Holmes to stay LM

[Joesaint]

Firstly I thought his work rate today was unbelievable and was blown away by how good he really is, I have to say I didn’t see him too much before but I am so happy it’s like another signing coming in!

 

I thought he helped out Mills a lot, not in the sense that Mills was doing poor because he was really good but the link up play and support from both was really good (I do think Harding is our best option though).

 

 

COYS

[RedAndWhite91]

I wouldn't be dissapointed if Holmes was to stay at LM, not at all.

[Mark``]

Got a good pass on him. great cross. half decent at the corners. he can work on his sprinting work in training. hes only like 22 if im correct.

[Chez]

Decent first touch, left footed, happy to go the byeline, but slow, doesn't track back, and doesn't beat a man.

[S-Clarke]

Decent first touch, left footed, happy to go the byeline, but slow, doesn't track back, and doesn't beat a man.

 

that's the one thing that frustrates me about Holmes, i think he's got good talent (fantastic crossing ability)...but his lack of pace is a worry, and in this day and age it's a pretty critical attribute if you want to be a real success as a wide man.

[Joesaint]

he had pace, he was running everywhere.

 

TBH this is my opinion and because a few people have said he lacks pace I am now questioning myself, I do hope he does turn out to be the player I think I saw.

 

COYS

[Plumstead_Saint]

I thought he was quality before he got injured last season.

Glad to hear he did well today and v MKDs.

We really do have an embarrassment of riches in this squad now.

just need to get rid of some of the dead wood still.

[Block 5]

I thought he looked off the pace in the beginning of the first half, but he improved as the game progressed.

He ended up really impressing me with his work rate.

[Chez]

he was on his knees after 65 minutes. Not sure why as his tracking back left a lot to be desired. Mind you he's been out a long time so its (his lack of fitness) to be expected, but then again I've never thought that he tracked runners or chased back nearly enough.

[beatlesaint]

he was on his knees after 65 minutes.

 

Really ? So who was that chasing the ball down in the last 25 minutes and inter changing with Mills when we attacked down the left side then ?

 

He was still working his socks off well after the 65 minute mark.

[Sanguin]

He was running for the whole game and seemed to get himself into some really forward positions later on and was still going for it. I think Pardew's using him as a left midfield option so that he can rest other players. Lallana's playing every game but can play either side, Holmes missed the MK Dons game but was fresh for this one.

 

It's nice to have quality options so that players can be rested.

[Chez]

Really ? So who was that chasing the ball down in the last 25 minutes and inter changing with Mills when we attacked down the left side then ?

 

He was still working his socks off well after the 65 minute mark.

 

in short bursts maybe, but every time it went off for a throw he had his hands on his knees and was blowing like an old man. 15 minutes from the end looked dead. You should have seen him every time the ref stopped the game for a sub. He looked like he was amazed it wasn't him. Fair play to him for chasing some of the punts down the line near the end - he seemed to get a second wind actually, but there wasn't anything like that sort if effort going the other way. Not sure where you were sitting but in Kingsland North you couldn't fail to see this.

I hold my hold my hands up that I am not a fan, but I praised him last week at Millwall.

 

I'm not saying he had a bad game today, just that he tired, which you would after so long out. However I do dispute the level or workload he supposedly got through. He does not track his runner well ay all and everything is at a snails pace.

[St_Tel49]

he had pace, he was running everywhere.

 

TBH this is my opinion and because a few people have said he lacks pace I am now questioning myself, I do hope he does turn out to be the player I think I saw.

 

COYS

Don't question yourself - he is not short of pace.

[musesaint]

Thought Holmes was brilliant today...he's been out so long a teenager near me asked "who is he?" and "is he one of the new signings?"...to be honest a fully fit Holmes is like a new signing FFS!

