Killer - Here we go.....

[Give it to Ron]

I remember him and Bambi Cassells first game home to Liverpool Wright was abysmal...not surprisingly given the opposition that day.

Ig memory servers me right we lost 3-2 to Whelan winner.

[NY Saint]

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...

 

Please visit a psychiatrist soon, if anything that truly warrants your outpouring of depression really does happen I fear we may lose the most negative person on this forum - which would mean fewer posts.

 

We have other options at center and full back - and even if we don't I'm fairly sure the management team is aware of it. Just out of curiosity, whats your happiest memory of being a Saints fan? Truly interested.

[scooby]

I know I'll get grief for this, but I think Svensson has had it to be honest. I'll be amazed if he plays 20 games this season. It can't be good for the stability of the defence when you are changing your centre backs every other game.

 

Agreed. For god's sake, get him off our books. We can't afford to carry dead weight any longer.

[Saint Martini]

Agreed. For god's sake, get him off our books. We can't afford to carry dead weight any longer.

 

If he's on a pay-as-you-play contract we're not paying him if he's not playing so if he would be deadwood he'd still be deadwood we can afford.

[scooby]

If he's on a pay-as-you-play contract we're not paying him if he's not playing so if he would be deadwood he'd still be deadwood we can afford.

 

Well, yeah. If he's on a pay-as-you-play and he washes his own kit, then keep him in a backroom somewhere.

[Saint Martini]

Yeah, washing one more kit is going to send us into admin.....

[sadoldgit]

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

 

 

We are all doomed, doomed I tell you.

 

Tell me again Alpine about the brilliant career that Fitz Hall had when he left us (as part of the gang of alleged druggies as I recall anyway).

 

And how did Scotland get on last night?

 

Black, black, everything is black....you are only truly happy when things are not going well, so I guess you are even more miserable tha usual as we have so far won three out of six competitive games.

 

Still, lets hope it all goes pear shaped soon eh?

[Thedelldays]

And how did Scotland get on last night?

 

?

how scotland get on or not does not mean anything to us right now...unless of course, alpine is responsible for pushing burley out..lol

 

burley will not even come close to getting scotland to the WC and will be sacked...IN MY OPINION OF COURSE...

[sadoldgit]

No Scotland does not mean anything to us...but some posters (you know who I mean) seem to take great pleasure in seeing someone fail.

 

Still, most of us realise that one competitive game does not make a career and our former manager should be judged when he ends his stint up north.

 

What is it about some of our supporters eh? Ok, so we didn't get promoted, but the manager than some people vilify had a points per game record with us of 1.54 per game against McMenemy's 1.52, Hoddle's 1.50, Bate's 1.42 and Strachan's measly 1.35. Yet he was rubbish. doesn't say much for the rest does it?

 

I bet Alpine prays that Scotland loss every game so he can come on here and tell us all what a failure Burley is (as he did after ONE game). Really, how sad is that?

 

Are people's lives so pathetic that they have to take crumbs of comfort in seeing other people fail?

 

The bloke did what he could and it wasn't good enough. So what?

 

It is not as if we have been overwhelmed by success every year is it?

[Legod Second Coming]

No Scotland does not mean anything to us...but some posters (you know who I mean) seem to take great pleasure in seeing someone fail.

 

Still, most of us realise that one competitive game does not make a career and our former manager should be judged when he ends his stint up north.

 

What is it about some of our supporters eh? Ok, so we didn't get promoted, but the manager than some people vilify had a points per game record with us of 1.54 per game against McMenemy's 1.52, Hoddle's 1.50, Bate's 1.42 and Strachan's measly 1.35. Yet he was rubbish. doesn't say much for the rest does it?

 

I bet Alpine prays that Scotland loss every game so he can come on here and tell us all what a failure Burley is (as he did after ONE game). Really, how sad is that?

 

Are people's lives so pathetic that they have to take crumbs of comfort in seeing other people fail?

The bloke did what he could and it wasn't good enough. So what?

 

It is not as if we have been overwhelmed by success every year is it?

 

 

Lighten up you miserable old basket.

 

Find me an Englishman who does not delight in Scottish failure and I will show you either a closet Jock or a closet bender!!!!

 

[Long Shot]

We are all doomed, doomed I tell you.

