Seaborne & Otsemebor?

[Nexstar]

Were these signings really necessary?

 

The last few games have shown that Harding is our left-back, but Mills can provide great cover.

 

Fonte and Jaidi would be first-choice centre-backs, with Perry and Thomas able to play there effectively.

 

Murty when not injured is good at RB, with both James and Thomas able to support the position.

 

I just really wonder whether Dan Seaborne and Jon Otsemembor, neither of which had stand-out games against Millwall, are necessary additions to the squad? Pards mentioned making a mistake with the signings eventually and maybe this is it, after talking about having 8-10 players too many we've gone and signed two more who don't so far seem like they would be worthy of the Championship and add to the wage bill.

 

Or maybe it's too early to tell?

[St Chalet]

Too early to tell. Plus if you believe the grapevine then Thomas is being shipped out.

[hypochondriac]

Otsemebor I feel is necessary for RB. If nothing else for cover because James should not play there. I don't really want James in the team because I don't really think he's very good.

[Matthew Le God]

Seaborne will be groomed to take over from Jaidi long term. I think 1st choice will be Jaidi/Fonte atm with Seaborne playing occasionally if Jaidi isn't up to lots of games in a short period.

 

Otsemobor is on a 6 month contract to cover for Murty's injury problems. Either he will do well and earn an extended contract or Saints will buy a new right back in the summer.

Edited 24 January, 2010 by Matthew Le God

[doughnutman]

Seabourne is IMHO a long term option (and on the plus side he keeps Lancashire away from the first team) and Jaidi and Perry are both aging players (I have doubts if Perry will be be here next season - especially if we go up a league) and unable to play every game.

Otsemebor is a stop gap as I dont think we will see Murty back regularly and Pardew has said that Thomas is too expensive for this league and before recent performances would have been looking to get rid of him

All IMHO

[grammy]

Were these signings really necessary?

 

The last few games have shown that Harding is our left-back, but Mills can provide great cover.

 

Fonte and Jaidi would be first-choice centre-backs, with Perry and Thomas able to play there effectively.

 

Murty when not injured is good at RB, with both James and Thomas able to support the position.

 

I just really wonder whether Dan Seaborne and Jon Otsemembor, neither of which had stand-out games against Millwall, are necessary additions to the squad? Pards mentioned making a mistake with the signings eventually and maybe this is it, after talking about having 8-10 players too many we've gone and signed two more who don't so far seem like they would be worthy of the Championship and add to the wage bill.

 

Or maybe it's too early to tell?

 

Otsemembor is only here until the end of the season and Murtys contract terms are basically pay as you play so not really costing any extra. I reckon Pardew has a target for right back in the summer hence only a six month contract.

[derry]

Otsemebor I feel is necessary for RB. If nothing else for cover because James should not play there. I don't really want James in the team because I don't really think he's very good.

 

I'm not sure he is defensively as good as Thomas, I would be happy for Thomas to continue at right back.

 

As for James I think he showed yesterday he is on borrowed time.

 

I have doubts over Pardew, in my opinion Thomas is a better full back than James so why has James played in preference. Holmes has been overlooked for two months but seems now back in favour. Yesterday James insisted on taking free kicks and corners when both Mills and especially Holmes do it better.The problem I have is Pardew doesn't seem to know what his best team is nor how we should play.

[Matthew Le God]

Yesterday James insisted on taking free kicks and corners when both Mills and especially Holmes do it better.The problem I have is Pardew doesn't seem to know what his best team is nor how we should play.

 

Both James and Mills were taking corners yesterday.

 

Mills on one side and James on the other.

[david in sweden]

Were these signings really necessary?

 

The last few games have shown that Harding is our left-back, but Mills can provide great cover.

Fonte and Jaidi would be first-choice centre-backs, with Perry and Thomas able to play there effectively.

Murty when not injured is good at RB, with both James and Thomas able to support the position.

I just really wonder whether Dan Seaborne and Jon Otsemembor, neither of which had stand-out games against Millwall, are necessary additions to the squad? Pards mentioned making a mistake with the signings eventually and maybe this is it, after talking about having 8-10 players too many we've gone and signed two more who don't so far seem like they would be worthy of the Championship and add to the wage bill.

 

Or maybe it's too early to tell?

 

 

AP is clearly looking to go for a play-off spot, and with additional cup games still likely ..I wouldn't like to just " hope" that everyone stays fit until May.

