Just how/why did pre-season turn into such a shambles ?

[alpine_saint]

This Saints team looks less prepared for a season than any other previously, and lets face it, we've had some peaches over the years, including the Golden Duo season, the "we've sold our best three players" season and the Back-from-the-Brink season.

 

Specifically :

 

The fitness of the players, and why so many players have started this season carrying injuries. Who the f**k advised the club on Lallana's knee, that Nigerian bloke being done for malpractice in Germany ?

 

The strategy for the friendlies. I genuinely think our strongest 11 didnt play together for any time at all before the Plymouth game. We were putting out 2 fecking different teams per game, FFS. What ever happened to developing tactics and understandings ?

 

Transfer activity. I am at a loss over this one, really I am. We didnt go back for Papa, were unsuccessful landing Antonio, but brought in our fourth LB. Wow...

 

If Mr. Cortese has learned one thing out of this debacle, I hope it is an instinct for what makes a constructive meaningful pre-season. I know he had a pretty big distraction, which in itself may have disturbed the nature of the pre-season a bit. It seems to me he knew jack-sh*t and let Pardew run rings around him.

[kpturner]

Is it Groundhog Day? Done to death already methinks?

[Kaiser Soze]

From what I understand one of the reasons AP was sacked was due to preseason. The club invested heavily in the training camp in Switzerland but it seemed the players came back more unfit than they did going.

 

Adkins has said one of his biggest challenges is improving fitness. We are well short of well we need to be for this stage of the season. Pardew and his backroom staff alone need to take responsibility for this.

 

As for the lack of transfer activity, personally I don't think we have a pot to **** in...

[saintfully]

This Saints team looks less prepared for a season than any other previously, and lets face it, we've had some peaches over the years, including the Golden Duo season, the "we've sold our best three players" season and the Back-from-the-Brink season.

 

Specifically :

 

The fitness of the players, and why so many players have started this season carrying injuries. Who the f**k advised the club on Lallana's knee, that Nigerian bloke being done for malpractice in Germany ?

 

The strategy for the friendlies. I genuinely think our strongest 11 didnt play together for any time at all before the Plymouth game. We were putting out 2 fecking different teams per game, FFS. What ever happened to developing tactics and understandings ?

 

Transfer activity. I am at a loss over this one, really I am. We didnt go back for Papa, were unsuccessful landing Antonio, but brought in our fourth LB. Wow...

 

If Mr. Cortese has learned one thing out of this debacle, I hope it is an instinct for what makes a constructive meaningful pre-season. I know he had a pretty big distraction, which in itself may have disturbed the nature of the pre-season a bit. It seems to me he knew jack-sh*t and let Pardew run rings around him.

 

It's all your fault.

[MarkSFC]

One word....complacency

 

pardew f**** up and Cortese did what he had too.

 

We will be promoted, it looks difficult but really it isn't when the players start firing.

 

Well really just Rickie and Adam just need to get going which they will and with a couple of additions now and in January no worries.

 

The fear of no money is illogical and I see no evidence of that.

[Block 5]

From what I understand one of the reasons AP was sacked was due to preseason. The club invested heavily in the training camp in Switzerland but it seemed the players came back more unfit than they did going.

 

Adkins has said one of his biggest challenges is improving fitness. We are well short of well we need to be for this stage of the season. Pardew and his backroom staff alone need to take responsibility for this.

 

As for the lack of transfer activity, personally I don't think we have a pot to **** in...

 

Interesting........ have you heard this from a source within the club?

[Tokyo-Saint]

Interesting........ have you heard this from a source within the club?

 

It was said at the meal Cortese had with some fans, although not in those words.

If someone from inside the club did tell him, I wouldn't pay too much attention to it. His info is usually way off.

[NorthamSteve]

[Fitzhugh Fella]

I think Pardew knew his card was marked and couldn't be bothered. I think ML's illness meant NC took his eye off things.

