Phew 2-2. Post Match Reactions.

[Frank's cousin]

Want to enjoy games more?

 

 

Depressed at the results?

 

Worried about relegation?

 

Fed up with Pompey work colleagues having a laugh at your expense?

 

Miserable that Saints have 'fallen' so far from grace?

 

No longer enjoy your football and watching Saints?

 

Starting to feel like Alpine Saint? (;-))

 

 

Fear not, the answer is really quite simple - ask yourself WHY you support Saints?

To follow and enjoy the trophies and success? come on this cant be it, afterall when was the last time..... OK so maybe its because you have grown up with supporting a top flight team, one that regularly beat Manure? BUt since when was who we beat really a decision on which to base supporting choice?

 

Or is it because they are your local side, through thick and thin? A side with a rich tradition of providing us with the rollarcoaster ride of 1 step forward 5 steps back, a rich tradition of leaving us with on the edge of the seat in last day relegation scraps, but importantly a side with a rich tradition of entertaining us with charismatic players from Paine to Channon to Le Tiss, to Walcott, to Lallana? Did it matter which division we were in in Ted's day? Did those supporters of the bygone years abandon the club because supporting a 3rd division south club was too much of challenge to their egos? did they feck... their support in the lower league days is what a clubs culture and history is really based on.. not those who need global franchisepremierleaguegreed to feed their egos.

 

When I was old enough to actually make a proper decsions on who to support in the mid seventies, we were in the 2nd tier. At school everyone supported Liverpool so as not to have to try and be an individual... going against the grain and supporting with your heart and not your ego is what makes all those fans of clubs outside the top TV elite the REAL fans, not the plastic airmchair 'elite' who are obviously too insecure with themselves to form an opinion themselves.

 

I have been proud to support Saints since that day in early '75 through the triumph of '76, the 'glory' of the 2nd place in '84 - easy times to be a fan, but more proud in the dark years, the regular relegation scraps, the eventual fall into the CCC, and the current financial turmoil, I support the club DESPITE the crap, one that is still TRYING to entertain, bring on and encourage youngsters in the spirit of Le Tiss, despite not being able to AFFORD the balance of youth and experience that many believe is the only way... the maverick spirit.

 

Com on embrace this, remember why you support Sainst and the POSITIVE reasons you made that decisions as a kid, afterall the clubs history when you started supporting was hardly one of annual extensions to the trophy cabinet was it?

 

We are about a community that has loved this little unfashionable side from the creaking Dell against the odds, against my belief that we were never side that the SKY/prem aliance really wanted in their top league (they would much rather have the Leeds and the armchair viewers this generates) and what should set us apart and in solidarity with every fan of those clubs without a cat in hells chance of ever dining at the top table is that we support our club for the RIGHT reasons - not the fake culture being encouraged by the Prem, CL or the Sky millions. Local club, Local fans, genuine love.

 

Remember that and the enjoyment we get from the kids playing now, will be ten fold and defeat will be about the learning process and victories will be so much sweeter

 

Hear endeth the sermon.

 

Cheers and enjoy!

[saint1977]

Good, bright start but wobbled after the Ipswich goals alarmingly. It might have been good fortune for our equaliser but Pekhart stuck it away well and must start at the weekend surely? Not the worst result BUT WE MUST WIN V BARNSLEY. Barnsley is a watershed - win and I think these lads might grow in confidence and maturity, if we draw or lose, we are already behind the 8-ball and there aren't any MLTs, Kenny Monkou's or Mark Hughes's to guide these lads in a relegation battle as we had in the 1990s.

 

Wilde and Lowe need to leave Jan and Mark to it now and focus 100% on bringing investors in asap. Without that or a full takeover, the academy will have to be slashed in size - people don't seem to realise how much it costs and that the youth policy a short-term fix - and our debt level may force us into adminstration, possibly even pre-XMAS I'm told. Investment might reduce the hostility from sections of the fanbase towards Mike and Rupert and bring at least some of the missing fans back. Without it, I cannot be sure we will still be in business at the end of season.

[derry]

Both Ipswich goals came after 30 yd passes to the opposition catching us going forward.

 

John didn't fit in.

 

McGoldrick wandered all over the place leaving the midfield no one to pass to wide right and James exposed. He needs the discipline to play the role the team requires.

 

Dyer fails to use his pace by trying to keep the ball close, needs to knock it 10 yds and run the defence. He really is no quicker than opponents without the ball if he takes 5 touches in 10 yds.

