Killer - Here we go.....

[itchen]

His brother was telling people that Andrew Davies was settled at SMS and was not looking to move.

 

 

He may not have been looking but no Championship player (or his agent) is likely to say no when a Premiership club is interested - even if it's only Stoke. But as he's injured anyway this has little relevance to the news about Killer.

[Ewell]

I was totally not expecting a post like this from Alpine when I saw the echo article today.

[Saint Martini]

I was totally not expecting a post like this from Alpine when I saw the echo article today.

 

That's rather naive of you.

[Window Cleaner]

His brother was telling people that Andrew Davies was settled at SMS and was not looking to move.

 

 

Nicolas Anelka's brother always says the same sort of thing.When he says it you can be sure that he'll be moving on in a week or so.

[Gordon Mockles]

http://m6live.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/3663854.Saints_hit_by_double_injury/

 

And with Thomas also injured, we are now completely f**ked at the back for QPR.

 

No full-backs

No centre-backs

 

Some things never change. Our paper-thin squad at the back exposed yet again...

 

I’m actually 110% behind Alpine here. I realise loads on this forum seem to hate negative talk (living in denial about the state of our club?!) and many love to get on the backs of Alpine (or anyone remotely negative) but I do feel this thread is very astute and, CLEARLY, obvious to all and sundry which is why it makes it even more ridiculous we sold Davies. We kept off interest from Surman and people say the bank made the decision but we are deliberately kept in the dark and I refuse to believe ALL that is suggested on here. I was fuming upon hearing the news of this transfer. We only have half truths and murky rumour so it’s hard to form a solid reasoning. However - One fact remains (regardless of reasoning) – selling Andrew Davies was a ridiculous mistake and one which has plunged our club into massive uncertainty and trouble (not that we had enough!) and left us ridiculously exposed at the back.

 

WE COULD ALL SEE THIS HAPPENING. Within a month of the onset isn’t good but it’s early days but intensely worrying.

 

We are now without Thomas and Svensson and having to rely on unproven kids (certainly at this level, in defence, is suicide imho). Anyone with half a brain knew this would happen and we have numerous links and threads on this (which I commented on). When we are having to rely on a kid loaned from Chelsea, it’s concerning. Especially as Cork is only here until January. Maybe I should judge

Lancashire from games like Eastleigh but I don’t think he’s ready. Dangerously risky to find out, but we have no choice now due to the decisions made by our board and management. I am quite worried about the QPR game to be fair.

 

Anyhow, I hope all the forum members that watch the team in pink and red don’t all jump down down Alpine’s throat as it may distract the grounds staff (who may inadvertently lose control of the lawn mower, swerving into the advertising hoarding and knocking you off your fence!)

 

I’ve not read all the responses yet but can see it’s started already. Alpine may have a negative outlook but LOOK at what they club have produced in recent years – being negative to be realistic (I don’t always agree with every point but it seems Alpine sometimes has a fair point but gets largely ignored cos of the single-minded bigots!) is NOT necessarily being wrong. It’s just not being deluded or in denial. Think before you post.

[CabbageFace]

Cork will bottle it, imo.

[itchen]

I’m actually 110% behind Alpine here. I realise loads on this forum seem to hate negative talk (living in denial about the state of our club?!) and many love to get on the backs of Alpine (or anyone remotely negative) but I do feel this thread is very astute and, CLEARLY, obvious to all and sundry which is why it makes it even more ridiculous we sold Davies. We kept off interest from Surman and people say the bank made the decision but we are deliberately kept in the dark and I refuse to believe ALL that is suggested on here. I was fuming upon hearing the news of this transfer. We only have half truths and murky rumour so it’s hard to form a solid reasoning. However - One fact remains (regardless of reasoning) – selling Andrew Davies was a ridiculous mistake and one which has plunged our club into massive uncertainty and trouble (not that we had enough!) and left us ridiculously exposed at the back.

 

WE COULD ALL SEE THIS HAPPENING. Within a month of the onset isn’t good but it’s early days but intensely worrying.