I also think AP started applying for other jobs which was the excuse NC had been waiting for to dismiss him. By that time however the rot had set in, and like last season we are playing catch up.

[trousers]

I think Pardew knew his card was marked and couldn't be bothered. I think ML's illness meant NC took his eye off things.

I also think AP started applying for other jobs which was the excuse NC had been waiting for to dismiss him. By that time however the rot had set in, and like last season we are playing catch up.

 

In other words, whilst I understand that, as a human being, Pardew was hacked off with 'his card being marked', he (seemingly) dealt with it in an unprofessional manner?

[saint_mears]

Pre season was poor because of the battle between Cortese and Pardew.

 

Saying he was sacked because of fitness is totally laughable

[Wade Garrett]

I think Pardew knew his card was marked and couldn't be bothered. I think ML's illness meant NC took his eye off things.

I also think AP started applying for other jobs which was the excuse NC had been waiting for to dismiss him. By that time however the rot had set in, and like last season we are playing catch up.

 

Or, Pardew couldn't be bothered because he was applying for other jobs(thinks he's better than he actually is), so he was quite rightly sacked.

[hughieslastminutegoal]

Pre season was poor because of the battle between Cortese and Pardew.

 

Saying he was sacked because of fitness is totally laughable

 

 

How exactly? Battle over what?

Do you know this, or is it opinion based on your observation that the players were fit?

[paris]

These are younf proffesional sportsman who had a

[alpine_saint]

Just another thread with no real information and endless contradictory rumours from people who for some reason, have a desperation to appear ITK. Awesome.

 

Go away then, if you think there is no discussion to be had. Personally, I feel this needs airing so that it never happens again.

 

Next summer, when I bang on about trasnfer activity in June, I expect all of you who sneered this summer to STFU.

[trousers]

These are younf proffesional sportsman who had a

 

Is this a 'complete the limerick' competition? :-)

[trousers]

Just another thread with no real information and endless contradictory rumours from people who for some reason, have a desperation to appear ITK. Awesome.

 

Not forgetting the contributions from people pointing out the obvious.... ;-)

[up and away]

Pre season was poor because of the battle between Cortese and Pardew.

 

Saying he was sacked because of fitness is totally laughable

 

Why is it laughable? It is the one known heavy criticism that Cortese levelled at Pardew. Just for good measure, how did so many players come back with injuries and their fitness being worse than last season.

 

Originally Posted by Fitzhugh Fella

I think Pardew knew his card was marked and couldn't be bothered. I think ML's illness meant NC took his eye off things. I also think AP started applying for other jobs which was the excuse NC had been waiting for to dismiss him. By that time however the rot had set in, and like last season we are playing catch up.

 

Any of this could be true, I just do not know but am sure if Cortese had any real doubts the end of last season, Pardew would have gone immediately. My feeling was that Pardew just did not know the answer to getting the team to play consistently well. With the pressure of having no idea, just creating mounting pressure with a boss he knows will act unless he delivers. I believe Pardew was hanging out for those really special players to take those problems away rather than do it on the training ground and tactically with the players he had.. I am pretty sure Pardew did not know the answer to getting consistent results from his team, as evidenced by his results from last and this season. He just did not know the answer to that consistency, but knowing that could cost him his job at any time. From watching and listening to Pardew last season there is little doubt he did not handle the pressure well at times, escalating the problems. Mind you, I doubt I would have fared any better after all of his experiences.

[stthrobber]

Pre season was poor because of the battle between Cortese and Pardew.

 

Saying he was sacked because of fitness is totally laughable

 

I don't think it is laughable. I do think it's possibly part of a wider problem, essentially the players were ill prepared for the season ahead and for them to turn up at the start of the season not fit enough to play is unforgiveable.

 

I heard rumours that Pardew wanted out and I think it's quite feasible that he did as little as possible with the team to ensure that he got the boot as opposed to tendering his resignation.

