Spare a thought for Saga

[Saint Richard of Woolston]

I feel sorry for any player, especially one of talent, who is struggling.

 

Saga certainly fits both bills but the amount of work and effort he has put in is highly questionable which negates any real sympathy. Now, if he had some real heart he would come roaring back and that would be very good for us. We'll see.

[Window Cleaner]

I feel sorry for any player, especially one of talent, who is struggling.

 

Saga certainly fits both bills but the amount of work and effort he has put in is highly questionable which negates any real sympathy. Now, if he had some real heart he would come roaring back and that would be very good for us. We'll see.

 

 

I don't quite see how he'll be fitted into the side anyway.Pardew has sifted through what he inherited and changed what he found unacceptable.In bringing in Lambert and Connolly he's indicated that Saga plays no significant part in his plans so don't count on him getting any major opportunities to redeem himself.

No doubt AP wants shot of him but there aren't so many takers.

[West End Saint]

Saga has had chances to impress & not delivered this season if he can get the attitude & form back he showe when he 1st arrived he will be valuable member of the squad particularly if we pick up some injuries.

 

If he cant get himself right move him on I would like to think he can sort himself out and prove his worth he owes us some goals and good performances it is upto him he wont get a new contract or a new club not getting a game in league 1 so pull your socks up Saga lets be having you

[Chez]

I've never rated him and have said as much continually on here, but I certainly don't agree with this `he only tries when he is after a new contract' ********. For me his effort and workrate has been the same throughout his time here (average).

 

I don't even think his form has fluctuated all that much (he is an average striker). The chances dried up rather than him missing them and he just isn't the sort of striker that creates goals out of nothing.

 

I'm not surprised many on here are now turning on him. There is always a need to find a wipping boy, and with things so good there is little to moan about.

 

IMO If he wants to stay and fight for his place then that's great, we will need cover later in the year, but if he wants to go then so be it.

[Under Weststand]

No I won't spare a thought for Saga, he played out of his skin for us to get a contract, & since then has done not to much for us at all. He has stated he wanted to get away from us, his main problem is there are no takers for him, or more probably no takers at the wages he perceives he warrants. Looks like we either need to pay up his contract to get rid, or end up paying a % of his wages for another club to take him off our hands.

Not a good situation all round but he is just not producing the required end product his position,& wages demand. I for one will not miss him when he's gone. He is part of a very sorry part of our history I will be glad to forget, or put in a very dark corner of my mind.

[Saint_clark]

Get him off the wage bill, it should free up quite a bit.

[suewhistle]

It's sad to say but ART told us before he arrived about his only putting in the playing effort to get contracts and he has been been proved right.

[alpine_saint]

One thing I would say in Saga's defence...

 

This season, with the new era, he has not had the chance to play since we brought in the likes of Waigo and Antonio, and played Lallana more centrally. He only got the chance to play in the pre-Rovers team of no width and limited creativity. If we want to be really fair to the guy, to let him prove his ability or to let him hang himself, we would judge him in the current line-up

[Saint_clark]

One thing I would say in Saga's defence...

 

This season, with the new era, he has not had the chance to play since we brought in the likes of Waigo and Antonio, and played Lallana more centrally. He only got the chance to play in the pre-Rovers team of no width and limited creativity. If we want to be really fair to the guy, to let him prove his ability or to let him hang himself, we would judge him in the current line-up

 

But with the likes of Lambert, Connelly, Lallana and Waigo all performing we can't really justify giving him another chance.

[fanimal]

From that amazing day at Molineux to hardly bothering v Torquay recently. so he has had his chance, he has been unprofessional. Time to move on.

[The9]

I've never rated him and have said as much continually on here, but I certainly don't agree with this `he only tries when he is after a new contract' ********. For me his effort and workrate has been the same throughout his time here (average).

 

I don't even think his form has fluctuated all that much (he is an average striker). The chances dried up rather than him missing them and he just isn't the sort of striker that creates goals out of nothing.

