Fitzhugh Fella Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 I have heard many fans say this about us at the moment and it is tough trying to put a finger on just what it is that is lacking. Driving home last night I gave it some thought. "No direction home". I just wish we had more guidance and nous on the pitch – I think this maybe the clue to solving the puzzle. There was a distinct lack of authoritive, calming mature leadership last night with the result we ended the game with the likes of Lallana – who was booked for protesting - and Barnard almost hysterically appealing for anything and everything. In the last 5 minutes we were reduced to being a rabble which played into Walsall's hands. Now had we had an Alan Ball or Jimmy Case in the side then it would probably have ended 4-1 and the M40 would have been a much smoother place to drive. So, note to Nige and Nicola: PLAN A -I know the likes of Jimmy and Alan don’t grow on trees anymore but that is the sort of player we could do with as we enter what is sure to be an increasingly frenzied run in. Give us a leader and promotion can still be ours...automatically! Plan B - Perhaps it is time to start practising pens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Nick Montgomery from Sheffield Utd please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fanimal Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Fair point when you think of the players we had in the team last time we got promoted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 no alan ball or jimmy case... the reason we lack "something" is probably why we are a league 1 team Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davefoggy Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 good post Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Matthew Oakley? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Andy Crosby should come out of retirement:) Its not a league thing, its a mental thing. However technically good they are, Arsenal don't have seasoned pros/model leaders. Its not a call for another Robbie Savage wannabee; but we are mising a focal point. I thought Chaplow would have brought it but he's aggressive without being motivational. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Agree with Duncan We should be looking for a 30 year old plus midfield player, who can tackle and pass the ball nothing spectacular just a man who hates to lose but more importantly knows how to win I know that will offend some of the purist fans on here but we lack real drive in the engine room Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Agree with Duncan We should be looking for a 30 year old plus midfield player, who can tackle and pass the ball nothing spectacular just a man who hates to lose but more importantly knows how to win I know that will offend some of the purist fans on here but we lack real drive in the engine room Though I don't think you can just bring and slot these players in. They need to be accepted by the rest of the team before they are able to command authority and motivate - and that takes time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaSaint Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Now had we had an Alan Ball or Jimmy Case in the side then it would probably have ended 4-1 and the M40 would have been a much smoother place to drive. I took issue with you last night because I think you deserved it but I agree completely with that thought today. Time and time again those two names have gone through my mind as "just what this side needs". Those exact two. They insisted on commitment, they insisted on sticking to the things we do well, they pulled the errant sheep back onto plan with their leadership, and they never once expected anyone to do something they weren't willing to do themselves. I happen to think that Adkins is doing fine but he can't be out there on the pitch, and when things go pear-shaped the leadership void seems clearly apparent. Our biggest problem - in my opinion and granted from far, far away - is that if we don't score when we're on top, we start drifting away from the game plan and things can go to hell in a handbasket. If we had either a Bally or a Case this year I think we'd be well clear at the top. But that kind of leadership doesn't grow on trees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangkoksaint Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Lee Bowyer. Yes everyone hates him but he has what it takes. He is a steadier person these days and with his experience it could just be the answer. He has already said he is likely to leave Brom at the end of the season so an approach for a loan and then a decent contract may entice him. We have got to start thinking 'outside the box' in lots of different ways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Though I don't think you can just bring and slot these players in. They need to be accepted by the rest of the team before they are able to command authority and motivate - and that takes time. you may be right, i suppose if the player had won things and was respected because of this playing style then it might work, for instance would a Paul Scholes need time to command authority and motivate. I accept that the world has changed since Ball and Case did the job at SFC but players like that do exist, QPR picked up Shaun Derry , not the purists cup of tea but for every violonist you need a drummer.Bournemouth have Steve Flecher, or whatever his name is, Chaplow is still a young man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 you may be right, i suppose if the player had won things and was respected because of this playing style then it might work, for instance would a Paul Scholes need time to command authority and motivate. I accept that the world has changed since Ball and Case did the job at SFC but players like that do exist, QPR picked up Shaun Derry , not the purists cup of tea but for every violonist you need a drummer.Bournemouth have Steve Flecher, or whatever his name is, Chaplow is still a young man I remember when we were talking about lee carsley on here.....it was literally laughed at....hudders sign kevin kilbain..an old head who has played plenty of prem/NPC/Int football and is doing well.....adkins would have been hounded out if he brought him in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandwichsaint Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 This was presumably the role Wotton was bought for, absolutely the right signing at that time but unfortunately the wrong player! We have been looking for a Matty Holland type character for years but have lacked leadership right through the relegation years, pretty much since killer and claus packed up really. I don't know enough names lower down to bandy many about - where did Bailey ex Charlton end up? Failing that who is on the fringes/going nowhere at the bottom of the prem or the top end of the championship? Look how well Carr and Bowyer are playing at Birmingham after being virtually finished at their previous clubs. Modern footballers seem to go on much longer and we could def do with an experienced old head in the middle of the park, just don't buy one that is already crocked ( a la Conolly or Wotton)! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint lard Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 I wonder if Adkins has the ability or has the draw to entice the calibre of player needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The boy done well Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 I agree with the OP too-and it certainly was a long drive home! I thought we were going to use the transfer window to add that experienced midfield general that we so obviously lack. We were frantic last night with the ball pinging about all over the place but without the calm discipline and control from midfield that maybe you need to convert that kind of dominance into certain victory. I still think we have easily the best squad in the league so why don't the table and our performances reflect this. Something's certainly not right and that missing midfield man may well be the reason. Unlike some others. but probably in common with the majority, I think the manager's ok although I could do with less hoof and more width at times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Right sider Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Bowyer available on a free next year, would it be completely impossible for us? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 I wonder if Adkins has the ability or has the draw to entice the calibre of player needed. a big question also would NC pay wages needed for player required Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 We seem to have the same debate every season - Nicky Butt was the last candidate. You would think on paper Hammond and Chaplow would be OK. Throw in the likes of Butterfield, Barnard, Harding and Fonte, we have a lot of strong characters out there. Personally, I'd like to see Butterfield given more responsibility - he's doing a v.good job at RB but I think he's playing well within himself when it comes to the other stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Singeon Sears Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 We have a "model" for the type of player we want to bring to the club - young, able to play at higher level etc, while that is good and well for 90% of the team's make up it misses one critical aspect - leadership. The team totally lacks drives and direction when things get tough, and when we can't break sides down - I would have no clue who the captain is if it wasn't on the team sheet, and it isn't just Hammond, whether its Hammond, Fonte, Davis etc etc none of them show the outward drive needed. A Jimmy Case type character is exactly what we need, older, experienced driving the team on - and I obviously mean a league one equivalent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 We seem to have the same debate every season - Nicky Butt was the last candidate. You would think on paper Hammond and Chaplow would be OK. Throw in the likes of Butterfield, Barnard, Harding and Fonte, we have a lot of strong characters out there. Personally, I'd like to see Butterfield given more responsibility - he's doing a v.good job at RB but I think he's playing well within himself when it comes to the other stuff. Suppose the issue with those you mentioned, who i agree may be strong characters, is what have they actually achieved in the game to make younger players respect them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 My mates a Huddersfield supporter and he reckons Kilbane is a liability. It just goes to show how hard it is to pick up an old pro and make sure it's the right one. Savage takes a lot of stick from Derby supporters. Bally and Jimmy Case where great players, but also had a fantastic attitude, Lawrie used to say that Ballys enthusiasm day in day out was an inspiration for the younger players.Paul Scholes may end up at Oldham as he has often spoken of his love for them,but no Bally or Jimmy Case springs to mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 I remember when we were talking about lee carsley on here.....it was literally laughed at....hudders sign kevin kilbain..an old head who has played plenty of prem/NPC/Int football and is doing well.....adkins would have been hounded out if he brought him in Call me slow for only just noticing, but you do seem to spend about half of your posts telling everyone on here "how they would think", don't you ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yamms_schmitz Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Totally agree, and have done ever since Chris Marsden ended his career. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintNeil90 Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 (edited) Nick Montgomery from Sheffield Utd please. Currently injured and also his passion is because he has played for them his whole career, he wont have that same connection and drive with another team. I feel Jimmy Bullard is the solution. Edited 2 March, 2011 by SaintNeil90 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Agree with Duncan We should be looking for a 30 year old plus midfield player, who can tackle and pass the ball nothing spectacular just a man who hates to lose but more importantly knows how to win I know that will offend some of the purist fans on here but we lack real drive in the engine room What someone like Wotton? some of our best results last season came playing 4-5-1 with Wotton sat in front of the defence certainly he was not a brilliant footballer but he was vocal and gave his all. Is it any coincidence that Yeovils results took a big up turn when Wotton went into their side? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up and away Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 What was exactly wrong last night? It did not sound like the midfield, plenty of possession and creating plenty of chances. I was left wondering where are the strikers to put these chances away? I kept hearing Lee must start (and his previous performance was good), but I am still struggling to remember a two match run, let alone stretch things further. The one person I do know who can open up these defences is Guly and he was out. If Ricky cannot eek out goals in games like this, we will not go up automatically, simples. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladysaint Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 My choice would be Scott parker please Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 I'm not convinced that youngsters nowadays will listen to old pros like they used to. I also think that most modern Managers will try and coach them too much. Lawrie's genius was that he seemed to let the older guys sort things out themselves, now you'll have the Manager making them take the bleep test, standing on the touchline waving his hands about to indicate where he wanted them to run to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 One of the problems is that the players know Hammond isn't a leader. Certainly a leader or leaders are needed on the pitch. There is a great emphasis these days on the influence of the manager/coaches from an early age to the detriment of free thinking which develops with leadership qualities. Ball, Case etc were independent thinkers sad to say a breed that now seems to be nearly extinct. For that reason we should be ready to pay whatever it takes to find a couple of real on the pitch leaders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 My choice would be Scott parker please Yeah right! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 I agree, what we need is world cup winners and league champonship winning linchpins. Or just slightly better finishing on occasion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aintforever Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 If we brought in a Jimmy Case we would have to leave out Scheiderlin and that wouldn't go down well on here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Billy Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 I have heard many fans say this about us at the moment and it is tough trying to put a finger on just what it is that is lacking. Driving home last night I gave it some thought. "No direction home". I just wish we had more guidance and nous on the pitch – I think this maybe the clue to solving the puzzle. There was a distinct lack of authoritive, calming mature leadership last night with the result we ended the game with the likes of Lallana – who was booked for protesting - and Barnard almost hysterically appealing for anything and everything. In the last 5 minutes we were reduced to being a rabble which played into Walsall's hands. Now had we had an Alan Ball or Jimmy Case in the side then it would probably have ended 4-1 and the M40 would have been a much smoother place to drive. So, note to Nige and Nicola: PLAN A -I know the likes of Jimmy and Alan don’t grow on trees anymore but that is the sort of player we could do with as we enter what is sure to be an increasingly frenzied run in. Give us a leader and promotion can still be ours...automatically! Plan B - Perhaps it is time to start practising pens. Bang on the button, I have been thinking this even before the start of this season, we do lack a leader on the field. I see Robbie Savages name mentioned earlier and for me that is the type of player we are lacking, a blood and guts passionate player who leads by example. The trouble is, is there anyone out there? especially available on loan, and also, does NA recognise this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toomer Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 My choice would be Scott parker please Any ulterior motive there Jan:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 My impression was that Chaplow was the midfield man we craved. Certainly many on here (myself included) thought he was a great signing that would start most games. Now given that, who would you drop to allow a complete new lad in to then become a leader on the pitch? It's not going to happen is the simple answer. While we would all like better players, but you have to ask why a group of 11 players supposely best in class will not perform consistently. The fault has to lie at the door of the Manager surely? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 serious question...do we really have the best players in all positions..? I would say not.. is kelvin, jaidi, harding, hammond, barnard, guly the best in their positions..?????.I would also say, right now, pilkington is better than OxO.......OxO has miles more potential... lets not be completely arrogant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 What we probably need is to get Murty (or Dodd) out on the pitch and take the armband from Hammond (and preferably leave him out of the team altogether). Murty in place of Butters, drop Hammond and move Butters to MF unless Morgan is fit. Guly for Barnard, jobs a good 'un. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St_Tel49 Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 (edited) If we brought in a Jimmy Case we would have to leave out Scheiderlin and that wouldn't go down well on here. Why would you have to leave out Schneiderlin as opposed to Chaplow or Hammond? Edited 2 March, 2011 by St_Tel49 Can't spell Spiderman's name!