 

It is all speculation of course, I'm not ITK but Adkins has made reference to fitness since his arrival, so I suspect there's a certain amount of truth there.

[trousers]

I heard rumours that Pardew wanted out and I think it's quite feasible that he did as little as possible with the team to ensure that he got the boot as opposed to tendering his resignation.

 

Wouldn't that be professional negligence though.....?

[eelpie]

One word....complacency

 

pardew f**** up and Cortese did what he had too.

 

We will be promoted, it looks difficult but really it isn't when the players start firing.

 

Well really just Rickie and Adam just need to get going which they will and with a couple of additions now and in January no worries.

 

The fear of no money is illogical and I see no evidence of that.

 

Complacency and fitness - in two words!

 

The season STARTED poorly (Alpine you are premature - this season is NOT over) because of half-hearted pre-season fitness training. It is evident for all to see.

 

Perhaps we benefited last year by signing players with superior pre-season fitness training than we ourselves had provided. I'm even beginning to believe that Wotte's pre-season preparation last year was better than AP's this year. The problem early last season was not fitness imho but that the players morale was completely shattered and our squad was not good enough (and Pardew does deserve much credit for restoring belief and determination into the squad then). For whatever reason this year AP and his players had looked knackered after 45 minutes until that superb but too late victory against an off-form Brizzle. Clearly Pardew had lost the plot. Nigel's Yeovil analysis pinpoints weaknesses that AP doubtless was aware of but had failed to put right.

 

But no Alpine. The problems with the team have been pinpointed. So they will be corrected.

[leftback]

cortese organising a trip that wasnt condusive to building team spirit,because of his/his wifes and his wifes sisters presence. it was him showing the players what a big noise he was in switzerland. the opposition was way too strong for the stage the team were at. the pre season agenda changed from day to day due to the ill fated 125 anniversary tournament he was putting together, (finished up playing sutton away, hastily arranged )Add this to APs long stated claim that the medical /sports science were not good /experienced enough having only ever worked at academy level. surprised me that na was so glowing so quickly about medical side although i hear good things about the new physio. lambo did his pre season with gassers last year, looks like their medical had the right idea with him.sports science had a pre season programme that AP thought was not tough enough,but the fact we had to play a frnch prem side and a swiss prem side without the base levels of fitness in the team meant we were always playing catch up, due to the pre season tour of switzerland. ap wanted to go to sweden with the tried and trusted plan of ..comfortable 5/6-0er against local side everyone getting a game,wherever we were staying, bit tougher next game 3-0ish everyone getting a runout , final game against good team result unknown, the work load can be high when the opposition is tailormade for your needs,team has won games so confidence is good,lots of down time for analysis of previous games/future opponents/gameplan goal/target setting with analyst couldnt be done as analyst was told he wouldnt be going by cortese a couple of days before we went and the new guy went who had no 1st team experience /knowledge. But again all of these decisions were taken out of the managers hands by nc, its what happens when somebody with no football knowledge/exprience interferes. he had responsibility without accountability, when results werent to his liking the axe fell on manager and coaches as usual with interfering chairman. he also informed the staff that he was the owner and not Markus this was done in a wine cellar at a wine tasting event that he laid on for the senior staff, he also said that he would not be talking to the media this season. presumably because of his disatrous times interview.

[stthrobber]

Wouldn't that be professional negligence though.....?

 

Yes, I believe the club would have a case for him being in breach of contract, but I think maybe not so easy to actually prove. Either way Pardew will be seen as a success at Saints and won't be out of work very long.

[GenevaSaint]

lambo did his pre season with gassers last year, looks like their medical had the right idea with him

 

I thought that Lambert was overweight and unfit when he came to SMS. Sure that was the comment from SFC and Lambo himself.

[The Kraken]

I thought that Lambert was overweight and unfit when he came to SMS. Sure that was the comment from SFC and Lambo himself.

 

He was, and he did comment himself on how much fitter he became at SFC, both because of training and nutrition; but why let facts get in the way of a good rant?