 

Weston was absolutely right about Davis in the last 10 minutes, he was rushing to get the ball upfield and it was coming straight back. He had loads of options to pass, to but was ignoring them.

 

At that point in time we needed to keep possession and work the ball upfield, and not just give it back to Ipswich.

 

We needed that point last night, we might have won it at the end, but also might have lost it. It has given us a break after a defeat.

[derry]

Want to enjoy games more?

 

 

Depressed at the results?

 

Worried about relegation?

 

Fed up with Pompey work colleagues having a laugh at your expense?

 

Miserable that Saints have 'fallen' so far from grace?

 

No longer enjoy your football and watching Saints?

 

Starting to feel like Alpine Saint? (;-))

 

 

Fear not, the answer is really quite simple - ask yourself WHY you support Saints?

To follow and enjoy the trophies and success? come on this cant be it, afterall when was the last time..... OK so maybe its because you have grown up with supporting a top flight team, one that regularly beat Manure? BUt since when was who we beat really a decision on which to base supporting choice?

 

Or is it because they are your local side, through thick and thin? A side with a rich tradition of providing us with the rollarcoaster ride of 1 step forward 5 steps back, a rich tradition of leaving us with on the edge of the seat in last day relegation scraps, but importantly a side with a rich tradition of entertaining us with charismatic players from Paine to Channon to Le Tiss, to Walcott, to Lallana? Did it matter which division we were in in Ted's day? Did those supporters of the bygone years abandon the club because supporting a 3rd division south club was too much of challenge to their egos? did they feck... their support in the lower league days is what a clubs culture and history is really based on.. not those who need global franchisepremierleaguegreed to feed their egos.

 

When I was old enough to actually make a proper decsions on who to support in the mid seventies, we were in the 2nd tier. At school everyone supported Liverpool so as not to have to try and be an individual... going against the grain and supporting with your heart and not your ego is what makes all those fans of clubs outside the top TV elite the REAL fans, not the plastic airmchair 'elite' who are obviously too insecure with themselves to form an opinion themselves.

 

I have been proud to support Saints since that day in early '75 through the triumph of '76, the 'glory' of the 2nd place in '84 - easy times to be a fan, but more proud in the dark years, the regular relegation scraps, the eventual fall into the CCC, and the current financial turmoil, I support the club DESPITE the crap, one that is still TRYING to entertain, bring on and encourage youngsters in the spirit of Le Tiss, despite not being able to AFFORD the balance of youth and experience that many believe is the only way... the maverick spirit.

 

Com on embrace this, remember why you support Sainst and the POSITIVE reasons you made that decisions as a kid, afterall the clubs history when you started supporting was hardly one of annual extensions to the trophy cabinet was it?

 

We are about a community that has loved this little unfashionable side from the creaking Dell against the odds, against my belief that we were never side that the SKY/prem aliance really wanted in their top league (they would much rather have the Leeds and the armchair viewers this generates) and what should set us apart and in solidarity with every fan of those clubs without a cat in hells chance of ever dining at the top table is that we support our club for the RIGHT reasons - not the fake culture being encouraged by the Prem, CL or the Sky millions. Local club, Local fans, genuine love.

 

Remember that and the enjoyment we get from the kids playing now, will be ten fold and defeat will be about the learning process and victories will be so much sweeter

 

Hear endeth the sermon.

 

Cheers and enjoy!

 

Great post Frank. I started in 1954, 3rd div south, it was great, they were my local team.

 

I think though, you are talking to the wall with some of the prats on here.

[OldNick]

Weston was absolutely right about Davis in the last 10 minutes, he was rushing to get the ball upfield and it was coming straight back. He had loads of options to pass, to but was ignoring them.

 

.

Again we fail to agree. In the last 10 minutes Lisbee and the others forwards were pushed right up to our defenders and so they couldnt receive short passes.KD did take his time to look for options.It was good tactics by Magilton to cut the option out.If you recall when we did play the ball short Drew and BWP were getting caught out 10 yards from our box.

I thing that surprised me after Ipswich took the lead that Magilton did not bring Campo on, if he had he would have killed the game and we owuld not have got back into it.

[Weston Saint]

Want to enjoy games more?

 

 

Depressed at the results?

 

Worried about relegation?

 

Fed up with Pompey work colleagues having a laugh at your expense?

