QPR 1-2 Saints - Match Thread

[die Mannyschaft]

If the players didn't give 100% before why will they do so tomorrow v QPR. Complete waste of the season so far. Now we know they cant  be bothered to win, if cant expect anymore than draws. 

No wonder the football has been worse than last season. Whatever happened to players playing or the badge. 

[sockeye]

6 hours ago, die Mannyschaft said:

If the players didn't give 100% before why will they do so tomorrow v QPR. Complete waste of the season so far. Now we know they cant  be bothered to win, if cant expect anymore than draws. 

No wonder the football has been worse than last season. Whatever happened to players playing or the badge. 

They don’t play for the badge. They only join for the opportunity to leave. Because we are a player trading organisation and not a football club.

[AlexLaw76]

6 hours ago, die Mannyschaft said:

If the players didn't give 100% before why will they do so tomorrow v QPR. Complete waste of the season so far. Now we know they cant  be bothered to win, if cant expect anymore than draws. 

No wonder the football has been worse than last season. Whatever happened to players playing or the badge. 

They way I read it is it less about running around a lot on the pitch, more that only a few of them believed in the processes Still wanted to implement. So when they were experiencing it not working, heads drop very quickly. I can see why, Fellows is class - Right wing back. Azaz is class, Defensive midfield or right wing. Defenders are rotated almost every game, along with chopping to a formation many had experience with of it not working for many of the players we have.

I mean, hard to disagree when they were lumping balls to Adam Armstrong and Archer, then being told it is their fault.

[Pete27m]

Morning, does anyone have a spare ticket? Can meet near the ground 🤞

Edited 14 hours ago by Pete27m

[macca155]

Doubt we'll see much difference to Saturday, maybe a slightly more structured and cohesive performance.

Probably time for Bazunu to have another go. He has frailities just like McCarthy, but his distribution is top notch. That at least gives the team an edge. Plus he is a genuine threat up front at the end. Elsewhere play players in their right positions and avoid anything complicated.

They'll be the usual purple patches, just have to hope they can make them count for once.

As fans we need to get the negative vibes out of our system. Hard to do given the shit show we've endured these last few years. The groans and moans might make us feel better, but we all know that seeps the energy and confidence from the players. I don't mean go all happy clappy before someone starts, but if we are asking the players to up their effort we need to do the same 

The fuckers don't deserve us at the moment, they really don't. To use a cliche, 'we go again' and somehow from somewhere we collectively as a club and fans, need to find some form.

Edited 13 hours ago by macca155

[dsrdorset]

18 minutes ago, macca155 said:

Doubt we'll see much difference to Saturday, maybe a slightly more structured and cohesive performance.

Probably time for Bazunu to have another go. He has frailities just like McCarthy, but his distribution is top notch. That at least gives the team an edge. Plus he is a genuine threat up front at the end. Elsewhere play players in their right positions and avoid anything complicated.

They'll be the usual purple patches, just have to hope they can make them count for once.

As fans we need to get the negative vibes out of our system. Hard to do given the shit show we've endured these last few years. The groans and moans might make us feel better, but we all know that seeps the energy and confidence from the players. I don't mean go all happy clappy before someone starts, but if we are asking the players to up their effort we need to do the same 

The fuckers don't deserve us at the moment, they really don't. To use a cliche, 'we go again' and somehow from somewhere we collectively as a club and fans, need to find some form.

Well, I am sorry if I'm giving off 'negative vibes', but quite frankly can you blame me?? I don't care about hurting the feelings of the players, the majority of them are not fit to wear the shirt at the moment. I'm spending money I don't have and taking unpaid time off work to follow them around, I'm putting the effort in but I'm not seeing anything in return. I shall stand there with arms folded until they give me something that warrants praise. 

A message to the players, anything other than a win tonight AND a decent performance, or don't bother returning to Hampshire. 

