people talk about Ostlund and Powell and Wright... as though loising 4-1 at home with ELEVEN men against Palace who sacked their manager two weeks later - never happened at all!! Never happened... I must have dreamed it...

 

There are still only five games gone. Just five. We're one point from safety and five from the play-offs, we've played Birmingham, Derby, QPR and Cardiff (three of them away from home), all far-superior teams on finance and squad. All favourites for promotion.

 

And yet, it's time for the cyanide.

 

Really? Really?

 

I find this level of sado-masochism bordering on the pyschologically deranged.

 

As he said. i like the cut of your jib.

[bigdavewatson]

"This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy"

Winston Churchill - 1941

 

only aspect that we haven't shown IMHO is a bit more good sense. However, I am enjoying this season and don't think we are far away from a decent team........

[dubai_phil]

"This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy"

Winston Churchill - 1941

 

only aspect that we haven't shown IMHO is a bit more good sense. However, I am enjoying this season and don't think we are far away from a decent team........[/QUOTE]

 

About 20 miles??

 

But seriously I agree, it JUST needs a few tweaks on the rudder in terms of the team's balance and positioning. HOPEFULLY having SO many coaches means that between them they'll be able to get THAT right.......

 

 

(oh and the 20 miles I meant Salisbury to the Northwest, not East to the muppets!)

[Whitey Grandad]

How has he got the defence badly wrong? I've only seen us concede a lot of goals once and that was with 10 men. I've seen us give away too much space, but it's been 5 games ffs. What defence gels in 5 games? The criticism of James is appalling for a young player learning a new position. He's still looked better than Ostlund or Wright.

There have been wide open spaces behind both fullbacks in all the games that I have seen and these have been gleefully exploited by the opposition. Surman is too slow to play there and James has often gone AWOL. The first goal on Sunday was cringeworthy and Lancashire's misjudgment was down to him trying to cover the right-back position. I accept that it is early in the season but at the moment I see the defence getting worse as each game goes by.

[Wes Tender]

 

Now please discuss using cogent, well thought out constructive statements, especially where I am envoking the 'Dunkirk' spirit, as I can't believe I am doing it either.

 

Neither can I believe that you implore us to invoke the Dunkerque spirit as a way forward. Having done so, would you say that it constituted a cogent, well constructed statement, or is it way over the top and lacking perpective?

 

It is all very well expressing a preference towards watching a bunch of youngsters playing with heart and desire over a team of disinterested and overpaid journeymen just turning up and going through the motions. The trouble I have with this is that the so-called overpaid journeymen have commanded their pay on the basis that they supposedly have some prowess and ability that establishes their worth. If they do not perform to their ability, then presumably the manager is at fault for not motivating them sufficiently. But the point that I wished to make is that it was possible as a ST holder to watch most of the players in the current first team for free whilst they were in the reserves or the academy and now we are expected to pay over £20 to watch them. And the future seems to be that any of the youngsters who are really outstanding will be sold and replaced with the next crop of youngsters coming up. If some prefer to watch the exciting and committed play that the youngsters provide, perhaps they can avail themselves of the opportunity of watching the next crop for free in the reserves or academy now.

 

And why are there only two options, thrilling committed youngsters or overpaid and disinterested journeymen? Can't we have a blend of talented youngsters playing alongside experienced and committed older players?

 

The difference with the third option is that we might survive the drop to League one with a balanced team, but will likely fail with the first two options. Would you rather we played exciting football and dropped down a division? Personally I'd rather we played like the boring old Arsenal of old, winning most games 1-0 and ending up top of the league rather than exciting but heroic failure.

 

And I'm also afraid that despite calls for us fans to get behind the team, much as I love the Saints, I cannot get too excited about the prospect of it indirectly helping Lowe and Wilde out of the sh*t. That is where the Dunkerque analogy falls down badly; one thing putting one's life on the line for your Country, quite another putting oneself out to help charlatans like the two of them.

[Calvin]

I don't really fancy seeing Saints in the league............................ below!

[Whitey Grandad]

And why are there only two options, thrilling committed youngsters or overpaid and disinterested journeymen? Can't we have a blend of talented youngsters playing alongside experienced and committed older players?

 

Good point!