 

Tell me again Alpine about the brilliant career that Fitz Hall had when he left us (as part of the gang of alleged druggies as I recall anyway).

 

And how did Scotland get on last night?

 

Black, black, everything is black....you are only truly happy when things are not going well, so I guess you are even more miserable tha usual as we have so far won three out of six competitive games.

 

Still, lets hope it all goes pear shaped soon eh?

 

 

You seem quite happy to use the words "drugs" and "Hall" together but if I remember rightly you chastised anyone who mentioned "Burley" and "booze" in the same sentence last year. Talk about hypocrisy SoG.

[captainchris]

Perry

Cork

Surman

James

 

Yeah, No Centre-Backs or Full backs. I might even get shot down but i would rather see Cork in there then Svennson.

 

Spot on comment, I'm in full agreement...........

[John B]

No Scotland does not mean anything to us...but some posters (you know who I mean) seem to take great pleasure in seeing someone fail.

 

Still, most of us realise that one competitive game does not make a career and our former manager should be judged when he ends his stint up north.

 

What is it about some of our supporters eh? Ok, so we didn't get promoted, but the manager than some people vilify had a points per game record with us of 1.54 per game against McMenemy's 1.52, Hoddle's 1.50, Bate's 1.42 and Strachan's measly 1.35. Yet he was rubbish. doesn't say much for the rest does it?

 

I bet Alpine prays that Scotland loss every game so he can come on here and tell us all what a failure Burley is (as he did after ONE game). Really, how sad is that?

 

Are people's lives so pathetic that they have to take crumbs of comfort in seeing other people fail?

 

The bloke did what he could and it wasn't good enough. So what?

 

It is not as if we have been overwhelmed by success every year is it?

 

I am not sure about Burley his team always try to play good football.

 

The only problem I had with him was that he brought in a lot of highly paid players who did not perform as well as their price indicated.

[alpine_saint]

No Scotland does not mean anything to us...but some posters (you know who I mean) seem to take great pleasure in seeing someone fail.

 

Still, most of us realise that one competitive game does not make a career and our former manager should be judged when he ends his stint up north.

 

What is it about some of our supporters eh? Ok, so we didn't get promoted, but the manager than some people vilify had a points per game record with us of 1.54 per game against McMenemy's 1.52, Hoddle's 1.50, Bate's 1.42 and Strachan's measly 1.35. Yet he was rubbish. doesn't say much for the rest does it?

 

I bet Alpine prays that Scotland loss every game so he can come on here and tell us all what a failure Burley is (as he did after ONE game). Really, how sad is that?

 

Are people's lives so pathetic that they have to take crumbs of comfort in seeing other people fail?

 

The bloke did what he could and it wasn't good enough. So what?

 

It is not as if we have been overwhelmed by success every year is it?

 

Wassa madda SOGGY, cant you handle the fact I stopped replying to you over at The Other Place because you got so boring and repetitive ?

 

Who's doing the stalking now ???:rolleyes:

 

And its not even as if you have anything more to say, is it ???

 

Yep, I get a great kick out of watching Burley's career and useless brand of football management flounder after what he did to us, and I am not in the slightest shy or ashamed to admit it.

 

Paid yer fiver yet ?

[alpine_saint]

Lighten up you miserable old basket.

 

Find me an Englishman who does not delight in Scottish failure and I will show you either a closet Jock or a closet bender!!!!

 

 

Indeed, and its not as if its a one-way animosity, is it ?

[Papa Shango]

I'm might be in the minority on this one, but I'd rather have Cork at the back than Svensson at the moment anyway. Svensson has done brilliantly to come back and has played well, but he looked kind of off the pace against Blackpool and has made mistakes so far this season. We could do with some pace in defence imo, so I'd be happy to see Cork play. The boy looked class against Derby and Brum.

[John B]

I'm might be in the minority on this one, but I'd rather have Cork at the back than Svensson at the moment anyway. Svensson has done brilliantly to come back and has played well, but he looked kind of off the pace against Blackpool and has made mistakes so far this season. We could do with some pace in defence imo, so I'd be happy to see Cork play. The boy looked class against Derby and Brum.

 

Make it two I thought Svensson was poor against Blackpool especially in the second half.

