Ipswich 1-1 Saints - Match Thread

[warsash saint]

1 hour ago, VectisSaint said:

I get the distinct impression Still does not really rate press conferences. Sees them for what they are, a total waste of time and energy.

& in all honesty, they are!

[whelk]

12 hours ago, Dark Munster said:

Not always. Sometimes a jolly good spanking is required.

That’s not Steve Bruce’s pseudonym is it?

[Charlie Wayman]

1 hour ago, VectisSaint said:

I get the distinct impression Still does not really rate press conferences. Sees them for what they are, a total waste of time and energy.

I don't think so. More like he seems to lack self confidence for some reason or another. All through the PC he was twitching and scratching and hugging himself, the body language of being self conscious. He needs to get past this hang up, probably through professional media coaching.

We can't assume that because he's a brilliant football coach that he has been trained to do the media stuff as well. We are well past the stage of expecting these guys to face the media without support; leaving them to make it up as they go along.

High fives for Adam who tried to help as much as he could.

Edited Friday at 14:33 by Charlie Wayman

[gio1saints]

48 minutes ago, Charlie Wayman said:

I don't think so. More like he seems to lack self confidence for some reason or another. All through the PC he was twitching and scratching and hugging himself, the body language of being self conscious. He needs to get past this hang up, probably through professional media coaching.

We can't assume that because he's a brilliant football coach that he has been trained to do the media stuff as well. We are well past the stage of expecting these guys to face the media without support; leaving them to make it up as they go along.

High fives for Adam who tried to help as much as he could.

I agree -that’s a fair observation. He IS suffering the press conference like they all do out there and appears impatient with it all but his mannerisms are very revealing. No great revelations but he really did not want to be put on the spot today. And minding his words very carefully. It’s a fairly regular behaviour of his. I’d rather that than he being bragadoccious though. I think he’s a talk softly but it will be more menacing / effective if and when he does raise his voice type of Manager. He’s only 32 don’t forget.  

[Harry_SFC]

Cajuste and Akpom unlikely to feature for them due to fitness concerns with Burns and Hutchinson obviously out too. Philogene back though. 

[Saint Fan CaM]

1 hour ago, gio1saints said:

I agree -that’s a fair observation. He IS suffering the press conference like they all do out there and appears impatient with it all but his mannerisms are very revealing. No great revelations but he really did not want to be put on the spot today. And minding his words very carefully. It’s a fairly regular behaviour of his. I’d rather that than he being bragadoccious though. I think he’s a talk softly but it will be more menacing / effective if and when he does raise his voice type of Manager. He’s only 32 don’t forget.  

Yes, I’d rather we did the ‘talking’ on the pitch, unlike RM who likes the sound of his own voice a little too much. Quietly, quietly, catch the monkey.

[AlexLaw76]

Regarding press conferences. The 10:30pm embargo belongs in the last century 

ridiculous this day and age. Much like the 3pm Saturday blackout 

[sockeye]

I hope we can set up well from the start instead of subs having to save a poor performance this time.

[jamesfp1]

Is there a specific reason this is at 12?

[Football Special]

12 minutes ago, sockeye said:

I hope we can set up well from the start instead of subs having to save a poor performance this time.

Yeah I still get the impression that Still is experimenting and not settled on formation or favoured starting XI, who knows what we'll start with on Sunday. 

I think Ipswich will feel frustrated by their start so will come at us, although a warm sunny midday kick off on a sunday usually wouldn't result in a high intensity match, some insight from their fans here 

https://tractor-boys.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=69747&sid=32e482f6a5a39f70fbc61489f767028d

[Football Special]

4 minutes ago, jamesfp1 said:

Is there a specific reason this is at 12?

At the request of SKY who want to show it live but not in their precious Premier League prime time slots. 

Awful for travelling fans 

[AlexLaw76]

37 minutes ago, Football Special said:

At the request of SKY who want to show it live but not in their precious Premier League prime time slots. 

