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Pre Season Friendlies 2025/26

Master Bates

By Master Bates
in The Saints

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disconnect

disconnect

Posted
Posted

About time we got some of them fit! 

From what I can see, the following players didn't feature for various reasons:

Bazunu (played the last friendly instead of McCarthy, who came in for this one)

Bednarek - no news? On his way?

Harwood-Bellis - injured

Edwards - yet to be seen pre-season(?) - more time off after Euros?

Bella-Kotchap - almost certain to leave

Fernandes - As Edwards, but seen in various club photos

Dibling - played in the other matches, but not today

Matsuki - As Dibling

Downs - Not yet back after Gold Cup

hypochondriac

hypochondriac

Posted
Posted
2 minutes ago, Suhari said:

And a bit of a 'fiery' game too I understand.

Good. A team that has trained hard, is tired from a long run, and is then together in something of a battle. Get some fitness and heart into them!

Wood got a yellow and sounds like a bit of handbags as well. Sounds excellent. 

  • Like 2
trousers

trousers

Posted
Posted
30 minutes ago, Suhari said:

And a bit of a 'fiery' game too I understand.

 

27 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Wood got a yellow and sounds like a bit of handbags as well. Sounds excellent. 

Could explain why Downes had to be subbed after 36 minutes... maybe picked up an injury from a rash tackle? As I say, hopefully nothing serious....

maysie

maysie

Posted
Posted
28 minutes ago, disconnect said:

About time we got some of them fit! 

From what I can see, the following players didn't feature for various reasons:

Bazunu (played the last friendly instead of McCarthy, who came in for this one)

Bednarek - no news? On his way?

Harwood-Bellis - injured

Edwards - yet to be seen pre-season(?) - more time off after Euros?

Bella-Kotchap - almost certain to leave

Fernandes - As Edwards, but seen in various club photos

Dibling - played in the other matches, but not today

Matsuki - As Dibling

Downs - Not yet back after Gold Cup

Matsuki- nursing a tight quad

Dibling- rules out with a minor issue which forced him off against Gills

From the echo report on the game.

  • Like 1
hypochondriac

hypochondriac

Posted
Posted
7 minutes ago, trousers said:

 

Could explain why Downes had to be subbed after 36 minutes... maybe picked up an injury from a rash tackle? As I say, hopefully nothing serious....

They said a knock. That suggests less serious to me. 

  • Like 1
hypochondriac

hypochondriac

Posted
Posted
15 minutes ago, trousers said:

 

Could explain why Downes had to be subbed after 36 minutes... maybe picked up an injury from a rash tackle? As I say, hopefully nothing serious....

Just read on the echo he hobbled off due to his groin. 

trousers

trousers

Posted
Posted (edited)
7 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Just read on the echo he hobbled off due to his groin. 

Ah, not so good.... :(

Wasn't it a groin injury that kept him out for a significant number of games last season, or is my memory playing tricks on me there? (might have been season before last actually)

Edited by trousers
hypochondriac

hypochondriac

Posted
Posted
8 minutes ago, trousers said:

Ah, not so good.... :(

Wasn't it a groin injury that kept him out for a significant number of games last season, or is my memory playing tricks on me there? (might have been season before last actually)

Was that before or after the dodgy food? 

Turkish

Turkish

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, hypochondriac said:

From what Alfie House has said, sounds like we weren't great in the friendly and possibly because we are absolutely knackered after a 9k run yesterday and loads of hard work. Can I be the first to say excellent news! 

knackered after doing a 9k run, soft as shit this lot. 

  • Like 5
Saint-Reece

Saint-Reece

Posted
Posted
53 minutes ago, beatlesaint said:

According to the OS report Saints were caught in possession in their own penalty area for the first goal of the game……….cant wait to see who that was !

Captain Jack!

  • Sad 1
HarvSFC

HarvSFC

Posted
Posted

I just can't see how you can defend Martin after the inept setup he took us into the Premier League with last season. We had a lack of quality, but we could have at least put up a fight, if he put any effort into fitness training.

