Disco Stu

Youth management is a different skillset and we'll learn absolutely nothing against low ranked teams in the nations league. When it comes down to the crunch games, and the pressure that involves, he's completely untested. No such pressure exists in youth football. Like the Americans, we shouldn't limit ourselves to only domestic talent. If we can't find the English talent, look elsewhere. Pochettino has extensive senior management experience and unlike Carsley, he played in major international tournaments as well. We should be approaching names like Xavi, Low, Tuchel, Zidane (if he speaks English)... I doubt we've approached anyone. I refuse to believe his CV is the best we can attract but we all know the FA have already decided he's got the job.

https://saintsmarching.com/posts/southampton-enter-the-race-to-sign-uefa-euro-2024-star-on-a-free-transfer-01j79658kznc

Thanks to Southgate getting us relegated in the nations league, we'll beat a few low ranking teams and Carsley will get the job full-time. Another that's achieved nothing in senior management.

Yeah I was thinking Dibling and Fernandes could easily swap places. As could Ugachukwu and Downes.

I think our squad could suit a 4-4-2 diamond. Something like this. ----------------Ramsdale Suga----Bednarek----ABK----KWP --------------Ugochukwu ----------Downes----Dibling --------------Fernandes ------------Archer----BBD

Doesn't need to. They'll do what they like anyway. The football world doesn't revolve around the fans that's for sure.

So that's Bellingham, Palmer, Watkins and Foden all out of the England set up for ambiguous reasons. Honestly, what's the point of international breaks? The fans don't want them and seemingly, neither do the players.

Sets a dangerous precedent.

Amazing there's no consequence at all. Everton and Forest must feel especially aggrieved. Perhaps this is pre-empting the Man City case?

We'll know by the end of this month if he's up to it. Manchester United is a free hit although I'll still be incensed if we concede in a similar manner of faffing around at the back. Everton in the cup holds little importance in comparison to our next games so he better not be starting the likes of Ugochukwu, Fernandes, Dibling and Archer again. Ipswich at home already feels like a must win. If we lose that, we'll be in serious trouble. Bournemouth away. By no means an easy fixture and Bournemouth will likely be looking for their first home win of the season but we must at least look competitive here. We need to see a willingness from Russell to be pragmatic. Is he a problem solver that can identify faults and rectify them or will he continue to be dogged to his flawed philosophy? If we end the month on 0 points, I'll be Russell out.

He's gone next summer regardless of what happens this season.

I take you back to my original point. That team he put out simply isn't competitive at this level. There's nothing worse for morale than losing.

I don't think so. Aribo and Smallbone evidently struggled against 10 man Newcastle and Forest. Smallbone instead of Fernandes simply makes no sense. Ugochukwu is yet to make a league appearance. Dibling simply must start next game as he transforms us every time he comes on. None of the squad will have had an issue with Ramdale going straight into the team. We signed these players because we identified weaknesses in the team that needed improvement. You sign better players, you play them. That's how successful teams operate. I agree the biggest problem of all is Russell's system though.

As opposed to losing every week?

Absolutely. It's clouding his judgement.

----------------Ramsdale Suga----Bednarek----ABK----KWP --------------Ugochukwu ----------Downes----Dibling --------------Fernandes ------------Archer----BBD Stop with the tika taka in our box. It doesn't and never will work. Stop picking the favourites. ABK might be unlikely but I firmly believe he's our best centre half.

This team will never score freely which is why it's essential we don't gift silly goals. What we need is someone to realise faffing with the ball at the back is suicidal. Whether that will be Russell I don't know but a bit of pragmatism today would have kept us in the game. Brentford weren't brilliant put pressed us at every opportunity, as every team we play will, and they got their rewards.

Dyche would have seen a poor Everton side to a comfortable 12th without the points deduction. He got as much out of that squad as could be reasonably expected. Despite Everton's collapse today, he's absolutely a better manager than Martin. Martin has done nothing to prove he's as good. Having said that, I'm still holding out hope Russell shows some pragmatism. If he doesn't, he's only proving he's out of his depth and shouldn't be seen as the long term solution for us.

Settled nicely into the bottom three. Might as well make ourselves comfortable. Russell's going nowhere.

I'm done watching this calamity. I can't see how this team can stay up under this manager.

I just hope we can get our first goal of the season today. Russell just doesn't give any chance of getting a clean sheet.

Russball get in the bin.

What position is Jack Stephens meant to be in? Looks like midfield.

Russell says this system will be frustrating at times but we'll see more of the good than the bad. So far, we've only seen the bad. We'll probably scrape a win eventually and Russell will claim he's been vindicated. The reality is, this way of playing is fundamentally flawed. It won't work at this level. He either shows some pragmatism or his days should be numbered. Can't afford a stubborn manager in a relegation fight.

Where's Archer?