St Louis

I'm not trying to dig you out BTW, just wondering how people know these kind of behind the scenes things, and be so categoric that its happening and specifically by whom? I dont disagree we have plenty of d*ckheads in the squad, who dont like criticism (Wood) or being dropped or not being allowed to leave (Downes) and dont look like they care. I also don't disagree that its been pathetic and disorganised for far too long. And Yes there are things in front of our eyes that confirm we look poor every week and have a lack of leadership on and off the pitch. But your point was that 'THB, Wood, Stephens and Manning dictate how they want to play', thats what I was picking up on, as our 'own eyes/ears dont tell us that' at all. I'd imagine (but wouldn't know for sure) that the style and tactics come mainly from SR and then some input from their 'Yes Man' head coach. I'd also imagine that the players hate this current system and getting beat every week and would love that to change. I genuinely dont understand why you think those 4 players are dictating things. Surely if he's that influential, then Captain Jack for example would dictate that he quite fancies the occasional game!?

I love these kind of made up assumptions. You know this is happening at Saints, how exactly?

Are you suggesting that the club/stadium/venue shouldn't be trying to take party bookings, because weve lost a few games of late. Life does still move on... or shall we close Level 1, The Dell Bar and the club shop until we start winning again? 🤦‍♂️

Genuine question, how do you know Rasmus Ankersen is the main problem (there a lot of chefs)? I thought he had little involvement with us now, since he'd relocated to Turkey and taken over as chairman at Goztepe? I appreciate he's an easy target as has spouted a lot of business textbook BS over the years, but do we actually know that he is the root of the disease?

I agree with these 4. I know the OP was asking about being content with all areas of the club... but I would also throw in the prime Le Tissier mid-90's era as a really enjoyable time. The rest of the team was absolute sh*te, but I was genuinely excited and looked forward to going to The Dell each week, just to see what Matty would do. And he would invariably lift most games with his magic! Sprinkle a few Ekelund's, Benali's and Berkovic's around too, and these were some fun times, even if it was mostly played at the wrong end of the table. This huge financial gap didnt exist (or not as large anyway) to the 'Big' clubs either, so it always felt a more level playing field and like we could compete on our day with anyone.

Appreciate the update 👍🏼

As if Tonda has any say in who we sign and when, he's probably being told to 'make do' with what he has, so of course he's going to say what we have is OK. I'm sure Tonda would also love us to sign a guaranteed goalscorer, which manager wouldn't?

Ive done some coaching badges over the years (as I'm sure many others on here probably have) and I'm always miffed when people here (and elsewhere) suggest that 5 at the back is defensive. Its typically seen as more attacking than a flat back 4, as you have wing-backs (who arent really defenders at all) bombing up the wings and on the overlap, making it essentially a back 3 most of the time. When we have played 4 at the back, we havent looked anywhere near as threatening going forward IMHO. We create more chances than most teams and have scored the 4th most in the division (despite a dismal start) and have been scoring a lot under Eckert and this formation. By playing Fellows and Manning as wingbacks, weve had 5 (of the 10 outfield) players: Armstrong, Scienza, Azaz, Fellows and Manning in attacking positions for much of the game. If anything I think we should consider going more defensive and a (flatter) back 4 on occasion, as we concede too many by playing too attacking, and allowing space on the flanks for opposition to put so many crosses in!

Do you really think that? Or are you just annoyed after today? Because the majority of fans I know, and this I don’t (Total Saints Podcast for example) have been pretty unanimous in saying the last two months have seen some of the best football we’ve played in many years. We lose one game (to a handball, after missing a penalty, etc), and suddenly we are complete shit, play shit football and have a shit manager 🤦🏻‍♂️

This isn’t true since Tonda has been in. We’ve scored 21 goals in his 7 games up until today. That isn’t being passive and stopping attacking, it’s not easy to score 3 a game every week at this level! Second halves we’ve been more passive, as we’ve been managing games and ‘trying’ to not lose a comfortable lead. As others have said, an off day today, but could so easily have been 2 or 3 up before halftime. On to the next one, which we probably will lose as Cov have been flying and beating everyone, so won’t mean we are complete sh*t again!

The keepers'? That explains it!

Correct, the previous club (St Pauli) took a risk on him at 29 years old, and it worked out well for them. Winning 10 games in a row and promotion to the Bundesliga... so you never know!

18 goals in his 6 games and 5 wins from 6! And we still have some fans moaning about how we played and who we took off, christ alive, enjoy it man! I'd imagine Tonda took Scienza off after 60 mins as he missed most of last weeks' training (and the midweek game) with illness, so I'm glad to see Leo rested (and Azaz) and just manage the game and give some others a run out, as we have 3 games in 7 days. Good day at the office... again.

How sad if true, I really hope not. I’m really sick of how shit we’ve been and the negativity around the club for what seems like years (aside from the promotion season). I just want to enjoy being a fan again for a while, please can we give him some time, even if we lose the next few!

Or... perhaps they could also see the performances on the pitch (and had feedback from the squad) and felt that getting rid of Still was necessary, as we were only heading in one direction. And felt that whoever came in, even if Tonda for a few weeks/months until we found the right replacement, would result in an improvement on the pitch. And that's proved the right decision so far. There's so much that goes on behind the scenes that we aren't privy to, perhaps they did/do have someone (or people) in mind, but we need to wait for them. And the spanner in the works has been Tonda getting 12 points from 15, and putting himself into consideration. I feel a lot more relaxed about the situation than many on here it seems. If we were losing every week, then I would be worried and want them to make a quick appointment. But while it's all going OK, I dont mind them taking their time and trying to make the right decision (and a less rash one... like they usually seem to).