 

He and Fish were definately my men of the match today

 

Fanatastic goal from Thomas and he played really well ...but Holmes and Fish worked their boll**cks off in the second half

 

A solid, fighting display from Saints ...oh yes I smell the Promised Land of the Premiership

 

:-)

[Junior Mullet]

Quality player, been saying for a long time on here that he should have been in the team. I can only imagine that Pardew was holding off until he was fully fit.

 

We look a different team with Holmes on the left. His passion, committment, work rate and technique are first rate for this level.

[LaptopSaint]

And when Lee has a couple more games under his belt and is fully match fit Morgan will be back from suspension. The couple of times I've seen them play together they've always looked great because Holmes hugs the touchline and gives Spiderman an outlet for his vision. Holmes isn't the faster winger ever but he's hardly a tortoise either.

[opthomps]

He has an appalling injury record, even from his time at Derby. They didn't release him coz he's a bad player, it was that he was injured so much. If he stays fit then thats great, and useful for the side, but don't hold your breath. It happens to some players, if he never got injured he would be a much better player i reckon

[Legod Third Coming]

Worth remembering that there is no chance he is properly match fit yet after his lay-off. By my reckoning that was a 70-80% matchfit Holmes. He's still got plenty of improvement in him and I've always been a fan. A couple of those cut backs were sublime but just a yard out from where you'd want them - that will come with matches. Solid is how I would describe him today.

[Nutwood2]

I think the important thing with Holmes is that he adds balance to the team, being a natural left footer. If you don't have that, it 'strangles the attack'. Great pace is not always of paramount importance The best left winger I've ever seen was John Robertson at Forest and he didn't have great pace, just quick acceleration over five yards, a few tricks and a great brain. When Holmes is fully fit he could be a great asset to the team, as Pards obviously realises.

[John Smith]

So, people moan about Antonio because he has a lack of skill and can;t cross, then they bash Holmes for having a decent touch a good cross but no pace.

 

One day, some of our 'fans' will wake up and realise we're in League 1. nd in actual fact, pace on one side, balance with poise on the other, is a perfect combination, which unbalances a flat back 4, enabling either the forwards to make their runs OR, push up too far and Antonio will get in behind, drop off too deep and Holmes will have time to pick out the perfect cross.

 

I am at a loss to understand how some of the kids today, just don;t understand football. maybe it's just this level, where you can do the basics and they pay dividends, that they don;t get. But then, some of the older ones plough in with demolishing our players.

 

Antonio is a dead wringer for George Lawrence, who I used to love watching as a boy, he was exciting. Holmes reminds me of D Bekham. Oooo, watch the flames coming in. But the boy can pass the ball, something that is a dying art at this level, generally managers go for pace or power, this Holmes kid has ability. Ask Lambert how he would prefer the ball delivered, to him, or to the crowd? Bet he goes for to his feet or head, and that's what Holmes can do.

 

Wake up people and stop bashing all our players! One thing is for sure, they deserve to post on here and bash you lot. Spoilt little buggers that don't know when they have it so good,

 

Me, I love this team, the optiuons, the ability, the effort. Almost at Wembley (hope the moaners stay at home), in the 6th round for the draw in the FA Cup, one away from the quarters. A nail biting, will they won;t they get to the play-offs! I'm loving it. Just wish we saw more positive comments on this board, as I think slagging our players off like some of you do is digusting, and I am ashamed to be associated with you.

 

Get a life!

[Legod Third Coming]

So, people moan about Antonio because he has a lack of skill and can;t cross, then they bash Holmes for having a decent touch a good cross but no pace.

 

One day, some of our 'fans' will wake up and realise we're in League 1. nd in actual fact, pace on one side, balance with poise on the other, is a perfect combination, which unbalances a flat back 4, enabling either the forwards to make their runs OR, push up too far and Antonio will get in behind, drop off too deep and Holmes will have time to pick out the perfect cross.

 

I am at a loss to understand how some of the kids today, just don;t understand football. maybe it's just this level, where you can do the basics and they pay dividends, that they don;t get. But then, some of the older ones plough in with demolishing our players.

