imported_Saint_G

Was trying to give a bit of balance. These are the least crap qualities, hence the use of "good" and "reasonably" :-)

I've never rated FF as a top, top 'keeper - however when he has been part of the impressive defences we've had over the last couple of seasons, its difficult to be overly critical. In my opinion he has too many flaws to be a top half Prem first choice goal keeper: - doesn't command his 6 yard area - kicking distribution is poor (note I'm not including passing to our CB's) - he isn't vocal enough (I've been to enough games where it goes absolutely quiet for a spell and you can't hear him at all) His shot stopping is good and he does come off his line to close down reasonably well.

I think he has improved slightly this season, my biggest criticism of him over the past couple of seasons has been his half arsed attempts at competing for 50/50 or challenges generally. He used to run up to the opposition player, wave a leg and then let the opposition player knock it past him - every time! I would say he is making improvement in this part though, he seems to have added a bit of a bite about him this season and is more convincing in going in for challenges. As another poster said, he is generally quite weak without the ball and doesn't add much when we are under long spells of pressure without the ball, as per the last couple of games. I think he is a useful squad player, given current squad, but should never be more than that if he stays at Saints whilst we are in the Prem. For instance, his direct completion in the current squad is probably Davis, and I could not drop Davis in favour of JWP.

At this stage in his career he needs regular games, how can he do that from the bench with 20 mins here and there. Can't see a lower half Prem team taking him on loan, so top half Championship would seem logical. Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

Similar to my thoughts on the Isgrove post, I think JWP could really do with a 20+ game season in the Championship. Toughen him up a bit (he's never going to be a ball winning DM, but could still do with learning how to mix it up a bit better).

Think it would be good for all parties if he remained on loan there next season. Has done well in the lower leagues, but needs to good performance in the Championship with 20+ games under his belt in my opinion. That would be the next step in his progression and give the club a better idea if its worth continuing with him or look to sell.

Absolutely applaud the idea and getting into a developing market with huge potential. I would also like us to invest a bit more in our youth coaches, we have amazing faciltiies, support staff and an excellent record of getting youth players through "the Southampton Way", but why aren't we going out and getting the top up and coming youth coaches too?

admittedly taken from Wikipedia, but "In 2013, it was estimated that approximately 71,500,000 people worldwide watched competitive gaming.The increasing availability of online streaming media platforms, particularly Twitch.tv, has become central to the growth and promotion of eSports competitions. Demographically, Major League Gaming has reported viewership that is approximately 85% male and 15% female, with 60% of viewers between the ages of 18 and 34.] I imagine you sell sponsorship of the our e-player, they'd wear our kit, promote our brand and create a new revenue stream. No brainer in my mind, its the way the world is going so may as well get on the train at the first station.

Today was outrageous the way he got sent off, however i feel RK should have taken him off earlier ashe was having quite a poor game anyway. The issue may have been, as the likely replacement, Reed has not had a lot of game time recently and may not have been effective for 30mins+. I wonder why we have moved away from having 2 DM's as we did under MP and RK when Morgan was here. I know Romeu was suspended for this game, but i would like to see us start him and VV regualry together. Maybe VV wouldn't feel he has to clatter about making all the tackles as Romeu would be able to chip in. JWP and Davies are not effective tacklers. The CB's look nervous as hell with only one DM in front of them too.

Romeu suspended today

Got to question Wanyama's state of mind at the moment. Has been questionable all season (1/2 the player without Morgan next to him) both challenges were needless, poorly timed and stupid. Cost us the game. Maybe RK should have taken him off earlier though.

Agree apart from the "new signings are certainly not up to scratch". Bit foolish to write them off so early IMO. I will give them at least 10 games before condemning them.

He definitely brought something a bit different today, busy player, was looking for through balls, increased the tempo of passes around the box. Went looking for the ball which was something the rest of them didn't do. Would like to see him given a chance to start against Villa with Long and/or Mane making a few runs across the back line today and actually occupying the CB's. Think he could inflict a bit of damage in those circumstances.

Well, well, well........ have given myself at least half an hour from getting back from the game to calm down,..... it hasn't worked. What a game to choose for my one and only away game of the season, was the most abject, pathetic display i have seen since the rot of the Championship relegation season, it had that lack of urgency, no one willing to step up to the plate, no one gives a **** feeling. Apart from the now well versed criticism of the players already voiced on the thread so far i want to add a few observations from the last few months (yes i'm aware i don't post regularly - have flet a bit silly having these opinions whilst we are still well positioned in the league, but today was a bit of a tipping point)..... 1) Wingers/Wide Midfielders - what has happened to moving the full backs around? Mane and Ellija been very guilty of this, they barley move but if they do its always laterally, in front of the oppo full back. Why aren't they dragging them them about back and forth, spinning off, looking for space behind? A couple of occasions today we were crying out for this type of movement, the CM's looking for options and the wingers/Wide Mids just stood there making minimal movement to fain interest. I can only conlcude this is a way they have been told to play? 2) what has happened to our flying Fullbacks? They may well have been told to watch for LCFC's counter attacks down the wing today, but generally since Christmas the number of overlaps and attacking intent from the FB's has been poor. Perhaps they do not have confidence in the wingers or CM's to cover them or find them with return balls? 3) On pitch leadership - couple of occasions where LCFC players went down for treatment today, i watched our players. This would have been the perfect opportunity for Fonte or Davis (our experienced players and an International Captain!!) to get out players round give them a kick up the arse, pass on a few instructions - nothing. Again this has been evident for a few games now. 4) Defending corners - when we are defending a corner, why do we get everyone back when the oppo have left 3 players up field and uncommitted? Why isn't the likes of Mane up on the halfway line giving them something to think about, possibly giving us an out ball? 5) Koeman - hardly saw him get off the bench today, needed to be on the side of the pitch absolutley paiting the air blue to get some urgeny in to the players, 6) Goal kicks today - why did Gaza always look to kick the ball up the pitch rather than play it to our CB's as is the norm? Saw Jose and Toby get annoyed with him a few times. Why didn't they sort this out in training? particularly if RK knew he was going to test Gaza? Poor organisation. Not many positives from today, thought Reed injected a bit of passion into the game and was generally ok. Fillip looked lively when he came on and changed the dynamics of the team a bit.... ummm they still had paper towels in the toilets at half time? that's it, i'm of out positives.

Have noticed a drop off in form for Clyne since his latest England call ups but today was just embarrassing. He seemed like a player who didn't want to get injured ahead of a big money move. Constantly stood off players and seemed totally uninterested until the final 10 when he got a bit more interested. If he is going to go, sack him off now and get one of the youngsters in, at least they would play with some heart and commitment.