Awful for travelling fans 

TNT have the early sat kick offs

[Football Special]

35 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

TNT have the early sat kick offs

Yes and Sky show championship games at that time on a Saturday (three on tomorrow), Sunday midday is a shite kick off time for most match going fans, especially any that rely on public transport 

[AlexLaw76]

1 minute ago, Football Special said:

Yes and Sky show championship games at that time on a Saturday (three on tomorrow), Sunday midday is a shite kick off time for most match going fans, especially any that rely on public transport 

ah yes, got you....and agree

[SNSUN]

8 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Yes and Sky show championship games at that time on a Saturday (three on tomorrow), Sunday midday is a shite kick off time for most match going fans, especially any that rely on public transport 

Unless the fixture is in London and you live in the outskirts, because we have the greatest Public Transport system in the world. 😇

(In no way has Andy Lord threatened my career if I didn't post this.)

[CSA96]

Will Still was quite open about in the embargoed section of the press conference re: his recent tactical decisions and moving away from 4-2-3-1... for now

on his early season tactics and swapping 4-2-3-1 for 3-4-3 and 3-5-2...
It's been 100 per cent down to personnel. I think to play certain systems, like a four, you need certain profiles of players that we're not quite there on yet. And with wingers... with Tyler not being available, we've not got any out and out wingers. We've got a lot of inside forwards and players of that profile. So it's more a question of managing this month - with the transfer window still open - by being pragmatic, by being adaptable where we can be but also getting the best out of the players that we've got and ultimately, winning games. We just felt that for the last two games that it was what we needed to do and what needed to happen.

But I think I've always said it, I'm not fixed on one shape or one formation or whatever it looks like. For me it's just about getting the best out of the players that we have available to us and that we can use moving forward. Ipswich play a back four for example, it's a proper 4-2-3-1 and so we need probably different profiles of players to play against that and to upset them. That's what we'll do, but we won't always adapt to everyone because we do want our own style and way of playing but there's a level of pragmatism and adaptability that we need to show to pick up points and that's what I'll do.

Edited Friday at 22:22 by CSA96

[Harry_SFC]

6 hours ago, CSA96 said:

Will Still was quite open about in the embargoed section of the press conference re: his recent tactical decisions and moving away from 4-2-3-1... for now

on his early season tactics and swapping 4-2-3-1 for 3-4-3 and 3-5-2...
It's been 100 per cent down to personnel. I think to play certain systems, like a four, you need certain profiles of players that we're not quite there on yet. And with wingers... with Tyler not being available, we've not got any out and out wingers. We've got a lot of inside forwards and players of that profile. So it's more a question of managing this month - with the transfer window still open - by being pragmatic, by being adaptable where we can be but also getting the best out of the players that we've got and ultimately, winning games. We just felt that for the last two games that it was what we needed to do and what needed to happen.

But I think I've always said it, I'm not fixed on one shape or one formation or whatever it looks like. For me it's just about getting the best out of the players that we have available to us and that we can use moving forward. Ipswich play a back four for example, it's a proper 4-2-3-1 and so we need probably different profiles of players to play against that and to upset them. That's what we'll do, but we won't always adapt to everyone because we do want our own style and way of playing but there's a level of pragmatism and adaptability that we need to show to pick up points and that's what I'll do.

Very good answer and what we've been crying out for. The majority of us don't like 3/5 at the back but I could understand why he's doing it and he's just confirmed that.

[Willo of Whiteley]

We’re winning this 2-1.

Dibling will be in the squad but won’t play a part.

Ipswich have been poor so far this season, big opportunity to pick them off early. 
Fully expecting a scrappy game, but based on what I watched of Ipswich last week I imagine they’ll fall over a lot, try and con officials and generally time waste.

[Matthew Le God]

42 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Based on what I watched of Ipswich last week I imagine they’ll fall over a lot, try and con officials and generally time waste.

They were losing from the 55th minute until the 95th minute. At what point in the game were they time-wasting?

Edited yesterday at 09:32 by Matthew Le God

[for_heaven's_Saint]

Referee is Bobby Madley so should at least be better than the terrible one we had last week.

Incidentally, Ipswich haven't won at home yet in 2025...

[Gloucester Saint]

1 minute ago, for_heaven's_Saint said:

Incidentally, Ipswich haven't won at home yet in 2025...

Hmmm, I think I can see what might happen..