 

Surely he must have been injured he must have played better against Cardiff and Birmingham

[trousers]

[magie]

Sad news that Killer is injured. Hope it don't last for the rest of the season!!!!

[Arizona]

No Scotland does not mean anything to us...but some posters (you know who I mean) seem to take great pleasure in seeing someone fail.

 

Still, most of us realise that one competitive game does not make a career and our former manager should be judged when he ends his stint up north.

 

What is it about some of our supporters eh? Ok, so we didn't get promoted, but the manager than some people vilify had a points per game record with us of 1.54 per game against McMenemy's 1.52, Hoddle's 1.50, Bate's 1.42 and Strachan's measly 1.35. Yet he was rubbish. doesn't say much for the rest does it?

 

I bet Alpine prays that Scotland loss every game so he can come on here and tell us all what a failure Burley is (as he did after ONE game). Really, how sad is that?

 

Are people's lives so pathetic that they have to take crumbs of comfort in seeing other people fail?

 

The bloke did what he could and it wasn't good enough. So what?

 

It is not as if we have been overwhelmed by success every year is it?

 

You seem to have ignored the fact that Burley's results came in the Championship, against the likes of Plymouth, Southend, Ipswich and Leicester, having spent £10m in 2 seasons.

 

Managers like Hoddle and WGS achieved similar results having spent less than that in the Premiership, playing the likes of Manure, Spurs, Villa and Arsenal.

 

Finishing 6th in the Championship is a lot easier than finishing 8th in the Prem. Burley badly underperformed IMO.

 

Anyway, he's gone so I'll leave it at that.

 

Good luck on a speedy recovery Killer.

[TopGun]

Killer is a good club captain and mentor at the very least. JP knows that he shouldn't rely on him though.

[Rod Le Shearer]

how scotland get on or not does not mean anything to us right now...unless of course, alpine is responsible for pushing burley out..lol

 

burley will not even come close to getting scotland to the WC and will be sacked...IN MY OPINION OF COURSE...

 

 

bit rich coming from the poor soul who uses every & any,-relevant or irrelevant- opportunity

to spout crap when something remotely GB-connected comes up.

even from you mentally impaired individuals,such double-standards are laughable.

 

..IN MY OPINION OF COURSE...(followed by a childlike LOL,with eyes spinning round and saliva running down the restraining shirt)

[JustMike]

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 agree, said this weeks ago that this would happen. we are screwed

[eelpie]

There has ben a chorus of concern on Saints fans forums ever since Lowe did not renew Pearson's contract that the club was failing to address our defensive weaknesses - for whatever reason.

 

I believe that Killer's miraculous return was one reason that the club acquiesced to Andrew Davies's transfer. (Lowe could have just said no.) Lowe has been clutching at straws. We will be relegated sure thing if he continues to believe that our promising but lightweight and inexperienced youngsters plus a few crocked older players are good enough to defend against tough Championship opposition. Sure, Davies would not have been fit until later in the season but he is a colossus and he would have been there to take over if Svensson's knee finally gave way.

 

Bad luck, Michael. I hope it is not bad news for you.

 

AS for Rupes, I am generally excited in the way the youngsters are playing, but his tunnel vision in relying too much on them to provide a solid defence is going to be his and our nemesis.

[paris]

Burley Out....

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...

[dubai_phil]

After watching the Blackpool game, and reading this thread (good grief a thread with more than 10 posts for a change!), I'm afraid that I take a (short term) anti-Alpine position here.

 

It's GOOD news that we have an injury issue at the back approaching these games. Killer & Perry have great experience and positioning sense, but against Blackpool were caught out time and again - my neutral mates' comment - jeez you're crap they're tearing you apart - the number of times Blackpool went straight through the middle of us (as well as down the sides)

 

So, in our OLD days we would have been demanding a CHANGE at the back anyway. Keeping ONE of Perry/Svennson as the wise old head and bringing in a younger player with PACE seemed pretty obvious at the time.

 

Now I HOPE Blackpool was a blip, I HOPE the injury s just as the OS says - a minor twinge through overdoing it, and I HOPE that the two will get their act back together soomer rather than later, BUT, the pairing was off FORM in our last game so change IS needed anyway.