 

Murty is still out and there numerous combinations of defenders, but the fluke injury to Jaidi is a typical example of what CAN happen, and he was out for 3 weeks. Add to that injuries to Hammond, and suspension of Schneiderlin and it leaves you few options not requiring James to drop back and play full back every time there's an injury. Perry had been great - when needed, but at 37 he is on a very limited future, and Thomas' occasional appearances (like yesterday) but he hasn't been a regular under any of the managers he's played for. We need replacements who are part of the sqaud and have " gelled " into the squad before next seasons start.

Few people can say that AP has bought a really BAD player and only 5 of them even cost a fee.

 

We need cover if only to be able to continue Cup and League teams in a season when we will be playing around 60 games. Aside from those players mentioned there is only Lancashire (!) and Mills, who thankfully showed up so well yesterday, after his miserable contributions earlier in the season.

 

We need cover EVERYWHERE until the end of the season, and then they'll be some serious sorting out to do, I'm sure.

[derry]

Both James and Mills were taking corners yesterday.

 

Mills on one side and James on the other.

 

Holmes was stopped by James from taking corners and in the first half he took a free kick off Holmes and promptly hit it straight to the goalkeeper.

 

Mills delivered some good balls in but James in the second half took them from both sides with Holmes stood a few yards away.

[Joesaint]

I have to say I feel they will be really good for us. COYS

[skintsaint]

Perry and Thomas are gone at the end of the season, maybe one will leave before the months end.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

I'm not sure he is defensively as good as Thomas, I would be happy for Thomas to continue at right back.

 

As for James I think he showed yesterday he is on borrowed time.

 

I have doubts over Pardew, in my opinion Thomas is a better full back than James so why has James played in preference. Holmes has been overlooked for two months but seems now back in favour. Yesterday James insisted on taking free kicks and corners when both Mills and especially Holmes do it better.The problem I have is Pardew doesn't seem to know what his best team is nor how we should play.

 

D your criticism of AP is interesting and no doubt many on here will disagree but there are times when he does seem to have a blind side and James's continual presence is a good example.

As for me I will stick my neck out and say I don't think AP will be here this time next year.

 

Not saying Pardew leaving will be a good thing, particularly because we need stability and continuity, - it's just I have a funny feeling.....

Edited 24 January, 2010 by Fitzhugh Fella
poor spelling

[Ash]

I have doubts over Pardew, in my opinion Thomas is a better full back than James so why has James played in preference.

I think I know the answer. I think it might be that in Pardew's opinion James is better.

[Genk]

I'm not sure he is defensively as good as Thomas, I would be happy for Thomas to continue at right back.

 

As for James I think he showed yesterday he is on borrowed time.

 

I have doubts over Pardew, in my opinion Thomas is a better full back than James so why has James played in preference. Holmes has been overlooked for two months but seems now back in favour. Yesterday James insisted on taking free kicks and corners when both Mills and especially Holmes do it better.The problem I have is Pardew doesn't seem to know what his best team is nor how we should play.

 

Once again James is a good player to have in this league. He may not be good enough to start with new signings coming in but great to have in the squad. With such a long season, injuries come and James is capable of doing an average job in a variety of positions.

 

However I agree that Mills' corners do look dangerous but I think James' corners have improved also. Both Lallana and James are quite poor at delivering balls from set pieces. Holmes or Mills should take these.

[Genk]

D your criticism of AP is interesting and no doubt many on here will disagree but there are times when he does seem to have a blind side and James's continual presence is a good example.

As for me I will stick my neck out and say I don't think AP will be here this time next year.

 

Not saying Pardew leaving will be a good thing, particularly because we need stability and continuity, - it's just I have a funny feeling.....

 

You believe he will get poached by another club or simply be sacked due to results?

 

Personally I can only see him being poached by a higher club as I believe the team is coming right into place now and results will follow. However, Cortese will want stability and will not let him go unless he wants to. I think Pardew is going to take us up to the Championship, perhaps further.

[hypochondriac]

I have a feeling he will be here

[saint lard]

D your criticism of AP is interesting and no doubt many on here will disagree but there are times when he does seem to have a blind side and James's continual presence is a good example.

As for me I will stick my neck out and say I don't think AP will be here this time next year.

 

Not saying Pardew leaving will be a good thing, particularly because we need stability and continuity, - it's just I have a funny feeling.....

 

That's a bold statement,quite litterally.

[hypochondriac]

Do you have any reason for your feeling dunc or is it just a feeling?

[VectisSaint]

Were these signings really necessary?

