SW11_Saint

AA is out according to Sky (🙏)

Now TV is pretty easy… just go to ‘Sports’ from the main menu. Move down the main screen until you see ‘Competitions’ and select ‘Carabao Cup’. All live games will be shown, move along to the right and select Norwich v Saints.

But we went up. So who cares? It’s a very binary perspective to think all goals conceded are solely the fault of the keeper.

I’d be delighted if Matty F stays, but fear a bid will come in that will be close enough to their valuation. That aside, I’d be happy with Azaz and the wingers. Assume Tom Fellows is too much to ask for?

I think that’s what he needs to work on when he has a settled squad. I also think it’s somewhat difficult for relegated clubs where PL clubs circle their prized assets but don’t always move until late in the window (eg Dibling/Fernandes) which then has the knock-on effect of those clubs not being able to recruit key players earlier in the window.

Well he made changes, on that occasion it worked. I suspect Juric, Rusk, Martin wouldn’t have done.

I’ll agree there, but for whatever reason he’s avoiding starting with 442 atm - I think as he feels he doesn’t have the right offensive mix for that formation. No guarantee that starting with 442 would have improved our results or performances of course, but I’d prefer to see it too.

I have no insider information, but I’d be astounded if they only worked on one formation in training. They’ve switched between 3 & 4 at the back in-game, so must have worked on both. For whatever reason he thinks 442 is suboptimal atm with the players he has (I’d prefer 442 too!). Hoping things will change if the board bring in the talent he needs - given their track record I’m nervous about that too!

Some good points, esp about Downs/Charles having too much to do.

So you’d rather he didn’t make changes if things aren’t going well? It’s one or the other…

Again, I think he is best judged once (hopefully) he has something like the squad he wants. We’ll see how he goes of course, but if we get decent performances and results I’ll happily stick with him, even if we don’t go up. This club really needs a reset and (if we don’t go up) I’d rather wait another year with him for promotion and properly build for the future than have another ‘hire & fire’ approach.

Not at all. I was vehemently anti-Branfoot. Our issue with him wasn’t just style, it was results judged over a longish period of time. Will Still doesn’t strike me as an idiot, and I’m pretty sure he’d like to play a effective 442, but atm he (apparently) doesn’t feel it’s optimal with the players at his disposal. I just trust that he’s in a better position to decide than me, whatever my opinion.

I think that comes if/when he gets the personnel in he needs. It’s bit ‘make do and mend’ atm.

The first para I think indicates that you aren’t qualified to make the call. Ask any pro, what happens during the week in training does have a bearing on gameday (form, fitness, attitude, mentality). I have no idea what ‘deluding your midfield’ means in this context, but watching a thousand games from the stands is not the same as studying the game as a coach for decades or managing at the top level.

I’m saying HE has decided that HE feels it’s the best system for now (3 at the back that is, not Arma up front), and I trust that he’s in better position to make that call than me or you, as he works with the players week in week out. I suspect if Downs or Stewart weren’t ill last week they may have started on Saturday.

Maybe give him a call and explain your thinking. I’m sure he’d be receptive and appreciate your advice (assuming you’re ‘steeped in the game’ and have knowledge of how players have done in training during the week?).

Again he’s working with what he has. At least he does ‘throw the dice’ unlike the last 3 managers we’ve had!

Perhaps they had the same manager last year?

I think we need to get through August and see where we are. He needs support from the board and a settled, committed squad.

Erm, you might want to check the title of the thread and Benjii’s posts…

I’ll agree on that somewhat. I don’t believe 5 is a ‘ packed defence’ though - the wingbacks are pushed further forward than fullbacks, so it can be more offensive. I could even live with one upfront, as long as it isn’t Arma. I’d like to see Stewart or even Downs start as the main striker. Perfect world I’d also like Archer to play off of them/him.

I’m not saying he’s ’hard done by’ - but the fact is he has inherited a group of players, some of whom are not up to the job, some of whom want to leave and some who just don’t work in his preferred formations. It will take time, and moves in/out to sort out… Simply ludicrous that some fans are writing him off after 4 games and 1 defeat… though I probably shouldn’t be surprised.

Easily done… Really? Downs a rookie who looks unconvincing. Arma hopeless as a main striker. Stewart, who has promise, also unconvincing when he does get a fleeting start, and Archer never quite ‘clicking’ with other players.

That just means he isn’t wedded to one single ideology (like ‘some’ previous managers), and is prepared to adapt to opposition, players available etc. it was music to my ears actually. And before anyone dives in with “so why hasn’t he changed from 3 at the back?” - he has (during games) and has also mentioned he doesn’t feel he has the (forward) players yet to start with 442 yet.

Where do you get that from?