The ...'who is going to eastleigh thread'

[georgeismyname]

Got back from the game a few hours ago and have been reading through all the posts.

First half was pretty shocking from us to be honest. No passing, no thought, no commitment, no threat to their defence while our defence looked shaky.

The passing was awful - just hoofball, with a few attempts at cross-field balls when there were so many opportunities to use the space more often.

There was absolutely no thought put into the passing either - someone decided to play it in the air to Gillett (who no offence to him is not the tallest guy on the team) who was surrounded by 3 (much taller) Eastleigh players.

I can understand that there wasn't much commitment seeing as it was just a friendly.

The disallowed goal was probably a correct decision but Bart should have got to the ball earlier when it was above the reach of the strikers rather than letting it get to the stage that it was possible to head it out of his hands.

From the first half, the players who impressed me were Wayne Thomas who was outstanding and very commanding, winning most things in the air and Simon Gillett who was much the same as Thomas plus a fantastic touch at times.

The players who didn't impress me were Lloyd James who wasn't his usual sharp self and was just running into players but will come good when his match sharpness returns, Paul Wotton whose distribution was very poor and kept missing slide tackles (but on the plus side, the commitment was there) and Grzegorz Rasiak who just looked disinterested and not bothered.

Second half with the kids was much better. Much more commitment, better passing, more threat to their goal and more domination and confidence at the back.

Better passing, good triangles and more thought going into it.

Players who impressed me were Ben Reeves who was outstanding at left-back with a great first touch and good pace and crossing ability and Olly Lancashire who was basically our Wayne Thomas of the 2nd half.

Players who were disappointing 2nd half were Pulis who hardly touched the ball and the right-winger who was the same.

Didn't really notice the blond CM who everyone is going on about.

I think Wayne Thomas (if we can afford to keep him) and Olly Lancashire should be our CB pairing based on todays performances from them, maybe with Perry at full-back cos I liked him last season.

With the goalkeeping debate, I'm not sure which of Bart and Forecast I prefer as both look shaky and the goal was Forecast's fault although both made some good saves. Hopefully Kelvin will stay (fingers crossed).

Crowd was good, mostly Saints fans who gave their players a good reception. The bloke on the tannoy was quite good and funny.

All in all a good run-out but with plenty of areas to improve in.

[OldNick]

Thanks for the report. Rasiak not interested...no surprise he was the same in last seasons pre season games, wheras Euell and Stern were well up for it. He has a big opinion of himself and Id rather him gone. I know the he'll score 20+ goals blah blah blah

[ottery st mary]

Sounds so familar to last season and the youngsters look promising etc...Some are a year older and wiser but we still need a few of the forum old boyzz to stiffen up the side...Mind you in view of what has been going on we should say well done to Wotte and staff for getting players out there....Still think Henderson and Svennson could have produced the same end product.....Sorry not convinced that Wotte is a proper job re coaching/managing.....Talk talk is fine our sides are still the same..

Hopefully sorted Monday or we could really playing more Dutch revolutionary diamond formation, we are so unlucky to be bullied by these big boyzz type of relegation here we come...Its not fair...Our Directors.. Tointon and Jones picking the side next.

 

Where is Phil The Whale when you need him.

[Arizona]

Thanks for the report. Rasiak not interested...no surprise he was the same in last seasons pre season games, wheras Euell and Stern were well up for it. He has a big opinion of himself and Id rather him gone. I know the he'll score 20+ goals blah blah blah

 

Can't believe some people are so dismissive about such an important aspect of the game. I don't care if Rasiak falls asleep on the penalty spot and long balls bounce off his a*se into the net. He never looks interested in any games, it's hardly surprising he wasn't interested in a Micky Mouse fixture against none-League Eastleigh.

 

I'm not defending the guy's attitude. He IS lazy and if he doesn't want to be here he can p*ss off. I just wouldn't get rid of him purely because he doesn't 'look up for it'.

[SB]

If I was them, I'd be planning where I'm going to be playing next season, rather than thinking about winning a pointless Friendly, with a club that might not even be around in a few weeks..

[saint1977]

Sounds encouraging re: Doble and young Reeves. If I were the prospective new owners I'd look to retain Thomas, I think he'll shine at L1 level. Boyle seems to confirm early promising reports although have heard people say he is a bit lightweight at present but that can be changed.

 

On the debit side, Pulis really ought to be given his cards, no room for nepotism in football unless you are Nigel Clough/Darren Ferguson and an oustanding player/manager in your own right. A new keeper must be a priority. Still, glad Gillett went well, alongside Thomas and John (if we can retain them), Mills, James and possibly Wotton, there is the spine of a competitive L1 side there.

[saintbletch]

http://www.saintsfcpics.com/pictures_495941/detail.html

 

No 10 looks like Ryan Doble then.

 

That's a hell of 'tash he's got. Abel Xavier anyone?

 

[master]

I think we need a new manager.

We seem to have a promising bunch of players but the tactics employed are not the right ones.

[buctootim]

That's a hell of 'tash he's got. Abel Xavier anyone?

 

 

Was that taken standing on Athelstan Road.

[Nineteen Canteen]

1-1 against mighty Eastleigh.

 

lol.

 

 

Robbie are you commenting on the club or retyping the Hampshire Bus Timetable because its difficult to stay awake through your posts.

[eelpie]

Why as supporters cant we just accept that Wotte is the manager and get on supporting the team.

 

..... it is a long way from here back to the Premiership why cannot we just try and see what happens and support the team without all the whingeing that has gone on.

 

That so reminds me of last years posts from so many on this site re Poortvliet.

[SaintRobbie]

Robbie are you commenting on the club or retyping the Hampshire Bus Timetable because its difficult to stay awake through your posts.

 

I know I tend to use some big words sometimes 19. Enjoy your snooze.

 

What's that new avatar... not another club as well as Andover you're supporting surely? Hockey too... friend of yours play for them?