Will Still

[BarberSaint]

2 hours ago, sfc4prem said:

Excuse me. I'm somewhat ecstatic to tell you that 'defense' is Americanised English.

I'll have you know that it is preferable to use 'defence' when speaking the King's English.

 

 

The misspelling was boviously deliberat.

[Badger]

On 21/09/2025 at 15:47, Lord Duckhunter said:

 We look like a pub team, like Weasley tells them where they’re playing & they just go out and play as the want. 

Glad he’s been ‘christened’ .

I wondered how long it would take, and what it would be. 

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

3 hours ago, Tommy Mulgrew said:

I was tempted to start a new thread for discussion about the coaching staff but put this post here nevertheless.  Still needs help and at the moment he does not seem to be getting it from those who are supposed to help him.

This is a really good point. You've got a relatively junior manager who hasn't managed teams in English leagues so he needs support and advice from the other coaching staff. What are they doing to earn their salt?

I remember times when a manager would bring his coaching staff with him and then the coaching staff are all singing on the same proverbial page. Cloughie had Taylor, Ferguson had Phelan, Martin O'Neill had Robertson & Keane.....Ralph had Rohl. Do managers still bring their 2ic's and teams with them? Clubs don't like it because it's easier to replace an individual rather than a team of people and perhaps this is why a manager's tenure is so limited nowadays.

[Badger]

4 minutes ago, OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint said:

This is a really good point. You've got a relatively junior manager who hasn't managed teams in English leagues so he needs support and advice from the other coaching staff. What are they doing to earn their salt?

I remember times when a manager would bring his coaching staff with him and then the coaching staff are all singing on the same proverbial page. Cloughie had Taylor, Ferguson had Phelan, Martin O'Neill had Robertson & Keane.....Ralph had Rohl. Do managers still bring their 2ic's and teams with them? Clubs don't like it because it's easier to replace an individual rather than a team of people and perhaps this is why a manager's tenure is so limited nowadays.

Most managers (or head coaches as often now termed) tend to bring an assistant and possibly backroom team with them. Lego had about three or four. Ralph seemed an exception, not replacing Rohl after he left.
 

Agree with the point though that we seem a bit light in terms of the coaching staff around Still. 

 

[Saint Fan CaM]

3 hours ago, Badger said:

Most managers (or head coaches as often now termed) tend to bring an assistant and possibly backroom team with them. Lego had about three or four. Ralph seemed an exception, not replacing Rohl after he left.
 

Agree with the point though that we seem a bit light in terms of the coaching staff around Still. 

 

Nah, that can’t be it - Still has Cap’t Jack to provide all the necessary support he needs. Plus Lallana. 😉🤔😂

[pimpin4rizeal]

Think the most disappointing thing with stilll he was made out to be super analytical tactical genius yet here we are with most of his game plan being get it into the mixer for strikers that don’t suit that kind of service. He talks well in the pressers but not seeing much in games .. anyone that rates baz is also a red flag

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

Yes he looked a little flustered in the post game interview. Yes he doesn't give the smarmy answers that came out of the mouth of RM. But yesterday reaffirmed my view that we have a genuine manager who is learning the ropes and starting to get a handle on what's needed from our team.

AA (if you're going to play him) was in the right position yesterday. There was more intent and purpose in the passing. The tempo was, at times, a lot quicker, with (dare I say it) some one touch passes. 

Who does Still play in central defence? Unfortunately, think his hands are tied with Jack Stephens but Wood must surely get a start against Middlesbro. 

[S-Clarke]

3 hours ago, OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint said:

Yes he looked a little flustered in the post game interview. Yes he doesn't give the smarmy answers that came out of the mouth of RM. But yesterday reaffirmed my view that we have a genuine manager who is learning the ropes and starting to get a handle on what's needed from our team.

AA (if you're going to play him) was in the right position yesterday. There was more intent and purpose in the passing. The tempo was, at times, a lot quicker, with (dare I say it) some one touch passes. 

Who does Still play in central defence? Unfortunately, think his hands are tied with Jack Stephens but Wood must surely get a start against Middlesbro. 

Not sure learning the ropes is totally fair, more a case of learning the squad and players he has and how he gets the best out of them here.

I know people rewind to pre-season saying that's when a manager does this, which is fair in most cases...but we had such a churn post pre-season, so since around Mid-Aug we've kind of had to reset again and he's got another load of new players to adapt.

The point I usually start seriously questioning managers is when they start seeing a different game to me, that's when they're waffling and flapping around with their answers (so brave, so proud, front footedness, I've ignored my principles etc etc - all that shit). But Still is still seeing the same game as me and he's calling out what we're seeing, not trying to cover it up or smarm his way out or have on-camera mental breakdowns like previous managers did.

