Pre Season Friendlies 2025/26

[ErwinK1961]

4 minutes ago, UpweySaint said:

I don’t agree. I think this overestimates the quality in other squads we are competing with. I think the ‘as is’ squad should be comfortably in the play offs with an eye on the automatics. If we want to be a good candidate for the autos and have a fighting chance of staying up were we to go up I agree improvements are needed.

Fair enough, I just don’t think even with Dibling and Fernandes (who probably won’t be here in September) there is enough creativity in the team. 

Robinson, at 18 and no real first team experience, looks like our best creative outlet.

[ErwinK1961]

4 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

Whenever we’ve played the 4-2-3-1 successfully in the past, we’ve relied on four different types of player, each with defined roles.

• The focal point, front and centre -  Lambert or Pelle
• A mobile, supporting striker out wide - J Rod or Mané
• A creative player who can make the key passes - Lallana or Tadic
• An industrial player to link attack and defence - Davis

We didn’t have that today, we basically had a not very physical focal point, with two J Rods and a Tadic. Aside from the obvious difference in quality, the balance just wasn’t there, hence we had three strikers not doing much.

 

Who was the Tadic in that? Please don’t say Fraser.

[Disco Stu]

My advice to Edwards would be to find a club that won't stick him at right back to shoehorn Jack Stephens into the side. Given that contract extension, Stephens will be a starter this season.

 

 

[Lighthouse]

6 minutes ago, ErwinK1961 said:

Who was the Tadic in that? Please don’t say Fraser.

As I said, an obvious difference in quality, but yes he was basically the one being expected to make the key passes.

[bpsaint]

To think we gave Stephens a 3 year contract extension. If Still thinks he’s worthy of a place in the starting XI come Wrexham then questions are going to be asked of him immediately.

[Badger]

1 minute ago, Disco Stu said:

My advice to Edwards would be to find a club that won't stick him at right back to shoehorn Jack Stephens into the side. Given that contract extension, Stephens will be a starter this season.

 

 

If that happens then both Spors and Still lose some credibility in my book. 

[disconnect]

Stephens was awful, Quashie very good, Robinson and (out of nowhere) Sesay both looking promising, and Downs with a great run and finish on the only(?) time he was put through. Doubt Stewart would’ve got there. Unless Fernandes is staying and going to play there we desperately need a creative number 10

[redkeith]

Stephens was shocking, particularly when paired with Woods. AA and Fraser added nothing to the match bar one combination in the first half .  BBD worked harder than last season, but still doesn't look like a threat. 

On a positive note, Quashie looked very solid. Edwards did ok on the ball, but is not an attacking fullback. 

Downs finished well, the only time someone passed to him.  Wellington is better than Manning, Charles had a reasonable game, and the young frenchman looked like he knew how to play as a central midfielder, unlike Aribo and Smallbone.

Right back worries me. Bree didn't look good and Sugawara  can't even get on the pitch . Also, we can't start the season with Robinson as our only creative outlet. 

[Matthew Le God]

1 minute ago, redkeith said:

the young frenchman looked like he knew how to play as a central midfielder, unlike Aribo and Smallbone.

Moses Sesay is English

[Challenger]

I know it was a friendly, fitness and all that, but I saw very little other than the same blunt tools being used in an ineffective way in that game. Stephens, Jesus wept, can nobody at this club see this ?

[beatlesaint]

4 minutes ago, Challenger said:

I know it was a friendly, fitness and all that, but I saw very little other than the same blunt tools being used in an ineffective way in that game. Stephens, Jesus wept, can nobody at this club see this ?

He’s vocal on the pitch, seems we have to ignore the fact he’s shite cos he’s got a big gob on him !

[SWLondon Saint]

Watched random bits when I could, agree with most of what @Brumsaint said above. Add ons:

- Charles looked really solid, broke the play up well, comfortable in possession. Could have a big season.

- Robinson was our best player across that front '3' both left and right side. Great first touch, can turn, not afraid to take people on.