 

Miserable that Saints have 'fallen' so far from grace?

 

No longer enjoy your football and watching Saints?

 

Starting to feel like Alpine Saint? (;-))

 

 

Fear not, the answer is really quite simple - ask yourself WHY you support Saints?

To follow and enjoy the trophies and success? come on this cant be it, afterall when was the last time..... OK so maybe its because you have grown up with supporting a top flight team, one that regularly beat Manure? BUt since when was who we beat really a decision on which to base supporting choice?

 

Or is it because they are your local side, through thick and thin? A side with a rich tradition of providing us with the rollarcoaster ride of 1 step forward 5 steps back, a rich tradition of leaving us with on the edge of the seat in last day relegation scraps, but importantly a side with a rich tradition of entertaining us with charismatic players from Paine to Channon to Le Tiss, to Walcott, to Lallana? Did it matter which division we were in in Ted's day? Did those supporters of the bygone years abandon the club because supporting a 3rd division south club was too much of challenge to their egos? did they feck... their support in the lower league days is what a clubs culture and history is really based on.. not those who need global franchisepremierleaguegreed to feed their egos.

 

When I was old enough to actually make a proper decsions on who to support in the mid seventies, we were in the 2nd tier. At school everyone supported Liverpool so as not to have to try and be an individual... going against the grain and supporting with your heart and not your ego is what makes all those fans of clubs outside the top TV elite the REAL fans, not the plastic airmchair 'elite' who are obviously too insecure with themselves to form an opinion themselves.

 

I have been proud to support Saints since that day in early '75 through the triumph of '76, the 'glory' of the 2nd place in '84 - easy times to be a fan, but more proud in the dark years, the regular relegation scraps, the eventual fall into the CCC, and the current financial turmoil, I support the club DESPITE the crap, one that is still TRYING to entertain, bring on and encourage youngsters in the spirit of Le Tiss, despite not being able to AFFORD the balance of youth and experience that many believe is the only way... the maverick spirit.

 

Com on embrace this, remember why you support Sainst and the POSITIVE reasons you made that decisions as a kid, afterall the clubs history when you started supporting was hardly one of annual extensions to the trophy cabinet was it?

 

We are about a community that has loved this little unfashionable side from the creaking Dell against the odds, against my belief that we were never side that the SKY/prem aliance really wanted in their top league (they would much rather have the Leeds and the armchair viewers this generates) and what should set us apart and in solidarity with every fan of those clubs without a cat in hells chance of ever dining at the top table is that we support our club for the RIGHT reasons - not the fake culture being encouraged by the Prem, CL or the Sky millions. Local club, Local fans, genuine love.

 

Remember that and the enjoyment we get from the kids playing now, will be ten fold and defeat will be about the learning process and victories will be so much sweeter

 

Hear endeth the sermon.

 

Cheers and enjoy!

 

Ah thats the Frank's Cousin I know and love (In a manly sort of way I might add )

 

Well said that man. Should put those who stay away to spite Lowe (and themselves imo) to shame

[Secret Site Agent]

6 played, "only" 12 points from automatic promotion - We'll walk this league!

 

Yes, that's the spirit.

[derry]

Again we fail to agree. In the last 10 minutes Lisbee and the others forwards were pushed right up to our defenders and so they couldnt receive short passes.KD did take his time to look for options.It was good tactics by Magilton to cut the option out.If you recall when we did play the ball short Drew and BWP were getting caught out 10 yards from our box.

I thing that surprised me after Ipswich took the lead that Magilton did not bring Campo on, if he had he would have killed the game and we owuld not have got back into it.

 

In the last 10 mins Davis rushed every time he had the ball. Because I didn't want him to either rush or kick the ball upfield, I was looking for his options and he always had people to pass to.

 

It was the 30+ yd passes that killed us, I lost count of the number that went to the opposition.

[saint1977]

Want to enjoy games more?

 

 

Depressed at the results?

 

Worried about relegation?

 

Fed up with Pompey work colleagues having a laugh at your expense?

 

Miserable that Saints have 'fallen' so far from grace?

 

No longer enjoy your football and watching Saints?

 

Starting to feel like Alpine Saint? (;-))

 

 

Fear not, the answer is really quite simple - ask yourself WHY you support Saints?

To follow and enjoy the trophies and success? come on this cant be it, afterall when was the last time..... OK so maybe its because you have grown up with supporting a top flight team, one that regularly beat Manure? BUt since when was who we beat really a decision on which to base supporting choice?

