austsaint

It’s a decent line up. I’d be playing Charles or Alcaraz rather than Smallbone, and if we had any competition for Manning, he would be playing LB. Surely it’s good enough to get past Rotterdam though.

Probably a minority view, but I’m a Smallbone sceptic too. Wasn’t bad last night, and took his goal well on Saturday, but I prefer an Alcaraz type as an attacking midfielder and Charles as a better proposition in a defensive/central midfield role. Think we have a gem in Charles and I see him ahead of Smallbone in the pecking order in the near future. Even if WS is a RM favourite at the moment.

Yes, we saw tonight (and glimpses v Leeds) why Downes is rated so highly. He held the midfield together defensively but also showed a capacity to link with the attacking players - he and THB look outstanding additions and it’s a pity neither are here permanently. while not a great game to watch, Saints willingness to graft it out against a typical Stoke lineup was exactly the performance needed in an away night game. Superb free kick from SA, good games from KWP and Bednarek and once again Sulemana showed what a crucial part of the promotion possibility he is - not just a dangerous runner with the ball, he drags multiple defenders out of position and picks out a good pass. A 3-0 score line tonight would not have flattered Saints.

Smallbone did play in an attacking mid position yesterday, and again was sub-par. Stu or Alcaraz starting or replacing WS earlier was the call I wanted. Sulemana and Edozie on earlier to benefit from the better attacking mid options we have but didn’t employ.

Smallbone’s continued selection is at the heart of my rather long list of convictions that Martin isn’t up to standard. WS has a few technical skills, but needs time and space to find a pass and has a default to sideways and backwards. Offers little defensively and is consistently beaten for pace and movement as he lopes around the park. With Downes not yet living up to expectation and Charles still finding his way, we have a midfield which is gifting all opposition the upper hand. Martin spoke about being too passive after scoring, yet passively left the lineup and structure (Manning change aside) much the same for too long. The introduction of Stu, Sulemana and Edozie improved the side straight away - we looked more threatening but the momentum of the game had long changed since the AA goal…which, from memory, was the only shot on target. And then the Martin post-game clap trap about how well we played, how bravely etc. A week or so ago I thought Martin was on the cusp of being on notice. He should now be shown the door. The patterns, shortcomings and self deception are clear. What a shit show.

The continued selection of these two will cement our slide into Championship mediocrity. And RMs decision to keep playing them is one of the reasons he should probably go.

So sorry to read this. I love your posts… full of insight and humour. My thoughts are with you and your family from whom I hope you can gain much strength and comfort.

Agree about reverting to an orthodox RB and LB set up - we are sacrificing the skills of KWP’s game at present. Charles has to slot in at CM; will Downes be fit? Don’t want to see Smallbone again anytime soon - I’d play Alcaraz as the AM. Lets hope your niece brings a change of fortune. RM is on the cusp of being on notice.

Midfield looks wafer thin again. Would have preferred Holgate partnering Harwood-Bellis with Charles and Downes in CM…..not at all convinced by Smallbone. Hoping Martin unleashes Sulemana early on….. he's going to be too good for most in this League.

Some may of turned on him. I think though the majority are just a little alarmed by a few things they saw yesterday from Martin. The selected team; the set up of players; the failure to adapt style and strategy and poor use of subs. What most alarmed me was shoehorning Smallbone straight back in at the expense of Charles which resulted in a steamrolling of our midfield and a confusion as to holding and attacking roles. I honestly can't see the appeal of Smallbone - neither a robust holding midfielder nor a running creative player - let's have Charles and Downes with Alcaraz providing the AM role. Watching Manning again only reinforced my belief he is not up to standard for a side aiming for automatic promotion - you can't afford such a ponderous, one footed, poor defender playing at LB. RM playing AA as a 9 again was another surprising decision - Mara playing out wide? Square pegs, round holes. Not starting Fraser in such an important game. The knives aren't being sharpened, but he has to prove that yesterday was an aberration, starting in a fortnight v Leicester.

Mara, Smallbone, Manning?

What is it about Smallbone I'm missing? Looks like a safe playing recycler....Charles looks the better midfield prospect.

Me too. Also surprised Charles drops out and Smallbone slots straight back in - Martin obviously rates him.

I think Che should start up front with AA slightly deeper. Fraser has to start for Edozie who can come on as a sub. Likewise, unleash Sulemana in the second half for Stu or Alcaraz. Is TBH not ready to start? Perhaps Charles at CB rather than Bednarek to accommodate Che with Downes holding.

Or you could say that Sulemana, a player not many expected to stay, is a replacement for Tella too. As it turns out, I think both Fraser and Sulemana are probably better players than Tella for whom the Club got a hefty transfer fee. What's not to like.

Yes, he's got a quiet, respectful demeanour about him and a professionalism which must endear him to managers, coaches, players and fans - I imagine Martin will be delighted to keep not only a good character at the Club, but a class player who lifts our promotion chances considerably - and he plays the game with a smile on his face. It's the best news of the window for me.

That would be a cracking squad. Still prefer an upgrade on Manning; would be surprised if a deal isn't brokered for ABK and I can see S. Armstrong still playing a major role. KWP staying remains the jewel in the crown for me.

I'd be happy to put a driveway in for any Saints supporter! But if KWP goes, the 2016 Domaine Faively Les Porets-Saint Georges stays in the rack until we get promoted!! There's a lot resting on the next 11 hours or so isn't there.

If KWP stays, I'm opening my last decent bottle of Burgundy, given to me by a mate after I did his driveway.

It's very odd. Such a good player and plays the narrower wing-back Martin style very well. I've always thought he should be up there in Southgate's thinking for the England squad. To see so little rumour and signs of a move this close to Friday is a shock. The closest he has come to flagging a move was a quote early on in pre-season where he said he'd be lying if he didn't want to continue playing in the Prem.

This is the third game I've seen Manning play and apart from the occasional cross he is the most limited LB I've seen in a Saints shirt since Fox and Harding. Give me Perraud or even Larios.

Indeed, if Adams stays, most people (Verlaine aside) will be happy enough with our "strikeforce". The other key might be Sulemana staying. If he does, I can see the scoring and providing of many goals - even if he isn't an out-and-out striker. Perhaps Wilcox and co have knowledge/confidence he's staying.

Yeah, high quality.

There'll be quite a few out there like the Lord Duck fuming about the audacity of Women playing high quality Football these days rather than being restricted to kitchen duties as they were in the good old days.

He (Manning) is/should be under the microscope though because he looks distinctly average thus far. Just too static for my liking and clearly lacks pace. Doesn't press or get close to attacking threats and even if he has a narrow role under RM, doesn't show any capacity to bomb forward or overlap. The only plus side I can see is a sound passing game and a good left foot cross - but not at the level of Perraud's quality in those areas and I'd like to think that Larios has scope to have a bigger impact.