 

I don't buy the lack of cover line either. we have THREE experienced center halves at the club at the moment, and Wotton who can play there who is also an experienced pro along with at the moment 3 youngsters. How on EARTH could any CCC team keep more than those three players in any semblance of match fitness?

 

FFS football isn't like FM on the computer, players need to play and we can ONLY have 11 out there every week. With 6 players available at center half, how would we keep them all match fit? we cannot, so when one of these so called "cover" players comes in having not played first team for 5 or 6 weeks and is off the pace, not mentally sharp enough, what would be the reaction on here?

 

Donkey, waste of space, journeyman, get somebody ELSE in on loan....

 

We don't have a strong squad but we have a better squad than many in this league, we are a CCC team, and for the first time our squad is starting to be built to THAT premise.

 

If we hadn't been so stupidly arrogant in the past 3 years assuming we DESERVED to go up, we would have built more depth, we didn't we're screwed now so we get used to it.

 

We have FAR more cover at CB than we did last season.

Even my 3 legged cat was more likely to play a major part in our season than dear old Claus last year. And LAST year we were already booking our travel plans for the Play-Offs at Wembley BEFORE the first home game vs Palarse, so why the doom NOW?

 

Sure I am not (yet) a fan of the midfielder at FB plan, but then in my old local league playing days I was a midfielder and played a heck of a lot at FB so it isn't THAT exclusive an idea!

[sperm_john]

time for killer to call it a day

[polegategavin]

Wassa madda SOGGY, cant you handle the fact I stopped replying to you over at The Other Place because you got so boring and repetitive ?

 

Who's doing the stalking now ???:rolleyes:

 

And its not even as if you have anything more to say, is it ???

 

Yep, I get a great kick out of watching Burley's career and useless brand of football management flounder after what he did to us, and I am not in the slightest shy or ashamed to admit it.

 

Paid yer fiver yet ?

 

What puzzles me slightly is why you don't feel the same animosity (get a kick out of, enjoy the suffering of) a certain Mr Redknapp when his efforts with our great club were far more damaging and pathetic than Burley's were.

 

They both had the same sort of attitiude to the media, and allegedly seemed to have the same lapse attitude to the players and training, yet it's only the Scot that you revel in his struggles...

[saint1977]

After watching the Blackpool game, and reading this thread (good grief a thread with more than 10 posts for a change!), I'm afraid that I take a (short term) anti-Alpine position here.

 

It's GOOD news that we have an injury issue at the back approaching these games. Killer & Perry have great experience and positioning sense, but against Blackpool were caught out time and again - my neutral mates' comment - jeez you're crap they're tearing you apart - the number of times Blackpool went straight through the middle of us (as well as down the sides)

 

So, in our OLD days we would have been demanding a CHANGE at the back anyway. Keeping ONE of Perry/Svennson as the wise old head and bringing in a younger player with PACE seemed pretty obvious at the time.

 

Now I HOPE Blackpool was a blip, I HOPE the injury s just as the OS says - a minor twinge through overdoing it, and I HOPE that the two will get their act back together soomer rather than later, BUT, the pairing was off FORM in our last game so change IS needed anyway.

 

I don't buy the lack of cover line either. we have THREE experienced center halves at the club at the moment, and Wotton who can play there who is also an experienced pro along with at the moment 3 youngsters. How on EARTH could any CCC team keep more than those three players in any semblance of match fitness?

 

FFS football isn't like FM on the computer, players need to play and we can ONLY have 11 out there every week. With 6 players available at center half, how would we keep them all match fit? we cannot, so when one of these so called "cover" players comes in having not played first team for 5 or 6 weeks and is off the pace, not mentally sharp enough, what would be the reaction on here?

 

Donkey, waste of space, journeyman, get somebody ELSE in on loan....

 

We don't have a strong squad but we have a better squad than many in this league, we are a CCC team, and for the first time our squad is starting to be built to THAT premise.

 

If we hadn't been so stupidly arrogant in the past 3 years assuming we DESERVED to go up, we would have built more depth, we didn't we're screwed now so we get used to it.

 

We have FAR more cover at CB than we did last season.

Even my 3 legged cat was more likely to play a major part in our season than dear old Claus last year. And LAST year we were already booking our travel plans for the Play-Offs at Wembley BEFORE the first home game vs Palarse, so why the doom NOW?

