macca155

Worthy point. Hoedt and Carillo were busted flushes. Poor buys and have struggled elsewhere. No problem really, kissing frogs and all that, it happens Boufel I rate, shame he went. Boy could we use him now. Lemina not doing it at Fulham. Just not EPL standard attitude wise. However would be useful right now as a temporary option whilst Diallo recovers. Mo just too slow, we all saw that straight away. Good player otherwise. JWP is the same but he compensates elsewhere. All cones down to wages really. Had to clear the books.

2 goal keepers good plan and I'm not joking. Forster only uses his legs anyway, so that would actually be feasible. Doubt we could afford the bribe to play 12 so guess Adams drops out. Such is our perilous state, that what would normally be a classic bit of annoying pedantry, worthy of derision, is actually a reasonable observation. 73/74 and 88 were terrible. This slump is becoming alarming. How did we beat Liverpool! Being serious, Forster to play and Stephens or Ramsey at RB. I don't fancy 3 at the back, too much bad karma.

No of course not, he is hamstrung with too small a squad, a bad run on VAR (that will change), nasty injury list, and some difficult transfer windows. Nevertheless he does have a talented group of players to work with when fit. Old Roy isn't particularly my cup of tea but there is no way this would be happening under his watch. Somehow Ralph needs to keep the verve and build resilience. "Re-watching games from the last 5 years could be interesting, I'd imagine you will see exactly the same traits in all of them under 3 or 4 different managers. I don't think I could put myself through that though." God can you imagine, bad enough the first time

I think Romeu in particular was struggling (which put pressure on JWP), we all know that if he collects a card early doors he is stuffed for the game. That's one of the reasons Traore moved to the centre as Romeu couldn't tackle him 'robustly'. Could whine and groan all day, but nothing changes the unpalatable fact that this team, in any formation, simply cannot hang onto a lead. That is down to the manager, under his system the players seem to lack mental toughness, and after 70 minutes are running on empty. He has to address this and for goodness sake sort out the player's tendency to pass back or sideways when under pressure. I've said this a few times, but other teams have worked us out. That doesn't mean Saints aren't a threat, far from it, but if the opposing manager can neutralise our tactics by shifting personal around, then it is time to look at how the team is set up. If anybody calls for Ralph's head then they should be forced to watch a Match from 2017/18. I like the man, and I like his football, but he'll be hurting the same as us and has to resolve this. I wonder if he needs some support, someone who isn't a yes man. The likes of Ferguson, Terry, or Woodgate are very experienced and couldn't give a flying **** for anyone's reputation. I'm convinced someone of that ilk as Assistant Manager would make a big difference.

Good half, remember it is a team game. I get Redmond annoys people, I'm shouting at the TV as well, however he is pulling their defence all over the place. Personally I think Romeu is struggling a little. That is more of an issue than Redmond fluffing a few shots. Possibly an early sub required.

Redmond isn't useless, that's a bit OTT. Agree on Forster, can only think its a wages thing

But that's the point. I don't think he had a bad game, he did the job asked of him. Had he scored it he probably would have been named MOTM. Big if of course but strikers walk that line He's being used in the Walcott position, I presume Ralph has a system and players have to play within it. For Ralph Redmond is the best fit. He defends well from his position and when on form droves forward. However he needs to up his game in final third, he can't keep killing attacks. Minimano will hopefully show him the way.

Go strong, it is an important game. They will throw the kitchen sink at us. McCarthy (I'd prefer Forster but McCarthy is no 1 for Ralph) KWP, Bednarek, Vestergaard, Bertrand Romeu, JWP, Armstrong, Minamino Adams, Ings Looks a strong side, Tella and Salisu to get game time if the game goes our way. The only caveat is whether Redmond plays, usual poor finishing tonight but he worked hard and occupied their defence. He's a Ralph style player. Things look brighter than a few days ago.

WhilstI think Forster deserves the No1 slot at the moment, his wages are sky high. The club will want rid asap. McCarthy will keep his place.

No need for that. When we've needed him he has stepped up and will continue to do so. Obviously not first choice, but a club like Saints will struggle to have better as 4th choice. He's been OK, I really don't get the hate on here.

Ralph says Mohammed Salisu is also “fit and available to play.” This feels horribly like the run up to Jankewitz's debut. Big hype, where the hell is he .... red card within 2 minutes ....Gulp I guess if he doesn't play Thursday, we are unlikely to see him this season. Let's just get it over and done with. Oh and maybe cut him some slack. Two nervous, out of form teams face each other on Thursday. Should be interesting.

I thought that, he had a good game. Touch and go not sending Bendarek off mind.