 

Or is it because they are your local side, through thick and thin? A side with a rich tradition of providing us with the rollarcoaster ride of 1 step forward 5 steps back, a rich tradition of leaving us with on the edge of the seat in last day relegation scraps, but importantly a side with a rich tradition of entertaining us with charismatic players from Paine to Channon to Le Tiss, to Walcott, to Lallana? Did it matter which division we were in in Ted's day? Did those supporters of the bygone years abandon the club because supporting a 3rd division south club was too much of challenge to their egos? did they feck... their support in the lower league days is what a clubs culture and history is really based on.. not those who need global franchisepremierleaguegreed to feed their egos.

 

When I was old enough to actually make a proper decsions on who to support in the mid seventies, we were in the 2nd tier. At school everyone supported Liverpool so as not to have to try and be an individual... going against the grain and supporting with your heart and not your ego is what makes all those fans of clubs outside the top TV elite the REAL fans, not the plastic airmchair 'elite' who are obviously too insecure with themselves to form an opinion themselves.

 

I have been proud to support Saints since that day in early '75 through the triumph of '76, the 'glory' of the 2nd place in '84 - easy times to be a fan, but more proud in the dark years, the regular relegation scraps, the eventual fall into the CCC, and the current financial turmoil, I support the club DESPITE the crap, one that is still TRYING to entertain, bring on and encourage youngsters in the spirit of Le Tiss, despite not being able to AFFORD the balance of youth and experience that many believe is the only way... the maverick spirit.

 

Com on embrace this, remember why you support Sainst and the POSITIVE reasons you made that decisions as a kid, afterall the clubs history when you started supporting was hardly one of annual extensions to the trophy cabinet was it?

 

We are about a community that has loved this little unfashionable side from the creaking Dell against the odds, against my belief that we were never side that the SKY/prem aliance really wanted in their top league (they would much rather have the Leeds and the armchair viewers this generates) and what should set us apart and in solidarity with every fan of those clubs without a cat in hells chance of ever dining at the top table is that we support our club for the RIGHT reasons - not the fake culture being encouraged by the Prem, CL or the Sky millions. Local club, Local fans, genuine love.

 

Remember that and the enjoyment we get from the kids playing now, will be ten fold and defeat will be about the learning process and victories will be so much sweeter

 

Hear endeth the sermon.

 

Cheers and enjoy!

 

Well said. Dodgy overseas money has destroyed English football and I'm sick of it. Where would Chelsea be without Roman A - in administration in 2003 is the answer. I would never not support the club regardless of who is in charge - I even went when Branfoot was manager - but I do want Askham out of the club totally as he has been so destructive and left us in the current mess where we cannot attract the investment to survive even as a sustainable CCC-level club.

[OldNick]

Well said. Dodgy overseas money has destroyed English football and I'm sick of it. Where would Chelsea be without Roman A - in administration in 2003 is the answer. I would never not support the club regardless of who is in charge - I even went when Branfoot was manager - but I do want Askham out of the club totally as he has been so destructive and left us in the current mess where we cannot attract the investment to survive even as a sustainable CCC-level club.

i agree Askham is the one person Id like gone over all others.

[Thedelldays]

dodgy over seas money has not damaged english football...it actually allows someone else to win things than generally man utd

[saint1977]

dodgy over seas money has not damaged english football...it actually allows someone else to win things than generally man utd

 

Can see your point TDD but pre-Sky clubs like Saints, Norwich and others could finish in the top 4 or 4 and get European spots. Post-Sky this diminshed a bit but also clubs like Saints were held back by infrastructure (eg stadium and bits around it that make money) which couldn't catch up with the Sky money. Still, Saints, Charlton, Coventry (until Bryan Richardson wasted huge wages on rubbish) and others could finish in or around the PL top half (or just stay up) - SFC 12th 1997/8 and 10th 2000/1 on 15k gates. There's NO way that good management, a youth system and clever coaching could do that now, the Skates can only do it at Farton bankrolled by a right bunch of dodgers (just like their manager really, no wonder Harry and Sacha get on). After 2003, it's become impossible with the wage inflation and huge gulf between resources. Chelsea and Man City are miles ahead of Man U, Liverpool and Arsenal - the latter can only compete on prestige, not wages. The rest might as well be in the CCC the gulf is so huge. Chelsea had done very little to suggest they were a super club bar the early 70s and have spent most of my adult life in the old Div 2. Not only that, the focus is very rarely on the game and often resembles a weekly edition of the FT - that's what most of us go to football for, to leave that cr@p at work!