[saintant]

It will be very interesting to see whether there is a notable increase in tempo and effort from the selected team. I'm expecting there will be which will be damning for those it applies to. As to the team I expect to see Captain Jack start in a back 3 though neither picking Stephens or the formation would be my preferred choices. Think the starting 11 will be;

Macca

Mads Stephens Wood THB Manning

Downes Jander

AA Scienza Fellows

Have a feeling he might try Scienza through the middle. Score prediction 1-0 to QPR in a scrappy affair of few chances.

[John Boy Saint]

Going with my Boss tonight, he's an R's fan so I'll be sitting on my hands. After their battering at the weekend I messaged him to say - not to worry we just binned our manager so you'll be in with a shout - his reply was  "if you can play without a goalkeeper that might give us a chance". 

We have work round there first, so likely a spot of Persian or Lebanese for pre match tea. 

[saintoaks]

Looking for one spare for tonight. Thanks

[Appy]

Watch us fluke a win and Tonda get the gig permanently. The club will be itching to do it. 

[die Mannyschaft]

Biggest test for Saints this season as can they actually play proper football or will we still have EA26 ?

Can new coaches and manager think outside the PS5 box. Or are they using the same logon and password from 4 managers ago

[23rdSaint]

Have I missed the pre-game press conference or do we get to skip it given the manager situation?

[benjii]

Tonda Ekert's red and white army!!

We hate competence!!

[Nolan]

11 minutes ago, 23rdSaint said:

Have I missed the pre-game press conference or do we get to skip it given the manager situation?

No pre-match presser.

We go in knowing as much as QPR about saints player availability, tactics etc

[skintsaint]

33 minutes ago, die Mannyschaft said:

Biggest test for Saints this season as can they actually play proper football or will we still have EA26 ?

Can new coaches and manager think outside the PS5 box. Or are they using the same logon and password from 4 managers ago

A tiresome joke, especially as Still managed more top-flight games than Rohl has ever done...

Feeling we will win 2-1 tonight. Players might put a shift in now they got rid of the manager they never took to apparently.

[saintant]

38 minutes ago, 23rdSaint said:

Have I missed the pre-game press conference or do we get to skip it given the manager situation?

Maybe he's considered competent enough to manage the side but not to attend a press conference and answer a few simple questions 🙂

[washsaint]

Not filled with confidence when Tonda says 'more or less the same team as for Preston'.  After that diabolical display major changes are required

[Baird of the land]

2 minutes ago, washsaint said:

Not filled with confidence when Tonda says 'more or less the same team as for Preston'.  After that diabolical display major changes are required

Is that the same starting team(woeful), the early 2nd half team(passable) or the end of game team (woefully out of shape as well as woeful)

[23rdSaint]

Mini interview on the club website: https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/eckert-calls-for-energy-and-fight

[Themotherfunky]

6 minutes ago, washsaint said:

Not filled with confidence when Tonda says 'more or less the same team as for Preston'.  After that diabolical display major changes are required

I took it more as the squad of players available to pick, rather than him picking the same 11

[Zorba]

5 minutes ago, washsaint said:

Not filled with confidence when Tonda says 'more or less the same team as for Preston'.  After that diabolical display major changes are required

I think he said player availability was more or less the same as Preston - unless i’ve missed something. I agree with changes required and hopefully we’ll get to see some.

[saintant]

6 minutes ago, washsaint said:

Not filled with confidence when Tonda says 'more or less the same team as for Preston'.  After that diabolical display major changes are required

If you are referring to his interview on the official site I don't think he commented on the starting line up - it was more about player availability. Having said that I don't think he'll do anything radical for this match. More of the 3 at the back and wing backs who actually play as conventional full backs. Maybe he'll surprise me but I doubt it.

[die Mannyschaft]

2 hours ago, dsrdorset said:

Well, I am sorry if I'm giving off 'negative vibes', but quite frankly can you blame me?? I don't care about hurting the feelings of the players, the majority of them are not fit to wear the shirt at the moment. I'm spending money I don't have and taking unpaid time off work to follow them around, I'm putting the effort in but I'm not seeing anything in return. I shall stand there with arms folded until they give me something that warrants praise. 

A message to the players, anything other than a win tonight AND a decent performance, or don't bother returning to Hampshire. 