Certainly wasn't as bad as losing 9 0, get a grip. However a very bad day at the office. The conditions didn't help but you can see confidence is shot. As usual the Redmond, and Stephens's haters are out in force. They didn't have great games, but just because you want a scapegoat doesn't excuse the vitriol. Minimano made some great runs, played like a Liverpool player. Saints just ignored him Ralph has to change his tactics, he has been found out and needs to adapt. Losing 3 2 is relatively normal. Learn, blue line move on. Free hit Thursday, chance to regroup.

Bendarek, KWP, Romeu, Vestergaard and Minimano all possibly available Is it safe to come out from behind the sofa yet

Luiz had time to move out of the way, he ran after the player and brushed against him, clear pen but never a sending off. Rules are ridiculous

I can't believe I'm saying this, but can we recall Valery? I mean we don't actually have a defence for Sat.

Like Mane we just need to enjoy him while we can, great signing

Ralph likes a settled side and he'll have an eye on the forthcoming league game. Team pretty much picks itself really but who plays in midfield? The obvious trio of Diallo, JWP, and Romeo will be interesting to manage in Ralph's preferred formation. Guess it depends on fitness really. Team needs width, so maybe Valery will be given a forward role. One thing is for sure the Arse won't be putting 10 behind the ball this time.

Way too sensible

Cue rapid phoning of BT by family of Caleb. Kegs, and Dan. Great to see the youngsters be given a go. Their parents' will be gutted that they can't be there for their debut. Hell I'm gutted I can't be there. Haven't missed a 3rd round for 54 years. Hope for the best, but the team is in survival mode. No injuries or bookings please,

I think you'll find that all the defenders gave the ball away at times, it's just that certain people on here are on a hair trigger with him. Without Redmond or Long, their usual outlets are very limited, so he gets it. We all have a knob sat behind us somewhere, who moans throughout the game. No different on here. That said he has had better games. The defence came under increasing pressure as the game went on, and it isn't surprising they all started to creak a bit. Stephens didn't make any forward runs and that is pat of his game.

We lost to a very good Leicester side, but not beaten, (if you get what I mean). Up until the last minute Saints were going head to head. No disgrace, they played well and Arsenal won't enjoy their 1 or 2 games against us. I thought it was notable that Barnes kept KWP back. Good tactics and it stunted our attacks. Ralph should really have brought Valery on earlier to make Barnes do some work further back himself. Teams are defending further up the field to Saints now. The team needs width and a bit more variety on the bench. Above all else it needs experience. Classic example is Diallo, great prospect, he shackled Tielemans and played well. However he lost the ball in a critical area. and then lost it for a while. Romeu is more experienced and would probably have avoided that scenario. That skill comes with time, and Diallo will improve. Like Vesty he is very young. On the positive side N'Lundulu and Smallbone look ready for a run in the side. Need to start scoring again, that is key.

5 bookings always going to happen

Very important and valid point, however I don't think anyone is saying sell Ings and Vestergaard. It is more a case of accepting it if there is no alternative.

Those accounts make for grim reading but no surprises considering the current environment. Saints have been hit hard as the hangover from the transfer fiasco simply won't go away. I presume the loan is standard business and whilst 9% seems high, it won't be crippling will it? I mean the interest payments are only half season ticket income for the year 😵 It will be ok if Saints maintain EPL membership as TV money will make it easier to manage. The aim must be to buy the club time to whether the Covid storm. As unpalatable as it is, if I was the CEO I would have to consider selling Vestergaard and Ings. They are the two main assets after JWP and Ralph himself, but they are priceless. Danny and Jan could be replaced, I don't like it but if that means the club finally throws off the financial straight jacket then so be it. Ings, as fantastic as he is, rides the roller coaster of injuries. He may well be riding his luck at the moment and there is a case to be made for cashing in. Jannik is proving to be a diamond, but CHs are not as difficult to replace. Once again a bitter pill to swallow if either are sold, but I'd rather that than go through the agonies of administration again. Whatever happens Ralph has to be involved in the decision as we don't want to lose him. Before that happens the club really need to clear out the dead wood and reduce the wage bill. One example is Bertrand, his wages will be high and perhaps it is time to let Vokins grow into the LB position. If Ralph isn't going to use Forster, Gunn, Hoedt, Lemina, Elyounoussi, Obafemi, Slattery, Sims, Hesketh, then sell and bite the bullet on any losses. That will at least free up cash for wages and allow the club to go forward. Targeted transfers like Diallo are the way forward and hopefully some youngsters to start making an impression. As supporters we really do have a responsibility to create an environment that allows players to flourish. I really learnt my lesson with Vestergaard, I usually am prepared to support players like Stephens, JWP, and Redmond, they take time to develop and won't be brilliant every game, but once confidence grows they can become real assets. All I saw with Jannik was bambi on ice, a CH prone to mistakes, and I joined in with the moans. There were a lot of fans (me included) queing up to give him a lift to Leicester for £35m last year. Memo to self, don't make rash judgements.