Saints 2-1 Wrexham - Match Thread

[revolution saint]

Not sure if it's just his way but he doesn't come across as absolutely buzzing for the new season.

[M271]

12 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

 

Thanks for the link I was struggling to find it. 
 

Televised press conference wasn’t long , just answering Blackmores questions for 8 minutes before I presume press questions off air.

[Football Special]

Thought Still sounded a bit down in that conference, don't know what his personal issues were yesterday but maybe he's a bit stressed. 

Great to hear Fernandes is in the squad, we seem a bit short in midfield 

[Appy]

Just now, revolution saint said:

Not sure if it's just his way but he doesn't come across as absolutely buzzing for the new season.

What are you expecting? Rocking up to the presser with a foam hand and flares?

[Football Special]

1 minute ago, revolution saint said:

Not sure if it's just his way but he doesn't come across as absolutely buzzing for the new season.

Agree, zero enthusiasm,  it's worn him down already

[HarvSFC]

Short press conference, only questions from Blackmore were shown on the YouTube stream. I like what he said about playing the ball forward and playing with energy. The antithesis of what we've seen for the last couple of years. Hopefully not just talk, as Juric promised the same.

 

[Appy]

8 minutes ago, Saint Matty 76 said:

Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Taylor and Smallbone all out through injury.

Dibling, Edozie and Aribo out through transfer speculation.

Fernandes and Downes both in the squad, maybe not ready to start.

Wasn’t it just Downes who might not start? Impression I got was that Fernandes is good to go. 

[Football Special]

Just now, Appy said:

What are you expecting? Rocking up to the presser with a foam hand and flares?

Thought he'd be a bit more upbeat and positive, sounded like I do at work on a Monday morning 

[revolution saint]

3 minutes ago, Appy said:

What are you expecting? Rocking up to the presser with a foam hand and flares?

Yeah, cos it's binary isn't it?  I was expecting him to show a bit of enthusiasm and excitement for the season.  

[Pamplemousse]

20 man squad, so based on the injuries and players who aren't involved, that's probably...

 

GK: Bazunu, McCarthy

DF: Manning, Stephens, Edwards, Wood, Yuki, Quarshie, Welington, Kayi Sanda

MF: Downes, Fernandes, Charles, Sesay

FW: Armstrong, Archer, Downs, Robinson, Fraser and one of BBD or Stewart? 

 

Matsuki is going out on loan I think? So I've left him out, but writing all that down... we look very light in central midfield with Smallbone and Aribo not involved.

[saintant]

4 minutes ago, revolution saint said:

Not sure if it's just his way but he doesn't come across as absolutely buzzing for the new season.

I get the feeling he doesn't enjoy this part of the job plus, it's his first one for us. The guy is a football nut so I'm certain he's buzzing to get the season underway. Depending how we progress in the season he may relax into these press interviews or, if it goes pear shaped, he's probably going to find them very tough. Let's hope it's the former.

[Saint Matty 76]

2 minutes ago, Appy said:

Wasn’t it just Downes who might not start? Impression I got was that Fernandes is good to go. 

Yeah you might be right. I was just a bit hesitant due to his chat regarding him missing days last week etc.

Either way, my final go at predicting the zero creativity XI -

Bazunu;
Edwards, Stephens, Quarshire, Welington
Charles, Fernandes
Armstrong, Fraser, Archer
Downs

 

[Appy]

Wonder if we might start with a back three with wing backs with us lacking midfield options. 

[Appy]

5 minutes ago, revolution saint said:

Yeah, cos it's binary isn't it?  I was expecting him to show a bit of enthusiasm and excitement for the season.  

First answer he gave he said how excited he is. 

[saintant]

Think we might go 5 at the back so something like;

Baz

Yuki Edwards Stephens Quarshie Wellington

Fernandes Charles

Armstrong Downs Robinson

Edited August 8 by saintant

[revolution saint]

Just now, Appy said:

First answer he gave he said how excited he is. 

Ah cheers, to be honest I missed the first minute or two.  Could just be his style, or maybe he doesn't like this side of it as someone else mentioned.  I don't really care too much as long as he gets results. 

[Pamplemousse]

I reckon

Bazunu

Yuki Stephens Quarshie Wellington

Fernandes Charles

Armstrong Archer Downs Fraser

 

If we go 3-5-2 (or 5-2-3) then Edwards comes in for Archer. 

[Smirking_Saint]

16 minutes ago, revolution saint said:

Not sure if it's just his way but he doesn't come across as absolutely buzzing for the new season.

My favourite type of fan is those that have done zero background research on a person and then spectacularly write them off

Ive never seen Will Still show much emotion anywhere, even during his podcasts/shows around his coaching etc

[23rdSaint]

6 minutes ago, Appy said:

Wonder if we might start with a back three with wing backs with us lacking midfield options. 

I'm inclined to agree. I think it'll be something like:

 

Bazunu

Edwards, Stephens, Quarshie

Sugawara, Charles, Sesay, Welington

Archer, Robinson

Downs

 

Attack is the hardest to pick. W.Still may choose a middle three. 

