St Louis

Personally, I think that the response yesterday is MORE likely to motivate them, make them feel guilty for the lacklustre performances this seaon and make them more inclined to want to play/fight for the badge beyond this season (please stay Fernandes), than giving them abuse and making the situation feel unforgivable (so they may as well all just leave). Their performances this season obviously dont deserve a clap. But I'd have clapped them off, and as others have said above, its more to show we have a decent and loyal fanbase and we will be there next season to cheer them on and push for promotion again. But I understand... each to their own and all that.

There are literally hundreds of Saints shirts in The Gambia, myself and several family members have been going out there for the last 15 years and always take a load of shirts. Wouldn't surprise me if a few have made it across the nearby border into Sengal. Sadio Mane Saints shirts are pretty common that way too. The Gambia is a really small nation, so we've got a proper following there now (seems to be Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd, Chelsea & Saints shirts you see out there!) I feel proud and guilty in equal measure 😆

Why are people (it's not just yourself I've heard saying it) assuming that Dibling's being petulant and has given up!? There could be several more likely reasons for his drop in form, it doesn't always have to be that the kid is being petulant and throwing the toys out. It's funny how as soon as we assume he's leaving, everyone starts to throw the mud. If he had stated categorically that he was staying, but was still having this drop in form, I'm sure we wouldnt say that he cant be arsed, we would think he maybe needs a breather. He's a 19 year old kid, and he's played 31 games in total for us this season, after only 5 first team games last seasons (mostly late subs), he's probably exhausted (mentally and physically)! 19 year olds arent usually the saviour in a relegation fight, its normally the hardened journeymen that handle this type of situation better. Plus the media have put an unbelievable amount of pressure on his shoulders in the last 5-6 months, constantly talking him up and which 'big' club he will be off to. And according to Martin, he's also had his agent in his ear in recent months, advising him not to sign the contract with us, etc. Give him a bit of a break, let's not assume its just that 'he cant be arsed anymore'.

Do you think the kits could have a nod to our '76 (cup run/winning) kits? It's the 50 year anniversary next season.

Southampton 1991-93 Limited Edition ‘Black Flame’ 24 hours left on this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/135609641497?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=hfWCxW-bQkK&sssrc=2051273&ssuid=hfWCxW-bQkK&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

If you are leading in a match, you are in a 'winning position', surely? The game isnt won by all means, but you've been in a winning position and then lost that lead.

Sponsored by Draper? 🛠️

I don't support his attitude if he's just downed tools and is showing a bad attitude, but I imagine the scenario behind the scenes is this.... He's born and bred in Brentwood, which is less than an hour from Ipswich. I'm sure it would have massively appealed to go back that way (and the right side of the M25), probably for family reasons and happiness outside of the game. He also spent 15 years there as a youth and first team player. It always felt to me like he reluctantly joined us on a permanent (he grew up a Hammer, so probably really wanted to break in there), but he came here late in the summer window as he seemed to like Martin and his style of play. So I imagine he's hating every second of being here at the moment 😂 As I would if I wasn't a fan, with no choice of club!

Not that Redknapp ever needs an excuse, but he didnt come in until December (I think we hoped he could 'wheel & deal' and pull some rabbits out of the hat in Jan), but the rot/damage was already there... much like this season!

Am I reading too much into this, or is Juric basically saying he's not likely to be here next season when we inevitably get relegated? From today's presser... "He comes on loan, he's a good option for us for these few months. He was very good for Bodo and for the national team. He's trained with us today, I think he'll be more of an option for the next game [than Newcastle]."

I'm not convinced that Edozie will fancy dropping back to The Championship (especially with a club who supposedly didn't treat him great last summer), given he's playing Europa League football. Anderlecht are currently 3rd in that too, above Man United, Tottenham, Roma, Porto, Ajax, Galatasaray, etc... so I expect he's quite enjoying himself away from us

Top scorers in the group and averaging 2.5 goals per game... how refreshing! They seemingly defend in a similar way to the first team though.

That’s the spirit 😆 Maybe Rennes needed the money, and/or maybe he fancied moving to a bigger club and a nice payrise?

Sorry if I've missed it, but where was Jack Stephens yesterday? Total Saints Pod said he was eligible to return for Boxing Day, but he wasnt even on the bench. Were they wrong? Was he injured/ill? Or did he just not make Ivan's squad? I havent seen anything about it anywhere.

I'm not saying this is true (and in actual fact I doubt it myself as it doesnt make sense to me), but I have heard from a decent source at the club, that we have had discussions with Man Utd about the possible transfer of KWP to them in this Jan window. This may explain why we are bringing Wellington in now.

Doubt it. I know from first team coaches mouths, that he stinks the place out, and has done since the last relegation season. The club are desperate to be shot and he's desperate to leave.