 

Sure I am not (yet) a fan of the midfielder at FB plan, but then in my old local league playing days I was a midfielder and played a heck of a lot at FB so it isn't THAT exclusive an idea!

 

My neighbour has a 3-legged cat and it's actually quite quick! Should I send JP e-mail and see my neighbour will do us favour on Sunday? It can't be any worse than Jakobsson or Davenport were in 2004/5! At least it'll defend it's/Saints territory quite well.

[RinNY]

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...

 

So far as I know, both of our regular first team full backs, Lloyd James and Andrew Surman, are fit to play: do you know something different? No, I don't think you do. Furthermore, to play center back, we have Perry, Cork, Lancashire, and Wotton to choose from. So let's see: in your world we have no full backs and no centerbacks; yet in the real world we have our regular starting full backs fit to go, and four centerbacks to choose from. What world do you live in alpine? It sounds a depressing place: you might want to try moving to the real world some time.

[Big Bad Bob]

you might want to try moving to the real world some time.

 

So that's what the Hadron Collider's for....so Aplwhine can step between realities and choose one he likes!!

[the stain]

We have FAR more cover at CB than we did last season.

Even my 3 legged cat was more likely to play a major part in our season than dear old Claus last year. And LAST year we were already booking our travel plans for the Play-Offs at Wembley BEFORE the first home game vs Palarse, so why the doom NOW?

 

TBF, Alpine was pointing out the lack of defensive cover this time last season as well, and he was quite right. "Even a stopped clock..." &cetera

[alpine_saint]

Two points (and my apologies, I cannot be bothered finding the quotes what they are reponses to):

 

1. I dont agree we have more cover at CB this season. We have a number of midfielders we can shove in at CB as warm bodies, and we have a number of inexperienced kids. I have believed, all along, that if one were to ask me if there is one position on the pitch where I felt an old experienced-in-position hand is an absolute pre-requisite, I would immediately answer "CB"

 

2. Burley made an absolutely ridiculous assumption last season that Lunekvam would be available at some point, and had no Plan B in case he wasnt. I reckon he chose to believe it so he had an excuse to carry on collecting midfielders, his favourite pastime. Lowe is doing exactly the same thing this season with Killer, though of course his excuse is money. As has been said on here by someone else, Lowe probably meekly accepted the offer for Davies and held his hand out for the dosh on the assumption that Killer would fill in on the cheap. I dont buy this crap about a clause in Davies's contract, since there has been NO proof of that forthcoming.

[Johnny Shearer]

Get in an emergency loan.

 

Birmingham seem to be piling up the midfielders on loan. Maybe we can do the same with defenders?!

[saintwarwick]

Two points (and my apologies, I cannot be bothered finding the quotes what they are reponses to):

 

1. I dont agree we have more cover at CB this season. We have a number of midfielders we can shove in at CB as warm bodies, and we have a number of inexperienced kids. I have believed, all along, that if one were to ask me if there is one position on the pitch where I felt an old experienced-in-position hand is an absolute pre-requisite, I would immediately answer "CB"

 

2. Burley made an absolutely ridiculous assumption last season that Lunekvam would be available at some point, and had no Plan B in case he wasnt. I reckon he chose to believe it so he had an excuse to carry on collecting midfielders, his favourite pastime. Lowe is doing exactly the same thing this season with Killer, though of course his excuse is money. As has been said on here by someone else, Lowe probably meekly accepted the offer for Davies and held his hand out for the dosh on the assumption that Killer would fill in on the cheap. I dont buy this crap about a clause in Davies's contract, since there has been NO proof of that forthcoming.

 

 

Can you provide proof that it was not in his contract? No I thought not.

