Derby 1-1 Saints - Match Thread

[Hodgey]

26 minutes ago, trousers said:

Only two points less than the "outstanding" Russell Martin achieved in this league at the same stage of the season. I have my doubts about Still but obviously too early to write him off as things stand. 

That works if you think Still is about to go on a 20 odd game unbeaten run and create a playing identity.

agree you can’t write him off but he’s going to need to improve - lots of worries for me..

Gks not good enough

Fwds not good enough

Look incapable of keeping clean sheets

Cant Seem to create/score more than one

Transfers look poor 

No clear idea of what we are trying to do

I don’t think we had the same issues with Martin at this stage last year bar 1 and 3 and this is what I think people are worried about. These aren’t simple tactical tweaks, they are hard to solve problems.

[Sheaf Saint]

18 minutes ago, pingpong said:

It's another point closer to safety. They all add up and we'll be thankful for this point at the end of the season. 

Are you Dalek in disguise? 🤨

[Teamsaint1]

39 minutes ago, bpsaint said:

We are not going up this season. 

And this could be a relatively easy season to get automatic. 
 

Toothless up front, and the present back three have at least 3 big errors in them every week.

 

We just do basic stuff badly way too often. And the bench we have for this level needs to be used much better.

 

[LGTL]

4 minutes ago, die Mannyschaft said:

How on earth have Coventry scored 27 hoals do far????

Because they have a fucking good manager. Someone who lots of our cretin fans would have turned their noses up at. 

Edited 3 hours ago by LGTL

[badgerx16]

3 minutes ago, die Mannyschaft said:

How on earth have Coventry scored 27 hoals do far????

4-0 and 5-0 in their last 2 away games, another 5 away at Derby, plus 7 against QPR. Presumably they have some competent strikers and the players to create chances for them.

Edited 3 hours ago by badgerx16

[RedArmy]

Just now, Sheaf Saint said:

Are you Dalek in disguise? 🤨

If he mentions Hoddle his cover is blown. 

[JohnnyShearer2.0]

10 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Genuinely wonder why people keep saying this, if players were that good we'd be winning despite the manager 

You seriously can't see it or being obtuse?

On paper are these players not better than at least 20 other teams in the division?

That's a coaching and manager issue right there.

 

[Patches O Houlihan]

I try to give players and managers the benefit of the doubt, and recognise that life isn't played with hindsight. God knows we have had to put up with some absolute shite over the years...

BUT FUCK ME - WHY WOULD YOU BRING ON THAT USELESS EMPTY SHIRT DAMION DOWNS WHEN THEY WERE TIRING AND SCIENZA WAS STARTING TO BOSS THE GAME?!!

It's nearly an hour later and I am still fucking livid. So fucking obvious.

[Suhari]

So....no late winner. On the plus side, Nana is buzzing.

Did Downs do anything worth mentioning?

Any news on Ross?

Are we getting better?

[die Mannyschaft]

6 minutes ago, Teamsaint1 said:

And this could be a relatively easy season to get automatic. 
 

Toothless up front, and the present back three have at least 3 big errors in them every week.

 

We just do basic stuff badly way too often. And the bench we have for this level needs to be used much better.

 

We are not going up this season

Each month we don't get on a 3 game win run the more we will be stuck in bottom half. Can't believe still 250/1 for relegation. Maybe another 25 draws are on the way.

 

[die Mannyschaft]

55 minutes ago, OttawaSaint said:

We're like a detox clinic for footballers.

I keep getting the urge to attack with pace. All I think about is scoring goals! Please help me! 

Don't worry, here at Saints we'll help you lose those cravings.

Post Traumatic Scoring Disorder PTSD

[Tommy]

We have a mid champioinship level squad spearheaded by a glass striker and a sunday league standard back up, all being managed by an unproven experiment of trying to move from football analytics into football management. 

What more do people expect from the setup. personally i'm happy we are not bottom 3. 

[die Mannyschaft]

13 minutes ago, badgerx16 said:

4-0 and 5-0 in their last 2 away games, another 5 away at Derby, plus 7 against QPR. Presumably they have some competent strikers and the players to create chances for them.

Can Saints just buy the Coventry youtube clips and convert them into some sort of training guide on how to play football and how to find the goal.

[maysie]

Would have taken 4 points before the week started, but we were pretty poor. 
 

I know we have looked a bit better with a back 3 than 4 but I just don't like it and never have. He needs to get us in a back 4 with the best players playing in their best positions.

                 McCarthy
Roerslev Wood Quarshie Jelert

               Jander Charles 

       Fellows Azaz Armstrong 

                      Stewart

Scienza I like so could play instead of any of the 3 that aren't performing behind the striker.

If Stewart injured not sure who plays as Striker, probably Archer, but need to play to his strengths and that isn't as a target man.