 

We are now without Thomas and Svensson and having to rely on unproven kids (certainly at this level, in defence, is suicide imho). Anyone with half a brain knew this would happen and we have numerous links and threads on this (which I commented on). When we are having to rely on a kid loaned from Chelsea, it’s concerning. Especially as Cork is only here until January. Maybe I should judge

Lancashire from games like Eastleigh but I don’t think he’s ready. Dangerously risky to find out, but we have no choice now due to the decisions made by our board and management. I am quite worried about the QPR game to be fair.

 

Anyhow, I hope all the forum members that watch the team in pink and red don’t all jump down down Alpine’s throat as it may distract the grounds staff (who may inadvertently lose control of the lawn mower, swerving into the advertising hoarding and knocking you off your fence!)

 

I’ve not read all the responses yet but can see it’s started already. Alpine may have a negative outlook but LOOK at what they club have produced in recent years – being negative to be realistic (I don’t always agree with every point but it seems Alpine sometimes has a fair point but gets largely ignored cos of the single-minded bigots!) is NOT necessarily being wrong. It’s just not being deluded or in denial. Think before you post.

 

 

Please could you explain how keeping Andrew Davies could have helped us in the QPR game?

[Big Bad Bob]

One fact remains (regardless of reasoning) – selling Andrew Davies was a ridiculous mistake and one which has plunged our club into massive uncertainty and trouble (not that we had enough!) and left us ridiculously exposed at the back.

 

Please tell me how :-

 

a) He could have helped when he's still injured.

b) We could have stopped him walking once it was known that a Premiership club was in form him, offering him much much more filthy lucre than we could afford!!

 

Also, Alpine states that we have NO cover at the back, which is a blatant lie. We have plenty of cover. I know it would be nice to have experienced cover at the back but a club in our situation just can't afford it...

 

Further one of the philosophies of Total Football (which is what we are trying to use in case you missed the last 4 months) is to use midfielders as defenders.

[trousers]

Damn....I originally predicted that Killer would last until October. Always the optimist.

[derry]

Cork is excellent tackleing but hardly won a header against Birmingham. Burgess had an excellent game and was hard to play against. It was being left one on one and no one in front of Svennson, going for the ball, which would have allowed Svennson to drop off that caused the problem.

 

However it was White who gave away the penalty and Blackpool didn't score from play.

 

I suspect the centrebacks will be Perry and Thomas/Wootton/Lancashire at QPR.

 

I think there will be changes from Blackpool. It wouldn't surprise me to see

the team be something like:

 

---------------------------Davis

------James/Cork----T/W/L-------Perry-----Surman

------------Lallana---Schneiderlin--Gillett----Holmes

---------------------------McGoldrick

----------------------------Pekart

[John B]

I’m actually 110% behind Alpine here. I realise loads on this forum seem to hate negative talk (living in denial about the state of our club?!) and many love to get on the backs of Alpine (or anyone remotely negative) but I do feel this thread is very astute and, CLEARLY, obvious to all and sundry which is why it makes it even more ridiculous we sold Davies. We kept off interest from Surman and people say the bank made the decision but we are deliberately kept in the dark and I refuse to believe ALL that is suggested on here. I was fuming upon hearing the news of this transfer. We only have half truths and murky rumour so it’s hard to form a solid reasoning. However - One fact remains (regardless of reasoning) – selling Andrew Davies was a ridiculous mistake and one which has plunged our club into massive uncertainty and trouble (not that we had enough!) and left us ridiculously exposed at the back.

 

WE COULD ALL SEE THIS HAPPENING. Within a month of the onset isn’t good but it’s early days but intensely worrying.

 

We are now without Thomas and Svensson and having to rely on unproven kids (certainly at this level, in defence, is suicide imho). Anyone with half a brain knew this would happen and we have numerous links and threads on this (which I commented on). When we are having to rely on a kid loaned from Chelsea, it’s concerning. Especially as Cork is only here until January. Maybe I should judge

Lancashire from games like Eastleigh but I don’t think he’s ready. Dangerously risky to find out, but we have no choice now due to the decisions made by our board and management. I am quite worried about the QPR game to be fair.

 

Anyhow, I hope all the forum members that watch the team in pink and red don’t all jump down down Alpine’s throat as it may distract the grounds staff (who may inadvertently lose control of the lawn mower, swerving into the advertising hoarding and knocking you off your fence!)