[The Kraken]

Two points (and my apologies, I cannot be bothered finding the quotes what they are reponses to):

 

1. I dont agree we have more cover at CB this season. We have a number of midfielders we can shove in at CB as warm bodies, and we have a number of inexperienced kids. I have believed, all along, that if one were to ask me if there is one position on the pitch where I felt an old experienced-in-position hand is an absolute pre-requisite, I would immediately answer "CB"

 

2. Burley made an absolutely ridiculous assumption last season that Lunekvam would be available at some point, and had no Plan B in case he wasnt. I reckon he chose to believe it so he had an excuse to carry on collecting midfielders, his favourite pastime. Lowe is doing exactly the same thing this season with Killer, though of course his excuse is money. As has been said on here by someone else, Lowe probably meekly accepted the offer for Davies and held his hand out for the dosh on the assumption that Killer would fill in on the cheap. I dont buy this crap about a clause in Davies's contract, since there has been NO proof of that forthcoming.

 

Our centre-backs are:

 

Svensson - very experienced, though obviously a massive injury worry

Perry - 35, very experienced.

Thomas - 29, experienced old head.

Cork - youngster but made a significant number of appearances at this level.

 

Not many teams will have more than 4 recognised centre-halves they can call on, and that's ignoring the fact that Wotton started his career as a centre-back, and the younger kids who are available.

 

Even if you discount Svensson, Perry and Thomas would surely be counted as experienced in position. I'm not sure I understand exactly how many of these players you think we need.

[dubai_phil]

Fact is we have enough basic cover.

 

But, the moaners have failed to take one point into consideration.

 

We did actually TRY AND BUY A CENTRE HALF on transfer deadline day.....

 

A 20 something to be fair but again fairly well rated.

 

So we have enough cover for the moment compared to last season, the management/directors/scouts did notice the issue and did TRY and do something about it.

 

The loan window is STILL open for a month and still gives a chance for us to sign Gerrard on loan until January "with an option to buy" providing both parties agree the right price.

 

I would EXPECT that "price" would be better determined AFTER Killer and the Saints physio have met with Killers' surgeon in Sweden on Monday. but hey, why wait until you have professional information on his condition before making a financial commitment

[Wes Tender]

So far as I know, both of our regular first team full backs, Lloyd James and Andrew Surman, are fit to play: do you know something different? No, I don't think you do. Furthermore, to play center back, we have Perry, Cork, Lancashire, and Wotton to choose from. So let's see: in your world we have no full backs and no centerbacks; yet in the real world we have our regular starting full backs fit to go, and four centerbacks to choose from. What world do you live in alpine? It sounds a depressing place: you might want to try moving to the real world some time.

 

Let's have a realistic assessment of those players and then decide on that basis whether Alpine's statement holds water.

 

Andrew Surman may be what you call our regular left back, but he has only played there through necessity, rather than it being his best position. Technically he is not a dedicated left back. Lloyd James might well be a right back, but many would say with justification that he wasn't ready to make the step up just yet.

 

At CB, yes, we do have alternatives to Killer. Perry is a player in the twilight of his career. He is experienced, but lacks height and pace and is likely to be injury prone at his age. We keep our fingers crossed he stays fit. Lancashire is like James. Would he play if we had a dedicated, experienced CB, or is he forced into contention earlier than he would be otherwise? Cork is the real thing, as was Davies. But Cork is only a loan and unlikely to remain here long. Wotton is an ageing utility player; able to play there if necessary, but not brilliant and also prone to injury sometime during this season.

 

The cover from the above may well suffice, but it is not ideal and depending on injuries and suspensions, could well leave us short if we are unlucky.

 

I would say that in defence, we are on a wing and a prayer this season. Had Davies stayed, I would be much more confident.

[JustMike]

with killer out, that brings the average age down to 12, (well it may as well be) we are buggered!! We dont have enough cover, it only takes an injury to Perry then what are we left with..more 12 year olds.

[CB Fry]

Our centre-backs are:

 

Svensson - very experienced, though obviously a massive injury worry

Perry - 35, very experienced.

Thomas - 29, experienced old head.

Cork - youngster but made a significant number of appearances at this level.

 

Not many teams will have more than 4 recognised centre-halves they can call on, and that's ignoring the fact that Wotton started his career as a centre-back, and the younger kids who are available.

 

Even if you discount Svensson, Perry and Thomas would surely be counted as experienced in position. I'm not sure I understand exactly how many of these players you think we need.

 

 

Look, this is Alpine we're talking about. We need enough centre backs to stop him moaning about lack of centre backs, but as soon as we hit that number he'll start moaning about why we aren't playing so and so and moaning about what a "bloated squad" we have and why have we got so many players not playing, we can't afford this Lowe hasn't got a clue etc etc etc

 

Alpine will just bleat, whinge and moan, whatever happens.

