Birmingham Vs Saints - Monday 8.15pm

[Mboto Gorge]

3 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

If he keeps the same shape and personnel he’ll get the same result.

I don’t think Tonda has the bollocks to upset the players.  He needs to get in their faces and give them a few home truths, then drop some of them.  

Bazunu, Manning and Stephens on the bench.  4-2-3-1 with the emphasis on getting the ball quickly up to the top 4 and busting a gut to support them.

He won’t do it though.

He definitely won’t do it because it’s not what SR want, and they’re in charge hence the distinction of deliberately naming him “head coach” rather than manager, which Still was titled as.

[die Mannyschaft]

2 hours ago, Mboto Gorge said:

He definitely won’t do it because it’s not what SR want, and they’re in charge hence the distinction of deliberately naming him “head coach” rather than manager, which Still was titled as.

“head coach”, good spot. Yes that's code for just coaching what's already decided as with spotting players and buying players, selecting squad. 

[Mboto Gorge]

There won’t be any change of formation , it will still be 5 at the back, quarshie for Stephens again I expect the only possibly change, and exactly the same side other than that, with our Sport Republic poster boy still in goal , still letting any half decent shot past him. Can’t wait. 

[John Boy Saint]

3 hours ago, Andy Hill said:

Watching Midsomer Murders will be more exciting than watching us get out fought to another defeat.

I realised that I missed Mrs Browns Boys Christmas Day special - Hoping it’s still on I-Player. 

[Harry_SFC]

TBF as shit as Still was at least he had the balls to drop the likes of Bazunu, Manning and Stephens.

[CB Fry]

14 minutes ago, Harry_SFC said:

TBF as shit as Still was at least he had the balls to drop the likes of Bazunu, Manning and Stephens.

He also had the "balls" to not select Azaz, Fellows and Scienza and leave them on the bench.

The fucking idiot was making it up as he went along and had no idea what his best team was. So no surprise his random selections resulted in dropping some players you don't like.

[Fabrice29]

1 hour ago, Harry_SFC said:

TBF as shit as Still was at least he had the balls to drop the likes of Bazunu, Manning and Stephens.

And yet he didn’t get the results the manager who picks those players has.

[AlexLaw76]

Tonda has stated that this will be a very different game compared to Oxford.

Now, will he conduct a very different approach? He has not so far

Edited yesterday at 10:23 by AlexLaw76

[Fabrice29]

9 hours ago, Mboto Gorge said:

There won’t be any change of formation , it will still be 5 at the back, quarshie for Stephens again I expect the only possibly change, and exactly the same side other than that, with our Sport Republic poster boy still in goal , still letting any half decent shot past him. Can’t wait. 

Just going to check the formation, defence and keeper picked for the victory we had against these just a few weeks ago. BRB. 

[Fabrice29]

15 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

If he keeps the same shape and personnel he’ll get the same result.

I don’t think Tonda has the bollocks to upset the players.  He needs to get in their faces and give them a few home truths, then drop some of them.  

Bazunu, Manning and Stephens on the bench.  4-2-3-1 with the emphasis on getting the ball quickly up to the top 4 and busting a gut to support them.

He won’t do it though.

None of this was needed when we beat these recently. Formation changes being the thing that decides a result is for very simple minded people.

Go help with the washing up love. 

[sandwichsaint]

11 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Tonda has stated that this will be a very different game compared to Oxford.

Now, will he conduct a very different approach? He has not so fat

Bet he’s going to play two big strong CBs two big strong lads in midfield and the big lad up front. Well he would if he had them. 

[VectisSaint]

1 hour ago, Harry_SFC said:

TBF as shit as Still was at least he had the balls to drop the likes of Bazunu, Manning and Stephens.

Tonda has dropped Stephens at least twice. Dropping Bazunu is difficult because the alternative really isn't much/any better. Manning has done some stuff attacking wise that probably keeps him in despite being an awful defender. 

[saintant]

45 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

None of this was needed when we beat these recently. Formation changes being the thing that decides a result is for very simple minded people.

Go help with the washing up love. 

And those who don't believe formation changes make any difference are also very simple people.