 

To be fair to leftback I do believe that the club as a whole need to be apportioned the blame in this instance, though Pardew is not immune from a share himself. I'm sure we'll never publically find out the true ins and outs of what happened, but I do find it strange considering Pardew was so vocal in identifying the need for 3 more players that our suppoosed transfer committee could/would not get together to make this happen, and instead brought in Guly who fitted none of the three squad places identified by the manager. The signing of Dickson was also very strange, given that (behind Lambert) Harding was up there with the best performers last season and Mills looked ready to break through as his deputy.

 

It all points to a complete breakdown between the departments; the system will only work if all the different departments are capable of working together, and clearly that didn't happen. That we got pre-season fitness so badly wrong is a shameful indictment on our sports science department. With an ex physio at the helm now, hopefully that side of things can be rectified and ensured that it never happens again under his charge.

[Jez]

Next summer, when I bang on about trasnfer activity in June, I expect all of you who sneered this summer to STFU.

 

I love your optimism!! You are already planning next year's summer holidays I see. Personally I think I might go to Egypt. Perhaps a cruise somewhere exotic.

 

To be fair though otherwise, I do agree the pre-season fitness, lack of transfer activity and the friendlies were all poorly executed.

[Kingsbridge Saint]

The side clearly wasn't ready to start the season - and Pardew has been dismissed. I think there's a link there somehwere.

[Ewell]

It was a shambles because YOU said it would be. Nothing more and nothing less. You are right WE all know that so fill your boots and cream your panties at your leisure!

[derry]

The pre season should have been initial fitness work, followed by two or three matches with the first team squad playing together, followed by three or four progressively more intensive matches with the basic first team playing most of the matches working on teamwork, set pieces etc, with a final first team match against good opposition. The playing of mixed development and first team games against poor opposition where most of the players played no more than 45 mins each with nearly half a team that will never play in the first team this year was rediculous. The two early matches were out of sequence and wasted. The first team didn't play as a team until the first league game which again was rediculous.

 

The conspiracy theory is that Pardew wanted out but wanted the compensation. That together with a deteriorating relationship with the chairman led to the team not being prepared in a proper manner. The question has to be asked, the players are allegedly professionals who should know how fit they were, how match fit they were, and how ready they were for the league. If the players felt they weren't individually fit enough, it would have been easy to carry out their own private regime to guarantee they were fit despite the club's regime. I can't believe they didn't know they weren't fit nor can I understand why they didn't do something themselves. Lee Barnard trained himself during the pre season and came back very fit and strong, which has been shown by his performances. Why didn't the others?

[GenevaSaint]

While we're at at is leftback an ex player with an axe to grind who might have rented his house out to an SFC employee?

[GenevaSaint]

Why didn't the others?

 

They were obviously all following the MLT pre-season training regime. Another burger and chips please ;-)

[Chez]

cortese organising a trip that wasnt condusive to building team spirit,because of his/his wifes and his wifes sisters presence. it was him showing the players what a big noise he was in switzerland. the opposition was way too strong for the stage the team were at. the pre season agenda changed from day to day due to the ill fated 125 anniversary tournament he was putting together, (finished up playing sutton away, hastily arranged )Add this to APs long stated claim that the medical /sports science were not good /experienced enough having only ever worked at academy level. surprised me that na was so glowing so quickly about medical side although i hear good things about the new physio. lambo did his pre season with gassers last year, looks like their medical had the right idea with him.sports science had a pre season programme that AP thought was not tough enough,but the fact we had to play a frnch prem side and a swiss prem side without the base levels of fitness in the team meant we were always playing catch up, due to the pre season tour of switzerland. ap wanted to go to sweden with the tried and trusted plan of ..comfortable 5/6-0er against local side everyone getting a game,wherever we were staying, bit tougher next game 3-0ish everyone getting a runout , final game against good team result unknown, the work load can be high when the opposition is tailormade for your needs,team has won games so confidence is good,lots of down time for analysis of previous games/future opponents/gameplan goal/target setting with analyst couldnt be done as analyst was told he wouldnt be going by cortese a couple of days before we went and the new guy went who had no 1st team experience /knowledge. But again all of these decisions were taken out of the managers hands by nc, its what happens when somebody with no football knowledge/exprience interferes. he had responsibility without accountability, when results werent to his liking the axe fell on manager and coaches as usual with interfering chairman. he also informed the staff that he was the owner and not Markus this was done in a wine cellar at a wine tasting event that he laid on for the senior staff, he also said that he would not be talking to the media this season. presumably because of his disatrous times interview.