 

Antonio is a dead wringer for George Lawrence, who I used to love watching as a boy, he was exciting. Holmes reminds me of D Bekham. Oooo, watch the flames coming in. But the boy can pass the ball, something that is a dying art at this level, generally managers go for pace or power, this Holmes kid has ability. Ask Lambert how he would prefer the ball delivered, to him, or to the crowd? Bet he goes for to his feet or head, and that's what Holmes can do.

 

Wake up people and stop bashing all our players! One thing is for sure, they deserve to post on here and bash you lot. Spoilt little buggers that don't know when they have it so good,

 

Me, I love this team, the optiuons, the ability, the effort. Almost at Wembley (hope the moaners stay at home), in the 6th round for the draw in the FA Cup, one away from the quarters. A nail biting, will they won;t they get to the play-offs! I'm loving it. Just wish we saw more positive comments on this board, as I think slagging our players off like some of you do is digusting, and I am ashamed to be associated with you.

 

Get a life!

 

Could not have put it better.

[Joesaint]

This is supposed to be a positive thread, saying I though Holmes was my MOM but everyone has there own opinion and that is fair enough.

 

Most comments are very positive though.

 

COYS

[dobbo]

that's the one thing that frustrates me about Holmes, i think he's got good talent (fantastic crossing ability)...but his lack of pace is a worry, and in this day and age it's a pretty critical attribute if you want to be a real success as a wide man.

 

What about beckham, never had great pace just energy and he has done pretty well as a wide man.

[polegategavin]

Worth remembering that there is no chance he is properly match fit yet after his lay-off. By my reckoning that was a 70-80% matchfit Holmes. He's still got plenty of improvement in him and I've always been a fan. A couple of those cut backs were sublime but just a yard out from where you'd want them - that will come with matches. Solid is how I would describe him today.

 

Spot on her, Chez is right that he didn't track back as much as some would have liked in the second half, but I think this was a deliberate tactical change implemented by AP. My nephew said to me at half time that we were far too narrow in the first half, coupled with the fact that we were too defensive.

 

Second half you could see that Saints put Ipswich on the back foot for long spells by being more attacking and playing wider, and until Antonio came on on the right wing, all of our focused attacking was through Holmes or using Lambert's flick ons. Holmes had their right back (Rosenoir) on the back foot which hadn't been the case in the first half, and is why IMHO Keane substituted Edwards for Martin half way through the second half.

 

IMHO Holmes will be a key part of our success for the rest of the season. It will be interesting what AP does with Lallana, but IMHO he looked jaded yesterday, and may well play one game per week with Holmes playing the other for the next few weeks.

 

Yesterday was my first visit to St Mary's this season, I know I'm ashamed, but I shall be there far more regularly from now on, and I'm really excited about the rest of the season.

[beatlesaint]

So, people moan about Antonio because he has a lack of skill and can;t cross, then they bash Holmes for having a decent touch a good cross but no pace.

 

One day, some of our 'fans' will wake up and realise we're in League 1. nd in actual fact, pace on one side, balance with poise on the other, is a perfect combination, which unbalances a flat back 4, enabling either the forwards to make their runs OR, push up too far and Antonio will get in behind, drop off too deep and Holmes will have time to pick out the perfect cross.

 

I am at a loss to understand how some of the kids today, just don;t understand football. maybe it's just this level, where you can do the basics and they pay dividends, that they don;t get. But then, some of the older ones plough in with demolishing our players.

 

Antonio is a dead wringer for George Lawrence, who I used to love watching as a boy, he was exciting. Holmes reminds me of D Bekham. Oooo, watch the flames coming in. But the boy can pass the ball, something that is a dying art at this level, generally managers go for pace or power, this Holmes kid has ability. Ask Lambert how he would prefer the ball delivered, to him, or to the crowd? Bet he goes for to his feet or head, and that's what Holmes can do.

