converted_saint

We relied on him last season for his work-rate and enthusiasm. As a result, he wasn't able to develop as an all-round player by playing in the academy and reserves. In an ideal world, he'd be just about breaking into the first team now, making the odd sub appearance and gradually being introduced to first team action. I do think he could be a decent player, if developed in the right way. Maybe Pards might get the best out of him...

I understand that people have differing opinions and this is very healthy, but those who are being negative this early on in Pardew's reign are brainless.

yes but then you'd be accused of sucking c*ck...

Indeed. We've now got a manager who knows where our weaknesses are and is doing something about them. I can't remember having that before in recent times. The future's bright, the future's Pardew!

Didn't know he's battled cancer, didn't know he was a Saints fan. Always thought he was the poor man's Jeff Stelling but he's gone up in my estimation now!

Bang on. I think part of the problem, certainly at SMS, is that the fans anticipate a defeat and that transfers onto the players. I know it's hard after the years of crap we've had to endure but I really did think that with a great owner and a great manager the fans would react postively. In far too many cases, this has not been the case.

That's a qualified opinion. there's a difference between that and brainless negativity.

Both Nicola Cortese and Alan Pardew declared that the Saints fans were a key factor in their decisions to come to the club but I do sometimes wonder which fans whetted their appetite. I've been thinking about this for a good few months, and after the cup game last night now feel compelled to share my disappointment in what I am witnessing week in, week out. Last night, the atmosphere at SMS, for a gate of 12,000, was fantastic and obviously demonstrates that the club has many passionate supporters. Yet, this passion all too often overspills into negativity and pessimism, as was the case last night. For the majority of the game, the fans got behind the team 100% but as soon as we conceded, all of what I could hear from those around me were shouts of disapproval and condemnation, which leads me to wonder when these fans (in the small minority I hope) are going to wake up, smell the coffee and be realistic. Yes, the last few years have been utter hell, but it beggars belief just how quickly the feeling of euphoria following ML's takeover and Pardew's appointment has dissipated. Suddenly, just because we have an owner with money and a manager with nous, many fans expect the situation to instantly be righted and for us to be flying. Naturally, with an inflated expectation such as this, these people are going to be disappointed, very disappointed. I just could not believe the abuse being thrown at the players last night once we'd conceded and gone behind, at players who had all contributed to playing a strong team off the park. Those responsible appear to have very short memories...only 6 months ago we were in danger of extinction with a terrible chairman, terrible manager and terrible squad. We now have an excellent chairman, an excellent manager and the makings of an excellent squad. And still people find room to moan and criticise. For the benefit of the team, all Saints fans need to unite, get 100% behind the team, 100% of the time and accept that we are very much a work in progress. Abandon the negativity, it achieves absolutely nothing.

Well, this is pure gold! And to be fair to Poortvliet, it all sounds plausible. Wotte always struck me as a slimy character, seeking to be the hero. But to be fair, regardless of which side we believe in this 'spat', the whole thing just smacks of incompetence, on all sides, which we pretty much already knew about anyway. In hindsight, yes, the last two (maybe more) seasons have been pure hell for us fans, but we've come out of it a hell of a lot rosier, so we've that to be thankful for at least. If Lowe hadn't got us into the mess, if Pearson had stayed on and kept us up, we might still be struggling and always fighting an ultimately losing battle against ourselves. I just thank the heavens we're out the other side and have now got a chance to move on, debt-free and, despite being in League One on -10, we're in such a better position. I have absolutely no doubt that administration has been the best thing for Saints...in fact, I remember saying it to a mate back in the days of Burley when we were hurtling towards admin, I said then it would be no bad thing. And it hasn't been. Liebherr et al will drive this club on and write a new chapter in its glorious history and unwrite the wrongs that have been done under Lowe. Only a short time into their reign you can see that the new owners are running a tight ship and showing genuine love for the club already. This club will now only prosper and erase the scars of its recent past, however formative they have been. COME ON YOU SAINTS!

God I love football! I love it how so many people can read things so differently. Personally, I'm in the camp that thinks Gillett's sh*te. Yes, he's got heart and he's up for the battle and while those are good qualities, you also need a bit of skill and I really don't think he's got what it takes. I totally disagree with those who think he was our best player last season (behind kelvin) because every time I saw him (so, every home game), I thought he was lightweight and gave the ball away virtually every time it was in his possession. And, having said all that, I'm also going to publicly declare myself a fan of Paul Wotton. I know I'm going to get lynched on here for saying that, but am I missing something given that I actually think he's pretty good?!?! Anyone with me?! ANYONE?!

did anyone actually understand the draw?! what with the seedings etc. already determining some teams were home/away, made for a very c*ck-*rsed draw. whatever happened to just drawing teams at random?!

listen to all this postivity, not been heard around Southampton for many a year!

Good home tie. And one that I'm optimistic we could win! Maybe?!?!

Agree with that. It was the same in the Millwall game, we lumped it long too often. Thomas's headers just went straight back to the opposition. Maybe my knowledge of lower-league football is too poor to accept that long, high balls are of any use. I still think the best football is played on the deck, in whatever division.

SSN 10.30pm

Thought Lambert's goal was sublime. Great pass out wide, then knew exactly what to do in getting into the box and stooping for the header. Overall, another steady performance, didn't set the world alight but then we weren't required to. Hearing Pards, it sounds as if another day of F5ing beckons tomorrow!

Somebody in the Matty Holland mould. He's a bit old now I think, but someone who has his attributes and is mid 20s would do very nicely

Exactly, he tells it like it is. It's what we've needed for a LONG time!

Darn it, I thought that was going to be the story confirming that Portsmouth had gone into administration!

what idiots!

hmmm maybe then

you're full of cheer tonight aren't you lol!

is Simeon Jackson actually that good or is this suggestion just because he scored a hat-trick t'other day?!

apologies if this has already been posted...I haven't sifted through all the posts...but once Saga's gone can't we just replace his name for Rickie Lambert's in the current Saga song?

couple of sandwiches short of a picnic I'd say