 

are you THAT analyst or perhaps Fish? You seem to have a very close hand knowledge of preseason.

[JustMike]

Go away then, if you think there is no discussion to be had. Personally, I feel this needs airing so that it never happens again.

 

Next summer, when I bang on about trasnfer activity in June, I expect all of you who sneered this summer to STFU.

 

right, so by putting it on here, and everyone guessing about why / if / but and maybe's we can all be sure that this will never happen again. Glad you have got it off your chest

[PokingFun]

Why is it laughable? It is the one known heavy criticism that Cortese levelled at Pardew. Just for good measure, how did so many players come back with injuries and their fitness being worse than last season.

 

 

 

Any of this could be true, I just do not know but am sure if Cortese had any real doubts the end of last season, Pardew would have gone immediately. My feeling was that Pardew just did not know the answer to getting the team to play consistently well. With the pressure of having no idea, just creating mounting pressure with a boss he knows will act unless he delivers. I believe Pardew was hanging out for those really special players to take those problems away rather than do it on the training ground and tactically with the players he had.. I am pretty sure Pardew did not know the answer to getting consistent results from his team, as evidenced by his results from last and this season. He just did not know the answer to that consistency, but knowing that could cost him his job at any time. From watching and listening to Pardew last season there is little doubt he did not handle the pressure well at times, escalating the problems. Mind you, I doubt I would have fared any better after all of his experiences.

 

What rubbish, Pardew had consistent results last season (averaged 2 points per game from October onward) so it's only really this season that you could call into question. I think his record last season and elsewhere in all seasons other than the Charlton debacle shows he can handle pressure alright, it's just for some reason or other we have had a slow start (and it probably is a combination of loss of fitness, preparation, loss of Papa and Antonio, injuries and so on). To say Pardew did not get consistent results after the initial period of Aug / Sep is laughable. Have a look at the average points per game in each month ..... it is usually between 1.5pts and 2pts per game (more often the latter).

[JustMike]

cortese organising a trip that wasnt condusive to building team spirit,because of his/his wifes and his wifes sisters presence. it was him showing the players what a big noise he was in switzerland. the opposition was way too strong for the stage the team were at. the pre season agenda changed from day to day due to the ill fated 125 anniversary tournament he was putting together, (finished up playing sutton away, hastily arranged )Add this to APs long stated claim that the medical /sports science were not good /experienced enough having only ever worked at academy level. surprised me that na was so glowing so quickly about medical side although i hear good things about the new physio. lambo did his pre season with gassers last year, looks like their medical had the right idea with him.sports science had a pre season programme that AP thought was not tough enough,but the fact we had to play a frnch prem side and a swiss prem side without the base levels of fitness in the team meant we were always playing catch up, due to the pre season tour of switzerland. ap wanted to go to sweden with the tried and trusted plan of ..comfortable 5/6-0er against local side everyone getting a game,wherever we were staying, bit tougher next game 3-0ish everyone getting a runout , final game against good team result unknown, the work load can be high when the opposition is tailormade for your needs,team has won games so confidence is good,lots of down time for analysis of previous games/future opponents/gameplan goal/target setting with analyst couldnt be done as analyst was told he wouldnt be going by cortese a couple of days before we went and the new guy went who had no 1st team experience /knowledge. But again all of these decisions were taken out of the managers hands by nc, its what happens when somebody with no football knowledge/exprience interferes. he had responsibility without accountability, when results werent to his liking the axe fell on manager and coaches as usual with interfering chairman. he also informed the staff that he was the owner and not Markus this was done in a wine cellar at a wine tasting event that he laid on for the senior staff, he also said that he would not be talking to the media this season. presumably because of his disatrous times interview.