  • Like 20
Matthew Le God

Matthew Le God

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, beatlesaint said:

According to the OS report Saints were caught in possession in their own penalty area for the first goal of the game……….cant wait to see who that was !

Captain Jack 

 

 

  • Haha 10
  • Sad 1
trousers

trousers

Posted
Posted
8 minutes ago, HarvSFC said:

I just can't see how you can defend Martin after the inept setup he took us into the Premier League with last season. We had a lack of quality, but we could have at least put up a fight, if he put any effort into fitness training.

No photo description available.

ChristopheVAFC

ChristopheVAFC

Posted
Posted

Reaction from Valenciennes coach Stéphane Moulin after Southampton/VAFC: 

--------------

-> Stéphane, VA, just played Southampton twice in two different matches (1-1) and (1-0). What did you take away from this double encounter?

The first match was very interesting against strong opposition. We were already able to stop this Southampton team as a team. We certainly suffered, but we showed a lot of consistency in our play without the ball and with it, although I hope we'll do better!

But the emphasis during the training camp was precisely on the defensive aspect, and I think we showed a bit of a difference in that area, so it's rather positive.

And then the second match, with players who were a little less connected, I would say, because they didn't play much together, I would say the opposition also lived up to my expectations.

Even though we lost the match 1-0, we could have equalized. We had a magnificent chance with three minutes left, but the balance of power wasn't in our favor. But I think we were able, with our resources, to keep up the good work and survive at times. That's interesting for the future because the foundation of the training camp was once again cohesion, both off the pitch and on the pitch, but also, once again, the collective aspect of the defensive aspect.

So I think that in this area, we've made good progress, we've made good progress. There's still work to be done, obviously, but we're on the right track.

--> With an intensity worthy of a competitive match!

It was a "Yes!" After all, the English are also fond of this kind of opposition. There are no friendlies for them. And then, well, we have exceptional working conditions. The pitch was watered, the weather was nice, so everything was in place for a good match, and it was a good match, so it's interesting.

Now we're going to rest well to get on with the third week of work next week with two matches on the schedule. And we're going to work a little more on the matches than on the week's work.

--> This double match concludes a six-day training camp in Southampton. What is your assessment of this training camp? Are you satisfied?

Yes, it's positive! We found what we came looking for, once again: cohesion on and off the pitch, that the players get to know each other, that we get to know them too, and also connections on the pitch because that's the essence of our job, and I think that in this area too, we're making progress.

We had remarkable conditions, both in terms of infrastructure. The pitch is quite incredible, the quality of the fields, and we were also fortunate to have favorable weather.

So that enhances everything we've put in place, so it's a positive training camp; we have no injuries. We're going into the third week of training, and we have no injuries, so that's also important because when you have too many injuries, you end up shooting the same ones and therefore risk increasing the number of injuries.

So, no, it was a really good training camp in all areas. So I'd say it was a success.

--> Thank you very much Stéphane!

  • Like 8
trousers

trousers

Posted
Posted
22 minutes ago, sockeye said:

Five

five games unbeaten

Hmmm.... Tempting... but one fears being ticked off by the forum intelligentsia.... ;)

Dusic

Dusic

Posted
Posted (edited)

Seemed dire today from those highlights. The creativity from wide areas is a big issue in this current squad, especially without Dibling. Only 2 pre season games left now.

Archer finishing a plus but he isnt suited to playing out wide which is where he will end up if Downs or Stewart start.

Edited by Dusic
  • Like 1
S-Clarke

S-Clarke

Posted
Posted
46 minutes ago, trousers said:

 

 

I listened to him and thought - yep - this dude knows what he's talking about, doesn't talk shit he's just straight to the point.

But the social media reaction doesn't read the same.  ''Gormless idiot''  ''He's not exactly clever is he?''   ''We could have had Dyche, yet we have him''

We have some very confused fans I think.

  • Like 7
S-Clarke

S-Clarke

Posted
Posted
Just now, Dusic said:

Seemed dire today from those highlights. The creativity from wide areas is a big issue in this current squad, especially without Dibling.