- Everyone looked to cross pretty much as soon as we could, which is good, but isn't going to work with  Archer / Fraser / AA trying to head it in.

- Stephens - I didn't see the pen, but I saw the first goal, which was shocking. On one of the replays, you can actually see one of our players in the foreground waving their arms in frustration. He niggles players, but always looks like he's the one most likely to get sent off. Just.... why? Why is he still here?

[EBS1980]

2 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

It hasn't been turned off to the UK

It was on the Twitter broadcast that Alfie shared 

[CSA96]

1 hour ago, UpweySaint said:

No chance we’re signing two wingers and a 10 without major sales. Expect the likes of Edozie, Dibling and Robinson to offer some more of the creativity. Fernandes as a 10 with Downes back in the middle with Charles also an option. 

We've not used any loan slots yet, tbf. Think it's fairly possible, maybe go as far as likely, to say we'll sign a 10 and a wide player, and loan one more in before the window shuts and PL clubs decide who isn't in the fold

[CSA96]

 

[SWLondon Saint]

Can only hope when he's talking about whittling the squad down that some of those who played today were being given a last chance 🤞🏼🤞🏼

[Saint Fan CaM]

If Bazunu or McCarthy start ahead of Rambo - season over.

If Manning starts ahead of Welington - season over.

If Edward’s is started at RB ahead of Bree or Sugawara - season over.

If Stephens is started over Any of our other CB’s - season over.

If Spors doesn’t get a quality, starting attacking CM in - season over.

If Still continues to play the same front 3 (AA/Archer/BBD/Fraser) over starting Downs - season over.

I’ve maintained for some time that the majority of the shite from last season needed to be cleared out or we’d be looking at a mid-table finish.  Looks like lessons have not been learned…maybe. Perhaps Still is now realising he’s going to have a very mediocre season if he isn’t very judicious in his team selections, including dropping his club Captain. The concern also is that we’re lower than mid-table come October-November and the club feel pressured to sack Still which will set us back even further.

[hypochondriac]

The best thing about will still sofar is that when I listen to his quotes I find myself agreeing with everything he says and it seems like he watches the same game we all did. Can't say the same for the likes of Martin. 

[CSA96]

WS interview on the club website - BBC interview coming just after 2pm apparently

Reflections on the game...
My reflections are that it showed exactly where we still need to improve. It shows why we still need to strengthen, as well. But there are positives: Damion came on and got his first goal, the first bunch of players have got 90 minutes in their legs, which is what we wanted. We've again finished off a big week of work and intensity in training to get to where we want to get to. We don't need to be ready right now and we knew we weren't going to be. Like I said at the start, that just shows where and what we still need to do things.

The two goals conceded...
I think the first one's unlucky and then lacks a bit of communication and decision-making. The second one is ridiculous. I can't understand how that is a penalty. But you're in Spain and with a Spanish referee. Hopefully in the Championship that won't be a penalty because there's nothing there. But we can improve on the first one, 100 per cent. We should communicate. I'm not looking for excuses but when you change the back line, that's always something that you're liable to then happening. I think it was a fair reflection of where we're at.

Damion Downs...
It was a great finish and a great move. But we could only play him for 20 minutes, os that's what we did. We pushed him a little bit further but we know he's got quality, that's why he's here. We want to surround him with a bit more quality and a bit more personality. I think that's what showed today.

The week as a whole...
All defeats are annoying, especially in the manner of the goals. But it's not important right now, the main objective is to be ready when we need to be ready - and to keep working on the things that we need to work on. As a whole, the week has been really positive. We've had time with the players, we've had time on the pitch and time altogether. That's what we need to focus on.

Playing at St. Mary's next weekend...
Buzzing. We've got a good week back at home, preparing and getting ready for the Championship to start in the week after. Obviously, playing in front of our fans for the first time is one that we will look forward to and it will be good.

Edited 10 hours ago by CSA96

[Pamplemousse]

I've got zero concerns about how we're performing. Let's get this out of our system, there are areas where we can fix on the training ground and if not then we'll bring improvements in. Espanyol finished 14th last season so essentially the Spanish version of West Ham. Wrexham are nowhere near that level, we'll find things a bit easier against them. And then our next game is against the only side last season who didn't beat us in the league.