[manji]

On 27/12/2025 at 09:13, Hawkswood said:

Think Im with you. Probably 3 - 1 home win. Im in the middle of Pluribus and have to finish Stranger Things so would rather watch those than sit there getting irritated.

New series of Stranger Things really disappointing. So much promise but I feel let down…….. what does that remind me of ❓🤔

[Gloucester Saint]

30 minutes ago, VectisSaint said:

Tonda has dropped Stephens at least twice. Dropping Bazunu is difficult because the alternative really isn't much/any better. Manning has done some stuff attacking wise that probably keeps him in despite being an awful defender. 

Normally agree with your posts Vectis but even though McCarthy has been poor this season and too old, at least he actually looks and performs like a goalkeeper should and not an outfield player in there because the regular keeper was sent off/injured as used to happen before the 2000s, which is what Bazunu is.

Manning - has had some good attacking moments but the defensive lapses have cost more points beyond. Pity Jelert is a sick note. 

[Turkish]

1 hour ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Tonda has stated that this will be a very different game compared to Oxford.

Now, will he conduct a very different approach? He has not so far

It needs to be, we’re back to Will Still levels of performance and results 

two crap 2-1 defeats at teams in the bottom 3 and a draw against a team who played second half with 10 men is really, really poor. 

[Gloucester Saint]

Good luck to everyone watching it, I won’t be, the austere style on display at Oxford in the first half was unwatchable.

[Roger]

1 hour ago, Fabrice29 said:

Just going to check the formation, defence and keeper picked for the victory we had against these just a few weeks ago. BRB. 

What the game we conceded a record 42 crosses into our box you mean. 

[Turkish]

59 minutes ago, manji said:

New series of Stranger Things really disappointing. So much promise but I feel let down…….. what does that remind me of ❓🤔

The greatest era in our history?

[Harry_SFC]

1 hour ago, VectisSaint said:

Tonda has dropped Stephens at least twice. Dropping Bazunu is difficult because the alternative really isn't much/any better. Manning has done some stuff attacking wise that probably keeps him in despite being an awful defender. 

He's managing Stephens minutes, not exactly dropping him. As poor as McCarthy is he isn't as bad as Bazunu. Manning first and foremost needs to be a defender. Something I've never seen him be. 

[die Mannyschaft]

1 hour ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Good luck to everyone watching it, I won’t be, the austere style on display at Oxford in the first half was unwatchable.

I think fans away and at St Mary's are thinking tge same as you are. Oxford was very quiet apparently and I've noticed the football on the pitch is very dull resulting in fans just going to concourse, talking results checking table. The stewards taking fans out of Northam gets more attention than the sideways on pitch. Good job the stewards don't move sude to side 10 times before removing fans. Even vaping is move popular than watching boring football 

[Mr X]

I just don't understand Tondas's mentality of taking off our most attacking players off and replacing them with utter tosh! Is it because they really are that unfit that they can't last the full 90 or does he seriesly believe that the likes of aribo or Fraser are world beaters that will change the game? It's utterly delusional... Also why has he started to play leo in an unnatural position??? 

[Fabrice29]

1 hour ago, saintant said:

And those who don't believe formation changes make any difference are also very simple people.

Except for the evidence that when we played 4 at the back we lost so it literally doesn’t. Because, the things that make a difference are player decisions and characteristics and execution. But if you really think either playing an unfit Jelert for an hour, Ryan Fraser or a CB out of position at right back will make a difference when it comes to missing chances from 6 yards or bottling a tackle when a player is running through your team then I’d much rather live in your world.

59 minutes ago, Roger said:

What the game we conceded a record 42 crosses into our box you mean. 

So we defended them reasonably well then? 

[die Mannyschaft]

9 minutes ago, Mr X said:

I just don't understand Tondas's mentality of taking off our most attacking players off and replacing them with utter tosh! Is it because they really are that unfit that they can't last the full 90 or does he seriesly believe that the likes of aribo or Fraser are world beaters that will change the game? It's utterly delusional... Also why has he started to play leo in an unnatural position??? 