[JustMike]

Look, this is Alpine we're talking about. We need enough centre backs to stop him moaning about lack of centre backs, but as soon as we hit that number he'll start moaning about why we aren't playing so and so and moaning about what a "bloated squad" we have and why have we got so many players not playing, we can't afford this Lowe hasn't got a clue etc etc etc

 

Alpine will just bleat, whinge and moan, whatever happens.

 

but the problem is, he is right. I said long ago pretty much the smae thing on countless other threads. Filling a team completely with kids will not work in this division, yes we will play some pretty stuff and the kids will have enthusiasm but how long will that last for?

 

We need experience at the back and i believe in CM too. (Wotton for example).

[dubai_phil]

but the problem is, he is right. I said long ago pretty much the smae thing on countless other threads. Filling a team completely with kids will not work in this division, yes we will play some pretty stuff and the kids will have enthusiasm but how long will that last for?

 

We need experience at the back and i believe in CM too. (Wotton for example).

 

So Svennson, Perry & Thomas aren't experienced enough for you?

 

We have CB's out for (at the moment) ONE game, one first choice the other is ONLy cover and not that popular amongst this forum even in THAT role

 

And we DID try to buy a more experienced player but with longer term POTENTIAL....

[saintwarwick]

Look, this is Alpine we're talking about. We need enough centre backs to stop him moaning about lack of centre backs, but as soon as we hit that number he'll start moaning about why we aren't playing so and so and moaning about what a "bloated squad" we have and why have we got so many players not playing, we can't afford this Lowe hasn't got a clue etc etc etc

 

Alpine will just bleat, whinge and moan, whatever happens.

 

Absolutely 100% correct.

[OldNick]

an old experienced-in-position hand is an absolute pre-requisite, I would immediately answer "CB"

 

2. Burley made an absolutely ridiculous assumption last season that Lunekvam would be available at some point, and had no Plan B in case he wasnt.

 

 

Lowe probably meekly accepted the offer for Davies and held his hand out for the dosh on the assumption that Killer would fill in on the cheap. I dont buy this crap about a clause in Davies's contract, since there has been NO proof of that forthcoming.

 

To be fair Alpine mentioned a few weeks ago that a report on Killer was similar to when he was injured before.My reports from the club were that he was sore after games but holding up but that seems to have deteriorated since.

As for the other bits above. he wants an experienced CB and then complains that GB kept with Claus.GB was told by the medical staff he'd be fit, we also took in Bennett Thomas and Davies. Finally I'll put this question directly to Alpine. You have moved to Austria for betterment or were forced?

Can you see what Im saying Davies had a choice stay on an average CCC wage or move closer to his roots and at the same time increase his wages 3 fold and also be involved in the glamour of the PL.

Is it not hypocritical to think that Davies would have stayed and not bettered himself for his family like you have done?

[saintwarwick]

So Svennson, Perry & Thomas aren't experienced enough for you?

 

We have CB's out for (at the moment) ONE game, one first choice the other is ONLy cover and not that popular amongst this forum even in THAT role

 

And we DID try to buy a more experienced player but with longer term POTENTIAL....

 

Obviously missed by a few posters.

[sadoldgit]

Wassa madda SOGGY, cant you handle the fact I stopped replying to you over at The Other Place because you got so boring and repetitive ?

 

Who's doing the stalking now ???:rolleyes:

 

And its not even as if you have anything more to say, is it ???

 

Yep, I get a great kick out of watching Burley's career and useless brand of football management flounder after what he did to us, and I am not in the slightest shy or ashamed to admit it.

 

Paid yer fiver yet ?

 

What he did to us? Take us to the play offs? What a b*stard eh?

[sadoldgit]

You seem quite happy to use the words "drugs" and "Hall" together but if I remember rightly you chastised anyone who mentioned "Burley" and "booze" in the same sentence last year. Talk about hypocrisy SoG.

 

Why? I said "alleged". It was alleged that Hall left the club because Strachan wanted him out (along with two others) due to substance abuse.

 

That is very different to dragging up the tired old cliche used to denigrate Burley at every opportunity.