 

The last few games have shown that Harding is our left-back, but Mills can provide great cover.

 

Fonte and Jaidi would be first-choice centre-backs, with Perry and Thomas able to play there effectively.

 

Murty when not injured is good at RB, with both James and Thomas able to support the position.

 

I just really wonder whether Dan Seaborne and Jon Otsemembor, neither of which had stand-out games against Millwall, are necessary additions to the squad?

Or maybe it's too early to tell?

Clearly you answered your own question there. So neither Seaborne or Jon had "standout" games against Millwall. FFS man, it was their first game, playing in a changed back row, quite honestly what were you actually expecting? Seems clear to me that Seaborne is for the future. Jon is also our only fit specialist RB, I think Pardew realises that Murty is unlikely to figure regularly again. Jaidi and Perry are in the twilight of their respective careers and don't seem to be able to play twice a week. Thomas is not in favour, likely to be on his way within the week I would imagine, yesterday's goal notwithstanding. You could tell from AP's interview that he was quite shocked by Thomas' performance, referring to him not showing such ability on the training ground.

Not clear why James came into this discussion, as clearly he is a CM, AP has been trying hard to get him back into his preferred position. Still it gave the James bashers some more ammo, luckily I think like most that AP is more skilled at picking good players than some if not all on this forum. James will turn out to be a very good player for us, given a preseason working on his speed, and if he could find a decent hairdresser.

 

So, options seem to be:

RB: Jon and Murty (James in emergency)

CB: Fonte, Jaidi and Seaborne (Perry in emergency short term)

LB: Harding and Mills

Thomas and Lancashire surplus to requirements.

[skintsaint]

what was the total fee we paid for both of these players? Been travelling and missed out most of the last month...and internet so slow here I cant be arsed to search.

[Saint Charlie]

Thomas is a high earner and if anyone would take him off us we would let him go.

[Toomer]

D your criticism of AP is interesting and no doubt many on here will disagree but there are times when he does seem to have a blind side and James's continual presence is a good example.

As for me I will stick my neck out and say I don't think AP will be here this time next year.

 

Not saying Pardew leaving will be a good thing, particularly because we need stability and continuity, - it's just I have a funny feeling.....

 

Duncan IMO I think AP has bought into the five year plan but if we are not knocking on the door of thr Prem after that time he will consider his options.

[Thedelldays]

Duncan IMO I think AP has bought into the five year plan but if we are not knocking on the door of thr Prem after that time he will consider his options.

not getting promotion next season he will be sacked imo..

 

even with all the money spent (which is now probably more than the rest of the league combined) surely 2nd is a minimum

[John B]

what was the total fee we paid for both of these players? Been travelling and missed out most of the last month...and internet so slow here I cant be arsed to search.

 

Free and unknown for Seabourne

[ottery st mary]

D your criticism of AP is interesting and no doubt many on here will disagree but there are times when he does seem to have a blind side and James's continual presence is a good example.

As for me I will stick my neck out and say I don't think AP will be here this time next year.

 

Not saying Pardew leaving will be a good thing, particularly because we need stability and continuity, - it's just I have a funny feeling.....

 

 

I get the impression from you and derry that you should be running the club and derry should be first team manager/coach:smt033:rolleyes::rock:

 

Some would say you are both .....opinions eh!:rock:

[hypochondriac]

I get the impression from you and derry that you should be running the club and derry should be first team manager/coach:smt033:rolleyes::rock:

 

Some would say you are both .....opinions eh!:rock:

I'm trying not to rise to it. I'm growing weary of some of the strange opinions on here. I might do what Duncan has done and have a break for a bit after the January window.

[Sour Mash]

Thomas would be my first choice right back, even with everyone fit. Good in the air, strong, decent pace, good experience.

[ottery st mary]

I'm trying not to rise to it. I'm growing weary of some of the strange opinions on here. I might do what Duncan has done and have a break for a bit after the January window.

 

We are all supporters of the team/club.. Some strange support lately...Even allowing for opinions etc...

But Duncan has been Mr Grumpy for some time now and forever snipes at the club....Why:rolleyes:

I really don't know why.. but obviously someone has upset him....:smt088

 

derry is obviously a coach and should be running the side....I assume he is better qualified than Pards.....Mind you we all do the job from time to time..

At least derry still supports the mighty Saints.:smt054

I am probably the best coach on this forum:D derry , you can be my sponge man when we take Pards job:cool:

 

By the way..well done to Lee Holmes for all his efforts of late....hope it continues and he eventually finds the yard of pace that would make hell of a difference..Stay fit would be a bonus..