I notice people are saying it's a negative that he's so moody and not very positive, but if you step back he's actually mirroring exactly what we're feeling like to. He's as frustrated as the rest of us because he knows what's needed.

Edited September 24 by S-Clarke

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

7 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

Not sure learning the ropes is totally fair, more a case of learning the squad and players he has and how he gets the best out of them here.

I know people rewind to pre-season saying that's when a manager does this, which is fair in most cases...but we had such a churn post pre-season, so since around Mid-Aug we've kind of had to reset again and he's got another load of new players to adapt.

The point I usually start seriously questioning managers is when they start seeing a different game to me, that's when they're waffling and flapping around with their answers (so brave, so proud, front footedness, I've ignored my principles etc etc - all that shit). But Still is still seeing the same game as me and he's calling out what we're seeing, not trying to cover it up or smarm his way out or have on-camera mental breakdowns like previous managers did.

I notice people are saying it's a negative that he's so moody and not very positive, but if you step back he's actually mirroring exactly what we're feeling like to. He's as frustrated as the rest of us because he knows what's needed.

Agree with all of this. Last time I felt an affinity with a manager, someone who I felt cared about the club, was Ralph Hassenhutl. Will Still is sending the same signals that he doesn't just care about his career, he wants his team and his club to succeed.  Think we have a genuine person here. 

[Willo of Whiteley]

My concern is you have to pick people based on merit, who’s trained well, who’s not made errors etc etc.

Not because they’re captain, or they’re the latest signing, on they’re on high wages etc 

[Maggie May]

I’m going to put it out there. The performance against Liverpool was the best we’ve played in years. 

[AlexLaw76]

1 hour ago, Maggie May said:

I’m going to put it out there. The performance against Liverpool was the best we’ve played in years. 

You ok hun?

[TheAlehouseBrawlers]

1 hour ago, Maggie May said:

I’m going to put it out there. The performance against Liverpool was the best we’ve played in about a year. 

Maybe.

Edited September 25 by TheAlehouseBrawlers

[sockeye]

2 hours ago, Maggie May said:

I’m going to put it out there. The performance against Liverpool was the best we’ve played in years. 

Yeah, it has been some time since we actually put up a fight against Liverpool tbf …  

[ally_uk]

Body language I think Still looks on edge / anxious I noticed it immediately during preseason when he introduced new signings to the group. It was a uncomfortable watch felt for him

I was thinking if I'm sitting here thinking he is nervous what are the players thinking ?

I get the same vibe during interviews he just looks really uncomfortable and doesn't really have anything  about him charisma wise...  I've suffered anxiety most of my life and recognise the signs am I the only one noticing this ? 

 

 

 

[Lord Duckhunter]

4 hours ago, Maggie May said:

I’m going to put it out there. The performance against Liverpool was the best we’ve played in years. 

#Nod 

We fucking lost…

[Willo of Whiteley]

The thing is he could be great behind the scenes. A lot of player interviews seem to be saying they like him etc.

The problem is he has to get the fans onside now, and whether it’s him just being deadpan, saying it as things are are sometimes good routes to go down, it doesn’t inspire confidence.

[Toadhall Saint]

Presser today?

[Saint86]

4 hours ago, Maggie May said:

I’m going to put it out there. The performance against Liverpool was the best we’ve played in years. 

It was one of the best team performances we've had in the past 2years. But fundamentally its a better team. Even playing with 9men second half (downs and robinson were non-existent or even helped liverpool) and Macca in goal - which just shows that at least the rest of that team is at a higher standard than previous seasons.

[skintsaint]

4 hours ago, Maggie May said:

I’m going to put it out there. The performance against Liverpool was the best we’ve played in years. 

Another 'brave' loss, we have so many. Then playing absolutely nothing like it next game.

[trousers]

12 minutes ago, Toadhall Saint said:

Presser today?

13:30

[pingpong]

1 hour ago, ally_uk said:

Body language I think Still looks on edge / anxious I noticed it immediately during preseason when he introduced new signings to the group. It was a uncomfortable watch felt for him

I was thinking if I'm sitting here thinking he is nervous what are the players thinking ?

I get the same vibe during interviews he just looks really uncomfortable and doesn't really have anything  about him charisma wise...  I've suffered anxiety most of my life and recognise the signs am I the only one noticing this ? 

 

 

 

Think you might be projecting, listen to him on the touchline and you'll see how confident and assured he is in his communication, it's just a shame he can't be on both sides of the pitch to get live messages across.  Just a matter of time before the players get it and can start making the right decisions by themselves.