Edited 10 hours ago by Pamplemousse

[ErwinK1961]

4 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

If Bazunu or McCarthy start ahead of Rambo - season over.

If Manning starts ahead of Welington - season over.

If Edward’s is started at RB ahead of Bree or Sugawara - season over.

If Stephens is started over Any of our other CB’s - season over.

If Spors doesn’t get a quality, starting attacking CM in - season over.

If Still continues to play the same front 3 (AA/Archer/BBD/Fraser) over starting Downs - season over.

I’ve maintained for some time that the majority of the shite from last season needed to be cleared out or we’d be looking at a mid-table finish.  Looks like lessons have not been learned…maybe. Perhaps Still is now realising he’s going to have a very mediocre season if he isn’t very judicious in his team selections, including dropping his club Captain. The concern also is that we’re lower than mid-table come October-November and the club feel pressured to sack Still which will set us back even further.

You are aware to shift the deadwood, there needs to be a team willing to take them? 

[Verbal]

12 minutes ago, SWLondon Saint said:

Can only hope when he's talking about whittling the squad down that some of those who played today were being given a last chance 🤞🏼🤞🏼

Don't get your hopes up. Doesn't it just mean the players are all going to be made a bit shorter?

[trousers]

End of the unbeaten run. Gutted

[Lighthouse]

15 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

If Bazunu or McCarthy start ahead of Rambo - season over.

If Manning starts ahead of Welington - season over.

If Edward’s is started at RB ahead of Bree or Sugawara - season over.

If Stephens is started over Any of our other CB’s - season over.

If Spors doesn’t get a quality, starting attacking CM in - season over.

By ‘over’ do you mean promotion is already assured? A lot of that happened two years ago and we got promoted.

[CB Fry]

33 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

If Bazunu or McCarthy start ahead of Rambo - season over.

If Manning starts ahead of Welington - season over.

If Edward’s is started at RB ahead of Bree or Sugawara - season over.

If Stephens is started over Any of our other CB’s - season over.

If Spors doesn’t get a quality, starting attacking CM in - season over.

If Still continues to play the same front 3 (AA/Archer/BBD/Fraser) over starting Downs - season over.

I’ve maintained for some time that the majority of the shite from last season needed to be cleared out or we’d be looking at a mid-table finish.  Looks like lessons have not been learned…maybe. Perhaps Still is now realising he’s going to have a very mediocre season if he isn’t very judicious in his team selections, including dropping his club Captain. The concern also is that we’re lower than mid-table come October-November and the club feel pressured to sack Still which will set us back even further.

Cancel the hosepipe ban. I think we can irrigate most of the South-East by running some pipework off your bedsheets.

[Sarnia Cherie]

2 hours ago, Disco Stu said:

My advice to Edwards would be to find a club that won't stick him at right back to shoehorn Jack Stephens into the side. Given that contract extension, Stephens will be a starter this season.

 

 

I was hoping we had seen the last of shoehorning Stephens in every game when RM went. Clearly not. 

[saintant]

2 hours ago, beatlesaint said:

He’s vocal on the pitch, seems we have to ignore the fact he’s shite cos he’s got a big gob on him !

By being vocal does that mean he yells, 'Shit, I fucked up again' on a very regular basis.

[Harry_SFC]

10 minutes ago, Sarnia Cherie said:

I was hoping we had seen the last of shoehorning Stephens in every game when RM went. Clearly not. 

I really would like to know what Stephens has on all these managers. Because 90% of the fanbase can tell he's crap. 

[saintant]

2 hours ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

If Bazunu or McCarthy start ahead of Rambo - season over.

If Manning starts ahead of Welington - season over.

If Edward’s is started at RB ahead of Bree or Sugawara - season over.

If Stephens is started over Any of our other CB’s - season over.

If Spors doesn’t get a quality, starting attacking CM in - season over.