 

You're the only one then. When he tries he's already moving when the ball comes near him and has the ability to take the chances that creates. When he's unmotivated, lazy and out of form he stands around and considers running for things long after the opportunity has gone, so he fails to get into scoring positions.

 

It's no coincidence that his best spells were

 

1) when he was on loan before he got a permanent contract

2) The first few games after the contract was granted when he was still fit and motivated

3) A couple of games right after he returned from Aalborg when he'd been playing for them to try and get a permanent move at CL standard and was clearly fitter and sharper than he'd been for some time for Saints.

 

He's not average compared to strikers in League One when he's played successfully in the CL very recently and excelled for Saints for a period in the CCC when he first came. Unlike the likes of Pahars, he's not had endless injuries or gone beyond his peak either. He's just stopped being bothered. Just like he did at Troyes to end up in the reserves and loaned to Saints, after having two stellar seasons at Legia Warsaw and then Guimaraes when he made his name.

[david in sweden]

Its in his power to either fight for his place in training or fight for a move in training and then in matches.

He seems happy to run the clock down on his contract and do neither.

He's here for cover only now.

 

 

There you are Alpine, I'm agreeing with you again (this time anyway, and they say you have so many critics):confused:

 

It's all in his own hands. I do think he is a player who needs a confidence boost, 'cos he was red hot in his first spell with us, but then loaned out by RL (to keep the salary bill down) ..only to find that scoring spark again when he returned from Denmark, but then didn't make a hit with the Dutch combo.

 

1 start and 4 subs this season = no goals. You can get away with a mediochre game if you're in midfield but not as a striker.

I'm sure he's disappointed that

(a) Rasiak has gone .....

(b) that he's still here and NOT playing ...and of course

© for Polands exit from World Cup.

 

Tough life Saga, but it's make your mind up time, or goodbye after the New Year.

ADVICE : Get yourself a start in the next RESERVE game.....get a few goals and your bench place back in the first team ...

Edited 19 October, 2009 by david in sweden

[Secret Site Agent]

I am just wondering how Marek must be feeling at the moment, He has had a very poor start to the season couldn't buy a goal and must be very dissappointed that Poland failed to Qualify for the World cup and now last Saturday cant even make the bench. For a experienced International Striker he must feel pretty down at the moment, especially with the euphoria over Connolly.

Should he stay and fight for a place or just move on?

 

I think when AP says that he wants to shift a few out, I suspect that he has him in mind.

[Gorgiesaint]

IMO, Saga is typical of many footballers in that he is talented but lacks the mentalilty to make it as top class professional, yet believes he should be playing at the highest level. Normally, this sort of attitude is displayed by young professionals who then disappear from the professional game, whilst rarely its displayed by a more senior pofessional (Winston Bogarde being another prime example already mentioned).

 

In answer to the original point, spare a thought for Saga - my only thoughts are what a waste - of talent from Saga's perspective & £8k pw froms Saints perspective. Sadly I can see him loitering around until his contract runs out getting nowhere near the team.

[Andy_Porter]

He offers the team nothing. Isn't prolific, doesn't hold up the ball and he's isn't quick at all.

 

He does have a decent work ethic but that's about it and we could stick anyone upfront and tell them to chase every ball, someone like Saga promised a lot more he just doesn't have the right attitude. Compare his performances over the last year or so with how he played for Poland in the Euro's was like watching a different player.

 

After him apparently refusing to play against Forest we should have got rid asap.

[eurosaint]

Too many of our past players have had more than adequate time (despite being pushed out under Lowe & more recently not playing much - this could be down to temperament) and just bring up "ifs" and "maybes". He's played enough games for us and look at his scoring record. Good when he was playing for a contract, complete sh*t thereafter.

 

He may do well elsewhere but I think we're flogging a dead horse with him residing at St Mary's. Too much has happened and it's time for him to move on, start afresh. Not too much sympathy. After all, he's earned a lot of money for not that much work. Good work if you can find it.