 

I’ve not read all the responses yet but can see it’s started already. Alpine may have a negative outlook but LOOK at what they club have produced in recent years – being negative to be realistic (I don’t always agree with every point but it seems Alpine sometimes has a fair point but gets largely ignored cos of the single-minded bigots!) is NOT necessarily being wrong. It’s just not being deluded or in denial. Think before you post.

 

The original post on this thread was in my opinion over dramatic.

 

Clubs always have injury problems and the players who come in for the injured players may not be as good as the injured players.

 

So we have Cork as a substitute for Svennson so what is the problem.

 

W have Thomas ( who may have a slight injury at the moment ) and Lancashire as further back up.

 

SFC cannot aquire another two centre halves just in case there maybe further injuries because of the cost and the practicality of keeping them match fit

[Weston Saint]

G Mockles

 

Davies was a high earner with a past and present history of injury.

 

I am glad you are not looking after the purse strings at SLH!

 

However, yours is a fan knee jerk reaction so I will forgive you that.

[John B]

Cork is excellent tackleing but hardly won a header against Birmingham. Burgess had an excellent game and was hard to play against. It was being left one on one and no one in front of Svennson, going for the ball, which would have allowed Svennson to drop off that caused the problem.

 

However it was White who gave away the penalty and Blackpool didn't score from play.

 

I suspect the centrebacks will be Perry and Thomas/Wootton/Lancashire at QPR.

 

I think there will be changes from Blackpool. It wouldn't surprise me to see

the team be something like:

 

---------------------------Davis

------James/Cork----T/W/L-------Perry-----Surman

------------Lallana---Schneiderlin--Gillett----Holmes

---------------------------McGoldrick

----------------------------Pekart

 

Yes I think the squad for the game will be as your side plus John Bart and Dyer/Skacel with one of Thomas / Lancashire not involved

[derry]

G Mockles

 

Davies was a high earner with a past and present history of injury.

 

I am glad you are not looking after the purse strings at SLH!

 

However, yours is a fan knee jerk reaction so I will forgive you that.

 

I think that a lot of these negative posts, are to generate reaction, as the instigators need the interaction ,to fill their time.

[John B]

G Mockles

 

Davies was a high earner with a past and present history of injury.

 

I am glad you are not looking after the purse strings at SLH!

 

However, yours is a fan knee jerk reaction so I will forgive you that.

 

Knee jerk very funny

[John B]

I think that a lot of these negative posts, are to generate reaction, as the instigators need the interaction ,to fill their time.

 

I dont think you are really right .

 

Some people just see the worse scenario at every possible occassion.

[derry]

Yes I think the squad for the game will be as your side plus John Bart and Dyer/Skacel with one of Thomas / Lancashire not involved

 

Pretty much as I see it. Purely as a matter of interest, Forecast seems to have had an outstanding game for the reserves this week.

[derry]

I dont think you are really right .

 

Some people just see the worse scenario at every possible occassion.

 

They probably look under the bed before going to sleep.

[John B]

Pretty much as I see it. Purely as a matter of interest, Forecast seems to have had an outstanding game for the reserves this week.

 

Yes I saw that too

 

As a matter of interest does Davis's contract end in the summer if so

 

Bart or Tommy will probably replace him

[alpine_saint]

The original post on this thread was in my opinion over dramatic.

 

Clubs always have injury problems and the players who come in for the injured players may not be as good as the injured players.

 

So we have Cork as a substitute for Svennson so what is the problem.

 

 

We are starting from our lowest base (in terms of squad depth and quality) for about 35 years...

[Saint Martini]

Cork has already played 34 games for S****horpe last season, that doesn't make him a seasoned pro but doesn't make him unproven either. He's good back up and which ever way you want to twist this having 3 centrebacks as backup for Svensson & Perry in Thomas (very experienced at this level), Cork (somewhat experienced at this level) and Lancashire (inexperienced) is not bad at all. I'd say more cover would be unwise in our current financial predicament. And if worst comes to worst, we can always get an emergency loan.

[derry]

Yes I saw that too

 

As a matter of interest does Davis's contract end in the summer if so

 

Bart or Tommy will probably replace him

 

If they get some first team games. If we are safe I can see that scenario. However I can't see Davis or any of the highly paid, out of contract players getting a renewal, except on Lowe's terms.