 

Edited 2 hours ago by maysie

[die Mannyschaft]

2 minutes ago, Tommy said:

We have a mid champioinship level squad spearheaded by a glass striker and a sunday league standard back up, all being managed by an unproven experiment of trying to move from football analytics into football management. 

What more do people expect from the setup. personally i'm happy we are not bottom 3. 

Only 1 more point to go and major achievement. Agree at least not bottom 3 (yet)

[sfc4prem]

As I watch our games i continue to see us really contested, challenged and going toe-to-toe with teams in the lower half of the league.

We don't look streets above them, or make them shit themselves.

Most teams seem quite comfortable against us and have looked better than us for chunks of each game.

It feels a bit different to the last time we were down here.

It feels like mid-table.

[Saint86]

23 minutes ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Meh. Not great. Obviously Stewart going off injured ruined our game plan, but that's no excuse. We started well, attacked at pace and scored a good goal, but then just backed off and barely got out of our own half for the next 20 mins. 

Derby should have been winning whilst he was on in fairness... macca only reason we drew.

[IronCitySaint]

SFC is such a depressing club. That is, what, 4 wins in 46 league games. I can't think of many other clubs that would get away with such consistent and persistent failure. I can't remember the last entertaining match. It does make you wonder why we continue to bother.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

2 minutes ago, sfc4prem said:

As I watch our games i continue to see us really contested, challenged and going toe-to-toe with teams in the lower half of the league.

We don't look streets above them, or make them shit themselves.

Most teams seem quite comfortable against us and have looked better than us for chunks of each game.

It feels a bit different to the last time we were down here.

It feels like mid-table.

I think it's been mentioned before on the thread, our squad was so much better last time we were here.

[LaptopSaint]

3 minutes ago, maysie said:

Would have taken 4 points before the week started, but we were pretty poor. 
 

I know we have looked a bit better with a back 3 than 4 but I just don't like it and never have. He needs to get us in a back 4 with the best players playing in their best positions.

                 McCarthy
Roerslev Wood Quarshie Jelert

               Jander Charles 

       Fellows Scienza Armstrong 

                      Stewart

Scienza I like so could play instead of any of the 3 behind the striker not performing.

If Stewart injured not sure who plays as Striker, probably Archer, but need to play to his strengths and that isn't as a target man.

 

This really isn’t rocket science, is it? I don’t quite understand what Will Still’s tactics or selections or substitutions are all about. That could just be me not being a professional football person. But I’m beginning to wonder whether it might be him. I really like the guy and want him to succeed and am willing to give him more time. There is a very long way to go. But he needs a winning run after the international break. 

[Harry_SFC]

Surely it's time Manning was dropped for Jelert. The bloke can't defend for toffee. 

[Saint86]

1 minute ago, Harry_SFC said:

Surely it's time Manning was dropped for Jelert. The bloke can't defend for toffee. 

Imagine being Jelert and being kept out the side by manning.

He is levels ahead of him.

[Badger]

11 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

Derby should have been winning whilst he was on in fairness... macca only reason we drew.

Trying to be positive then,today is one more point than we'd have had if Bazunu was in goal.

[davefizzy14]

Today is a game that we should be winning comfortably. Very dissappointing. McCarthy was absolutely brilliant today - my motm. Good finish from Adam Armstrong 😊 Hoping Ross is all ok and it's not serious. I couldn't understand why Scienza came off. He was one of our best players today. 

Edited 2 hours ago by davefizzy14

[Badger]

41 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Steve Cotterill wouldn’t consider him good enough for Cheltenham at the base of League 2 (great win on his return today) nor would Paul Wotton tolerate his lack of work rate (won 0-1 at Salisbury today) so at least my non-Saints teams I follow won.

In other good news up this way Gloucester, Bishops Cleeve beat Sholing 2-1 today as well. 

All very good but none of it really compensates for Saints dropping points.

[Badger]

2 minutes ago, davefizzy14 said:

Today is a game that we should be winning comfortably. Very dissappointing. McCarthy was absolutely brilliant today - my motm. Good finish from Adam Armstrong 😊 Hoping Ross is all ok and it's not serious. Don't understand why Scienza came off, he was one of our best players.

One point out of six away to Hull and Derby. 

Credit to Still for dropping some of the 'undropables' but a piss poor return from games we should be winning.

[die Mannyschaft]

12 minutes ago, IronCitySaint said:

SFC is such a depressing club. That is, what, 4 wins in 46 league games. I can't think of many other clubs that would get away with such consistent and persistent failure. I can't remember the last entertaining match. It does make you wonder why we continue to bother.

Scientific, analysis football. Boring as shit but that's what we plan each week. Stalemate football in hope that we can nick a goal or 2 then bore the fuck out of everyone in the stadium. Even the staff in burger vans look bored.

