Saint Paul C

Ab - So - Bloody - Lutely.. Other than a dozen or so half decent games towards the end of 19/20 season and during 20/21 he's been a disaster looking for somewhere to happen IMHO. I was happy when he was loaned out to Villa and hoped that we'd seen the back of him. Disappointed that he was recalled and then ably assisted our relegation. I'm also surprised that we felt the need to give him a contract extension in Sept/24 for 3 years...

Russell Martin’s revolutionary Tantric Soccer was poised to change the world of football, but unfortunately, the world—well, Southampton FC, specifically—wasn’t ready for his genius. While most managers strive for victories, Martin focused on creating a slow, deliberate build-up, playing with the ball like it was a delicate piece of art, and never finishing. It was a football philosophy that teased, tantalized, and—ultimately—left everyone wanting more, but never quite delivering. Fans would cheer as Southampton strung together 40-minute passing sequences, only for the ball to be gently crossed into the keeper’s hands, leaving them in a perpetual state of longing. It was a football experience that had never been seen before, a zen-like flow that demanded patience and a deep understanding of the art of the game. Unfortunately, it seems that the patience required for Tantric Soccer is not something the club or its supporters had in abundance. Despite the beauty of the buildup, the board began to grow restless, and fans began to wonder if they'd ever see a ball hit the back of the net again. Even with Martin’s insistence that true brilliance lies in the journey, not the destination, Southampton’s executives—who, let's face it, prefer a more straightforward approach to football—couldn't cope with the magnificence of his vision. In a tearful farewell press conference, Martin shrugged off the sacking with typical calmness, sipping a carrot juice as he said, “Sometimes you need to let things breathe. A goal will come when it’s ready.” But the club, desperate for points, could no longer wait for the "perfect moment." And so, Russell Martin was shown the door, his Tantric Soccer deemed too avant-garde for the modern football world. Southampton fans may have to wait a little longer for enlightenment, but for now, their club will go back to playing regular football. As for Martin, he’s rumored to be in talks with a few lower-league teams who share his vision—but for now, he’ll probably be too busy making a mean tempeh stir-fry to care.

Fully expect to see Smallbone in the team for this one.. Tombola Selections Rambo Sugawara - THB - Bedders - KWP Smallbone - Downes Tyler - Lallana - Fernandes ---- Archer ------

Voted Yes, but reluctantly. I wanted Martin to succeed, and in some ways he has buy getting us back to the PL at the first time of asking... However, it feels like we have gone into this season unprepared in many ways. Not really knowing who your best 15 are and faffing about with formations on a week to week basis is a clear sign of a manager guessing at the right mix of players. Also, the lack of acknowledgement that the tika-taka style isn't for us and the fact that we clearly need to adopt a more simplistic approach should be a made decision by now. We all know that possession for possession's sake is pointless, as our league position clearly demonstrates, but to go into what should be a close game against a team like B'mouth who we should be at least about equal to with no specialist strikers is bonkers.. maybe arrogance has gotten the better of him. Cheer Russell, it's been a ride but it's time to admit your shortcomings and do the right thing by the club. PS - whoever is our defence coach needs sacking today.

.

I would add to that Ramsdale Suga - THB - Bedders - KWP Big- Les Downes - Fernandes AA Archer BBD

The games are often shown at The Pig n Whistle Riverside, The Stock Exchange Hotel on Edward St and The Treasury Casino on George St.

Line up for Saturday? 4-2-3-1 Lumley KWP - TBH - Bednarek - Bree ----- Charles - Smallbone ---- AdamA - Brooks - Fraser ----- Che' ----

Agreed - Bednarek should have just taken that shot a goal face-on rather than turning his backside to the ball. If it hits him there, as it did, there's almost no way of knowing which direction that ball will deflect to.. I don't understand the way in which defenders turn sideways on to a shot, minimising the surface area that the ball could hit..

Song for the season James - Born of Frustration

Out Tall Paul - please Mara - please ABK - please Djenpro - please Aribo - please Do we really need any of the above? In THB Stewart bloke from Brighton O'Reilly Roberts

Play the so long, and thanks for nothing team Macca AMN - Caleta-Carr - Salisu - Diallo Aribo - Djenpro - Orsic Elyounoussi - Onuachu - A Armstrong I can't think of a single reason why we would want any of these players at the club next season.

Given that we're all but relegated, we should use the remaining games such as this to clearly identify those that we need to get rid of in the close season. So - 442 McCarthy LYANCO - BEDRANEK - CALETA-CARR - BREE ARIBO - JWP - DJENPRO - ELY A ARMSTRONG - WALCOTT Yes, we'll get absolutely smashed, but does it really matter now?

------- McCarthy ------- Lyanco - Caleta-Carr - Salisu - Diallo Sulemana - JWP - Alcaraz - Orsic ---- Onachu - Mara -----

https://www.fullmatchesandshows.com/2020/01/21/crystal-palace-vs-southampton-highlights-video/