 

I much prefer the new influx, fresh start, mentally solid acquisitions that Pardew has brought in and kept in the right frame of mind. It's nice our management team now seem to pay attention to every detail (looking after players, astute training, fitness, mental well being, team spirit & not piling too much pressure on individuals) and nurture the squad in reasonable expectations (i.e. not telling an inexperienced kid he has the weight of the entire club on his shoulders and he's starting every game, regardless of performance).

 

COYS - Long live the revolution!

 

I go along with that !

He was once the right man at the right time but now he is not !

[Professor]

Last saw Saga play against Yeovil. He looked worth his place in the side with some nice touches but he didn't threaten to score. Saints were 2-0 up when he was subbed (to the 2 disputed penalties) and he was immediately overshadowed by Papa N'Diaye who was all action from the moment he got on. Even if Pardew uses two strikers, Saga is now 3rd choice after Lambert and Connolly as well as having to compete with Patterson. The Polish coach obviously still rated him last summer but I'd think it was in his own best interest to look for a move in January.

[Bailey]

I'm normally a fan of Saga but he has failed to deliver for quite some time now.

 

I fear his spell at Saints is coming to an end, and I fully expect to see him leave come January, if not sooner.

[egreog]

Time for him to ship out......simple as that.........stop taking the money for nothing and go earn his wages elsewhere, though I fear any contract offered would be a fraction of what he presently on........the love affair ( if there ever was one) is over.

[Genk]

I do believe the quality is still there in him. If he can be motivated enough to get fitter and sharper then I think he is an ideal partner for Lambert, but the one big problem is that he doesn't seem motivated. I really rated him when he was banging in the goals but it is all in his hands. He either bucks up his ideas to impress AP or is out of the club.

 

P.S Anyone at Southend see his shots in the warm up? Think I could do better to be honest

[RedAndWhite91]

Who? Oh, I had all but forgotten about him... With a strike force comprising of Lambert, Connolly, Lallana and Waigo we do not really need Saganowski anymore, it would be beneficial for both the club and the player if he moved on to pastures new.

[greg_hill]

People describing him as 'rubbish' are actually talking 'rubbish'. He's proven himself a good player in the past however he is now in poor form. If he decides he wants to make a fight of it here and get himself back in the team, let him stay. If he wants a new start, let him go.

 

In the past he's shown a good attitude and has expressed affection for Saints so I'm hoping his choice will be the former. I still believe he could be a real threat at this level.

[Chez]

You're the only one then.

 

 

When he tries he's already moving when the ball comes near him and has the ability to take the chances that creates. When he's unmotivated, lazy and out of form he stands around and considers running for things long after the opportunity has gone, so he fails to get into scoring positions.

 

It's no coincidence that his best spells were

 

1) when he was on loan before he got a permanent contract

2) The first few games after the contract was granted when he was still fit and motivated

3) A couple of games right after he returned from Aalborg when he'd been playing for them to try and get a permanent move at CL standard and was clearly fitter and sharper than he'd been for some time for Saints.

 

He's not average compared to strikers in League One when he's played successfully in the CL very recently and excelled for Saints for a period in the CCC when he first came. Unlike the likes of Pahars, he's not had endless injuries or gone beyond his peak either. He's just stopped being bothered. Just like he did at Troyes to end up in the reserves and loaned to Saints, after having two stellar seasons at Legia Warsaw and then Guimaraes when he made his name.

 

You have `a' opinion, not THE opinion.

 

Never noticed him being particulary lazy. He came on against Rovers (I think) and ran around in exactly the same manor as he has always done. I don't see a drop in his effort or desire. I certainly am not going to big him uop any more than that. I've spent two years arguing with Arizona about whether Saga is up to it. I never felt he was. I seem to have found myself kind of defending the guy. Very weird.

[Colbury]

I am just wondering how Marek must be feeling at the moment, He has had a very poor start to the season couldn't buy a goal and must be very dissappointed that Poland failed to Qualify for the World cup and now last Saturday cant even make the bench. For a experienced International Striker he must feel pretty down at the moment, especially with the euphoria over Connolly.

