Goalkeeping coach Dave Watson

[Nordic Saint]

I’m not a huge fan of JWP and agree that his set pieces have been a myth for much of his time, BUT in fairness to him he has actually scored a couple of free kicks more recently (I’m including back end of last season) and only a great Lloris save prevented another at Spurs.

 

As I say, I agree that his dead ball skills (and play in general) are overrated but over his entire career with us, he’s probably experiencing his best patch from edge of the box FKs. Even Le Tissier and Lambert didn’t score every time...

 

Agreed. He's improved. He's finding the target now. Long may it continue.

[VectisSaint]

I have been a massive critic of Watson but if it is correct he is in charge of set pieces I think he has improved our set plays tremendously. There is starting to be a lot more creativity. We also are looking more dangerous at these. So if he is the man doing this brilliant keep up the good work

 

Says it all really, Goalkeeping coach maybe doing set pieces some good. Suppose he had to be good at something. If only we employed people with expertise in the areas needed rather than fit square pegs into round holes. Here's another thought, perhaps we are beginning to see some impact from Kitsbichler. He has been very low key since he arrived but things are beginning to look a bit better, the defence is better organised and there is more purpose to our attacking play. Ralph has someone to work with again maybe.

[OldNick]

Says it all really, Goalkeeping coach maybe doing set pieces some good. Suppose he had to be good at something. If only we employed people with expertise in the areas needed rather than fit square pegs into round holes. Here's another thought, perhaps we are beginning to see some impact from Kitsbichler. He has been very low key since he arrived but things are beginning to look a bit better, the defence is better organised and there is more purpose to our attacking play. Ralph has someone to work with again maybe.

Just because he was a goalkeeper doesn't mean he hasn't an imagination to set us for free kicks. I agree with your second point, perhaps there is more focus now with more help.

[VectisSaint]

Just because he was a goalkeeper doesn't mean he hasn't an imagination to set us for free kicks. I agree with your second point, perhaps there is more focus now with more help.

Yes, but it's ridiculous that we got him to work set pieces because he was rubbish at Goalkeeping coaching, when it would have been better to have employed someone who specialised in that area in the first place. Bit like SKD, determined to find something he is good at. Jobs for the boys instead of getting the best available.

[Ted Bates Statue]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/15/secrets-of-hasenhuttl-southampton-success-set-plays-and-self-criticism

Considering that Dave Watson has seldom been spoken of in glowing terms in his time here, credit where it's due.

Perhaps the most intriguing observation in the article however, is that JWP only practises twelve free kicks a week. Quality over quantity indeed.

[Turkish]

32 minutes ago, Ted Bates Statue said:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/15/secrets-of-hasenhuttl-southampton-success-set-plays-and-self-criticism

Considering that Dave Watson has seldom been spoken of in glowing terms in his time here, credit where it's due.

Perhaps the most intriguing observation in the article however, is that JWP only practises twelve free kicks a week. Quality over quantity indeed.

I remember the days when it was all Eric Blacks fault....

[sydney_saint]

1 hour ago, Ted Bates Statue said:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/15/secrets-of-hasenhuttl-southampton-success-set-plays-and-self-criticism

Considering that Dave Watson has seldom been spoken of in glowing terms in his time here, credit where it's due.

Perhaps the most intriguing observation in the article however, is that JWP only practises twelve free kicks a week. Quality over quantity indeed.

Have a watch of this for more detail. He talks about his reasoning particularly around muscle memory. He's clearly an intelligent guy which I think has helped him here and worked out how to maximise his strengths and cover his weaknesses like pace.