[Secret Site Agent]

Neither can I believe that you implore us to invoke the Dunkerque spirit as a way forward. Having done so, would you say that it constituted a cogent, well constructed statement, or is it way over the top and lacking perpective?

 

Yes I would as my intention was to generate a lively debate and try and express what my emotions were, but had trouble coming up with the words that would do justice to the emotion I am trying to convey. and I just can't bring myself to say 'Lets get behind the team, woot, COYR.' I would not say it was over the top or lacking perspective as when we lost last year i was quite annoyed at times with the team and managment and would shout and swear and curse. We lost on Sunday and I actually said, 'What a ****ing shame, at least they played their hearts out and tried'. Did anyone say that last year in Honesty? We can all say we were unlucky at times, but I enjoy watching them now, because they are really playing for something.

 

It is all very well expressing a preference towards watching a bunch of youngsters playing with heart and desire over a team of disinterested and overpaid journeymen just turning up and going through the motions. The trouble I have with this is that the so-called overpaid journeymen have commanded their pay on the basis that they supposedly have some prowess and ability that establishes their worth. If they do not perform to their ability, then presumably the manager is at fault for not motivating them sufficiently. ?

 

We have had the journeymen, and still have a number as well who have not played with the passion you would expect from them. Rudi seemed to before he came, Sag in the first season, even BWP and II. You can blame the manager but only to a certain extent.

 

And why are there only two options, thrilling committed youngsters or overpaid and disinterested journeymen? Can't we have a blend of talented youngsters playing alongside experienced and committed older players??

 

That would be nice as long as the older heads don't influence the younger ones, and that I what I would like also.

 

The difference with the third option is that we might survive the drop to League one with a balanced team, but will likely fail with the first two options. Would you rather we played exciting football and dropped down a division? Personally I'd rather we played like the boring old Arsenal of old, winning most games 1-0 and ending up top of the league rather than exciting but heroic failure.

 

Wes I enjoyed your answer and have taken the time to respond, but your last sentance in bold comes in the 'Well,Duh' as no one would want that, especially me, and I don't understand the point being made here. I just want to say that I am hopeful with what I have seen and I am willing to give just a little more time, (Get thee behind me, 'Gelling' statement), in the hope that, as others have pointed out, the wrinkles can be ironed out.

 

Finally, lets try and stamp out the New Season, New Team, New Manager, New Board merry-go-round that we are on.

[Sheff Saint]

 

Making excuses for tired and disinterested journeymen is one thing - FORGIVING apprentices quite another.

 

 

Why does it have to be one or another?

 

I wouldn't mind having a team full of 30 year olds if they all cared.

 

Look at Lawrie Mac's teams at Saints. Look at cun* face down the road when they came up to the Prem. Full of 30 year olds who had bags of enthusaism.

 

They are out there. It's about getting the blend. Chris Perry, as an example.

 

I happen to think Schneiderlin has looked in the three games i've seen this season. But we've spent over a million on him. How many free's could we have got and paid a years salary for that cash? 2 or 3?

 

It is getting the balance and the right players.

 

We all want the team to try their hardest and then a defeat isn't as bad. But what's wrong with trying to get a team to win no matter what the age?

[Wes Tender]

 

Wes I enjoyed your answer and have taken the time to respond, but your last sentance in bold comes in the 'Well,Duh' as no one would want that, especially me, and I don't understand the point being made here.

 

Fair enough SSA. I was just wishing to establish how far you were prepared to tolerate the situation. I'm pretty sure that just as there's an element out there who would rather see the club go into administration to get rid of Lowe, there's also an element who have stated that they would prefer to watch our spirited youngsters rather than the journeymen, even if it meant that we would be in League 1.

 

For myself, I want to watch the team that has the most chance of achieving promotion and as that suggests that they will be winning enough matches to get there, I'm not too worried how they play along the way. Winning is more exciting than losing, winning games gains crowds and increases morale. OK to lose entertainingly on the TV, but lose when the match is not on the TV and those who stayed away just look at the scoreline and really are not swayed by whether the lads played brilliant attacking football but lost to a bad refereeing decision, a sending off or any other circumstance; all they see is a losing run and crowds won't increase until we reverse that run.