[John B]

We are starting from our lowest base (in terms of squad depth and quality) for about 35 years...

 

Yes so what I would say 45 years .

 

I do not see any of our players which we currently have except for Davis getting in to any of the teams I have watched since 1962 on a regular basis

 

Davis is better than Tony Godfrey I would have thought.

 

However some of the youngsters could develop into fine footballers

 

We are where we are you cannot do anything about it

Edited 11 September, 2008 by John B

[trousers]

We are starting from our lowest base (in terms of squad depth and quality) for about 35 years...

 

Ah....I believe you are referring to the beginning of the McMenemy era:

 

Lawrie McMenemy took charge at Southampton in 1973 and his first year in charge at the club saw the saints plummet in to 20th position in the league which in turn resulted in relegation in to the second division. Their first year back in the second tier of English football was not a great one as the Saints stumbled to a disappointing 13th place finish, way off the mark of a promotion place back in to the top flight

 

Perhaps history is simply repeating itself then.....good times ahead folks....thanks for the memory jolt Alpine!

[derry]

Cork has already played 34 games for S****horpe last season, that doesn't make him a seasoned pro but doesn't make him unproven either. He's good back up and which ever way you want to twist this having 3 centrebacks as backup for Svensson & Perry in Thomas (very experienced at this level), Cork (somewhat experienced at this level) and Lancashire (inexperienced) is not bad at all. I'd say more cover would be unwise in our current financial predicament. And if worst comes to worst, we can always get an emergency loan.

 

It's better than that, Wootten and Schneiderlin can also play there.

[trousers]

It's better than that, Wootten and Schneiderlin can also play there.

 

Indeed, I believe Poortvliet even used them as CBs in one or more of the pre-season friendlies. Obviously a forward thinking man planning for all eventualities.

[John B]

Indeed, I believe Poortvliet even used them as CBs in one or more of the pre-season friendlies. Obviously a forward thinking man planning for all eventualities.

 

Yes I remember him saying that when Cork Arrived.

 

He said we needed cover at CB

 

Because Lancashire was not match fit but we also had

 

Wooton and Schneiderlin for emergencies.

 

However if Alpine is really saying we have a poor squad in comparison to years gone by I totally agree but there is nothing we can do about at the present time.

[derry]

Yes so what I would say 45 years .

 

I do not see any of our players which we currently have except for Davis getting in to any of the teams I have watched since 1962.

 

Davis is better than Tony Godfrey I would have thought.

 

However some of the youngsters could develop into fine footballers

 

We are where we are you cannot do anything about it

 

Tony Godfrey could catch crosses, I think Davis and Katalinic were similar but most of the others were better than Davis.

 

Certainly many of the youngsters would have flourished in the 60's, 70's and 80's if introduced piecemeal into some of the good experienced teams. Much like Paine, Sydenham, Channon, LeTissier, Shearer, the Wallaces, Benali, Dodd, Kenna etc.

[LaptopSaint]

Yes so what I would say 45 years .

 

I do not see any of our players which we currently have except for Davis getting in to any of the teams I have watched since 1962 on a regular basis

 

Davis is better than Tony Godfrey I would have thought.

 

However some of the youngsters could develop into fine footballers

 

We are where we are you cannot do anything about it

 

So you wouldn't put Adam Lallana into last year's team instead of, say, BWP? You wouldn't put Spiderman into a Souness team instead of Ali Dia ; you wouldn't find room for Drew Surman in the Branfoot era?

We're a mid-table Championship team at the moment so I know what you mean. But memory does fade with age my friend.

[PokingFun]

I’m actually 110% behind Alpine here. I realise loads on this forum seem to hate negative talk (living in denial about the state of our club?!) and many love to get on the backs of Alpine (or anyone remotely negative) but I do feel this thread is very astute and, CLEARLY, obvious to all and sundry which is why it makes it even more ridiculous we sold Davies. We kept off interest from Surman and people say the bank made the decision but we are deliberately kept in the dark and I refuse to believe ALL that is suggested on here. I was fuming upon hearing the news of this transfer. We only have half truths and murky rumour so it’s hard to form a solid reasoning. However - One fact remains (regardless of reasoning) – selling Andrew Davies was a ridiculous mistake and one which has plunged our club into massive uncertainty and trouble (not that we had enough!) and left us ridiculously exposed at the back.

