Saint Fan CaM

I think Alpine was talking hypothetically so to speak. And he's right - the team's mentality is such that defending = hit and hope. Many clearances get punted upfield to the half-way line - there's no-one there to pick it upbecause EVERYONE is putting in defensive duty (because the team are scared of getting done in the last minutes) - and hey presto the opposing team just put it back in the mixer ready for us to make a defensive ****-up...just give it enough time and a ****-up will happen.

There needs to be a significant turn-around in results, in player attitude, but mostly in AP's team choice IMO. I do not think Lallana has a place in the team for example - he is a luxury player that will not help to turn results around at the moment. He is not a winger and cannot produce a consistently dead-ball delivery and that's something we need badly. With Lallana in the team we will continue to produce the type of football that will not close-out and win games. James and Mellis are OK players, but again do not add the skills that the team needs (although I think James at DCM with Hammond getting forward more might be a plan). AP needs to drop the players that cannot do the jobs needed and then we might see some results going our way.

I think this is largely true, however another relegation would see him depart and probably under his own steam TBF. Mind you, there would be significant ramifications to the overall club management structure if we were to dip into L2. Early days yet, but waiting for the collision is a sure-fire way to get hurt in business and I don't think Nicola or Markus have gained success by waiting for collisions, do you?

Mmm, I have a feeling he would point you in the direction of Stockport - in administration with 20 very young, trialist players in the squad that managed to perform against an experienced team that must be worth in the region of £12m at least. It's all about getting the right type of player now and ensuring there is some form of continuity, understanding and spirit in the squad that leads to some simple grit instilled to see out a frickin' one goal lead.

This was more about not capitalising on chances in the game, than giving away a late goal....i.e. if Lambert and Thomas had hit the back of the net rather than a post the late goal would not have mattered. But I know what you mean Tim - there is a deep seated problem with this team and their mentality.

That is utter rubbish. Saints really should have scored from open play - simple as that. You cannot play against this type of team at this level and expect to leave it to luck. Sorry - its not the refs fault - not the fault of the other team...it all comes down to poor play by Saints which needs to be sorted out.

Oh FFS - typical ****ing ******. Penalty - come on Kelvin - save this.

Come on Saints!

Three minutes of extra time. COYR.

Close enough...basically pretty ineffective.

Come on you reds!

Lallana breaks away - and guess what? Oh yes, he stops and waits for everyone to get behind the ball before doing anything.

Saints are starting to panic - FFS why can't we cruise a victory for once.

Stockport almost score - offside luckily.

Keep possesson Saints...make them work for it.

Come on Saints...you can do this FFS.

Free kick to Stockport. Oh no.

Lallana gets smacked - needs treatment. Home fans booing.

Saga scores - but was offside. Surprise, surprise. Stockport go 4-4-2?!?!?

Stockport coming more and more into the game - Saints fading.

Saga completely messes up another freaking chance...call yourself a striker!?!

Can't quite believe Stockport are actually making a game of it when they've only got 20 players and their captain is 21. Shocking that we're not all over them really.

Please do not let this be another game that we're robbed of. Keep tight Saints.

Saints corner. Combination in midfield sounds like its working according to Solent. James is doing well by sounds of it.

Sounds as if the game is being played in a cowshed.