Edited 18 September, 2008 by saint1977

[St_Guido]

Want to enjoy games more?

 

 

Depressed at the results?

 

Worried about relegation?

 

Fed up with Pompey work colleagues having a laugh at your expense?

 

Miserable that Saints have 'fallen' so far from grace?

 

No longer enjoy your football and watching Saints?

 

Starting to feel like Alpine Saint? (;-))

 

 

Fear not, the answer is really quite simple - ask yourself WHY you support Saints?

To follow and enjoy the trophies and success? come on this cant be it, afterall when was the last time..... OK so maybe its because you have grown up with supporting a top flight team, one that regularly beat Manure? BUt since when was who we beat really a decision on which to base supporting choice?

 

Or is it because they are your local side, through thick and thin? A side with a rich tradition of providing us with the rollarcoaster ride of 1 step forward 5 steps back, a rich tradition of leaving us with on the edge of the seat in last day relegation scraps, but importantly a side with a rich tradition of entertaining us with charismatic players from Paine to Channon to Le Tiss, to Walcott, to Lallana? Did it matter which division we were in in Ted's day? Did those supporters of the bygone years abandon the club because supporting a 3rd division south club was too much of challenge to their egos? did they feck... their support in the lower league days is what a clubs culture and history is really based on.. not those who need global franchisepremierleaguegreed to feed their egos.

 

When I was old enough to actually make a proper decsions on who to support in the mid seventies, we were in the 2nd tier. At school everyone supported Liverpool so as not to have to try and be an individual... going against the grain and supporting with your heart and not your ego is what makes all those fans of clubs outside the top TV elite the REAL fans, not the plastic airmchair 'elite' who are obviously too insecure with themselves to form an opinion themselves.

 

I have been proud to support Saints since that day in early '75 through the triumph of '76, the 'glory' of the 2nd place in '84 - easy times to be a fan, but more proud in the dark years, the regular relegation scraps, the eventual fall into the CCC, and the current financial turmoil, I support the club DESPITE the crap, one that is still TRYING to entertain, bring on and encourage youngsters in the spirit of Le Tiss, despite not being able to AFFORD the balance of youth and experience that many believe is the only way... the maverick spirit.

 

Com on embrace this, remember why you support Sainst and the POSITIVE reasons you made that decisions as a kid, afterall the clubs history when you started supporting was hardly one of annual extensions to the trophy cabinet was it?

 

We are about a community that has loved this little unfashionable side from the creaking Dell against the odds, against my belief that we were never side that the SKY/prem aliance really wanted in their top league (they would much rather have the Leeds and the armchair viewers this generates) and what should set us apart and in solidarity with every fan of those clubs without a cat in hells chance of ever dining at the top table is that we support our club for the RIGHT reasons - not the fake culture being encouraged by the Prem, CL or the Sky millions. Local club, Local fans, genuine love.

 

Remember that and the enjoyment we get from the kids playing now, will be ten fold and defeat will be about the learning process and victories will be so much sweeter

 

Hear endeth the sermon.

 

Cheers and enjoy!

 

 

Frank's Cousin - you are THE man. Best post on here in years!

I totally agree with you. I first supported Saints when at University in God's city & my first season was 1976/77, so I even missed the glory of the Cup final, So what? I have loved it all, good & bad, ups & downs. I would watch Saints play non-league football.

Not sure many otheres on here could or would say the same though.......

[Saint Billy]

Want to enjoy games more?

 

 

Depressed at the results?

 

Worried about relegation?

 

Fed up with Pompey work colleagues having a laugh at your expense?

 

Miserable that Saints have 'fallen' so far from grace?

 

No longer enjoy your football and watching Saints?

 

Starting to feel like Alpine Saint? (;-))

 

 

Fear not, the answer is really quite simple - ask yourself WHY you support Saints?

To follow and enjoy the trophies and success? come on this cant be it, afterall when was the last time..... OK so maybe its because you have grown up with supporting a top flight team, one that regularly beat Manure? BUt since when was who we beat really a decision on which to base supporting choice?