[Midfield_General]

11 hours ago, CSA96 said:

Will Still was quite open about in the embargoed section of the press conference re: his recent tactical decisions and moving away from 4-2-3-1... for now

on his early season tactics and swapping 4-2-3-1 for 3-4-3 and 3-5-2...
It's been 100 per cent down to personnel. I think to play certain systems, like a four, you need certain profiles of players that we're not quite there on yet. And with wingers... with Tyler not being available, we've not got any out and out wingers. We've got a lot of inside forwards and players of that profile. So it's more a question of managing this month - with the transfer window still open - by being pragmatic, by being adaptable where we can be but also getting the best out of the players that we've got and ultimately, winning games. We just felt that for the last two games that it was what we needed to do and what needed to happen.

But I think I've always said it, I'm not fixed on one shape or one formation or whatever it looks like. For me it's just about getting the best out of the players that we have available to us and that we can use moving forward. Ipswich play a back four for example, it's a proper 4-2-3-1 and so we need probably different profiles of players to play against that and to upset them. That's what we'll do, but we won't always adapt to everyone because we do want our own style and way of playing but there's a level of pragmatism and adaptability that we need to show to pick up points and that's what I'll do.

It’s a relief and incredibly refreshing to have a manager saying stuff like that, even though it’s just the most obvious basic common sense. 

Edited yesterday at 10:17 by Midfield_General

[Pamplemousse]

17 hours ago, Football Special said:

At the request of SKY who want to show it live but not in their precious Premier League prime time slots. 

Awful for travelling fans 

It's marginally better than Monday 8pm.

It would've been Friday 8pm but Sky didn't want any games clashing with the opening Prem game. There are other weekends where Sky have a PL and EFL game on a Friday night at the same time.

It's the game of the weekend and they want it in the only unique slot available. And for TV it's a decent lead in for the Super Sunday games.

Living in London it's not too bad for me, only an hour from Liverpool Street. But for those in Southampton it's not great.

[ant]

2 hours ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Hmmm, I think I can see what might happen..

A 0-3 away win? I admire your optimism!

[Willo of Whiteley]

3 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

They were losing from the 55th minute until the 95th minute. At what point in the game were they time-wasting?

I can only presume you didn’t watch it because you were too busy looking for grammatical errors on this forum.

But Ipswich spent a lot of time on the ground last week. I’m sure they did speed up a little after going behind.
However, they were still incredibly poor, and given a life line with an extremely soft penalty.

[saintant]

9 hours ago, Harry_SFC said:

Very good answer and what we've been crying out for. The majority of us don't like 3/5 at the back but I could understand why he's doing it and he's just confirmed that.

The problem is you get outnumbered in midfield unless your players are smart enough to play3 at the back with wing backs - our players do not know how to do it. We must get Fernandes, Charles and Downes in midfield tomorrow which means ditching 3 at the back and changing to a back 4.

[RedWillie]

Confirmed Hutchinson has signed for Forest today

[Saintsfan79]

Our apparent "rivals" for promotion have all made jittery starts. Tomorrow's game if we should win would set us along the right path of confidence. 

Do I feel confident no,  But then again I'm a Southampton fan. But we could make a statement of intent tomorrow I hope. 🙏 

[sockeye]

5 minutes ago, Saintsfan79 said:

Our apparent "rivals" for promotion have all made jittery starts. Tomorrow's game if we should win would set us along the right path of confidence. 

Do I feel confident no,  But then again I'm a Southampton fan. But we could make a statement of intent tomorrow I hope. 🙏 

They aren't our rivals, they are our serfs, the mighty saints will dye the Championship red and white

[Vancouver Saint]

0-2 win for the Saints. Yes, I realise that means a clean sheet and I am being ridiculously optimistic! I feel this could be one of those games where they throw everything at us, we score one against the run of play in the first half then cling on until the 85th minute when we break away and do it again!

[BARCELONASAINT]

I applaud those amongst us that are going into tomorrows game confident we will get a win, I just wish i could feel so confident. With 2 weeks of the transfer window still open, and WS still unable to play the side he would really like to be his starting 11, and not knowing if he is going to keep our 2 most most talented players does not fill me with confidence.

In another 2 weeks hopefully we have at least 3/4 new bodies through the doors that are creative and some of the dross has gone.

I don't think anyone can say we have looked really good in our first 2 competitive games of the season. We had some good spells last Saturday against Wrexham but overall we were so flat. Things just got worse in the Cup game, we were absolutely appalling. We have been very very lucky to walk away from both of those games with 2 victories! 2 losses and no one could complain.

