austsaint

You can add Sulemana, Les Ugo and Onuacho to the misused players under Martin.

I would have preferred Martin to have shipped out Smallbone and retain Alcaraz.

I’m less convinced (than I was) that Juric is the right man to lead the Championship campaign. He has had long enough to assess the players yet picked Smallbone as a starting central midfielder and Aribo to partner him. I doubt any person at St Mary’s today, or tapping away on this forum would have done the same. Then there’s the rigidity around playing three centre backs - one of them being Bree, wtf, and at times Aribo helping out at CB. It’s true there’s a greater threat going forward but the midfield and defence continue to be a shambles. I know IJ has been dealt a mountainous task, and he hasn’t got much of a deck to shuffle; the Downes situation hasn’t helped. Just the same, his team selections, subs and formations create serious doubt he should be in charge next season.

I like that line up. Play Fernandes just in advance of Les Ugo. With two specialist full-backs to call on, it’s time Juric changed formation

The thing I learned watching back those highlights, apart from the evidence that JWP wasn’t/isn’t a dirty skate, was just how much we miss a striker like Ings (as he was then) and a midfielder like Romeu.

Really, is your first sentence about Sulemana? I thought he was impressive again - just about our only attacking threat with Dibling marked out of the game and Fernandes a little quiet by his standards. I like Juric, but he got things wrong today. As others have mentioned, a mistake to play four full backs and Bednarek at the back. Especially since we’ve been gifted an excellent LB prospect in Wellington there was an opportunity to have KWP and Wellington flanking two centre backs and strengthen the midfield. Later in the game it was somewhat demoralising to watch Bree, Manning and Smallbone knocking the ball around at the back with minutes to go and the score 0-1. I’m not sure whether Juric is playing Smallbone because we are stretched with injuries and the Downes situation, or whether he rates him, but his credibility is going to be dented if it continues. I thought he should have brought on the Dane earlier to chase the goal we needed rather than WS.

I think you’ve skewered him quite nicely. There might be a bit of self deception going on for the boy from Fareham.

I like Juric, but today’s set up was weird. It was an opportunity to play KWP and Wellington as FBs with Bednarek and Wood/ABK at CBs, to establish balance and a more orthodox central midfield. When Sulemana (who was very good) and Ugochuku came off, it was obvious we weren’t getting back into the game. The sight of Manning, Bree and Smallbone knocking it around at the back at games end was a bit demoralising. I don’t know whether IJ is playing Smallbone because of the lack of midfield depth or he rates him, but it’s going to dent his credibility between now and seasons end if it continues.

Judged by the IJ Burnley presser I don’t think we’ll see AA play for Saints again. Juric gave the impression that AA wanted to go. He’s had so many chances at Prem level and always come up short - he may well be a thorn in our side next season but we must seek out a better player; one of Spor’s first tasks. Only wish him well - he is a tremendous Championship attacking player.

Surely (if it’s Juric) he won’t play 3 centre-backs. Take Bree out of there; take the 12th man Smallbone out of the side and play an attacking player like Gronbaek, and it’s not a bad line up. Someone better in goal than Baz would help. I’ve got a feeling though that there will be several new faces starting the first game of the 25/26 season.

Downes not dynamic enough for IJ but Smallbone is?

I haven’t given up on Downes, and the idea that he can only play in a Russball side seems crazy. There is a midfielder in the squad who appears to be a possession/ recycler only, but it’s not FD. I think he has suffered from not having a defensive minded midfield partner, last season and this. Charles wasn’t ready; and Smallbone and Aribo don’t fit that role, particularly WS. Although Les Ugo has been inconsistent - Downes and he in partnership looks the best central midfield pairing we have for the rest of the season. I hope he stays, with Shea Charles and a newbie to help him out.

Yes, I’ll settle for the SAA sale, and for that matter a big price sale of Dibling in the summer, if it means we could keep Fernandes, and even Ramsdale. Fernandes staying (against the odds) greatly increases the prospect of automatic promotion next season.

Similarities to Bertrand were immediate. I’m already worried about how we keep him at season’s end.

Wellington was the surprise highlight of the day for me. He looks the LB we haven’t had since Bertrand. Quick, good touch. Neat passing and crosses and stayed tight defensively. Immediately looked a Prem class LB which is something we haven’t had for ages. The Gronbaek debut was also impressive. Given that the 3 CBs set up appears so chaotic, why not revert to 4-3-3 with KWP and Wellington, two CBs and Downes, Les and Aribo in midfield. Aribo was immense today and his makeshift role in defence was outstanding. Once again the Sulemana impact was huge. Juric deserves credit for getting better out of players like Sully, Onuachu and Ugochukwu. The win was fortunate today but lets hope Juric gets the chance to re-shape the side, finish this season well and build a squad capable of winning automatic promotion.

Agree with that. Alcaraz was offloaded mainly because the previous manager didn’t rate him, and didn’t employ a game style to suit Alcaraz’ strengths. Effectively Will Smallbone was preferred (by RM), a decision which seemed odd at the time, and odd with hindsight. Wish him well….even if it is with the Toffees.

One thing is certain. Whatever fee we get - and it’s sure to be more than 20 million; it will be a bargain for the buying Club because Fernandes is headed for the top.

I like Juric, and as you say, he’s still learning about an oversized squad. Just the same, I’m hoping he’s seen enough of Smallbone and Armstrong by now. Think he could do better than Bree as well.

You knew once the line up was announced that “too many players who looked average in the championship trying to step up” would lead to inevitable defeat. Manning, Bree, Armstrong and then subs like Smallbone, Archer and Fraser. Not their fault…..they should never have been given the responsibility at this level. Just two players (KWP and Fernandes) of obvious quality on the pitch is a wretched fail by SR in the aftermath of last season’s promotion.

The second under Juric. None from that other bloke with the beard.

True enough. Even though he scored a goal and had a headed effort cleared off the line, he’s one of several “old hands” who’ve been in a comfortably stale place at Saints for too long, with a game changing clanger never far away. He needs (and we need) a fresh start elsewhere. Put Bree, Armstrong, McCarthy, Smallbone and Fraser in that category too - although Armstrong obviously offers a lot for next season in the Championship… never again in the Prem. The fight and intensity in the second half restored a lot of pride and hope in the Club. Ugochuku, Fernandes, KWP, Airibo, Onuachu and Sulemana all lifted the standards to a level Juric will be happy with. That’s what the rest of this season is now about.

Do you think Prowsey will stay? At Forest?

True. Alternatively, if we still had Alcaraz we might not have Smallbone. Which would not be such a shame.

Four years? He signed in Feb 2023 - played under the Managerial genius of Nathan Jones and Reuben Selles. Before being subjected to a season and a half of Russell Martin’s walking possession Football, completely unsuited to his game. He had a much better game last night than you’re giving him credit for, and he’s much more likely to make the sort of meaningful contribution you’re looking for playing for a decent Manager with a style of play which suits him.

Productivity levels which weren’t helped by being ignored and demotivated by Martin for 18 months. The guy can play. I’d trust my eyes and Juric’ judgement over your trumped up opinions every day of the week. Take a bit of wind out of your bellows.