 

so he then proceeded straight to the SUNs HQ...sorry but you clearly have an agenda against NC and will make up whatever you want in order to get your weak point across

[leftback]

so he then proceeded straight to the SUNs HQ...sorry but you clearly have an agenda against NC and will make up whatever you want in order to get your weak point across

 

ask me something then? i am not francis benali, and i am not fish. but everything i have told you on here is the truth. also im not the analyst. and my only agenda is that he is not doing a good job,has too big an ego for the role he has,after all it isnt his money. the world he is from has no idea of team work and collective responsibility,its banking and wealth management,abstract jobs,steeped in secrecy and without trust. his relations with all members of staff is despicable and he is universally disliked by sms staff and all except reed burke and hunter at the tg.

[Chez]

Personally I don't think the players have shown a lack of fitness at all. There have been injuries that at a stretch could be pointed to a poor presseason, but I don't connect Lamberts groin strain or Lallanas recurring knee problem with a lack of running.

 

IMO the poor start is down to one or two things. Firstly Lambert's groin injury has buggered up his preseason massively, because of that he has not been as sharp, he has not scored the goals, and as a result we are almost a goal a game light. Without those goals we have failed to get the results we require and the knock on effect has been a dip in confidence not helped by the weight of expectation.

 

It's not all down to Lambert of course. Lallanas injury and the subsequent lack of creativity and yet more missing goals has been equally problematic. Also, not having options such as an Antonio or a Waigo to come off the bench to change things in the second half has meant we've been unable to rescue games or grab games by the horn as we did from time to time last season.

 

The failure to sign this winger can be put down to aiming high but failing to compete with NPC sides (or higher) for players like Adomah, Phillips and Antonio. I'm not sure what the excuse is for not signing a striker, probably similar, but certainly ML's death and then the sacking on the eve of the wondow closing didn't help. I'm not one of those that thinks we should have signed players in June for `gelling' purposes, but going into a season with only three strikers and one of those being Connelly is unforgivable if you are going to play two up front. Its hard to know who to blame for this seeing as there being a transfer comittee and negotiations undertaken by who knows who?

 

I don't actually think we were too far off at the start of the season. If Lambert and Lallana had been fit and we'd managed to twist Readings arm to bring Antonio back as was clearly planned I think we'd have got off to a decent start and confidence would be sky high. **** happens, all that matters now is how the manager and his side responds to our situation. I don't think there are too many lessons to be learn here other than we will struggle to sign top class young players as there will always be sides from the divisions above after them as well. Aim lower perhaps? That doesn;t sound good to me.

Edited 29 September, 2010 by Chez

[Chez]

so he then proceeded straight to the SUNs HQ...sorry but you clearly have an agenda against NC and will make up whatever you want in order to get your weak point across

its a very detailed/complicated story. To me it reads like he is describing what he/her sees, whether that is the whole truth I don't know, but even if there is an agenda it doesn't mean there are not facts in his story worth considering.

[The Kraken]

The failure to sign this winger can be put down to aiming high but failing to compete with NPC sides (or higher) for players like Adomah, Phillips and Antonio. I'm not sure what the excuse is for not signing a striker, probably similar, but certainly ML's death and then the sacking on the eve of the wondow closing didn't help. I'm not one of those that thinks we should have signed players in June for `gelling' purposes, but going into a season with only three strikers and one of those being Connelly is unforgivable if you are going to play two up front. Its hard to know who to blame for this seeing as there being a transfer comittee and negotiations undertaken by who knows who?