Is Tyler attempting to escape relegation or just escape the club?

What a strange way to look at things, is that honestly how you feel? You only want to attend when its the good times? I love going to watch Saints (win, lose or draw... although the wins are far more preferable and enjoyable!) I think the games sell out, because like me, many enjoy the whole 'day out' and catching up with family and friends, as much as just the game itself (often more tbh and the game ruins it). I wont stop going to watch them just because the last 16 weeks have been a bit sh*t!? I've committed too many years and am wedded for life sadly... and didnt realise there was an option to just dip in when things are good (as I wouldnt have attended much over the last 40 years if so!) 😉

Just back from the game. We were really good second half, after a poor opening half where we created little. Support for the team and Martin is still strong at the games, with 3,000 singing his name at the end, compared to so much negativity on here. I was in corporate (sorry) tonight, so socialising with Brighton fans after, and they were very complimentary of how we played, unlucky not to beat them, as strong as anyone they’ve played at home, surprised we are where we are in the league, etc. Keep the faith… for a little longer anyway!

Rishi's wealth (even when combined with the very wealthy Mrs Sunak) is apparently £650m, Dragan Šolak's net worth is listed as £1 Billion. So sadly not the knight in shining armour we need

I think he's still too important as a player for us to take that on. Player/Manager's rarely play themselves, and we definitely need him on the pitch for the remainder of the season! He also said in the summer he wants to keep playing as long as possible, so I cant see it happening yet personally. He'd maybe cover a few weeks until we get another in, but I dont think he'd keep it (or want to yet), regardless of results.

You may be referring to others, but I certainly havent told anyone they should be a Russball convert or even enjoy watching it. I just enjoy it personally, and literally couldnt give a monkeys that others don't, I completely understand that. I dont think I'm alone though, as unless we are giving away tickets, the sold out stadium suggests its not the worst spectacle to spunk £100 on every week. Results this season are abysmal, and I'm certainly not enjoying that, and if they continue this way then I would want a change too. I'm just saying that I hope it turns around and works out, as I personally have enjoyed watching Saints since he took over. Surely thats OK isnt it? Or have I missed a forum rule where we all have to be on the 'hate it' side? This place would be pretty boring though wouldnt it, if we all agreed on everything all of the time?

🤣 Sorry must dash, I've got a Friday morning press conference at work to prep for, and my spiced latte is getting cold.

Haha, calm down. Clearly stupid enough to not click on my profile and see I'm not that 'new' as I've been posting on here for nearly 19 years, and The Saints Forum for many years before that. It doesnt bother me one bit that you have a different opinion and dont like this style, good on you. And you shouldnt care that some of us do, why would that bother you? I'll assume you're just joking and that you aren't just a complete d*ck who cant accept that different people might enjoy different things. Ive been a ST holder and watched most home games and many away games for near on 40 years, so wind it in a bit and let people have their own opinions. You make yourself come across as very bitter, and maybe you could try a different sport or different team that you can enjoy watching? Or just try enjoying supporting Saints, like most of us who go to the games do, whether we win, draw (or usually) lose! It's a real shame you can't go to games anymore because you have such disdain for the young manager and "wont continue paying to watch his ego trips", as you'll be sadly missed by those who sit near you I'm sure. In contrast, you are aware that the "vanity project that nobody wants to look at" which you talk of, sells out every week home and away arent you? So please dont speak for all of us! If you read my original post you'd see I expect we will we go down, and I'm as disappointed as you with the results (obviously), but I'm enjoying watching my team play with a style and I'm enjoying the ride, last season and this. And whats the worst that could happen, we go down and I will still love watching us in The Championship (whoever the manager is). And who are you to tell me I can't? Like tastes in football, music, movies, women or anything else in life.... we will all enjoy different variations. Maybe try and understand that before you tell us all you arent stupid 😂

I completely agree with every word of this, well put. I know it goes against the tide on here to say you enjoy watching this style, but I agree with you wholeheartedly and am also enjoying the 'way we play' (not the results so far of course) and I've enjoyed watching Saints these last couple of years more than I have for a long time. The results have been atrocious and need to pick up of course, but I personally hope we dont just pivot away from this team or style, and my hope is that we do turn it around with this management and team and do enough to stay up (looking unlikely I know) and then build further next season and beyond. Its exactly what teams like Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth have done in recent years... stayed up and built further each year, with a clear football philosophy and style. Like you, I would also take our squad and style of play over Everton (or several others) and I also think we've been unlucky to not have more points on the board and things would be 'OK' if we were sat in 17th, fine margins and all that.... *Time to put the tin hat on I think* P.S I've been watching Saints since the mid/late 80's, so am not just a new 'modern' football fan who likes latte's and watching games from home. P.P.S I am not Russell Martin, Russel Martin's Mum, Rasmus Ankersen or Lucy Pinder 😂