[die Mannyschaft]

19 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

Derby should have been winning whilst he was on in fairness... macca only reason we drew.

attacked at pace and scored a good goal, but then just backed off and barely got out of our own half for the next 20 mins.

This is a pattern from last season, I don't understand the tactics and plan. It worked very well last season to achieve relegation but why copy it for this season.  

[Harry_SFC]

13 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

Imagine being Jelert and being kept out the side by manning.

He is levels ahead of him.

Quite. I don't get it. He looked quality in that cup game against Lpool and haven't seen him since. 

[Convict Colony]

still going for most improved award

[die Mannyschaft]

7 minutes ago, Convict Colony said:

still going for most improved award

Russell Martin 8/10 as he did us promoted with possession football which is a unbelievable achievement.  Will Still 4/10 at this stage. Could be higher but I'm very bored watching this type of football.  

[die Mannyschaft]

24 minutes ago, Badger said:

In other good news up this way Gloucester, Bishops Cleeve beat Sholing 2-1 today as well. 

All very good but none of it really compensates for Saints dropping points.

Winchester City top table. 

[Badger]

2 minutes ago, die Mannyschaft said:

Winchester City top table. 

Pleased for them.

Don't suppose they've got any up and coming Terry Paines these days have they ?

[Football Special]

53 minutes ago, JohnnyShearer2.0 said:

You seriously can't see it or being obtuse?

On paper are these players not better than at least 20 other teams in the division?

That's a coaching and manager issue right there.

 

I'm not being obtuse mate,  look back at posts on transfer window etc, we can't defend crosses, we don't have a good keeper and are severely lacking on the goal scorer front

I go to games and watch with my eyes , just not seeing a team out of this bunch capable of hurting teams. Both our wins should really have been draws , we are easy to play against. 

[JohnS]

Terrible performance today 

Just when I felt a slight change in my outlook on this side 

There is no way on earth we will b getting anyway near Play offs this season 😞

[LGTL]

If I’m Jelert I’m probably sacking it off to be honest. Imagine being kept out the team by Ryan Manning. A fucking farce. 

Edited 2 hours ago by LGTL

[madge]

The fans need to start on SR,absolute dogshit and incompetent beyond belief..  I’d take relegation to get them and our owner out the club..

[Gloucester Saint]

Just now, madge said:

The fans need to start on SR,absolute dogshit and incompetent beyond belief..  I’d take relegation to get them and our owner out the club..

Sadly they won’t, saw it with Pellegrino, Martin in the PL, the fanbase has lost the fire it had in the Branfoot and Lowe years. Nathan Jones there was a flicker and a superb P45 poster (which the stewards confiscated and threw the supporters out which sums up what an appalling club Southampton FC is these days). 

[JohnnyShearer2.0]

35 minutes ago, Football Special said:

I'm not being obtuse mate,  look back at posts on transfer window etc, we can't defend crosses, we don't have a good keeper and are severely lacking on the goal scorer front

I go to games and watch with my eyes , just not seeing a team out of this bunch capable of hurting teams. Both our wins should really have been draws , we are easy to play against. 

Surely that's down to coaching and approach then? These players are more than capable to outscore other teams and defend better?

[Lee On Solent Saint]

4 minutes ago, JohnnyShearer2.0 said:

Surely that's down to coaching and approach then? These players are more than capable to outscore other teams and defend better?

It's fear. We are so scared to attack, and when we do actually take the lead in a game we absolutely shit ourselves. We have to ditch this safety first approach and dominate the absolute dross in this league.

[JohnnyShearer2.0]

5 minutes ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

It's fear. We are so scared to attack, and when we do actually take the lead in a game we absolutely shit ourselves. We have to ditch this safety first approach and dominate the absolute dross in this league.

Indeed, go for it in every game and win them 3-2, 4-3 or 5-4!

Where's his Football Manager skillz now?!

Just select all out attack and believe in them!

Edited 1 hour ago by JohnnyShearer2.0

[Miltonaggro]

Assume the board have now given up on their pre-season target of automatic promotion with Will Still. Wonder how long we have to endure the outside chance of Will scraping into the play-offs to save Spors & co’s blushes. Knowing the Sport Republic brains trust, around fucking Easter! 

[Pamplemousse]

Disappointing outcome. We started the game so well, and deservedly got a goal.

And then after that it was shit. Second half was so slow, so negative, so poor. 

I will sat this and this is with a glass half full, we are three games unbeaten. Just got to turn these draws into wins. Only 4 points off the playoffs, we get a decent run going and we'll be up there.