 

Completely agree with that part. Screaming hysterically in June that we hadn't signed players was premature. It was proven "right", but only in as much that no players at all were signed to fit the positions that the manager had identified, just Guly who provided something new while solving none of the previous squad deficiencies. And I totally agree with the gelling argument, its in no way an issue for 2 or 3 players coming in to the team. I still maintain that the squad in its current guise should have been able to kick off the season much, much better than we did. We may be turning a corner but once again it's left us playing catch up. Whether that's a failing of the manager, the sports science dept, the CEO, who knows, but I believe the whole club must hold their hands up for a collective failure.

 

Since Adkins has come in I've become a little worried that the club have gone very quiet on the potential for incoming transfers. I know they're always very quiet about such things, but since his first couple of days in the job Adkins has very much resisted from suggesting that the squad strength needs addressing. I still think we're 3 players short, in the areas that Pardew identified in pre season, and the fact that we are still no closer to getting those players now leaves me worried that it will actually happen. Injury/suspension to Morgan and/or Hammond leaves us extremely deficient, the same up front.

[Weston Saint]

The problem with left back's posts are that they are so anti Cortese with a passion that it is easy to just brush them aside. However, although this is the ranting & ravings (that's how it comes across to me) it is clear that this information is coming from within the club and I for one am taking it cautiously on board.

 

I hope Mr Cortese reads the posts or at least they are drawn to his attention, not to carry out a witch hunt but to give him feedback and food for thought.

 

I would be interested to know what left back thinks of Mr Adkins in the short time he has been with the club and how his relationship is developing with Cortese and the Reed camp.

[Foxstone]

ask me something then? i am not francis benali, and i am not fish. but everything i have told you on here is the truth. also im not the analyst. and my only agenda is that he is not doing a good job,has too big an ego for the role he has,after all it isnt his money. the world he is from has no idea of team work and collective responsibility,its banking and wealth management,abstract jobs,steeped in secrecy and without trust. his relations with all members of staff is despicable and he is universally disliked by sms staff and all except reed burke and hunter at the tg.

 

Well I think he is doing a good job and on balance, the players lack of preparation for the new season is more down to Themselves and Pardew than anybody else.

 

And quite frankly after persuading Markus to save us from the dustbin he can have as much ego as he likes.

 

If you have an axe to grind then fine its your perogative, but anonymous posting trying to undermine the CEO at a time when we need to "kick on" under a talented new manager is quite frankly not welcome.

[Cabrone]

I didn't understand why we had to go waltzing off to Switzerland to play a few teams that we were never going to ever play competitively and weren't going to give us anything like the experience that we needed for lge 1.

 

It all smacked of a jolly and the start that we've had would enforce this view.

 

We should have lined up a string of blue square prem, league 2 and coke teams to get us battle hardened and ready for another season in the english leagues.

 

Instead of bigging ourselves up in Switzerland we should have stayed in SE England and got a much better pre season.

[lethallee]

Completely agree with that part. Screaming hysterically in June that we hadn't signed players was premature. It was proven "right", but only in as much that no players at all were signed to fit the positions that the manager had identified, just Guly who provided something new while solving none of the previous squad deficiencies. And I totally agree with the gelling argument, its in no way an issue for 2 or 3 players coming in to the team. I still maintain that the squad in its current guise should have been able to kick off the season much, much better than we did. We may be turning a corner but once again it's left us playing catch up. Whether that's a failing of the manager, the sports science dept, the CEO, who knows, but I believe the whole club must hold their hands up for a collective failure.

 

Since Adkins has come in I've become a little worried that the club have gone very quiet on the potential for incoming transfers. I know they're always very quiet about such things, but since his first couple of days in the job Adkins has very much resisted from suggesting that the squad strength needs addressing. I still think we're 3 players short, in the areas that Pardew identified in pre season, and the fact that we are still no closer to getting those players now leaves me worried that it will actually happen. Injury/suspension to Morgan and/or Hammond leaves us extremely deficient, the same up front.

