Armchair

Interesting tactical analysis on Clyne's performances so far this season. Suggest he is good at identifying when to tuck in or stay wide when defending, a trait which is not always evident with other full backs. http://thinkfootball.co.uk/tactical-analysis-nathaniel-clyne-is-southamptons-shining-light/

1-3 Can't see anything other than a Spurs win. I've heard Bale has already been perfecting the baby cradle rock goal celebration knowing he will likely score against us

Your right in that Everton, Arsenal and Man City are the hardest away games we could of started with based on 2012 form so it was always going to be a big ask to pick up any points and the fact we haven't done so shouldn't of been a surprise to anyone. Yes our weaknesses have been exposed in all 3 games but most other teams will suffer the same fate as us. Our home form will be important but you can't rely on just that, you have to believe that you can go away from home and pick up points. Sadly Chaplow seems to have lost this belief already. Based on his tweet us fans shouldn't hold any hope in picking up points in any of the remaining away matches. Until we play the other mediocre teams away from home then he shouldn't tweet such negativity as gives out the wrong message. I am just thankful Chaplow won't be featuring too often this season.

Positives 1. Puncheon played well and actually had a bit of pace about him when cutting in. 2. Another goal from midfield which will be key this season. All 3 midfielders can pass, defend and get into box. 3. Ward- Prowse very good game especially first half. 4. Good passing throughout team except for Kelvin! 5. Lambert again proving what a quality player he is. Negatives 1. Fonte not up to standard, panics and switches off far too often 2. Fox not tight enough to wide players allowing too many crosses to come into box. 2 goals from due to crosses from that side. 3. Davis Distribution woeful 4. Personnel on subs bench were not suited to coming on when trying to hold onto lead. They were more for chasing game which I guess Adkins was perhaps anticipating as we were playing Man United!! 5. Dropped too deep allowing Scholes to dictate game when he came on. A man marking job on Scholes would of been a good ploy.

As long as we bring in a couple of decent defenders then we will more than hold our own this season. There will be 12 teams battling to avoid relegation and my prediction is we will finish top of this mini league.

I see no issue with us playing with the 4-3-3 formation but I am not convinced about Lallana playing centre midfield. I would like to see Lallana playing in front 3. With 3 others in centre midfield this would perhaps give Lallana more freedom to roam. Steve Davis and Ward-Prowse both like to make runs into box so we would still carry a threat from midfield. Davis Clyne Fonte Hooiveld Fox Davis/JWP Morgan Cork Puncheon Lallana Lambert

He wasn't disciplined enough to play central midfield at championship level let alone this level. He is already well down the pecking order and we are still in market for another attacking midfielder.

Chaplow clearly wants to stay but he knows he will soon be surplus to requirements hence his public reaction to daily star story.

On paper you could argue that we are struggling to bring in quality players as so far we have signed 2 championship players, 1 league 2 player and 1 Scottish PL player. I think the first season back in the PL is always going to be a challenge in attracting players with Premier League experience who are still at the top of their game. Therefore players like Jay Rod and Clyne are very good alternatives as they are young, hungary for success and must prove that they belong in the PL.

The defence is an area of concern for me and I will hold judgement until the end of pre season. Your probably right about Morgan though.

K.Davis, Fox and Lallana are for me probably the only guaranteed starters for the City Game based on current squad.

Adkins clearly recognised Jonno quick had limitations in his game but quotes like these are a trademark of Adkins in that they are purposeful in keeping confidence high amongst the players. When it comes to scouting new players Adkins will be far more objective. We have a very good keeper in Davis who deserves to start as no.1 for next season but makes perfect sense to have a young talented keeper to challenge him. Butland is clearly well thought of, young and english which fits the bill!! Time well tell if he fulfills his ability but being part of 'the Southampton way' will give him evey opportunity to do so.

Did he not reject a 40k a week salary to stay at West Ham? If so then I can't see us offering more than this for a keeper who is no significant improvement on Davis. Yes he is currently Englands number 2 but that says more about the lack of quality keepers we have at our current disposal. Imo Davis deserves to start as No.1 next season.

I am not denying he is a good player but 6.5 million upfront is pricey. If Burnley's inflated value was based on him being a 'bright prospect' then surely less money upfront with add ons based on appearances in both PL and for England would be more realistic fee structure. Saints did well from the Ox deal.

6.5 milllion up front for a championship player in last year of his contract is a lot of money and imo too high of a price.

Prem teams generally only play each other during pre season when there is a commercial benefit in doing so. Perhaps the Markus Lieherr memorial will be played overseas, such as Japan. That way there would be a commercial benefit in Arsenal participating.

They have just posted following Article on their OS. Last paragraph rather suggestive!! http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/LatestNews/news/Great-Games-Pompey-4-Southampton-1-3427.aspx

Good call. What I saw of him last season he likes to get forward. He even likes to get to the Bye line which would make a nice change!!

I suspect that only one striker will be signed. I would be quite content with Lambert, Sharp, Lee and one other making up the main striker options for next season. I think goals from midfield and a few additions in defence are more of a priority.

This would explain why he featured in last game of the season

No way Don will bid 8 million for Jay rod and to be honest he won't need to. i think 4 million plus add ons will be more than ample.

I bloody hope so!! Delap was utter garbage and I still find it cringeworthy that he is still our record buy. I think we will only break the 4 million barrier once this summer though.

Clearly quite a few posters noticed the odd comments in Adkins interview. Yes its a shame we are questioning Adkins future but he seemed downbeat and the comments made were very unlike him. You mention this thread goes against the euphoria of the day but you could same the same about Adkins comments.

Guly MOM. Clearly Guly is much more comfortable in centre midfield and I reckon we will see him play there more often than not next season. Cork was very good yet again showing good energy and movement.

This