[saintant]

2 hours ago, hypochondriac said:

I sort of wish we had a nasty bastard in charge of the club above the manager who could make clear in no uncertain terms that our standards are not high enough and this is not acceptable. Say what you want about Birmingham's owners but they are already issuing votes of confidence in their manager and he's under pressure despite being above us in the table. We seem to be happy as a club to accept lower standards and mediocrity. Someone at the club hsould be going nuts and knocking heads together. What the fuck are these performances? You can't spend all that money and churn out rubbish like this! Totally unacceptable.

So you want the idiots presiding over the demise of our club to knock some heads together? They're the ones who got us into this mess in the first place so hardly qualified to be knocking heads together.

[derry]

I've seen this before. In that case there was an influx of good players. The problem was obvious, the manager had a loyalty to the previous season's players. Instead of picking the best team it was a political expediant to ringfence some of the old hands. Everything was a compromise. The manager has to be ruthless, look at the players and pick the best team irrespective of origins.

It's not a case of choosing a system its a case of playing the best players in their best positions which will automatically produce its own shape.

The three at the back isn't really working, it slows everything down and Edwards is just as poor as THB defending far post crosses. Ditch it and go four at the back. With the wingers we've got we don't need the full backs selling themselves. Play Fellows and Scienza. with two up front, If Stewart not fit play Archer or Robinson with Armstrong. It's a choice of Jander, Charles, Downes or Azaz in midfeld with two wingers. Trying to compromise is stupidity.

Downs is a stroller and can't get into the game. He is physically weak and not at all aggressive. It looks like a slow working brain without sharpness.

[saintant]

2 hours ago, RedArmy said:

Yeah the players really do need to take a certain level of responsibility. Especially today, there was some really good pass and move football from us in the first 10 minutes. It’s the first time this season I’ve really seen us look like we had any patterns of play or cohesion.

Then we scored and they all switched off for the rest of the game. 
Without wishing to sound like Russell Martin the mentality of these players is terrible. 
But that’s part of what Still is paid to manage, and he needs to sort it fast.

This is a massive issue that must be sorted and quick. When we go in front we clearly have no idea how to manage a game and it has happened in the last 3 matches. Instead of going for the jugular we go all frightened and defensive like mice - what we should do is be roaring like lions and shouting 'look what we just did and we're ready to do it again' Cut out the meekness and timidity or we'll continue to struggle when going ahead. Get in front and grow not shrink - what are we afraid of!!! This is really basic stuff but we are repeating this flaw and it's costing us goals and points.

[Give it to Ron]

2 minutes ago, saintant said:

This is a massive issue that must be sorted and quick. When we go in front we clearly have no idea how to manage a game and it has happened in the last 3 matches. Instead of going for the jugular we go all frightened and defensive like mice - what we should do is be roaring like lions and shouting 'look what we just did and we're ready to do it again' Cut out the meekness and timidity or we'll continue to struggle when going ahead. Get in front and grow not shrink - what are we afraid of!!! This is really basic stuff but we are repeating this flaw and it's costing us goals and points.

I said that to my son at the game today we needed a leader to take control and run the game - we don’t have one so let them come at us.

we started well but as soon as Stewart went you could see it just sank. 
Stills game needs  an outlet focal point as soon as Ross went we didn’t have one. 
Aribo can play centre half can he play up front? Can’t be any worse.

[saintant]

2 hours ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

I’m sorry but we should be in Coventry’s position (on paper).

Absolutely obliterating teams. I stead were playing a back five against a team in the bottom four, mental.

That in itself should be a sackable offence.

TheIr squad is far superior to ours and better coached. I watched them destroy Millwall and they took off one beast of a centre forward who'd scored two goals and replaced him with another beast of a centre forward who scored a goal. We are miles behind Coventry in every department and should not be in their position on paper or otherwise. Time to wise up that we are a mid table team at best at this moment in time. Thinking we are something we're not only leads to disappointment - we really aren't all that and nor is our squad or manager.

[Convict Colony]

1 minute ago, Give it to Ron said:

I said that to my son at the game today we needed a leader to take control and run the game - we don’t have one so let them come at us.

we started well but as soon as Stewart went you could see it just sank. 
Stills game needs  an outlet focal point as soon as Ross went we didn’t have one. 
Aribo can play centre half can he play up front? Can’t be any worse.

Wasnt that stephens the 5 games he was in

[whiteleySaint30]

2 hours ago, maysie said:

Would have taken 4 points before the week started, but we were pretty poor. 
 

I know we have looked a bit better with a back 3 than 4 but I just don't like it and never have. He needs to get us in a back 4 with the best players playing in their best positions.

                 McCarthy
Roerslev Wood Quarshie Jelert

               Jander Charles 

       Fellows Azaz Armstrong 

                      Stewart

Scienza I like so could play instead of any of the 3 that aren't performing behind the striker.

If Stewart injured not sure who plays as Striker, probably Archer, but need to play to his strengths and that isn't as a target man.

 

Have you seen Roerslev - #ucking useless.