Well said,  absolutely garbage football from £40m+ squad that played the worst derby game I've ever seen and slowest football than walking football I played for Saints at West Ham. Have we really got a squad able to buy the title. Just a few hours to find out.

[Saint Fan CaM]

5 hours ago, AlexLaw76 said:

They way I read it is it less about running around a lot on the pitch, more that only a few of them believed in the processes Still wanted to implement. So when they were experiencing it not working, heads drop very quickly. I can see why, Fellows is class - Right wing back. Azaz is class, Defensive midfield or right wing. Defenders are rotated almost every game, along with chopping to a formation many had experience with of it not working for many of the players we have.

I mean, hard to disagree when they were lumping balls to Adam Armstrong and Archer, then being told it is their fault.

How do you know that they were told NOT to do that, but then did it anyway because they didn’t want to take responsibility on the ball?

[AlexLaw76]

4 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

How do you know that they were told NOT to do that, but then did it anyway because they didn’t want to take responsibility on the ball?

I don't, just giving my opining. I believe the issues we are seeing are largely down to a manager totally out of his league. His team selections, game management and dour appearance, were all signs he is not ready for this challenge. 

He will no doubt have a good career, but he was another poor choice from SR

[Saint Fan CaM]

5 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

I don't, just giving my opining. I believe the issues we are seeing are largely down to a manager totally out of his league. His team selections, game management and dour appearance, were all signs he is not ready for this challenge. 

He will no doubt have a good career, but he was another poor choice from SR

Fair points. As you say, not his fault - club far too broken for a man with relatively little credit in the bank to sort out all the issues.

[captainchris]

2 hours ago, washsaint said:

Not filled with confidence when Tonda says 'more or less the same team as for Preston'.  After that diabolical display major changes are required

I thought he was professional and business like and have high hopes for him.

[Chez]

The one thing in Tonda's favour is that the side hasn't developed a specific style of play or tactic under Still that needs undoing. Five months after he took over, I don't think anyone knows what the plan was! Two days isn't going to be enough to implement significant changes, but perhaps he can at least encourage players to show the intensity needed at this level. 

[Weston Super Saint]

Buzzing for this.  The whole boys club will be unstoppable after their success getting rid of Still.  Cap'n Jack for the win.

[Willo of Whiteley]

Judging by Tonda’s pre match presser he looks like a rabbit in the headlights

[SW11_Saint]

4 hours ago, Appy said:

Watch us fluke a win and Tonda get the gig permanently. The club will be itching to do it. 

Echoes of Seles at Chelsea (before we realised everyone was able to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge).  

[Convict Colony]

28 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Judging by Tonda’s pre match presser he looks like a rabbit in the headlights

This forum is never pleased with pressers.

Martin too much of a snake oil salesman, Tonda rabbit in headlights.

Who is recruiting our managers and scouting their ability for getting the right balance in pressers !

 

[Patrick Bateman]

2 hours ago, 23rdSaint said:

Mini interview on the club website: https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/eckert-calls-for-energy-and-fight

It's like the actual manager sent his son out to do the interview 

[suewhistle]

On 03/11/2025 at 08:57, SaintLondon said:

Anyone know of 2x tickets for sale?

Two masochists?! Can't you just stay in and hit each other, or something? I'm not quite sure how it works..

[Southner]

42 minutes ago, Convict Colony said:

This forum is never pleased with pressers.

Martin too much of a snake oil salesman, Tonda rabbit in headlights.

Who is recruiting our managers and scouting their ability for getting the right balance in pressers !

 

Thought RM and WS liked the press. Usually involved high energy I thought? 

[SW11_Saint]

39 minutes ago, Patrick Bateman said:

It's like the actual manager sent his son out to do the interview 

Now there’s a man to get the blood stirring in the changing room tonight!

And we thought WS lacked gravitas…🫣 

[suewhistle]

So Portsmouth v Wrexham is the Sky main match but Saints is available too. Do I go down to my usual PO area village pub with multiple screens where they can show more than one match..? The barman is an amiable lad and the regulars, even the footballing crowd, are fine.. 