Today is not the day to be looking at structure, technical quality, shape or anything like that. None of that is really a thing at the start of pre-season.

This was basically a massive gym work out in intense humidity.

The structure and quality will build over the coming weeks.

  • Like 6
saintant

saintant

Posted
Posted
24 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Captain Jack 

 

 

He never learns. Hope Will sees through all the bullshit and realises he's a liability not captain material.

  • Like 5
Pwoite

Pwoite

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, trousers said:

Downes coming off after 36 minutes... Hopefully nothing serious...

Need to drop chicken livers from the half time refreshments menu.

 

  • Haha 1
S-Clarke

S-Clarke

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, hypochondriac said:

Just read on the echo he hobbled off due to his groin. 

Still said he had a scan today at 14:00 on his groin, doesn't think it's anything, but said there's no reason to take risks in games like this.

  • Like 1
beatlesaint

beatlesaint

Posted
Posted
22 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Jack Stephens doing Jack Stephens kind of things

I bloody knew it would be him. Keep it up Jack, it’s earned you a three year contract after all 😡

  • Like 1
gio1saints

gio1saints

Posted
Posted
16 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

I listened to him and thought - yep - this dude knows what he's talking about, doesn't talk shit he's just straight to the point.

But the social media reaction doesn't read the same.  ''Gormless idiot''  ''He's not exactly clever is he?''   ''We could have had Dyche, yet we have him''

We have some very confused fans I think.

I like his softly spoken voice for the interviews. He appears modest, self effacing and the opposite of brash or arrogant. Think it’s a refreshing alternative to the cult of Russell. I suspect that the softly spoken does not extend to if players do not play like they been shown however. I would like to see him angry! 

So far, not heard of any player issues but I think an important milestone will come after he’s selected a few squads some starting 11’s and maybe we start to hear from a few disgruntled not playing players unhappy with bench life. Or even stands. How he deals with that be a good test for him. I think RM managed that very well last time in Championship with his good interpersonal skills. I’ve got a feeling there’s going to be a prominent example made - which will leave squad in no doubt that what he says is how it’s going to be and they can either get with the programme-or be outsourced. Hope so anyway. It’s always helpful at start of new management job to sack someone senior. Everybody usually bucks up thereafter and stop trying to see how much they can get away with and how longs the leash. 😎

  • Like 1
Saint86

Saint86

Posted
Posted (edited)

Just seen Stephens' howler for the goal. FFS - surely he has to be more of a 4th-5th choice CB rather than a captain and starter?!?!

Sanda is an absolute monster of a unit, and JQ looks good from what i've seen - lots of passion and effort for the friendlies as well.

Edited by Saint86
  • Like 3
BarberSaint

BarberSaint

Posted
Posted
3 hours ago, ChristopheVAFC said:

f25fca0a-ca57-4d22-b2e6-6ac538b17a6e.jpeg.4308bd0c8d6e8b147a50ef8ca1bef78c.jpeg

 

by https://www.va-fc.com/articles/29228

-----------------------------------

A Draw and a Loss for VAFC Against Southampton in a Friendly
For the first time in their history, VAFC and Southampton faced off in a warm-up match this Friday, July 18th, at the English club's Staplewood training ground. Members of the Sport Republic group for two years, the first teams of the two clubs had never met before. The two matches played this Friday therefore cemented the connections that now exist between France and England.

Because it wasn't just one match, but two separate one-hour encounters played at Staplewood with two completely different team lineups on each side.

An Intense, Committed, and Balanced First Match

In the first match, VAFC clearly matched the Championship team, with an intensity more akin to a competitive match than a friendly. Physical and committed, the match started well for Valenciennes, who opened the scoring in the 17th minute thanks to Baghdadi, who was well-played by Courtet. VA then came close to doubling their lead when Baghdadi passed to Ipiélé, whose shot went just wide of Ramsdale's goal (26th minute).

