NewYorkSaint

I asked perplexity.ai (the smartest answer engine out there currently) "which English football clubs have the best academies". We make the shortlist... Was nice to see. I do think our longterm success depends on building on that... https://www.perplexity.ai/search/which-English-football-_im6AG.5T32HUqXmISE1tw

I predict there will be a sea change attitude toward Sports Republic over the next couple years. Contrary to what others here feel (which may just possibly have been influenced by the pain of relegation), I think: - Rasmus and the Sports Republic team have an exciting strategy for this club - they're funded by a decent owner with a great combo of deep pockets and a willingness to delegate decision making - the network of clubs they're building will, over time, give us special strategic advantages in terms of the players we have access to - long-term investment in the academy will build on what is already great, and probably extend to other continents ensuring an exciting pipeline - they learn quickly from their mistakes and aren't afraid to course correct - they're in this for the long-term In the premier league, you're up against some clubs with insane levels of 'irrational' money... money spent purely for ego. It's so far from a level playing field, it's crazy. When someone's willing to risk £200m, and work like dogs to try to find a way to claim our own place there, I feel like they're entitled to a lot more respect than some have shown. Hopefully their successful appointment of Martin, and the immediate bounce-back, will turn the tide. Personally, I'm really looking forward to how they manage things this summer. Could be pretty exciting...........

We're lucky to have him. He's a great owner. Committed, willing to spend, but also not aggressively foisting his own opinions on how to manage Saints.

The reason the championship has been so much fun this year is because we've retained so many great players -- and have won a ton of games. If we fail to go back up, no guarantees that next year will be anything like as good... and we might end the year with prospect of years as an also-ran football club. Speaking personally, I really really want us to head back to the premier league. We won't win as much, but every game packs a bigger punch... and when we do outperform the overpaid gods of the sport, now that is really sweet. I think we may also be surprised at how this unlocks the longer-term strategy of Sports Republic, allowing them to bring to the premier league, the best of the players from the rest of their growing network of clubs. Be brave! Our best years are ahead of us....!

For once, one of my comments aged well...! Happiness is alive and well in New York City.... I might have to fly over for Wembley.

Now do we hate VAR?!

They're pretty well organized... Making it v difficult. The one positive about all of our sideways possession is denying them much time on the ball to do anything. Hopefully they've burned a little more energy than us. Right now the over the top ball looks most promising. A slight difference in touch by Fraser on two occasions cd have let to a breakthrough. In other news... Downes. What a player!

Here's little old me with a modest request... This is such a giant game. Our whole season on the line... and potentially more, given the consequences of who all we'll lose if we don't go up. Any chance that - just for this one match - we lean positive. Act as if we actually believe in this team, this manager, this club. Feel the excitement, the possibility, the joy of loving football... even if we go a goal or two down early. I mean if there's ever a day to be a happy-clappy supporter, surely this is that day? C'mon, you oh-so-cool dyed-in-the-wool cynics, snarkers and snipers! You can do it! This is it!!!

It's important to remember that so much of football is a crapshoot. Any game can turn on whether the ball hits the inside of the post and goes in or the outside and is a soon-forgotten goal-kick. Or on whether a block is effective or creates the deflection that is unsaveable. So there can be no guarantees. BUT... we're definitely the better side. And I think there should be a surge of energy and conviction on Friday. I think we'll win 3-1. I just really hope their goal is a consolation, and not an opener. Not sure my nerves can take it. It will be utterly heartbreaking if we the gods are against us. But more likely, we're headed to Wembley, and continue what has been -- when all's said and done -- an exhilarating season.

We're the better team.

So... this was a great great afternoon. V good chance we see Leeds again at Wembley. And if so, what happened today will really tilt the odds in our favour. Stewart... exciting to finally have on board. Smallbone looking better and better. KWP on fire again. Downes lethal. Confidence restored..... Don't want to jinx anything but... I think we can do this.

Whatever you say about Martin-ball, when it works, it is bloody beautiful to watch....

Amidst all the gloom, I was impressed by Smallbone this half. His sharpness in generally reliably one-touch passing is wonderful.

The build up to that goal was just a dream. Great tackle by Bree. Smallbone involved with beautiful one-twos.... divine cross. Wow!

Any independent spectator would have to conclude Saints clearly the better team. If we can hold the lead, it will impact our confidence -- and theirs -- for the rest of the season.

Me too.

Given our game in hand, and matches against Ipswich and Leeds to come, we still technically have automatic promotion within our control... We just might need to beat Leeds 7-0 on the final day of the season to make up goal difference. 🙄

I listen to him and Adam Blackmore while also watching the game... and find myself increasingly frustrated with him. I appreciate his tactical insights from time to time... but so often he sounds to me super-whiny, and without real clarity as to what his point is. "They need to pass it forward more, Adam." Well, sure... but.... they also need to retain possession. They're trying a radically different type of football. Overall it's been working brilliantly. Would love a little more credit where credit's due. More generally, he just takes away a lot of the fun of listening to a radio commentary. You want passion, excitement, enthusiasm as well as thoughtful criticism. He's got the balance wrong, in my view... and even if he didn't change a word he says, I could wish he didn't sound like a strangled chicken so often.... Basically... I miss Dave Merrington. Am I alone on this?

duplicate post...

I love Adam Armstrong as a passionate, tireless wrangler of the ball and playmaker... but as a striker he's so often unconvincing. Coulda shoulda had a hatrick already....

I apologize for getting the final score wrong....

that was awful

Their first goal was super-lucky. Got a big deflection. I'd argue their second pretty lucky too. Bednarek has been superb. For his header to land perfectly for them... a mistake yes, but also unlucky. They probably won't be as lucky second half. I think we'll win 4-2. And fwiw, even though our style of play can be nail-biting, it's also extremely exciting - and when it works is truly glorious. The anti-Martin sentiment is bonkers.

We're a much better team. We're playing brilliant football. I think we'll win.

Said this at half-time "Can't believe how quick people are to turn. We've had one of the most incredible runs of all-time, thanks to a brilliant manager and superb team. Any football game in any league can be lost. It's how football works. But this one is still wide open for us. The next goal crucial of course." Truly hope we never again give up on THIS team and THIS manager with just a 2-goal deficit. When you come back from that, it is the SWEETEST feeling. Bravo, Saints....