 

And back to my main point. If Hall was such a loss why has his career not taken off after he left us?

[RinNY]

Let's have a realistic assessment of those players and then decide on that basis whether Alpine's statement holds water.

 

Andrew Surman may be what you call our regular left back, but he has only played there through necessity, rather than it being his best position. Technically he is not a dedicated left back. Lloyd James might well be a right back, but many would say with justification that he wasn't ready to make the step up just yet.

 

At CB, yes, we do have alternatives to Killer. Perry is a player in the twilight of his career. He is experienced, but lacks height and pace and is likely to be injury prone at his age. We keep our fingers crossed he stays fit. Lancashire is like James. Would he play if we had a dedicated, experienced CB, or is he forced into contention earlier than he would be otherwise? Cork is the real thing, as was Davies. But Cork is only a loan and unlikely to remain here long. Wotton is an ageing utility player; able to play there if necessary, but not brilliant and also prone to injury sometime during this season.

 

The cover from the above may well suffice, but it is not ideal and depending on injuries and suspensions, could well leave us short if we are unlucky.

 

I would say that in defence, we are on a wing and a prayer this season. Had Davies stayed, I would be much more confident.

 

 

The only way Lloyd James will ever "make the step up" is if he is given the chance to play: that goes for every young player of course. James is not a teenager any more, and by all accounts has been giving a good account of himself as our right back. Why everyone continues to insist that he is a midfieder, when he has been playing full back all season and doing it well, is a mystery to me. Players do not come with some divine stamp set upon them: midfilder, full back, centreback, striker. As youngsters they tend to play in various positions until their best position emerges, and that best position can change even in the early twenties. The same argument goes for Surman, btw: he is our left back, and seems to be forging a decent partnership in that role with our left winger, Holmes. By all accounts, Surman is not really fast enough to be an out and out left winger, nor robust, creative, and consistent enough to play in central midfield: hence the decision to move him to LB where he seems to be doing well. Until further notice, from the professional coaching staff, he is a left back, end of!

 

As to Ollie Lancashire, the point has been made frequently on the OS and elsewhere that he was on the verge of breaking into the 1st team squad last season before he was injured. Now that he is healthy again, why should he not be counted on as a player capable of filling a spot in the 1st team squad at least? We won't know if he is truly up to it until he gets a few games, so why just write him off as too young? He is not too young at all.

 

And now, after some go on about playing too many kids, we are to hear that the older, more experienced players we have -- Perry, Wotton -- are too old and injury prone (neither has had any injury issue as yet this season) and we need younger players! What?? But you complain when too many younger players are played! You can't have it both ways!

 

And btw, Wotton has extensive experience playing CB, you can look it up, so please don't give us that "converted midfielder" stuff: he is a more than capable back up CB. Probably better (more consistent at least) than Thomas,.

[LaptopSaint]

My neighbour has a 3-legged cat and it's actually quite quick! Should I send JP e-mail and see my neighbour will do us favour on Sunday? It can't be any worse than Jakobsson or Davenport were in 2004/5! At least it'll defend it's/Saints territory quite well.

 

That's not a bad shout. A centre back willing to p1ss on all four corner flags could well put QPR off. |And if they were one up with two minutes to go they wouldn't be tempted to play for time in the corners. Nice.

[JustMike]

So Svennson, Perry & Thomas aren't experienced enough for you?

 

We have CB's out for (at the moment) ONE game, one first choice the other is ONLy cover and not that popular amongst this forum even in THAT role

 

And we DID try to buy a more experienced player but with longer term POTENTIAL....

 

thomas looks to be out for a while, killer..well we just dont know but the very fact he is seeing a specialist in Sweden doesnt bode too well. That leaves us with Perry and kids. Not ideal is it?

 

The OS shows that we have 9 defenders, (perry, thomas, killer, hatch, james, lancashire, davies, cork and mills) with wotton and spiderman that can play there if need be. My argument isnt about what cover we have, more about the age of that cover and how they would cope against the big strikers in this division, yes they are all enthusiastic at the moment but a few more defeats and a cold, wet tuesday night fixture in sheffield for example will see their heads drop, and without the experience on the pitch to hold it together.

 

I hope killer is just out for the one game and am proved wrong