Hit nail on head. Most of our players cant play 60 mins. That's why the come off. Scienza also gets targeted and kicked but that's a coaching tactic teams have deployed since 70s. Any one too good we can catch just take him out. So out dribblers come off early and if get injured then next game we are tucked no attack option. The 5 subs makes it worse as players only need to train fir fitness for 40 or 50 mins. 

Saints have developed into a teo half team and 45 min players. I cant remember any game where one of our players has run around for 90 mins or even jogged.

[Mr X]

3 minutes ago, die Mannyschaft said:

Hit nail on head. Most of our players cant play 60 mins. That's why the come off. Scienza also gets targeted and kicked but that's a coaching tactic teams have deployed since 70s. Any one too good we can catch just take him out. So out dribblers come off early and if get injured then next game we are tucked no attack option. The 5 subs makes it worse as players only need to train fir fitness for 40 or 50 mins. 

Saints have developed into a teo half team and 45 min players. I cant remember any game where one of our players has run around for 90 mins or even jogged.

So basically there is serious training and fitness level issues at the club... Very basic things that should be recognised by even the most inept managers/owners.  Are we back to pals with the manager days so no effort needed? 

Edited yesterday at 12:15 by Mr X

[die Mannyschaft]

24 minutes ago, Mr X said:

So basically there is serious training and fitness level issues at the club... Very basic things that should be recognised by even the most inept managers/owners.  Are we back to pals with the manager days so no effort needed? 

The average distance a player runs in a game was approx 8 to 10k. Be interesting to see our player stats. Bet its 4k with our walking possession stuff.

[markr27]

I believe the fitness levels, or lack of them, have been identified by TE. Whether he is allowed to improve them is yet to be seen. 

Edited yesterday at 12:46 by markr27

[Football Special]

Going to be an emotional game saying farewell to 2025, a truly record breaking year for our football club , we started the calendar year with a 0-5 defeat at home to Brentford under Ivan the terrible, what would be a fitting result to end the year with? 

[Mboto Gorge]

3 hours ago, Fabrice29 said:

Just going to check the formation, defence and keeper picked for the victory we had against these just a few weeks ago. BRB. 

I look forward to our victory tomorrow then. Lovely stuff 

[Fabrice29]

53 minutes ago, Mboto Gorge said:

I look forward to our victory tomorrow then. Lovely stuff 

Well, as I’ve pointed out quite a few times now the formation won’t decide the result. Players doing good things will. So fingers crossed 🤞 

Edited yesterday at 13:44 by Fabrice29

[skintsaint]

Feels like another drab 2-1 defeat.

Edited yesterday at 13:51 by skintsaint

[Totton Saint]

On 27/12/2025 at 08:44, JohnnyShearer2.0 said:

Opposition having multiple players out, never stopped Saints from not taking advantage before!

Especially not taking advantage of playing against 10 men Coventry.

[Osvaldorama]

1 hour ago, Fabrice29 said:

Well, as I’ve pointed out quite a few times now the formation won’t decide the result. Players doing good things will. So fingers crossed 🤞 

This is such a ridiculous argument, lol. 
 

If formations and tactics do nothing, why does every single club in the history of football have a manager?
If it’s unimportant and only down to players then surely they’d save money on a mangers wages? 

Why do some managers make a huge difference to a team instantly?

 

 

[LGTL]

1 hour ago, Fabrice29 said:

Well, as I’ve pointed out quite a few times now the formation won’t decide the result. Players doing good things will. So fingers crossed 🤞 

Why bother having a manager eh?

We were above Aston Villa the day they appointed Emery and we appointed Nathan Jones. What’s happened since has had nothing to do with managers. Nothing at all. 

Edited 22 hours ago by LGTL

[Fabrice29]

27 minutes ago, Osvaldorama said:

This is such a ridiculous argument, lol. 
 

If formations and tactics do nothing, why does every single club in the history of football have a manager?
If it’s unimportant and only down to players then surely they’d save money on a mangers wages? 

Why do some managers make a huge difference to a team instantly?

 

 

 

4 minutes ago, LGTL said:

Why bother having a manager eh?