 

Perhaps NA is assessing all players currently at his deposal to determine who is not good enough and those players who just need more encouragement from there manager. I predict minimal players to arrive before January but on positive note there will be improved performances from likes of Morgan, Puncheon and Hammond which will ultimately help get the strikers scoring on regular basis.

[The Kraken]

Perhaps NA is assessing all players currently at his deposal to determine who is not good enough and those players who just need more encouragement from there manager. I predict minimal players to arrive before January but on positive note there will be improved performances from likes of Morgan, Puncheon and Hammond which will ultimately help get the strikers scoring on regular basis.

 

I'm sure he is assessing them, and giving them all a fair chance to prove themselves, which is as it should be. I just get the opinion (rightly or wrongly) that he's been told he can only work with what he's got. It really wouldn't be anything monumental to say "with David Connolly injured we're really light in terms of support up front", yet all we receive are platitudes of how the players all have smiles on their faces and how upbeat the whole squad is.

 

If we don't get at least 2, and I think we need 3, players in the next 2 to 3 weeks I can really see us struggling. Morgan and Hammond can't be too far away from a suspension as it is, chuck in an injury as well and we have no central midfield.

[OldNick]

Leftback obviously has some connection to the club. I wonder if he still is there though, as NC will not take kindly to these posts and Iam certain he will be aware of them.

The person will be part of a small group of people who know all these events and will be found pretty quickly. Somebody quite young perhaps.

I missed the bit about Corteses wife and sister, can anyone enlighten me to that event.

[saint_mears]

I applaud leftbacks posts as they really show the true clueless Cortese and that he is hated more than Lowe within SMS.

[Weston Saint]

I applaud leftbacks posts as they really show the true clueless Cortese and that he is hated more than Lowe within SMS.

Do they? How do you know? leftback is just one opinion. I would like to hear from him on other subjects from within without the prejudice slant otherwise it will come over as a poster with an agenda.

[doddisalegend]

This Saints team looks less prepared for a season than any other previously, and lets face it, we've had some peaches over the years, including the Golden Duo season, the "we've sold our best three players" season and the Back-from-the-Brink season.

 

Specifically :

 

The fitness of the players, and why so many players have started this season carrying injuries. Who the f**k advised the club on Lallana's knee, that Nigerian bloke being done for malpractice in Germany ?

 

The strategy for the friendlies. I genuinely think our strongest 11 didnt play together for any time at all before the Plymouth game. We were putting out 2 fecking different teams per game, FFS. What ever happened to developing tactics and understandings ?

 

Transfer activity. I am at a loss over this one, really I am. We didnt go back for Papa, were unsuccessful landing Antonio, but brought in our fourth LB. Wow...

 

If Mr. Cortese has learned one thing out of this debacle, I hope it is an instinct for what makes a constructive meaningful pre-season. I know he had a pretty big distraction, which in itself may have disturbed the nature of the pre-season a bit. It seems to me he knew jack-sh*t and let Pardew run rings around him.

 

spill the beans Alpine what inside info do you have for this claim? if you have info about what went on behind closed doors at the club in the summer I'd love to hear it.

[notnowcato]

Leftback, you said that the axe fell on AP when the results were not to NC's liking - that can't be true can it. 4-0 away win, next day sacked... there has to be more to it, especially when you factor in that there was no replacement lined up. Basic management, no matter what the industry, would dictate that you would not expose your business in such a way and that is why I do not believe you know everything or at least not stating everything. In which case you have to be an AP sympathiser or potentially an ex colleague of AP.

 

You did talk nonsense about Lambert's fitness from last season but I suspect you made that up as well to back up your anti-NC campaign.

 

Interesting contributions all the same.

[trousers]

Leftback,

 

Not wishing to be funny, but any chance you could break your posts down into paragraphs and maybe look at putting capitals at the start of sentences, etc. Would just make your posts easier to read.

 

Thanks.