If Still continues to play the same front 3 (AA/Archer/BBD/Fraser) over starting Downs - season over.

I’ve maintained for some time that the majority of the shite from last season needed to be cleared out or we’d be looking at a mid-table finish.  Looks like lessons have not been learned…maybe. Perhaps Still is now realising he’s going to have a very mediocre season if he isn’t very judicious in his team selections, including dropping his club Captain. The concern also is that we’re lower than mid-table come October-November and the club feel pressured to sack Still which will set us back even further.

Will Still is surely no fool - he would be absolutely mad to put at risk the major opportunity he's been given to prove himself by picking Jack Stephens as anything other than a rarely used substitute. He must have seen more than enough to realise the guy is a complete liability and will cost goals left, right and centre. I'm hoping he's smarter than that.

[Saint Fan CaM]

1 hour ago, Lighthouse said:

By ‘over’ do you mean promotion is already assured? A lot of that happened two years ago and we got promoted.

It was posted a little tongue in cheek to be fair and I was largely reflecting on others reports as I didn’t watch the game myself, but the warning signs are undoubtedly there. I really don’t see anything at the moment that resembles a team pushing promotion or at least not the autos.

[The Kraken]

I didn't watch the game either and I definitely think it's season over.

[Saint Fan CaM]

1 minute ago, saintant said:

Will Still is surely no fool - he would be absolutely mad to put at risk the major opportunity he's been given to prove himself by picking Jack Stephens as anything other than a rarely used substitute. He must have seen more than enough to realise the guy is a complete liability and will cost goals left, right and centre. I'm hoping he's smarter than that.

You’d think right? But that recent shot of Still, Spors, Stephens and the Asst Manager huddled in deep conversation after training tends to suggest to me that Stephens has the ear of the important people at the club and somehow will be a first pick on the team sheet regardless of the sanity of it.

[Matthew Le God]

4 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

You’d think right? But that recent shot of Still, Spors, Stephens and the Asst Manager huddled in deep conversation after training tends to suggest to me that Stephens has the ear of the important people at the club and somehow will be a first pick on the team sheet regardless of the sanity of it.

Mark Bitcon, not Paul Trollope 😉 

 

 

[Saint Fan CaM]

1 minute ago, Matthew Le God said:

Mark Bitcon, not Paul Trollope 😉 

 

 

Not sure if that makes it better or worse to be honest! Actually it makes no difference - Captain Calamity managed to get himself on the team sheet again today even after that conversation, which clearly was not…“sorry Jack but you’re just too shit to be anything other than a sub”!

[AlexLaw76]

Any of those who started amongst the “need to go”?

[ally_uk]

Whoever decided to give Jack Stephens a 3 year extension, is a absolute f##king numpty.

This season should of signalled a new era for Southampton. It's clear as day Stephens is shite.... Should of been upgraded 3 seasons ago....

As for incomings we are crying out for a number 10 and a Winger who can actually produce something..... 

 

 

 

[saintant]

2 minutes ago, ally_uk said:

Whoever decided to give Jack Stephens a 3 year extension, is a absolute f##king numpty.

This season should of signalled a new era for Southampton. It's clear as day Stephens is shite.... Should of been upgraded 3 seasons ago....

As for incomings we are crying out for a number 10 and a Winger who can actually produce something..... 

 

 

 

Amen to that!

[CSA96]

 

[kitch]

4 hours ago, bpsaint said:

To think we gave Stephens a 3 year contract extension. If Still thinks he’s worthy of a place in the starting XI come Wrexham then questions are going to be asked of him immediately.

By the fans (the people who watch this team week in, week out) sure, I agree.

By the club? No chance. They seem tone-deaf to the issues at hand, i.e. half of the squad not being good enough.

[kitch]

20 minutes ago, CSA96 said:

 

Some finish from Downs, that.

[Patches O Houlihan]

4 hours ago, Harry_SFC said:

Based on pre season Stills favoured front line is Archer, BBD, Fraser and Armstrong. That is hideous. Signings needed and quick. As for Stephens - he is a complete disgrace of a footballer. 