[Mr X]

1 hour ago, pingpong said:

Think you might be projecting, listen to him on the touchline and you'll see how confident and assured he is in his communication, it's just a shame he can't be on both sides of the pitch to get live messages across.  Just a matter of time before the players get it and can start making the right decisions by themselves.

You honestly believe this? 

[saintant]

2 hours ago, Saint86 said:

It was one of the best team performances we've had in the past 2years. But fundamentally its a better team. Even playing with 9men second half (downs and robinson were non-existent or even helped liverpool) and Macca in goal - which just shows that at least the rest of that team is at a higher standard than previous seasons.

A tad harsh on Robinson who came on fairly late in the game so didn't have long to get up to speed.

[saint michael]

I don’t think it’s the players only just starting to understand what Still wants I think that seems fairly obvious when he talks. I think the performances are littered with lack of composure under pressure and the skill and ability to do the basic football stuff well. They don’t strike you as a team in anything they do just individuals.

[saintant]

2 minutes ago, saint michael said:

I don’t think it’s the players only just starting to understand what Still wants I think that seems fairly obvious when he talks. I think the performances are littered with lack of composure under pressure and the skill and ability to do the basic football stuff well. They don’t strike you as a team in anything they do just individuals.

Thought we looked like a proper team with good shape and intentions against Liverpool.

[Osvaldorama]

6 minutes ago, saintant said:

Thought we looked like a proper team with good shape and intentions against Liverpool.

I agree, we looked a lot better, like a team instead of a rabble. 
Hopefully a sign of improvement and not a false dawn. I watched the game with a spurs fan and a United fan and they both thought we looked very good and were unlucky as well. 
 

Im very interested in this weekend’s lineup as I don’t think THB or Stephens deserve a place back in the side. I’m intrigued to see what he decides 

[saintant]

29 minutes ago, Osvaldorama said:

I agree, we looked a lot better, like a team instead of a rabble. 
Hopefully a sign of improvement and not a false dawn. I watched the game with a spurs fan and a United fan and they both thought we looked very good and were unlucky as well. 
 

Im very interested in this weekend’s lineup as I don’t think THB or Stephens deserve a place back in the side. I’m intrigued to see what he decides 

Me too but we all know Capt Shoehorn starts every game unless he has two broken legs. Why is anybody's guess.

[Saint86]

1 hour ago, saintant said:

Thought we looked like a proper team with good shape and intentions against Liverpool.

Agreed, that was the best performance in a very long time. Since the playoffs at least.

[saint michael]

3 hours ago, saintant said:

Thought we looked like a proper team with good shape and intentions against Liverpool.

I think we played better but last minute defending is still a feature. The first goal where Downes is spinning around looking who to give it to is an example.

Edited Thursday at 16:00 by saint michael

[Lord Duckhunter]

2 hours ago, Saint86 said:

Agreed, that was the best performance in a very long time. Since the playoffs at least.

Noddy mentality. We fucking lost.

Draw against City, draw at Brighton, away win at Ipswich, draw away to Fulham  were all better than fucking losing in a cup which is our opponents 4th priority….

[miserableoldgit]

Graham Potter sacked. Awaits siren calls to get him in.....

[AlexLaw76]

1 minute ago, miserableoldgit said:

Graham Potter sacked. Awaits siren calls to get him in.....

Thankfully, the pound shop Pep style of passing the ball to death is less fashionable these days

even the man himself is changing it up slightly at Man City.

[Baird of the land]

League one standard manager

[Colinjb]

The result today was disappointing, but the starting line up shows that he is seeing what we do. The wholesale changes to the defence did make us look massively better today and gave us a platform to take the game to the league leaders. 

More like today and he will earn the time to make further changes needed to our squad to allow us to look like a functioning football team again.

Edited Saturday at 16:26 by Colinjb

[Football Special]

1 minute ago, Colinjb said:

The result today was disappointing, but the starting line up shows that he is seeing what we do. The wholesale changes to the defence did make us look massively better today and gave us a platform to take the game to the league leaders. 

More like today and he will earn the time to make further changes needed to our squad to allow us to look like a functioning football team again.

I think he deserves credit for making those changes, many thought he wouldn't drop Stephens and it was an improvement, problem is it feels like we're starting all over again with a new side needing to gel, massive next two games let's reevaluate after that 

[Lee On Solent Saint]

7 minutes ago, Football Special said:

I think he deserves credit for making those changes, many thought he wouldn't drop Stephens and it was an improvement, problem is it feels like we're starting all over again with a new side needing to gel, massive next two games let's reevaluate after that 

Absolutely. Didn't think he had the minerals to drop all three of them. Deserves a bit of respect for that

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

14 minutes ago, Football Special said:

I think he deserves credit for making those changes, many thought he wouldn't drop Stephens and it was an improvement, problem is it feels like we're starting all over again with a new side needing to gel, massive next two games let's reevaluate after that 

Yes, that's a big call dropping Stephens. He could argue THB away but to drop both was, to use the phrase, 'being brave'. It also worked well because Wood and Quarshie were very competent.