 

WE COULD ALL SEE THIS HAPPENING. Within a month of the onset isn’t good but it’s early days but intensely worrying.

 

We are now without Thomas and Svensson and having to rely on unproven kids (certainly at this level, in defence, is suicide imho). Anyone with half a brain knew this would happen and we have numerous links and threads on this (which I commented on). When we are having to rely on a kid loaned from Chelsea, it’s concerning. Especially as Cork is only here until January. Maybe I should judge

Lancashire from games like Eastleigh but I don’t think he’s ready. Dangerously risky to find out, but we have no choice now due to the decisions made by our board and management. I am quite worried about the QPR game to be fair.

 

Anyhow, I hope all the forum members that watch the team in pink and red don’t all jump down down Alpine’s throat as it may distract the grounds staff (who may inadvertently lose control of the lawn mower, swerving into the advertising hoarding and knocking you off your fence!)

 

I’ve not read all the responses yet but can see it’s started already. Alpine may have a negative outlook but LOOK at what they club have produced in recent years – being negative to be realistic (I don’t always agree with every point but it seems Alpine sometimes has a fair point but gets largely ignored cos of the single-minded bigots!) is NOT necessarily being wrong. It’s just not being deluded or in denial. Think before you post.

 

Maybe Alpine Saint brings it on himself Gordon? Just a thought....

[derry]

So you wouldn't put Adam Lallana into last year's team instead of, say, BWP? You wouldn't put Spiderman into a Souness team instead of Ali Dia ; you wouldn't find room for Drew Surman in the Branfoot era?

We're a mid-table Championship team at the moment so I know what you mean. But memory does fade with age my friend.

 

His last two lines are spot on.

[PokingFun]

We are starting from our lowest base (in terms of squad depth and quality) for about 35 years...

 

Thats because we are pretty skint to be fair

[alpine_saint]

It's better than that, Wootten and Schneiderlin can also play there.

 

Schneiderlin was a great success at CB during the first half against Exeter, I seem to recall...

[John B]

Tony Godfrey could catch crosses, I think Davis and Katalinic were similar but most of the others were better than Davis.

 

Certainly many of the youngsters would have flourished in the 60's, 70's and 80's if introduced piecemeal into some of the good experienced teams. Much like Paine, Sydenham, Channon, LeTissier, Shearer, the Wallaces, Benali, Dodd, Kenna etc.

 

Tony Godfrey could not catch he was for ever punching the ball from what I remember.

 

Yes I agree with your other comment but not on a regular basis

[Saint Martini]

Schneiderlin was a great success at CB during the first half against Exeter, I seem to recall...

 

So if 5 other centrebacks are all out at the same time we might have a problem. Otherwise two out of the following could play:

 

Svensson

Perry

Cork

Thomas

Wotton

Lancashire

[John B]

So you wouldn't put Adam Lallana into last year's team instead of, say, BWP? You wouldn't put Spiderman into a Souness team instead of Ali Dia ; you wouldn't find room for Drew Surman in the Branfoot era?

We're a mid-table Championship team at the moment so I know what you mean. But memory does fade with age my friend.

 

Of course you are right about Lallana - Last Years side was the worst in living memory .

 

After Schneiderlin's performance last week no.

 

Branfoot's team had some good players but played a crap system and it was in the First Division.

 

We are now in the Second Division and no player appears to be really good at the moment but of course this will hopefully change in the next few years

[John B]

So if 5 other centrebacks are all out at the same time we might have a problem. Otherwise two out of the following could play:

 

Svensson

Perry

Cork

Thomas

Wotton

Lancashire

 

What about Kyle Davies?

[Saint Martini]

What about Kyle Davies?

 

You got to stop somewhere. If you include Davies then I suppose Racine could also be in that list, JP seems to rate him.

[derry]

Tony Godfrey could not catch he was for ever punching the ball from what I remember.

 

Yes I agree with your other comment but not on a regular basis

 

When he came out of the youth team he seemed a pretty good keeper. I seemed to remember he had a bad injury and was never as good after. In any event it would be a bonus if Davis managed to punch the ball clear sometimes.