We were above Aston Villa the day they appointed Emery and we appointed Nathan Jones. What’s happened since has had nothing to do with managers. Nothing at all. 

Sorry, what? 😂

[VectisSaint]

4 hours ago, Harry_SFC said:

He's managing Stephens minutes, not exactly dropping him. As poor as McCarthy is he isn't as bad as Bazunu. Manning first and foremost needs to be a defender. Something I've never seen him be. 

He's dropped Stephens in order to bring in Quarshie, allegedly for his pace (though I don't think its worth it personally). McCarthy is not much better than Baz, he is probably marginally better but they are both shit really, don't think we would have increased our points total with Alex between the sticks, in the end we desparately need a new keeper (or our old one back). When we are playing a 3 rather than a 5 Manning is fine, but we keep letting the opposition back in and having to revert to a 5 at which point Manning becomes a liability, what we need to do is stop letting teams back in then Manning would not be so much of an issue. 

[Toussaint]

I have two tickets spare if anyone is interested. Face value.

[Andy Hill]

How can we have ended up with so few options up front but with an excess of Center Halves (who are all mediocre at best) ??

We will be out-muscled and they will have more desire than our lot for sure. 2-0.

[Pat from Poole]

Is the bin strike still ongoing in Birmingham?

Asking for a friend.

[die Mannyschaft]

1 hour ago, Pat from Poole said:

Is the bin strike still ongoing in Birmingham?

Asking for a friend.

Bin strike still on going, probably a few more years to go.

At least Saints fans can sing 'live in a shit hole, you f@ckin live in a shit hole'

If we are losing let's hope a few hundred of the 2ft super rats invade the pitch and get game abandoned. 

[miltonroad]

Do we get to hear from the gaffer pre match? 

[Dr Who?]

We will lose. 

[Charlie Wayman]

20 hours ago, Roger said:

What the game we conceded a record 42 crosses into our box you mean. 

we won!

[rallyboy]

This is a big night for the manager, an indicator of what he's about.

You want to end the year feeling like progress has been made and with hope for 2026 - not with another gutless away defeat that gives the impression that little has changed and all the rearranging of managerial furniture has been pointless.

Let's end the year on a positive.

[Maggie May]

Easy 3-0 win for Birmingham. We’re in free fall.

[Obstacle1]

20 hours ago, markr27 said:

I believe the fitness levels, or lack of them, have been identified by TE. Whether he is allowed to improve them is yet to be seen. 

He wont be. SR are insisting that the whole squad be unfit

[BARCELONASAINT]

The honeymoon period for Tonda is well and truly over. Tonight will be another evening of frustration and pain for all Saints fans as the viewing public on Sky will see a very poor Birmingham destroy our utter shit back line. They will watch a manager who is clearly not his own man and is playing a rigid formation the board are telling him to play (that can be the only reason that successive managers have refused to change) They will watch Tonda take off our most creative attacking players because he is carefully managing their minutes whilst failing to manage a bloody win. They will watch him bring on players that immediately make the team weaker and make the opposition look world class in a matter of minutes.

4-1 Birmingham

[sfc4prem]

Blimey, it's all turned a bit negative on here due to our last few results.

I've got my fingers crossed for a festive miracle.

[Killers Knee]

So, if you were in the shoes of Brum coach, Chris Davies, what would your tactics be against the mighty Saints?  Personally, start with a defensive line-up and formation with a low block from the off, attack rarely on the counter, allow us to have the ball and cross it all day long.  At about the 65th minute, just after Scienza and Fellows are hauled off, change to an attacking lineup and hang crosses above our defence like they were vampires.  

[Give it to Ron]

15 minutes ago, Killers Knee said:

So, if you were in the shoes of Brum coach, Chris Davies, what would your tactics be against the mighty Saints?  Personally, start with a defensive line-up and formation with a low block from the off, attack rarely on the counter, allow us to have the ball and cross it all day long.  At about the 65th minute, just after Scienza and Fellows are hauled off, change to an attacking lineup and hang crosses above our defence like they were vampires.  

Shoot every time you get the ball