Should he stay and fight for a place or just move on?

 

Is this a joke?

 

Did you not see his inept, dis-interested/cant be f*cked displays at the start of the season?

 

He doesnt want to be here, so lets move him on.

 

He's been w*nk ever since we gave him a contract.

[up and away]

Originally Posted by saintstr1

I am just wondering how Marek must be feeling at the moment, He has had a very poor start to the season couldn't buy a goal and must be very dissappointed that Poland failed to Qualify for the World cup and now last Saturday cant even make the bench. For a experienced International Striker he must feel pretty down at the moment, especially with the euphoria over Connolly.

Should he stay and fight for a place or just move on?

Is this a joke?

 

Did you not see his inept, dis-interested/cant be f*cked displays at the start of the season?

 

He doesnt want to be here, so lets move him on.

 

He's been w*nk ever since we gave him a contract.

 

Not strictly true, he was equally w*nk before he came to us. Pardew hyped the guy up and gave him every chance to prove himself, but Pardew has given up on that as a bad job by the looks of things.

 

No one wants the useless w*nk, would not surprise me if he is our highest wage earner.

[suewhistle]

I think we should also remember that AP seems him every day in training so has a lot more to go on than we have.

[Panda]

If you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem. Time to move on Saga ..... BiBi

[greg_hill]

I think we should also remember that AP seems him every day in training so has a lot more to go on than we have.

 

Excuse me but this is a fans forum. Please could you take your calm, rational and considered opinions elsewhere? :-)

[St Marco]

He said he wanted to leave to play international football, that is fair enough.

 

But from a managers point of view Pardew would do better in the long run to get a team playing without him. There is no point making him a first team player only for him to leave at any point. I like Saga but he has not shown the desire and determination as the other players this year. When you look at our team and the performances of that team most people would be surprised to see he is a international player based on his performances.

 

So better to prepare for life without him because he will be gone in January most probably.

[OldNick]

I have no sympathy for him.He could easily have said 'lets tear up the contract and Ill move on.' No he wants to take the wages and sulk. Overrated by many on here, a few flashes and then a lot of nothing. matt paterson has been more effective than him this season

[Danish Saint]

IMO Saga is a symbol for all that went wrong at Saints....

 

I think many of the players that went through the club, tended to see the place as a "last resort" or "a window to something better", not as a club they wanted to play for as a first priority. Of course I'm not speaking of the Dodds, Benalis and Le Tissiers at the club, but the Ripleys, Howells, Kenwynes and Saganowskis. This in part has to be blamed on the lack of ambitions at the club. For a long time, mere survival was the main ambition, and that's not going to attract the right sort of players.

 

Cortese has clearly stated: "We want to to win the leauge!"... and has a long term ambition of Premier Leauge football again at St. Mary's with a few trophies in the cabinet. That is the sort of ambition that'll attrackt good players to the club. Look how fast they convinced Lambert, Harding, Hammond & Jaidi to sign.

[OldNick]

IMO Saga is a symbol for all that went wrong at Saints....

 

I think many of the players that went through the club, tended to see the place as a "last resort" or "a window to something better", not as a club they wanted to play for as a first priority. Of course I'm not speaking of the Dodds, Benalis and Le Tissiers at the club, but the Ripleys, Howells, Kenwynes and Saganowskis. This in part has to be blamed on the lack of ambitions at the club. For a long time, mere survival was the main ambition, and that's not going to attract the right sort of players.

 

Cortese has clearly stated: "We want to to win the leauge!"... and has a long term ambition of Premier Leauge football again at St. Mary's with a few trophies in the cabinet. That is the sort of ambition that'll attrackt good players to the club. Look how fast they convinced Lambert, Harding, Hammond & Jaidi to sign.

great post

[hughieslastminutegoal]

You have `a' opinion, not THE opinion.