[revolution saint]

8 hours ago, Smirking_Saint said:

My favourite type of fan is those that have done zero background research on a person and then spectacularly write them off

Ive never seen Will Still show much emotion anywhere, even during his podcasts/shows around his coaching etc

Fuck off mate, where have I spectacularly written him off?  And for the record I've seen a shedload of his interviews.

Really not sure how "he doesn't seem exactly buzzing for the new season" can be classed as spectacularly writing him off but it seems like that's a phrase you've dreamt up and been dying to use regardless of what anyone has actually said.  You come across as a  condescending cock and I'm happy to write you off pal @Smirking_Saint

 

Edited Friday at 21:18 by revolution saint

[Appy]

I’d guess at. 
 

    Bazunu

Edwards Stephens Quarshie

Sugawara Charles Fernandes Welington

Armstrong Downs Robinson 

[bugenhagen]

 

6 minutes ago, Saint Matty 76 said:

Either way, my final go at predicting the zero creativity XI -

Bazunu;
Edwards, Stephens, Quarshire, Welington
Charles, Fernandes
Armstrong, Fraser, Archer
Downs

 

Tweaked it a little bit… as I fear the starting lineup will be something between what you posted and this:

Bazunu;
Bree, Stephens, Quarshire, Manning 
Charles, Fernandes
Armstrong, Fraser, BBD
Archer

[HarvSFC]

What a guy Matty Fernandes is by the way. His head could have easily dropped last season. A 20 year old in a new country, talented footballer, but put in a team that loses every week. Most of the other more experienced heads gave up, but he kept going every week.

Now, this summer, again, he could have easily got straight on the phone to his agent and demanded a move. He could've joined all the other footballers in 2025 who say their head isn't right and they don't really want to be at their current club, so sit out of preseason and the opening games in the hope of a move. He's the most talented player in the squad and has no business playing in the Championship. But, he's available tomorrow. Even if it's only one game he's shown himself to be a classy person on and off the pitch during his time here.

[Saint_lambden]

18 minutes ago, revolution saint said:

Not sure if it's just his way but he doesn't come across as absolutely buzzing for the new season.

Just read his piece in The Times and you'll see he's buzzing. Everything I hear from the training ground is very positive about his man management and the way he conducts himself - doesn't try to be everyone's mate all the time like Russell Martin did and constantly emotional. He's level-headed, someone who just adores football and is focused on the job in hand. 

[saintant]

1 minute ago, Appy said:

I’d guess at. 
 

    Bazunu

Edwards Stephens Quarshie

Sugawara Charles Fernandes Welington

Armstrong Downs Robinson 

Snap, this is the side I posted above. We're probably both way off 🙂

[Appy]

1 minute ago, bugenhagen said:

 

Tweaked it a little bit… as I fear the starting lineup will be something between what you posted and this:

Bazunu;
Bree, Stephens, Quarshire, Manning 
Charles, Fernandes
Armstrong, Fraser, BBD
Archer

Bree is injured 

[saintant]

2 minutes ago, bugenhagen said:

 

Tweaked it a little bit… as I fear the starting lineup will be something between what you posted and this:

Bazunu;
Bree, Stephens, Quarshire, Manning 
Charles, Fernandes
Armstrong, Fraser, BBD
Archer

Bree is injured.

[disconnect]

15 minutes ago, Pamplemousse said:

20 man squad, so based on the injuries and players who aren't involved, that's probably...

 

GK: Bazunu, McCarthy

DF: Manning, Stephens, Edwards, Wood, Yuki, Quarshie, Welington, Kayi Sanda

MF: Downes, Fernandes, Charles, Sesay

FW: Armstrong, Archer, Downs, Robinson, Fraser and one of BBD or Stewart? 

 

Matsuki is going out on loan I think? So I've left him out, but writing all that down... we look very light in central midfield with Smallbone and Aribo not involved.

Where did you get that from? He's featured quite heavily in club photos this year and was made to sound like he'd be 'like a new signing for us'...

[Appy]

8 minutes ago, revolution saint said:

Ah cheers, to be honest I missed the first minute or two.  Could just be his style, or maybe he doesn't like this side of it as someone else mentioned.  I don't really care too much as long as he gets results. 

Definitely, if he came in too positive I think I’d be a bit worried, just want a happy medium. 

[saintant]

2 minutes ago, HarvSFC said:

What a guy Matty Fernandes is by the way. His head could have easily dropped last season. A 20 year old in a new country, talented footballer, but put in a team that loses every week. Most of the other more experienced heads gave up, but he kept going every week.

Now, this summer, again, he could have easily got straight on the phone to his agent and demanded a move. He could've joined all the other footballers in 2025 who say their head isn't right and they don't really want to be at their current club, so sit out of preseason and the opening games in the hope of a move. He's the most talented player in the squad and has no business playing in the Championship. But, he's available tomorrow. Even if it's only one game he's shown himself to be a classy person on and off the pitch during his time here.