But England responded with Brereton Diaz's volley missing the target (27th minute). In the second half, Southampton pushed for an equalizer and finally found the net in the 47th minute with a cross shot from Archer. A rather logical draw after a solid, technical, and committed performance from VAFC.

Southampton-VAFC (1-1). Goals: Archer (47th minute) for Southampton; Baghdadi (17th) for VAFC

VAFC: Louchet - Abu, Coeff, Thomas (cap), Wahib - K. Diomandé, Rouai - Ipiélé, Baghdadi, Appuah - Courtet

Southampton: Ramsdale - Bree, Stephens, Wood, Manning-Charles, Downes (Sesay, 36th), Edozie, Fraser, Brereton Diaz-Archer

A second match in favor of Southampton

For the second match, things were a little more complicated for VA. Dominated from the start, the Red and Whites conceded the opening goal in the 11th minute, thanks to Armstrong's lurking effort after Stewart's shot hit Justin Lacombe's post. A Valenciennes goalkeeper had to pull out all the stops just before halftime, deflecting a header that was heading into the net (28th).

In the second half, VA attempted to respond with a Nyemb shot that went wide of the English goal (38th minute). But it was Oyewusi, late in the match (57th minute), who created the best opportunity with a cross back into the box that was blocked at the last moment. Ultimately, Southampton won the second half, marking the end of an intense training camp in England for Valenciennes. Their next match is this Wednesday, July 23rd, against Feignies (6 p.m.) during the season-ticket holders' fan day.

Southampton-VAFC 1-0. Goal: Armstrong (11th) for Southampton

VAFC: Lacombe - A.Diomandé, Niakaté (Kebbeh, 31st), Tremoulet, Koum - Belloumou (Boissier, 31st), Collet (Moursou, 31st), Sissoko (cap) - Buades (Kouakou, 45th), Oyewusi, Kouakou (Nyemb, 31st)

Southampton: Mc Carthy - Sugawara, Kayi Sanda, Quarshie, Taylor - Welington, Smallbone, Aribo - Armstrong, Robinson, Stewart

 

 

Sounds like we've found our level. 

Up the 

Gloucester Saint

Gloucester Saint

Posted
Posted
35 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

I listened to him and thought - yep - this dude knows what he's talking about, doesn't talk shit he's just straight to the point.

But the social media reaction doesn't read the same.  ''Gormless idiot''  ''He's not exactly clever is he?''   ''We could have had Dyche, yet we have him''

We have some very confused fans I think.

Our fans, actually most football fans, are not exactly ‘Brains of Britain’.

Whether he turns out to be the answer or not, he is clearly a bright lad and how many of those saying that online have worked overseas at a top level in their industry during their late 20s and early 30s?

 

  • Like 4
Gloucester Saint

Gloucester Saint

Posted
Posted (edited)
11 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

Just seen Stephens' howler for the goal. FFS.

Will’s learned a hard lesson there, watch things with your own eyes, don’t go on people at the club banging on about ‘Jack’s so passionate’, ‘the club really rates Gavin’ etc.

I think he’s got good judgement but I’d urge him to ignore anything he hears within the club as most of the voices are a busted flush and failures. Even Spors hasn’t proved his mettle yet. Make your own mind up based on what you see, the club’s opinions aren’t worth a grain of salt.

Edited by Gloucester Saint
  • Like 2
lambtiss

lambtiss

Posted
Posted
3 hours ago, trousers said:

And Bazunu not featuring in either game... Can we read anything into that...? 

Hopefully, that he has no future at Southampton

  • Like 4
Gloucester Saint

Gloucester Saint

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, HarvSFC said:

I just can't see how you can defend Martin after the inept setup he took us into the Premier League with last season. We had a lack of quality, but we could have at least put up a fight, if he put any effort into fitness training.

Obvious that the players weren’t fit last summer and most of last season yet some on here still denied it. It can’t be denied any longer. 

  • Like 5
SWLondon Saint

SWLondon Saint

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, Saint-Reece said:

Captain Jack!

I honestly thought this was just a piss take but just goes to show I should never underestimate Cap'n Jack's ability to hole the ship below the waterline... 😅

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