 

At Exeter, Schneiderlin and Wooten swapped after half time and it improved the passing. As much missing Schneiderlin in midfield, as Wooten playing well at the back .

[John B]

You got to stop somewhere. If you include Davies then I suppose Racine could also be in that list, JP seems to rate him.

 

Raccine is injured but JP said he was not ready

[derry]

Raccine is injured but JP said he was not ready

 

Mind you, he did well in the second half v Stoke and Thomas was at fault for the goals. At 16 he looks pretty big and physical. He didn't seemed phased at all against Stoke, when their main tactic was Delap's throw and route one into the box.

[Give it to Ron]

You got to stop somewhere. If you include Davies then I suppose Racine could also be in that list, JP seems to rate him.

 

Just had a knee Op that will sideline him for a bit.

Just for info .....Cork and Lancashire played alongside each other the other week against Bristol City Reserves against Steve Brooker a battling ram of a striker and Lee Trundle. They did Ok although we were beaten 4-2 we missed several sitters and 2 of the goals were long range efforts.

Lancashire did well in the air and Cork looked very good playing the ball out of defence.

[derry]

Just had a knee Op that will sideline him for a bit.

Just for info .....Cork and Lancashire played alongside each other the other week against Bristol City Reserves against Steve Brooker a battling ram of a striker and Lee Trundle. They did Ok although we were beaten 4-2 we missed several sitters and 2 of the goals were long range efforts.

Lancashire did well in the air and Cork looked very good playing the ball out of defence.

 

That sounds just about right, I think Cork is pushing for a start, maybe at right back or midfield, I think he is not good enough in the air yet and would put Lancashire in front of him alongside Perry. Although I wouldn't be surprised if Thomas plays alongside Perry.

 

In any event Svennson was only going to play against either QPR or Ipswich.

[saintbob40]

Marcus Bent may have won numerous headers v Cork during the Birmingham game but how many of these were clean and to a man. ...zero. This was because Cork always did enough to pressure him into laying off a bad ball. More importantly how many shots did the league's premier strike force have that night, again something close to zero. That has to tell us something about the back four that night as that was something close to B'ham's best team and they were trying hard(especially second half). Compare that with the lumbering display by the CBs v Blackpool.

 

I would prefer a ball playing/pacy+ physical CB combo. That to me is Cork and Wooton at CB. No drama, no crisis as Cork was a revelation v Birmingham and Wooton can play.

[ottery st mary]

Wotton showed he was a very good pro at Exeter at centre half and would do a good job as holding midfield.

Cork is a choice for holding midfield or right back. Spiderman is not ready for emergency centre back and should stay in his position in holding midfield. Exeter game proof enough.

With the injuries etc I would go for James Wotton Perry Surman back four. I do not think Skacel is fit enough to start yet.

Cork and Spiderman holding midfield.. Gillet bench and see in mid week.. needed rest or rethink. Not forgetting I still think James is a more natural central midfielder in which case Cork for James who could then vie with Gillet for middle.

 

Come to think of it as I do not see them train it may be best if I left this to JP and I stayed in the stands. Job done my plum.

[JohnnyFartPants]

Schneiderlin was a great success at CB during the first half against Exeter, I seem to recall...

 

I saw Mark Wright have a poor game once at centre back.

[Give it to Ron]

Come to think of it as I do not see them train it may be best if I left this to JP and I stayed in the stands. Job done my plum.

 

Not really you are far better listening to it at home .....you get a non influenced views by what you hear rather than what you see type of experience ;-)

Edited 11 September, 2008 by Give it to Ron

[mitch01]

I remember the last time we flogged a decent CB and Killer got injured soon thereafter.

 

His name was Fitz Hall and we got relegated..............

 

The team he moved to was also relegated...

[derry]

I saw Mark Wright have a poor game once at centre back.

 

I saw him have an even worse game v Watford at right back, when we were hammered in back to back legs in the league cup.

[John B]

I saw him have an even worse game v Watford at right back, when we were hammered in back to back legs in the league cup.

 

Yes I saw that game too it was one of Keegan's first games was it not we won easily at home and got slaughtered at Vicarage Road