Like what he's doing. Not his fault that SR signed Downs and now Still is trying to find a work around. Altogether, feel a lot more positive about our direction now than before today's game. 

[Football Special]

Just now, Lee On Solent Saint said:

Absolutely. Didn't think he had the minerals to drop all three of them. Deserves a bit of respect for that

Going to be interesting to see how those dropped players react, need them putting performances in to win their place back, hoping no strops and fall outs on the training ground 

[Wade Garrett]

13 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Going to be interesting to see how those dropped players react, need them putting performances in to win their place back, hoping no strops and fall outs on the training ground 

Couldn’t give a fuck to be honest.  They’re shite, Downes excepted.

[Wade Garrett]

6 hours ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Thankfully, the pound shop Pep style of passing the ball to death is less fashionable these days

even the man himself is changing it up slightly at Man City.

It’s pathetic how so many managers have tried to copy Pep.  

[stknowle]

18 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Going to be interesting to see how those dropped players react, need them putting performances in to win their place back, hoping no strops and fall outs on the training ground 

Jesus, if any of them have the temerity to throw strops for being dropped after that shit last week then quite frankly they can fuck off. 

[Football Special]

28 minutes ago, Wade Garrett said:

Couldn’t give a fuck to be honest.  They’re shite, Downes excepted.

Tend to agree but we've already got enough wasters hanging around Staplewood  , I'd like to think THB and Stephens will want to prove they can do better (they're not that bad) 

Look at other players we wrote off like Bree and BBD playing and scoring today 

[captainchris]

55 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Tend to agree but we've already got enough wasters hanging around Staplewood  , I'd like to think THB and Stephens will want to prove they can do better (they're not that bad) 

Look at other players we wrote off like Bree and BBD playing and scoring today 

Harwood Bellis is that bad, he’s been overrated for a long time now.

[pimpin4rizeal]

Gotta give him a big thumbs up for making the changes, I’d have been getting really fed up with seeing baz tbhb etc come streight back in .it shows the places are up for grabs for the ones who step up and take them which should create a good competition for places in the squad 

[Willo of Whiteley]

Full credit to him today.

Very ballsy to make three or four significant changes, I’d say every single one of them justified after recent performances, and the performance today further backed his team selection.

It’s encouraging to see a manager drop his captain and a player who thinks he is bigger than he is (you could argue Downes or Harwood-Bellis for that title).

He’s seeing what we are.

Ronnie Edwards at RB was my only real concern; I’d like to see Jelert start there, he has a bit of pace and will balance out the wide full backs getting forward. He dropped Roerslev too, another big call given how highly thought of he was when he signed.

Result aside I don’t think Will Still can be faulted today.

[austsaint]

2 hours ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Full credit to him today.

Very ballsy to make three or four significant changes, I’d say every single one of them justified after recent performances, and the performance today further backed his team selection.

It’s encouraging to see a manager drop his captain and a player who thinks he is bigger than he is (you could argue Downes or Harwood-Bellis for that title).

He’s seeing what we are.

Ronnie Edwards at RB was my only real concern; I’d like to see Jelert start there, he has a bit of pace and will balance out the wide full backs getting forward. He dropped Roerslev too, another big call given how highly thought of he was when he signed.

Result aside I don’t think Will Still can be faulted today.

Yes, he was true to his word with rewarding those who put in a shift at Anfield.   Perhaps he could have replaced Stewart and Azaz earlier, to bring on Archer and Scienza as it was clear Boro upped the intensity in the second half, and only had Armstrong and Fellows to keep an eye on defensively.    Taking off Fellows could also be questioned .   Manning was loose defensively and Jelert on earlier might have tightened things up.    
Boro certainly happier with the point than Saints.

[coalman]

It feels like we're heading in the right direction. Not mindlessly picking the players at the heart of our defensive shambles of recent years is a good start. Having the same players nailed on week in week out was part of the mates culture that allowed mediocrity to flourish.

[Miltonaggro]

Walking back over the Itchen bridge, two middle aged Boro supporters walking alongside and behind me talking about the game. Thought they were lucky to get a point. Mentioned that Azaz was same when he joined them, slow starter, a confidence player, took a while to get up to speed. Singled out Armstrong as constant threat from flanks and Quarshie as the biggest surprise to them ‘looks a beast of a player’.  Good to hear oppo perspective on where we are. 

[goodymatt]

Has to be us or Watford?