 

Wake up people and stop bashing all our players! One thing is for sure, they deserve to post on here and bash you lot. Spoilt little buggers that don't know when they have it so good,

 

Me, I love this team, the optiuons, the ability, the effort. Almost at Wembley (hope the moaners stay at home), in the 6th round for the draw in the FA Cup, one away from the quarters. A nail biting, will they won;t they get to the play-offs! I'm loving it. Just wish we saw more positive comments on this board, as I think slagging our players off like some of you do is digusting, and I am ashamed to be associated with you.

 

Get a life!

 

Well said Sir !

 

Thanks to the efforts of players, coaches, manager and new owners I have fallen in love with this club all over again.

 

If people want to get picky wait until we are knocking on the door of the Champions League, not 6 months into a 5 year plan to get back to the Premiership !

[Andy_Porter]

Decent first touch, left footed, happy to go the byeline, but slow, doesn't track back, and doesn't beat a man.

 

Spot on - if James had put in exactly the same performance on the right he would have just been ignored. For some reason people on here are desperate for Holmes to play and praise him at ever chance.

 

He's a very average player, although I would prefer to have him play wide left if it means Lallana can play through the middle.

[CityRanger]

I think he's slow personally. My biggest gripe with him tho is his silly tango man suntan! Leave it to the wags Holmeser!

[southamptonfclegend]

I'm worried he maybe leaving.. at the end he was clapping every stand at one point looked liked he was waving goodbye.. only player left on the pitch... I really hope he stays he is quality!

[EFM]

Spot on - if James had put in exactly the same performance on the right he would have just been ignored. For some reason people on here are desperate for Holmes to play and praise him at ever chance.

 

He's a very average player, although I would prefer to have him play wide left if it means Lallana can play through the middle.

 

Well admittedly my eyesight is appaling Andy but the bloke I have thought was Holmes on a few limited occasions was bloody good imo. I'm delighted he's back.

[dubai_phil]

So, people moan about Antonio because he has a lack of skill and can;t cross, then they bash Holmes for having a decent touch a good cross but no pace.

 

One day, some of our 'fans' will wake up and realise we're in League 1. nd in actual fact, pace on one side, balance with poise on the other, is a perfect combination, which unbalances a flat back 4, enabling either the forwards to make their runs OR, push up too far and Antonio will get in behind, drop off too deep and Holmes will have time to pick out the perfect cross.

 

I am at a loss to understand how some of the kids today, just don;t understand football. maybe it's just this level, where you can do the basics and they pay dividends, that they don;t get. But then, some of the older ones plough in with demolishing our players.

 

Antonio is a dead wringer for George Lawrence, who I used to love watching as a boy, he was exciting. Holmes reminds me of D Bekham. Oooo, watch the flames coming in. But the boy can pass the ball, something that is a dying art at this level, generally managers go for pace or power, this Holmes kid has ability. Ask Lambert how he would prefer the ball delivered, to him, or to the crowd? Bet he goes for to his feet or head, and that's what Holmes can do.

 

Wake up people and stop bashing all our players! One thing is for sure, they deserve to post on here and bash you lot. Spoilt little buggers that don't know when they have it so good,

 

Me, I love this team, the optiuons, the ability, the effort. Almost at Wembley (hope the moaners stay at home), in the 6th round for the draw in the FA Cup, one away from the quarters. A nail biting, will they won;t they get to the play-offs! I'm loving it. Just wish we saw more positive comments on this board, as I think slagging our players off like some of you do is digusting, and I am ashamed to be associated with you.

 

Get a life!

 

:smt041

 

Well said. Holmes is a better technical player. With Antonio or Waigo on the right we have the pace. For the balance of the side we need both sets of skills.

 

We ain't going to sign Ronaldo any time soon so the team needs one of each.

 

Personally I'm glad he has come back. We will need him and others like Gillett over the next few weeks with so many games coming up and injuries/sickness/tiredness taking a toll.

 

Even with the problems last year we looked a better team until he got crocked at QPR. Who knows, IF he had stayed fit he could have been worth an extra few points last season