Amen to that. Others could certainly learn from him.

[revolution saint]

1 minute ago, Appy said:

Definitely, if he came in too positive I think I’d be a bit worried, just want a happy medium. 

You want a coked up Doris Stokes?

[benjii]

18 minutes ago, Saint Matty 76 said:

Yeah you might be right. I was just a bit hesitant due to his chat regarding him missing days last week etc.

Either way, my final go at predicting the zero creativity XI -

Bazunu;
Edwards, Stephens, Quarshire, Welington
Charles, Fernandes
Armstrong, Fraser, Archer
Downs

 

Christ, let's hope that's wrong.

[benjii]

6 minutes ago, Appy said:

I’d guess at. 
 

    Bazunu

Edwards Stephens Quarshie

Sugawara Charles Fernandes Welington

Armstrong Downs Robinson 

That's more like it.

[Smirking_Saint]

Posted this previously and I think we might start with it, swap Downes with Sesay to start

I think its good enough to be more than competent against Wrexham with the likes of Downes and Fernandes on the bench

Arguably I’d like to see Fernandes start but I doubt it

The only change I’d make is Edwards RCB and Stephens central

Edited August 8 by Smirking_Saint

[benjii]

I have a feeling Fernandes might be on the bench, though, so perhaps Sesay starts instead.

[Suhari]

So....what are the options to watch the game online nowadays?

[Smirking_Saint]

7 minutes ago, Saint_lambden said:

Just read his piece in The Times and you'll see he's buzzing. Everything I hear from the training ground is very positive about his man management and the way he conducts himself - doesn't try to be everyone's mate all the time like Russell Martin did and constantly emotional. He's level-headed, someone who just adores football and is focused on the job in hand. 

Mental what the club did recruitment wise with Martin and Juric… the two were absolute polar opposites

We switched from Martin, wants to be everyones mate to an uber authoritarian in Juric….

Glad we’ve, by the looks of it, found a good fit

[Matthew Le God]

31 minutes ago, M271 said:

Thanks for the link I was struggling to find it. 
 

Televised press conference wasn’t long , just answering Blackmores questions for 8 minutes before I presume press questions off air.

Part 2 of the press conference is embargoed until 10.30 pm tonight. Will get the full video then.

Edited August 8 by Matthew Le God

[Matthew Le God]

2 minutes ago, Suhari said:

So....what are the options to watch the game online nowadays?

It is on Now TV

[Raging Bull]

1 minute ago, Matthew Le God said:

It is on Now TV

Do we have to subscribe to something or is it free? 

[egg]

18 minutes ago, Appy said:

I’d guess at. 
 

    Bazunu

Edwards Stephens Quarshie

Sugawara Charles Fernandes Welington

Armstrong Downs Robinson 

I'd be happy with that, although I'm not convinced by Quarshie.

Sugar and Weli as wingbacks gives us so much more going forwards than our non wingers on the wing. 

1-0 to us. 

[iansums]

Bazunu
Edwards, Stephens, Quarshire, Welington
Charles, Sesay
Armstrong, Fernandes, Archer
Downs

I know this for a fact.

[Suhari]

20 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

It is on Now TV

Excellent - thanks for the info. Hadn't realised it was on actual telly.

[Sheaf Saint]

19 minutes ago, Raging Bull said:

Do we have to subscribe to something or is it free? 

 

1 minute ago, Suhari said:

Excellent - thanks for the info. Hadn't realised it was on actual telly.

Now TV is just an extension of Sky. So you'll need to buy a day pass for £14.99 if you don't already subscribe.

[Suhari]

21 minutes ago, Raging Bull said:

Do we have to subscribe to something or is it free? 

Now TV gives you access to other (paid) stations for a fee. So for sports, you can get access to Sky (which is where the Saints game is).

You can get passes for 1 day, a month etc. No contract, just pay with a credit card.

24 hour pass to Sky Sports is now £14.99....which is disgusting since it used to be £9.99, then £11.99 last season (if I recall).

Edited August 8 by Suhari

[Wsaint]

20 minutes ago, Raging Bull said:

Do we have to subscribe to something or is it free? 

It's on sky so can be streamed through NOW TV, so nah not free unless you are good sailor.

[Suhari]

9 minutes ago, iansums said:

Bazunu
Edwards, Stephens, Quarshire, Welington
Charles, Sesay
Armstrong, Fernandes, Archer
Downs

I know this for a fact.

That's okay. Not sure about Edwards at RB though.....he was there for some of pre-season: thought it was just for fitness.

[Pamplemousse]

36 minutes ago, disconnect said:

Where did you get that from? He's featured quite heavily in club photos this year and was made to sound like he'd be 'like a new signing for us'...

Obviously with the midfield options we have, maybe that's changed, we'll see tomorrow I guess. I think he has been injured as well

[Appy]

Fernandes tomorrow 

[suewhistle]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/08/southamptons-will-still-ive-always-stuck-out-footballs-helped-me-integrate

Another interesting interview with Will Still.