I honestly believe Ipswich will be very up for it tomorrow and unless we are 110% the same they will beat us.

[die Mannyschaft]

I'll settle for any win even if it means another 700+ passes and bore Ipswich to death then 90 min action and a Manning free kick. Set pieces may be our answer with corners and long throws. Get the ball in box quickly. 

[Football Special]

48 minutes ago, BARCELONASAINT said:

I applaud those amongst us that are going into tomorrows game confident we will get a win, I just wish i could feel so confident. With 2 weeks of the transfer window still open, and WS still unable to play the side he would really like to be his starting 11, and not knowing if he is going to keep our 2 most most talented players does not fill me with confidence.

In another 2 weeks hopefully we have at least 3/4 new bodies through the doors that are creative and some of the dross has gone.

I don't think anyone can say we have looked really good in our first 2 competitive games of the season. We had some good spells last Saturday against Wrexham but overall we were so flat. Things just got worse in the Cup game, we were absolutely appalling. We have been very very lucky to walk away from both of those games with 2 victories! 2 losses and no one could complain.

I honestly believe Ipswich will be very up for it tomorrow and unless we are 110% the same they will beat us.

I agree with you,  don't rate our forward line and not sure where the goals will come from. 

[SNSUN]

8 hours ago, Football Special said:

I agree with you,  don't rate our forward line and not sure where the goals will come from. 

For me, our strikers are fine. We've hardly seen anything of Downs yet, yes, he missed two sitters but as they say, you have to get into the right positions to miss them, which he did. He's young and raw, he needs time. Stewart had injury issues but if he can stay fit, he's shown he can contribute goals at this level. AA will score goals at this level although I hope from a wider position and Archer was highly rated before he joined us - he's the one with the most question marks over him but he has the potential.

I'll give you BBD unless by some miracle he becomes a good player but I suspect we'll be looking to ship him. 

My issue is with the creation of goals. The AM/winger positions need a lot of work still. 2 weeks left of the window.

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

Wonder if the players like a midday kick-off. From the first couple of games, it look like WS has got our team looking fitter than last year (apart from BBD) so maybe we'll be up and firing earlier than Ipswich.

[Willo of Whiteley]

I’m predicting a win based on how poor Ipswich were against Birmingham, losing in the cup midweek and losing now arguably their three most influential players in Delap, Morsey and Hutchinson.

[chownie20]

433 with Downes Charles and Matty in the middle feels a must.

[SW11_Saint]

They’ve lost their three key players, but have recruited some quality too. Think it’ll be a big test today. Not convinced we’re ‘clicking’ in the final third…

[Disco Stu]

I hope we don't go with Armstrong as the lone striker this time.

[sad saints fan]

Hello from a partially cloudy but warm Ipswich. 

My hotel is right next to the ground and I am watching the ground staff doing their thing from my window. 

Came up yesterday and has a few beers in town last night. Quite a few Saints fans doing the same thing. 

 

 

[SNSUN]

I'll be on a plane for the duration of the match back to Blighty, so if anyone could look into the future and tell me what topics the match thread will be filled with, I'd be appreciative. 

Here's a Nun to get things started. 

[Monk]

I’m basing this gut feeling on a questionable coffee and breakfast roll…

 

Saints to win 2/3-0 and to look mustard.

Edited 10 hours ago by Monk

[Dr Who?]

Think this will be one of the toughest fixtures of the season, but being early on in the season who knows. But hoping we can get at least a draw. Would be nice to show our intent for the season, but need to sort out the finishing. 1-1? 

[hypochondriac]

One of those games where if you get a draw you'd think that's a good result but a win and you start getting excited for what the season could offer. 

Edited 10 hours ago by hypochondriac

[trousers]

[Wsaint]

1 minute ago, trousers said:

I have some questions...

[trousers]

Stewart and Downs out "due to illness"

[beatlesaint]

No Stewart, no Downs and presumably Armstrong through the middle again ! 

[santolijador]

Just now, Wsaint said:

I have some questions...

One potential answer is that Stewart and Downs are out with illness per Alfie

[beatlesaint]

Just now, santolijador said:

One potential answer is that Stewart and Downs are out with illness per Alfie

Thats a relief.......well not that they are ill obviously......