doddisalegend Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 After last seasons out standing season, it's been noticable that our No.7 has come in for a lot more criticism this season. A couple of things I've read this week make me think that we as fans (me included) may have been a tad harsh on Rickie this season. Firstly according to the interview in last saturdays programme (and parphrasing a bit) he was carrying a knee injury for the first half of the season which he admits effected his ability to train as hard as he need to resulting in his fitness levels dropping. His reduced fitness meant he struggled in games and his confidence dropped (according to rickie himself) apparently he has only just started to get back into shape and get his confidence back, he admitted he had not had a good season by his own standards. Second looking at the stats on the OS Lambert has the most apperances, the most goals, the most shots and the most assits of any saints player this season. So despite being unfit for half a season and having a crisis of confidence he has still managed to play more games than any other player, score 19 goals, have a 155 shots at goal and contribute a load of assits. I salute you Mr Lambert if you can contribute this much to the team when only being half fit and lacking confidence. I think other teams should look out next season when you're firing on all cylinders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 I do think it is noticeable that Rickie has scored and attempted much less long range shots and fierce drives this year which in my opinion has made him look slightly worse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Bob Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 It was my Dad who interviewed him for the program and he said Rickie has been enormously frustrated by this season. He couldn't carry out full training over the first 6 months and his general fitness took a massive hammering. I expect to see him back to his deadly best again for our push in the Championship next season! (Providing we're there of course) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 I agree. He has had a lot of critcism this season and, on surface level it is obvious why. He hasn't scored as many goals as he did last season. But, he contributes so much more than just goals, as your stats show. He is always in good positions and he is always hungry for the ball. I can't remember the last time we went forward and he didn't have his hand in the air wanting to receive the ball. Last season was a fantastic first season for us, and he had a similar season previously with Bristol Rovers which we all know about. So I think it would have been pretty special to have 3 seasons like that in a row. One of the things which I really admire him for though is that he isn't a greedy forward. Even though he is/was obviously desperate to get back to goal scoring ways he will always play someone through if they are in a better goal scoring opportunity than him. A team player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 It was my Dad who interviewed him for the program and he said Rickie has been enormously frustrated by this season. He couldn't carry out full training over the first 6 months and his general fitness took a massive hammering. I expect to see him back to his deadly best again for our push in the Championship next season! (Providing we're there of course) I expect to see him in much the same role as this season actually. I believe AOC will leave in the inter-season and that we'll recruit someone in the CMS mould in his place.I can see Rickie carrying on in the deeper role,holding the ball up and laying it off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 only the fools have thought he was poor this season. KD has the same problems how fans expect PL quality every week from L1 players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Bob Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 I expect to see him in much the same role as this season actually. I believe AOC will leave in the inter-season and that we'll recruit someone in the CMS mould in his place.I can see Rickie carrying on in the deeper role,holding the ball up and laying it off. I'm not saying he won't play the same role. I'm just suggesting that a confident, fully fit Rickie Lambert will be better than what we've seen this season. I think it's a shame it wasn't made more public that he was carrying a knee injury for half the season and then people wouldn't have got on his back so much. Maybe Cortese/Adkins didn't want opposing teams knowing there was a potential weakness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxstone Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 Form is temporary but class is permanent. He will be back all guns blazing next season! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 You can see how much class Lambert has in every game. He is the best passer at the club and his first touch is excellent. No worries about him for next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Bob Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 I don't think many people would suggest he's had a poor season. Just not as good a one as he could have had. As he himself has admitted, he has not had a good season by his own standards (his words, not mine) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohio Saint Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 I seem to recall some valuable defending during some of our panic attacks he has done this season too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barney Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 A very good player but has not hit the heights of last season. Just seems slower to me this season than last. My only concern for next season (if we get there) would be pace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 only the fools have thought he was poor this season. KD has the same problems how fans expect PL quality every week from L1 players. I disagree, he's been ineffective for vast swathes of a lot of matches due to his immobility and failure to get into the box at vital times - and funnily enough from the comments above Lambert himself has indicated he's not been happy with himself, which is as good a guide as any. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 Form is temporary but class is permanent. And he's never played above League One, so what does that imply ? I'd also add that fitness is essential. This season he's been decent and reasonable. Last season he was impressive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 You can see how much class Lambert has in every game. He is the best passer at the club and his first touch is excellent. No worries about him for next year. He's the second best long passer (after Morgan), and his first touch and short passing was utter crud around February until after we played Bournemouth. He's been much improved in the last 5 or 6 matches in terms of control and laying the ball off short, a few months back every pass under 10 yards was going nowhere near it's target but he's got that back now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 (edited) After last seasons out standing season, it's been noticable that our No.7 has come in for a lot more criticism this season. A couple of things I've read this week make me think that we as fans (me included) may have been a tad harsh on Rickie this season. QUOTE] to say the least.Like Ron Davies in the mid 60's - defences don't let your get TWO good seasons in a row. RW has done very well IMHO. After his carnival season last year, he's been a marked man this season, but is still only 1 goal away from the "magical 20" league goals...something only 3 other players have surpassed in the last 20 years. (MLT 3 times, Beattie and Rasiak). Considering that many strikers have a "purple patch" in a season followed by a long drought....Ricky has been remarkably consisitant this season, too and only once gone more than 3 games without scoring...and he's played in every game although, (accordingly to some sources on here), he's been carrying an injury a lot of the time. Granted that he doesn't score every game, One has to admit that his free-kicks / penalties put him in the MLT class (though not better than MLT) but nevertheless an excellent level of consisitancy. Edited 28 April, 2011 by david in sweden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jam Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 After last seasons out standing season, it's been noticable that our No.7 has come in for a lot more criticism this season. A couple of things I've read this week make me think that we as fans (me included) may have been a tad harsh on Rickie this season. Firstly according to the interview in last saturdays programme (and parphrasing a bit) he was carrying a knee injury for the first half of the season which he admits effected his ability to train as hard as he need to resulting in his fitness levels dropping. His reduced fitness meant he struggled in games and his confidence dropped (according to rickie himself) apparently he has only just started to get back into shape and get his confidence back, he admitted he had not had a good season by his own standards. Second looking at the stats on the OS Lambert has the most apperances, the most goals, the most shots and the most assits of any saints player this season. So despite being unfit for half a season and having a crisis of confidence he has still managed to play more games than any other player, score 19 goals, have a 155 shots at goal and contribute a load of assits. I salute you Mr Lambert if you can contribute this much to the team when only being half fit and lacking confidence. I think other teams should look out next season when you're firing on all cylinders. Lambert said much the same thing about his fitness, performance and confidence in an interview before Christmas. I'd love to know the actual truth behind about the 'injured in pre-season' story, as it's surely had a massive effect on our season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jam Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 I expect to see him in much the same role as this season actually. I believe AOC will leave in the inter-season and that we'll recruit someone in the CMS mould in his place.I can see Rickie carrying on in the deeper role,holding the ball up and laying it off. I'd agree but that also seems to be where Guly fits best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNSUN Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 He is class, and will be class in the nPC. He's a victim of his own success from last season, where he scored 31 goals to his 19 this season, and that's what people pick up on. He's not a "tap in" type of striker, we're lucky we have Barnard for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 I'd agree but that also seems to be where Guly fits best. Guly fits into my schema playing at the front with the new striker because to be honest I'm not at all sure that Barnard will make the step up to the NPC particularly well.Just a personal opinion mind you but against better quality CBs he was a bit invisible. Could be down to his hernia troubles though. I see out front line being: Guly+New bloke,behind them Rickie (in a free sort of roving role) Lallana,Morgan and Chaplow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honk Kong Phooey Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 Can any one confirm that in a interview or Season Ticket lunch Nicola Cortese stated that Ricky Lambert had returned to pre season training in really good shape and wanted to score 40 goals this year but that Pardew had over trained the squad when in Switzerland against the advice of the fitness experts!! Ricky returned form the trip with several injuries which he was having to manage through the first part of the season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastleighSoulBoy Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 Form is temporary but class is permanent. He will be back all guns blazing next season! And he's never played above League One, so what does that imply ? I'd also add that fitness is essential. This season he's been decent and reasonable. Last season he was impressive. RL has changed his style this season. Whatever caused it, injury, form, manager's request? He's changed for the better, IMHO, and is now not just a goal getter but also a provider. Next season, hopefully, we'll be in a different division with him getting less attention from thumping great CBs climbing all over him, in deference to the idea that Championship teams might try to play out more and have more skilled CBs? Maybe a Utopian thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skintsaint Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 He has missed some sitters this year which he would of smashed into the net last season though which has brought the questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corky morris Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 IF (?) we get promoted, I can see Rickie doing well in the champ. Grant Holt, who IMHO is not as good a player as Rickie has scored 20 goals this season & I can see Rickie doing even better!