It seemed that for most of the first hour our tactics seemed to be 'lumping it up to Lilliput' Fraser, Archer and Arma are not beating any centre backs when stood still looking at a missile coming down from obit. 

What I was impressed by was that when they inevitably lost it and Espanyol got it rapidly forward 3 out of 4 of those players are pretty quick, and they were able to get back on the right side of the ball before it reached our penalty area. 

Clearly this is clutching at straws!

 

                              Ramsdale

Bree          THB/Edwards      Quarshie       Welington

                      Downes           Charles

 Dibling/Arma        Fernandes               Robinson

                                 Downs

 

If somehow we can get that team on the pitch there is the potential for them not to embarrass us

Sugawara to play instead of Bree if our opponents are in the bottom 5 of the league

[Andrew Watson]

Very,very worrying to read that the new manager is defending Stephens after another pathetic performance from him.

[Gloucester Saint]

Very nice finish from Downs, Poch and Still alike will have enjoyed watching that.

I agree with Still on the penalty, joke and seen people brushed past harder in the corridor at work.

WTF Stephens to a greater extent, and Manning to a lesser, thought they were doing for the first goal is beyond comprehension. You’d think it was the first pre-season match they’d played together, not team-mates of 2 whole years. When Taylor is fit again, I reckon Manning is out on loan.

Lack of movement and craft eg taking defenders on in forward areas and not hard to see why Still wants reinforcements in advanced positions. Hope he is quite loud about it over the next couple of weeks to force the club’s hand.

Edited 6 hours ago by Gloucester Saint

[saintant]

7 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Very nice finish from Downs, Poch and Still alike will have enjoyed watching that.

I agree with Still on the penalty, joke and seen people brushed past harder in the corridor at work.

WTF Stephens to a greater extent, and Manning to a lesser, thought they were doing for the first goal is beyond comprehension. You’d think it was the first pre-season match they’d played together, not team-mates of 2 whole years. When Taylor is fit again, I reckon Manning is out on loan.

Lack of movement and craft eg taking defenders on in forward areas and not hard to see why Still wants reinforcements in advanced positions. Hope he is quite loud about it over the next couple of weeks to force the club’s hand.

Not sure Manning played any part in gifting the first goal - it was all Stephen's own work.

[hypochondriac]

22 minutes ago, Andrew Watson said:

Very,very worrying to read that the new manager is defending Stephens after another pathetic performance from him.

Where did he defend him? He's right that the penalty was a stupid decision. 

[hypochondriac]

Has to be the people wanting to leave from the team in the second half (and Ramsdale.) 

[saintant]

Just now, hypochondriac said:

Where did he defend him? He's right that the penalty was a stupid decision. 

Yeah, it was no penalty for sure but no defending Jack for that first goal - it was a huge mistake.

[hypochondriac]

Just now, saintant said:

Yeah, it was no penalty for sure but no defending Jack for that first goal - it was a huge mistake.

I didn't see him defend him for the first goal. In fact he said we need to work on communication. 

[beatlesaint]

23 minutes ago, Andrew Watson said:

Very,very worrying to read that the new manager is defending Stephens after another pathetic performance from him.

To be fair he’s not coming out in public and criticising him openly. Its what he’s noticed and does when it comes to selecting his first competitive match eleven that counts.

Somehow I fear the shoe horning (Edward’s to RB) will continue 

[Lighthouse]

I don't particularly rate Stephens, even at this level, but I can't in all honesty slate him for those two goals. That penalty was soft for starters. It probably was a foul but it wasn't exactly some reckless lunge (or even another hair pull). The first goal was somewhat fortunate on their part as it bounced of Stephens' heel, right into the gap between him and Manning, which wrong footed both of them and also fell extremely fortunately for the attacker.

Not a great game for Jack but he looked pretty decent two years ago, before he got injured, then played his part when he game back. There's plenty of competition at CB and Still is no mug. If Jack doesn't deliver, we've still got the likes of THB, JQ, RE and in an emergency NW to choose from.