 

Never noticed him being particulary lazy. He came on against Rovers (I think) and ran around in exactly the same manor as he has always done. I don't see a drop in his effort or desire. I certainly am not going to big him uop any more than that. I've spent two years arguing with Arizona about whether Saga is up to it. I never felt he was. I seem to have found myself kind of defending the guy. Very weird.

 

I think you are spot on. People keep saying he played out of his skin when he first came. To me he looked pretty average but he had one of those runs of scoring luck that many bog standard strikers get once in a while.

 

He really has never looked any different to me, it's just that little purple scoring spell hasn't shown sign of coming around again.

 

When we offered him a contract not everyone on here thought he was really the answer, to me he was never more than "oh well, maybe he'll turn out ok". He hasn't.

[Window Cleaner]

I think you are spot on. People keep saying he played out of his skin when he first came. To me he looked pretty average but he had one of those runs of scoring luck that many bog standard strikers get once in a while.

 

He really has never looked any different to me, it's just that little purple scoring spell hasn't shown sign of coming around again.

 

When we offered him a contract not everyone on here thought he was really the answer, to me he was never more than "oh well, maybe he'll turn out ok". He hasn't.

 

You have to remember that when Saga first came here he was suffering from the ignomy of having been kicked out of the first team squad at Troyes because of some sort of attitude problem,just 6 games after joining them for

a fair fee from Guimares.Now Furlan is a knob, everybody knows that,but

the problem does seem to be recurrent with Saga.

[John B]

One thing I would say in Saga's defence...

 

This season, with the new era, he has not had the chance to play since we brought in the likes of Waigo and Antonio, and played Lallana more centrally. He only got the chance to play in the pre-Rovers team of no width and limited creativity. If we want to be really fair to the guy, to let him prove his ability or to let him hang himself, we would judge him in the current line-up

 

Yes you are probably right.

 

 

He just does not fit in to the current team

[saintwarwick]

One thing I would say in Saga's defence...

 

This season, with the new era, he has not had the chance to play since we brought in the likes of Waigo and Antonio, and played Lallana more centrally. He only got the chance to play in the pre-Rovers team of no width and limited creativity. If we want to be really fair to the guy, to let him prove his ability or to let him hang himself, we would judge him in the current line-up

 

He has had enough chances in the last two seasons for us to judge him and for me its time for him to move on, this from a previous supporter of him.

[docker-p]

He is, I think, a quality player. I don't know for certain because despite having a season ticket i've only seen the quality in very small measures.

I can't help thinking if he buckled down, found a bit of passion, and more than anything worked hard, he is Premiership class. But he won't.

[dubai_phil]

He had potential

 

Many others in this world HAVE potential

 

They don't get paid nearly 8 grand a week to have had potential

 

Saw him against Rovers at SMS, overweight. If he wants it so bad then why did he get like that. Forget him, there have been hundreds like him over the years, some left and came good and other like Mark Paul....

 

Whatever button needed pressing in his head to get him to play for us hasn't been found by what, 4 managers now? So long and thanks for what exactly, a few good performances when he wanted a regular salary cheque.

 

Whatever he may have possibly been on the pitch that bit says it all to me. Want to keep him? Then send half his salary each week to Ron Davis, IMHO we can now afford to buy players who PERFORM, not those who HAD potential

[Master Bates]

Well done Saga for er... scoring twice for the reserves.

[alpine_saint]

Maybe Saga has felt too secure earning those wages. Maybe he will pull himself up by his bootstraps. For the first time he has BIG competition at SMS. He's not getting any younger and his reputation is being damaged. He could find himself without a club when his contract runs out.

 

He could still do the biz for us at this level. He has more than enough talent. Maybe AP could be the one to shake him out of his lazy funk.

[Rory]

Evil Monkey let me borrow the season 06/07 review DVD and Saga was unstoppable that season. Pure class. If he was that good in this league, he would score more than Lambert and Connolly, IMO.