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 IF (?) we get promoted, I can see Rickie doing well in the champ. Grant Holt, who IMHO is not as good a player as Rickie has scored 20 goals this season & I can see Rickie doing even better!!! You've slagged him off every game we've been to this season! He usually scores or set one up about a minute later! MK Dons away last season "I'm still not convinced by Lambert" just before he smashes one in from 35yards! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 His link up play is top quality and he's the best passer of a ball in our side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintandy666 Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 He has improved the last couple of months. His fitness was crap at the start of season(Pardew's fault???), and that affected his performance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 Maligned ? Criticism ? Really ? Yes, he hasnt scored 30+ goals or the 40+ he was hoping for , but still has weighed in with ca 20 so far, and with having fitness problems this is still a remarkable achievement. The general reaction to his season, especially the first half , is more like a tad disappointed with a bit of "what if" thrown in.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLINK Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 with lambert dropping deeper it compacts the middle more make it harder to play through us. his style of play has also changed from being an out and out front man like last season and he is beginning play in the "Sherringham" role, his passing ability, positioning make him ideal for this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raging Bull Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 Can any one confirm that in a interview or Season Ticket lunch Nicola Cortese stated that Ricky Lambert had returned to pre season training in really good shape and wanted to score 40 goals this year but that Pardew had over trained the squad when in Switzerland against the advice of the fitness experts!! Ricky returned form the trip with several injuries which he was having to manage through the first part of the season. Yes thats correct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Saints Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 Top bloke, top player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 Last season the team scored 84 League Goals With three games to go this season the team has scored 77 League Goals Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up and away Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 RL has changed his style this season. Whatever caused it, injury, form, manager's request? He's changed for the better, IMHO, and is now not just a goal getter but also a provider. Next season, hopefully, we'll be in a different division with him getting less attention from thumping great CBs climbing all over him, in deference to the idea that Championship teams might try to play out more and have more skilled CBs? Maybe a Utopian thought. Two sides to this season for Ricky, before that long lay off with the weather he was not worth his place, after the lay off has got a lot better. You can keep going on about his passing from midfield and his wing play, but it's a striker we need. Certain away games I feel we would be better off without him because of his lack of mobility. What we are seeing at present will not be good enough in the Championship, he has to become our #1 striker or we go and get another. This run down in form started well before the end of last season under Pardew, so I am not completely sure how things are going to pan out. After the snow break Ricky came back far better, tailed off, then recovered a bit by dropping into positions to be of use. What really amazes me is that if he has all these issues, why is he never rested or dropped from the side to give him a break, just cannot fathom that one? I would love Ricky to come good next season, but am not going to hide from the possibility that may not be the case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandwichsaint Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 Let's flip this round - would he have done 'even better' this season if he had stood down for 10-12 games in Oct-Nov? Love this re-writing of history - he was rank before Xmas! And has been very good since! Before Xmas I couldn't see him getting anywhere near the CCC - if he can reproduce his form of the last 10 games next season he will be all over the CCC. Lambert 4 England! And Torres scored last week but it wasn't in L1!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 28 April, 2011 Author Share Posted 28 April, 2011 Maligned ? Criticism ? Really ? Yes, he hasnt scored 30+ goals or the 40+ he was hoping for , but still has weighed in with ca 20 so far, and with having fitness problems this is still a remarkable achievement. The general reaction to his season, especially the first half , is more like a tad disappointed with a bit of "what if" thrown in.... I hate to say this (becuase I hate it when people throw this in your face) but if you go down to SMS on match days you could here some the crap that gets thrown Lambert's way. My favorite is the guy in the chapel who keeps calling him a one season wonder. Also there where plenty of posters before christmas calling for him to be dropped, why doesn't he try harder? and saying his confidence is shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 After last seasons out standing season, it's been noticable that our No.7 has come in for a lot more criticism this season. A couple of things I've read this week make me think that we as fans (me included) may have been a tad harsh on Rickie this season. QUOTE] Like Ron Davies in the mid 60's - defences don't let your get TWO good seasons in a row. RW has done very well IMHO. After his carnival season last year, he's been a marked man this season, but is still only 1 goal away from the "magical 20" league goals...something only 3 other players have surpassed in the last 20 years. (MLT 3 times, Beattie and Rasiak). 29 goals in the previous season for the Gas would suggest otherwise. 84 goals in 3 seasons at the same level is no mean feat. Big Ron scored 85 in 3 consecutive seasons for Saints in Division 1 (37, 28, 20), 3 top notch seasons on the trot (hadn't realised the remarkable similarity until today) If you're good enough you will still score the goals, defences don't learn much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corky morris Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 Utter nonsense!!! I am sure you make it up as you go along!! Earlier in the season he did not look fit. Mr Lambert himself has since said that he was indeed not 100% fit. Since before Christmas he has improved no end. But then again you said we were going up in the paly -offs last season!! You've slagged him off every game we've been to this season! He usually scores or set one up about a minute later! MK Dons away last season "I'm still not convinced by Lambert" just before he smashes one in from 35yards! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corky morris Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 Morgan is the best passer in our side!! His link up play is top quality and he's the best passer of a ball in our side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints-cris Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 He scored 30 last season.. its bloody hard to maintain that ya know! We have probably the best striker at this level and hes better than I thought he would be for us. Hes passionate, great in the air and has a bullet shot/penalty/free kick. Sure he hasnt scored as many as last season, but he gets countless assists to make up for it. We're bloody lucky to have him, hes up the top on the banner next to Le Tiss ffs. Lambert is class and will probably score and set up plenty more for us in the level above if we go up as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saints foreva Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 When he first signed I was delighted but also worried by the big fee being quoted. He has more than paid that fee back and has giving us some great memories like his goal vs Pompey last season (OK the overall game didn't go as well but that goal was easily the best goal celebration I've had in recent years), Lambert has so much to his game. His first touch is class, along with his passing and of course his eye for goal. He brings our other players into play and if I'm honest I don't think Lallana would be the same player if Lambert wasn't in the team. He's been an easy target for fans to have a go at because he hasn't hit the heights he did last season. I remember seeing on this forum a fair amount of posters saying we should go with Guly and Barnard upfront after the MK Dons game despite Lambert playing a part in all three goals to turn it around.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 29 goals in the previous season for the Gas would suggest otherwise. 84 goals in 3 seasons at the same level is no mean feat. Big Ron scored 85 in 3 consecutive seasons for Saints in Division 1 (37, 28, 20), 3 top notch seasons on the trot (hadn't realised the remarkable similarity until today) If you're good enough you will still score the goals, defences don't learn much. perhaps so, but they do learn a bit after they've played against him a few times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesfp1 Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 (edited) I can't even describe how angry this thread has made me (have typed and deleted a reply at least 6 times), without scanning this whole thread - where can i find how many assists he has got this season? Edited 28 April, 2011 by jamesfp1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesfp1 Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 oh my good lord Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesfp1 Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 I would like to be banned for 24 hours please, mods? Please, if I post after this it will be utterly ridiculous. Help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints-cris Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 I can't even describe how angry this thread has made me (have typed and deleted a reply at least 6 times), without scanning this whole thread - where can i find how many assists he has got this season? I went to BBC website and it said 12 in the league for assists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 28 April, 2011 Author Share Posted 28 April, 2011 I can't even describe how angry this thread has made me (have typed and deleted a reply at least 6 times), without scanning this whole thread - where can i find how many assists he has got this season? According to the OS he has 12 assists. What are you angry about? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesfp1 Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 What are you angry about? Some of the comments on this thread, Rickie Lambert is the best signing of the last 5 years. Take away his 20 goals and 12 assists - would we even be mid-table? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 Utter nonsense!!! I am sure you make it up as you go along!! Earlier in the season he did not look fit. Mr Lambert himself has since said that he was indeed not 100% fit. Since before Christmas he has improved no end. But then again you said we were going up in the paly -offs last season!! Your be telling me you rate Adkins next! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesfp1 Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 "Rickie Lambert ensures Southampton remain favourites for automatic promotion from League One by inspiring a victory over Hartlepool." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 28 April, 2011 Share Posted 28 April, 2011 he was utter ****e earlier in the season, he couldn't control the ball and almost every lay off went astray. It actually took a while for some numpties to notice he was terrible and a bad word couldn't be said about him. Eventually these people noticed he was bad, but he improved long before those same sheep noticed the upturn. Oh and he has been back to his best for quite a while now. He got injured just before the season started, which meant he couldn't do a full preseason. Nothing to do with Pardew's failings, everything to do with terrible bad luck and timing. He was brought back too early and he simply never got fit and this had an effect. This was then compounded by a loss of confidence and form that snowballed. He didn't shoot, didn't score and eventually offered nothing. Unfortunately or perhaps fortunately we didn't have a choice so he got years to find his form. It has paid off. He's not perfect. A big centre back often has him in his pocket, but he has the intelligence to shuffle across to bully the fullback instead. Take away the pens and free kicks (a lot less of them this season) and a lot more questions would have been asked this year. But his all round game is decent and his link up play is a huge part of our side. Add his defensive headers into the mix and we have a player that will be vital next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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