At least it's not too far to walk if I have to come home early.

[Hatch]

still looking for one ticket .

 

 

[Patrick Bateman]

20 minutes ago, suewhistle said:

So Portsmouth v Wrexham is the Sky main match but Saints is available too. Do I go down to my usual PO area village pub with multiple screens where they can show more than one match..? The barman is an amiable lad and the regulars, even the footballing crowd, are fine.. 

At least it's not too far to walk if I have to come home early.

Just be prepared to do an Irish exit after, let's say, 30 minutes. After Saints look amazing for precisely 28 minutes and have hit the post twice, then QPR score 2 in quick succession and our players all melt going from top flight to division 10.

[macca155]

7 hours ago, dsrdorset said:

Well, I am sorry if I'm giving off 'negative vibes', but quite frankly can you blame me?? I don't care about hurting the feelings of the players, the majority of them are not fit to wear the shirt at the moment. I'm spending money I don't have and taking unpaid time off work to follow them around, I'm putting the effort in but I'm not seeing anything in return. I shall stand there with arms folded until they give me something that warrants praise. 

A message to the players, anything other than a win tonight AND a decent performance, or don't bother returning to Hampshire. 

Doubt many will disagree with you I certainly don't. Standing in silence is pretty much my go to place at the moment.

It's the booing and groaning during the game that simply makes the inevitable certain that I was going on about. 

[davefizzy14]

It will be interesting to see how Tonda Eckert sets us up tonight. Just would like to see a reaction from last weekend and a win! COYR 😊

[rooney]

51 minutes ago, suewhistle said:

So Portsmouth v Wrexham is the Sky main match but Saints is available too. Do I go down to my usual PO area village pub with multiple screens where they can show more than one match..? The barman is an amiable lad and the regulars, even the footballing crowd, are fine.. 

At least it's not too far to walk if I have to come home early.

If you look forward on SkyHD+, QPR v Saints is shown so I presume if you do not have a smart TV we can watch it?

 

[Saint Fan CaM]

7 minutes ago, davefizzy14 said:

It will be interesting to see how Tonda Eckert sets us up tonight. Just would like to see a reaction from last weekend and a win! COYR 😊

I’d lay odds that you’ll see little to no difference. Same as it ever was.

Edited 5 hours ago by Saint Fan CaM

[saintant]

53 minutes ago, Hatch said:

still looking for one ticket .

 

 

Is he? That's a shock.

[Willo of Whiteley]

Fully expecting a defensive performance. Tonda won’t want to lose in what could be his “big chance”

[suewhistle]

17 minutes ago, rooney said:

If you look forward on SkyHD+, QPR v Saints is shown so I presume if you do not have a smart TV we can watch it?

 

No, but thanks.

Also I'd never heard of an Irish exit before (qv) but with a bit of Dutch courage I should be OK in the pub. 😉

 

[saintant]

19 minutes ago, davefizzy14 said:

It will be interesting to see how Tonda Eckert sets us up tonight. Just would like to see a reaction from last weekend and a win! COYR 😊

Isn't he another one who prefers 3 centre backs to get in each others way and leave all responsibility to each other? Think the formation will look very familiar tonight so not holding out much hope for us.

[Patrick Bateman]

On 03/11/2025 at 15:07, Patrick Bateman said:

My team for this match.

 

                    Romeu

Romeu Romeu Romeu Romeu

              Romeu Romeu

         Romeu Romeu Scienza

                     Romeu

Sadly he didn't sign in time, so the team will be;

 

                                                  McCarthy

Roerslev Edwards Wood Quarshi Harwood-Bellis Stephens Manning Welington Jelert

                                                  Armstrong

 

[Saint_lambden]

Good omen perhaps is that we’ve won all 5 games that tonight’s ref has taken charge of us before. 

[Suhari]

1 hour ago, Hatch said:

still looking for one ticket .

 

 

He shouldn't have got himself fired then.

Edited 4 hours ago by Suhari