 

COYRs

[SFC Forever]

Mills deserves to play at Brentford. He was good against MK Dons and improved further against Ipswich. If there is a chance that he can continue to improve he has to play. He could easily become our LB for years to come.

[SFC Forever]

That's a bold statement,quite litterally.

 

You are not alone with these thoughts. As well as he has done for us he does persist in making the same basic errors.

[John B]

I get the impression from you and derry that derry should be first team manager/coach:smt033:rolleyes::rock:

 

Some would say you are both .....opinions eh!:rock:

 

 

I just go to what games and hope Saints win but Derry who has some good views sometimes , appears to go and notices all the errors and appears not to enjoy the success that Pardew and his team have enjoyed this season.

 

Although we are in League 1 having one of the best run of results that I can remember in fifty years of following the club with the very slight possibility of getting to the play offs

 

Still in two cup competetions one of which we have to draw to get to Wembley .

 

Although the football may not be the best things are really looking up after years of failure and it is really good be a Saints supporter again

[ottery st mary]

On second thoughts John....

You and me and most others...Agree on the onwards and upwards plan..

 

Pards is doing a really good job and criticism is ok..BUT..Some of our elderly supporters appear to have lost the plot... The word..opinions will no doubt be voiced again..

some of The Pards statements lately, are absurd.....

 

I just find it strange , when I believe Owner, management and staff had such a difficult task and now we see real good progress..we have snipers all over the place....sorry..opinions.

 

COYRS

 

sorry..forgot to mention....Ots and Seaborne..Pards is the boss and he builds the squad.

Edited 24 January, 2010 by ottery st mary

[John B]

On second thoughts John....

You and me and most others...Agree on the onwards and upwards plan..

 

Pards is doing a really good job and criticism is ok..BUT..Some of our elderly supporters appear to have lost the plot... The word..opinions will no doubt be voiced again..

some of The Pards statements lately, are absurd.....

 

I just find it strange , when I believe Owner, management and staff had such a difficult task and now we see real good progress..we have snipers all over the place....sorry..opinions.

 

COYRS

 

When have we had a season with so few defeats and so many wins?

[derry]

D your criticism of AP is interesting and no doubt many on here will disagree but there are times when he does seem to have a blind side and James's continual presence is a good example.

As for me I will stick my neck out and say I don't think AP will be here this time next year.

 

Not saying Pardew leaving will be a good thing, particularly because we need stability and continuity, - it's just I have a funny feeling.....

 

Duncan, I have reservations about Pardew because the way he selects and sets up the team. It is good that we can win games but we haven't won much against the better teams in this league. I don't set out to see the negative side but I don't see the results in this transition season as all important, however I do see the playing of proper football and a balanced team as the most important thing and it hasn't happened yet.

 

As for the results, we have only beaten one team in the top ten, MKD, in the cups Ipswich are the only team from a higher league that we have beaten.

 

Cortese doesn't strike me as someone who is particularly forgiving if people who work for him don't match his expectations. Whilst I would like to see the stability we haven't had for years I am convinced that now Cortese has had six months in charge in English football and the fact that Pardew is now spending a lot of money bringing in players the expectations of the management are greater.

 

It is my view that because of the investment in players, unless we match the top three sides over the rest of the season and make progress over the playoff teams, Pardew will be under pressure.

Edited 24 January, 2010 by derry

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Duncan, I have reservations about Pardew because the way he selects and sets up the team . It is good that we can win games but we haven't won much against the better teams in this league. I don't set out to see the negative side but I don't see the results in this transition season as all important, however I do see the playing of proper football and a balanced team as the most important thing and it hasn't happened yet.

 

As for the results, we have only beaten one team in the top ten, MKD, in the cups Ipswich are the only team from a higher league that we have beaten.

 

Cortese doesn't strike me as someone who is particularly forgiving if people who work for him don't match his expectations. Whilst I would like to see the stability we haven't had for years I am convinced that now Cortese has had six months in charge in English football and the fact that Pardew is now spending a lot of money bringing in players the expectations of the management are greater.

 

It is my view that because of the investment in players, unless we match the top three sides over the rest of the season and make progress over the playoff teams, Pardew will be under pressure.

 

Indeed Dave.