[St Paul]

My issue with what's going on at the moment is it seems to be set in stone. Older players here before new set up-Journeymen. What is Wooten if not a journeyman? was Perry a journeyman last season, when Leon Crouch and Pearson got him on loan, but not now that he put pen to paper under Lowe?

 

It's too much black and white at our club at present. Why is Stern John not playing, I couldn't care less whether he's 45 or 16, he scores goals in this league and should be in. We need a blend of youngsters and senior pro's to guide them.

 

All that matters are results, and the simple fact is we're not getting them. Gillett, Surman, McG are not youngsters, they should at their age be judged by their performances, just like any pro footballer.

 

I'm fed up with reading excuses.

[Legod Second Coming]

Why does it have to be one or another?

 

I wouldn't mind having a team full of 30 year olds if they all cared.

 

Look at Lawrie Mac's teams at Saints. Look at cun* face down the road when they came up to the Prem. Full of 30 year olds who had bags of enthusaism.

 

They are out there. It's about getting the blend. Chris Perry, as an example.

 

I happen to think Schneiderlin has looked in the three games i've seen this season. But we've spent over a million on him. How many free's could we have got and paid a years salary for that cash? 2 or 3?

 

It is getting the balance and the right players.

 

We all want the team to try their hardest and then a defeat isn't as bad. But what's wrong with trying to get a team to win no matter what the age?

 

Nothing. I was simply pointing out that I'm not in the business of forgiving lazy disinterested journeymen!!

 

So losing last year was painful. Losing this year is less painful because we can at least see how much the players care.

 

Like you, I have nothing against players of any age who care and put in 100% effort.

[Secret Site Agent]

Fair enough SSA. I was just wishing to establish how far you were prepared to tolerate the situation. I'm pretty sure that just as there's an element out there who would rather see the club go into administration to get rid of Lowe, there's also an element who have stated that they would prefer to watch our spirited youngsters rather than the journeymen, even if it meant that we would be in League 1.

 

For myself, I want to watch the team that has the most chance of achieving promotion and as that suggests that they will be winning enough matches to get there, I'm not too worried how they play along the way. Winning is more exciting than losing, winning games gains crowds and increases morale. OK to lose entertainingly on the TV, but lose when the match is not on the TV and those who stayed away just look at the scoreline and really are not swayed by whether the lads played brilliant attacking football but lost to a bad refereeing decision, a sending off or any other circumstance; all they see is a losing run and crowds won't increase until we reverse that run.

 

Thanks Wes. I think we are of the same mind. I want promotion too as that is where the future has to be and I don't want relegation or administration. I just hope that if JP starts a few of the old hands, Like Wooten and John, with the spirit the youngsters have we can do just enough to stay here for now, but have something to build on next season, or even just enough to get in the top six. But as Lao-Tsu once said, 'A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.' And I like the step we have taken.

( and before anyone starts shouting out that Confucius said it, trust me he didn't.)

[Legod Second Coming]

Thanks Wes. I think we are of the same mind. I want promotion too as that is where the future has to be and I don't want relegation or administration. I just hope that if JP starts a few of the old hands, Like Wooten and John, with the spirit the youngsters have we can do just enough to stay here for now, but have something to build on next season, or even just enough to get in the top six. But as Lao-Tsu once said, 'A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.' And I like the step we have taken.

( and before anyone starts shouting out that Confucius said it, trust me he didn't.)

 

A fellow Taoist? No wonder we take defeat so stoically...

[Secret Site Agent]

Nothing. I was simply pointing out that I'm not in the business of forgiving lazy disinterested journeymen!!

 

So losing last year was painful. Losing this year is less painful because we can at least see how much the players care.

 

Like you, I have nothing against players of any age who care and put in 100% effort.

 

And I am still liking your jib. This is the point I have tried to make. Losing hurts, but less so because you can see the team cares. Age is irrelevant, but caring matters, and it just happens to be that some happen to be youngsters due to the simple fact that they have been here for years and have come through the ranks. There may been ex-saints out there that have moved on and look at the team and wish they could be part of that when they were here but the situation made them become mercenary. I amn sure there are still some, like Le Tiss and Franny, who would welcome a home.

 

I still would like to win though.