[Mr X]

Spare a thought? For who? Starving children in Africa? No. The football player who earns loads a dosh for questionnable effort. Spare a thought my arse!

 

best reply on here

[alpine_saint]

best reply on here

 

IMO, it was a sh*te reply (no disrespect to you intended Mr. X).

 

This is a discussion with a given context; the re-emergence of SFC as a footballing force, and the fact that one of our best players is being left behind as the train pulls out of the station.

 

It wasnt a discussion about macro-climatic conditions leading to a drought and famine in Eastern Africa.

 

And to paraphrase the Captain Willard from Apocalypse Now, criticising an English professional footballer for having ridiculously high wages is like handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500.

[Mr X]

..... And yes he most definitely has had his chances and time and time again failed to put in the necessary effort to raise his game...... since playing for the contract his scoring record is very poor for a player with his undeniable talent...... he looks totally un-interested in being a saint.

 

Wish you well Marek and thanks for that one good season, but time to move on!

[Mr X]

IMO, it was a sh*te reply (no disrespect to you intended Mr. X).

 

This is a discussion with a given context; the re-emergence of SFC as a footballing force, and the fact that one of our best players is being left behind as the train pulls out of the station.

 

It wasnt a discussion about macro-climatic conditions leading to a drought and famine in Eastern Africa.

 

And to paraphrase the Captain Willard from Apocalypse Now, criticising an English professional footballer for having ridiculously high wages is like handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500.

 

It was firmly tongue in cheek though Alps

[Scudamore]

It was firmly tongue in cheek though Alps

 

No no. I wanted to enter a discussion about macro-climatic conditions leading to a drought and famine in Eastern Africa. :roll:

 

Of course Alpine taking a dig at me is not to be entirely unexpected. As is him missing the point completely. Standard stuff really.

[Kingsbridge Saint]

Part of the losing culture at the club sadly. Time for him to move on. Maybe he could smack Burley in the chops before he goes back to Poland.

[alpine_saint]

No no. I wanted to enter a discussion about macro-climatic conditions leading to a drought and famine in Eastern Africa. :roll:

 

Of course Alpine taking a dig at me is not to be entirely unexpected. As is him missing the point completely. Standard stuff really.

 

There wasnt any point at all to your post, other than of course sneering at anyone daring to suggest that Saga deserves more consideration than the trite dismissal that you are willing to offer him. As you say, "standard stuff really"...

[Scudamore]

There wasnt any point at all to your post, other than of course sneering at anyone daring to suggest that Saga deserves more consideration than the trite dismissal that you are willing to offer him. As you say, "standard stuff really"...

 

I'm not sure i've ever sneered...

 

The point of my post Alpine (because of course there was one) was that "spare a thought" is generally a precursor to something or someone deserving of thought. Something important. Something serious.

 

I find it a little difficult to have any real sympathy for Marek Saganowski as he is a grown man who is being paid good money living the dream of being a professional footballer. Presently he's out of his team. Big f::cking deal. He'll work a little harder and get back in the team if he cares that much.

 

And as such the thought of "sparing a thought" for the man going through a minor downward turn in his otherwise peachy life seems a little overdramatic. Bit like 99% of your posts thinking about it...but especially the ones where you get indignant and start using words like sneering.

[alpine_saint]

I'm not sure i've ever sneered...

 

The point of my post Alpine (because of course there was one) was that "spare a thought" is generally a precursor to something or someone deserving of thought. Something important. Something serious.

 

I find it a little difficult to have any real sympathy for Marek Saganowski as he is a grown man who is being paid good money living the dream of being a professional footballer. Presently he's out of his team. Big f::cking deal. He'll work a little harder and get back in the team if he cares that much.

 

And as such the thought of "sparing a thought" for the man going through a minor downward turn in his otherwise peachy life seems a little overdramatic. Bit like 99% of your posts thinking about it...but especially the ones where you get indignant and start using words like sneering.

 

Suggest you have a quick goosie at a dictionary.

 

For someone who thinks he "never sneers", that post was full of it...