Contrary to what Ottery is imagining I am not grumpy at all, although I think results are better than performances. However, for the record, I would not even consider replacing AP until we had failed to get promoted next season. However, I don't think Cortese has a lot of patience, and there is probably a very good reason why.

[John B]

Indeed Dave.

Contrary to what Ottery is imagining I am not grumpy at all, although I think results are better than performances. However, for the record, I would not even consider replacing AP until we had failed to get promoted next season. However, I don't think Cortese has a lot of patience, and there is probably a very good reason why.

 

That maybe true and the football not good but its great supporting the Saints at the moment especially with the visit of Portsmouth.

 

Ps What is the good reason

[Professor]

Seaborne had a solid game against Millwall despite having only been with the squad for 2 days. The Millwall goal came down the right side of midfield and through the right side of defence. Seaborne was at left CB so you could querie fault by James, Otsemebor or Fonte but not Seaborne.

[derry]

Indeed Dave.

Contrary to what Ottery is imagining I am not grumpy at all, although I think results are better than performances. However, for the record, I would not even consider replacing AP until we had failed to get promoted next season. However, I don't think Cortese has a lot of patience, and there is probably a very good reason why.

 

I just have this feeling that he has to deliver the evidence this season that he can hit the ground running next season.

 

I'm just unconvinced that continually playing below par and winning against the lesser sides is going to satisfy the expectations. The new players may gel and we could really bomb on for the rest of the season, in which case there would be no problem. Time will tell.

[derry]

Seaborne had a solid game against Millwall despite having only been with the squad for 2 days. The Millwall goal came down the right side of midfield and through the right side of defence. Seaborne was at left CB so you could querie fault by James, Otsemebor or Fonte but not Seaborne.

 

Seaborne mis-headed the ball under pressure, back to the Millwall player.

[ulstersaint]

Pardew knows what he is doing. I would rather have him in charge than the Dutch idiots.

[derry]

Pardew knows what he is doing. I would rather have him in charge than the Dutch idiots.

 

What have they to do with anything?

[ottery st mary]

COYRS....I still luv you grumpy old men...

[John B]

COYRS....I still luv you grumpy old men...

 

Does that include me:rolleyes:

[ottery st mary]

Does that include me:rolleyes:

 

Yes..Grandpa:)

[hypochondriac]

Indeed Dave.

Contrary to what Ottery is imagining I am not grumpy at all, although I think results are better than performances. However, for the record, I would not even consider replacing AP until we had failed to get promoted next season. However, I don't think Cortese has a lot of patience, and there is probably a very good reason why.

 

Why do you think that and what is the reason? Either say it or don't post hinting at something.

[ottery st mary]

What have they to do with anything?

 

Nothing thank goodness:tfrag:

We now have a real proper footballManager/Coach:smt054

[captainchris]

Holmes was stopped by James from taking corners and in the first half he took a free kick off Holmes and promptly hit it straight to the goalkeeper.

 

Mills delivered some good balls in but James in the second half took them from both sides with Holmes stood a few yards away.

 

James is clearly not up to the standard required in this team - Thomas is a better right back and has far more presence and assurance. Also he is very useful with defending set pieces and attacking set pieces. For some reason AP just doesn't seem to like Thomas......

[SNSUN]

Were these signings really necessary?

 

The last few games have shown that Harding is our left-back, but Mills can provide great cover. Yes, this is true, anyone wanting a new LB in this window can kiss that idea goodbye. Mills has been one of our best players in the last two games.

 

Fonte and Jaidi would be first-choice centre-backs, with Perry and Thomas able to play there effectively. Give Seaborne a chance! I think Pardew potentially sees him as a first choice.

 

Murty when not injured is good at RB, with both James and Thomas able to support the position. Murty will probably never play regularly for us again.

 

I just really wonder whether Dan Seaborne and Jon Otsemembor, neither of which had stand-out games against Millwall, are necessary additions to the squad? Pards mentioned making a mistake with the signings eventually and maybe this is it, after talking about having 8-10 players too many we've gone and signed two more who don't so far seem like they would be worthy of the Championship and add to the wage bill. Semi is only on a six month contract.

 

Or maybe it's too early to tell?

.,,

[Smirking_Saint]

SNSun i agree completely.

 

Plus i don't think seaborne was ever signed to play LB in anything other than an emergency, when pards meant he can play on the left of defence i believe he meant as the left sided CB with a right footed partner.

 

IMO, yes they are necerssary, Perry will be gone soon, Thomas will never play CB effectively and Jaidi will begin to show his age soon.