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 serious question...do we really have the best players in all positions..? I would say not.. is kelvin, jaidi, harding, hammond, barnard, guly the best in their positions..?????.I would also say, right now, pilkington is better than OxO.......OxO has miles more potential... lets not be completely arrogant Do we need the best players? Do Brighton and Bompey have all the best players in the league? probably not. Take bompey they lost their two best strikers, their best midfielder and their highly rated manager hasn't even slowed them down. What ever it is they have, that's what we need I'm guessing it's not something we can buy with money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Do we need the best players? Do Brighton and Bompey have all the best players in the league? probably not. Take bompey they lost their two best strikers, their best midfielder and their highly rated manager hasn't even slowed them down. What ever it is they have, that's what we need I'm guessing it's not something we can buy with money. no we dont need the best players...I will wait till our games in hand are out of the way before I get all angry and want the manager out (despite wanting stability).. we could very well end up 2nd with our games in hand........lets just see for once without demanding someone head on a stick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 no we dont need the best players...I will wait till our games in hand are out of the way before I get all angry and want the manager out (despite wanting stability).. we could very well end up 2nd with our games in hand........lets just see for once without demanding someone head on a stick Well we could end up in second or not TBH I didn't think we would be in this postion came this part of the season (I had imagined us in 1st easing away from the chasing pack come christmas -more fool me) ................... I'm not calling for Nigels head, then again I wasn't calling for the last managers head either. I do think the OP is right though we're missing a couple of leaders on the pitch, Hammond is very quiet for a captain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supersubpuckett Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 we won't end up second and will have to battle it out in the play offs but we're not cut out for that sort of fight. Adkins has us playing very measured football, reminds me of svens england, but we have no fire in our bellies when situations require it. Even though we easily beat swindon on saturday there were some dreadful performances that really stuck out and hammond is the worst. His presence was non existent and passing fvkin terrible. Raidi is also incredibly vulnerable at the back as he is sooooo slow - we need a leader in midfield, a more mobile cb and an more ruthless positive attitude. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocknrollman no2 Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Who would have thought at the start of the season that Bournemouth would be second and Brighton would spend most of the year at the top?If these teams can be moulded into sides that can have a winning mentality,without spending hardly any money( and in fact Bournemouth have sold some of their better players,yet still seem to grind out wins),why cant Saints? Could it be something to do with the way managers inspire players? I actually think we dont need any more players because we do have some good footballers here.But it seems they just need someone to form them into a team,rather than a bunch of individuals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
braveheart1983 Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Paul Merson anyone ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WATERSIDEIFASAINT Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 How about Michael Brown from down the road that they can't afford to play.A horrible,nasty in your face type of player who is just the player we need in those away games imo.Would be excellent at this level and is a leader on the pitch.I'd even forgive him for his Pompey links if he helped us to that automatic promotion spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Saint Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Likely to be shot down in flames, but I feel less than inspired by our current on field captain. We see the odd flash of eagerness and hearty tackle, but I feel that at times he looks laboured and unaware of being closed down by opposition players more than once. I can't recall the last time he was MOTM, which is what I would hope a captain to be in the running for every game, those around him get a comment on the drive home. As FF already alluded to we do need a leader on the pitch, not an often invisible captain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suewhistle Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Now had we had an Alan Ball or Jimmy Case in the side then it would probably have ended 4-1 and the M40 would have been a much smoother place to drive. Heck, even Terry Hurlock! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubsaint Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 good players, but no leaders...........no one to bollock the team when things aren't going right, we need a strong personnality to kick arse, cause recent managers all too nice.so it has to happen on the pitch or training ground Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captainchris Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 we won't end up second and will have to battle it out in the play offs but we're not cut out for that sort of fight. Adkins has us playing very measured football, reminds me of svens england, but we have no fire in our bellies when situations require it. Even though we easily beat swindon on saturday there were some dreadful performances that really stuck out and hammond is the worst. His presence was non existent and passing fvkin terrible. Raidi is also incredibly vulnerable at the back as he is sooooo slow - we need a leader in midfield, a more mobile cb and an more ruthless positive attitude. Our was 'measured' for Adkins first two or three games but game by game it has become the exact same style as Pardew.....This is why we are inconsistant. Brighton pass, pass, pass and dominate nearly every game we don't! Result - inconsistancy - ala Pardew. I thought NA was brought in to sort this out but there is absolutely no difference between him and AP. The 'Southampton style' is not evident yet.........For ever sinse the excellent Tranmere game at home we have been noticably loosing the thread.......with loss of strategy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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