 

Or is it because they are your local side, through thick and thin? A side with a rich tradition of providing us with the rollarcoaster ride of 1 step forward 5 steps back, a rich tradition of leaving us with on the edge of the seat in last day relegation scraps, but importantly a side with a rich tradition of entertaining us with charismatic players from Paine to Channon to Le Tiss, to Walcott, to Lallana? Did it matter which division we were in in Ted's day? Did those supporters of the bygone years abandon the club because supporting a 3rd division south club was too much of challenge to their egos? did they feck... their support in the lower league days is what a clubs culture and history is really based on.. not those who need global franchisepremierleaguegreed to feed their egos.

 

When I was old enough to actually make a proper decsions on who to support in the mid seventies, we were in the 2nd tier. At school everyone supported Liverpool so as not to have to try and be an individual... going against the grain and supporting with your heart and not your ego is what makes all those fans of clubs outside the top TV elite the REAL fans, not the plastic airmchair 'elite' who are obviously too insecure with themselves to form an opinion themselves.

 

I have been proud to support Saints since that day in early '75 through the triumph of '76, the 'glory' of the 2nd place in '84 - easy times to be a fan, but more proud in the dark years, the regular relegation scraps, the eventual fall into the CCC, and the current financial turmoil, I support the club DESPITE the crap, one that is still TRYING to entertain, bring on and encourage youngsters in the spirit of Le Tiss, despite not being able to AFFORD the balance of youth and experience that many believe is the only way... the maverick spirit.

 

Com on embrace this, remember why you support Sainst and the POSITIVE reasons you made that decisions as a kid, afterall the clubs history when you started supporting was hardly one of annual extensions to the trophy cabinet was it?

 

We are about a community that has loved this little unfashionable side from the creaking Dell against the odds, against my belief that we were never side that the SKY/prem aliance really wanted in their top league (they would much rather have the Leeds and the armchair viewers this generates) and what should set us apart and in solidarity with every fan of those clubs without a cat in hells chance of ever dining at the top table is that we support our club for the RIGHT reasons - not the fake culture being encouraged by the Prem, CL or the Sky millions. Local club, Local fans, genuine love.

 

Remember that and the enjoyment we get from the kids playing now, will be ten fold and defeat will be about the learning process and victories will be so much sweeter

 

Hear endeth the sermon.

 

Cheers and enjoy!

 

I understand and agree with your comments apart from the fact that that was then and this is now. Football has changed dramatically since then mainly due to the amount of money pumped in from various means. Now, if a club does not have the dosh it will be fighting against the odds resulting in more often than not, failure and lower league football.

 

Today's equivalent of Paine, Channon, Le Tiss, will only use saints as a stepping stone, and that is only if they have been raised from within the club, anyone with an ounce of quality will not stay here for very long as proven by Walcott and will closely be followed by Lallana. Back then you could pretty much gaurantee that most of the squad would be back for the new season and that there would always be a degree of quality players left, along with the odd decent player joining the club making going to matches more attractive. Now, any quality players will not hang about for long nor will there be many coming in.

 

On the basis of the above coupled with the basic fact that supporters do like to see there side win every so often, I can understand to some extent why there is a certain amount of apathy being shown towards saints and also other clubs in a similar situation.

 

Unfortunately, without serious money being pumped into the club the situation will only worsen which I find very sad and thank god I have the memories of better times to fall back on, unlike many of the kids struggling to attend games now.

[sandwichsaint]

My first post for ages (extra busy, hence not posting much) and haven't read all of the above but for what it's worth:

 

reading some of the above I'm wondering if I was at a different game last night?

 

I went to the Brum game and after an exciting first half of 'total football' we rather predictably ran out of legs and were comfortably beaten in the end. The kids looked keen enough but it was real men against boys stuff in the second half. I left SMS pretty content that I'd seen the future (and the future was Division 3!)

 

Then the false dawn of Derby who let's face it hadn't won a league game in 12 months, then the total car crash of the Blackpool game (on Sky for me) and again on Sky last Sunday at QPR.

 

All in all I travelled my 150 miles with a fair sense of foreboding last night. Rocked into town at 5.30 and I've never ever seen the pubs so empty and devoid of atmosphere on a match day.

 

And so to the match: I didn't think the actual game was anywhere near as poor as some on here are making out .. I've seen much worse in terms of 'entertainment' over the last few seasons. Ipswich have always tried to play football and you can't fault our players for any aspect of their effort and application .. it's just that several of them are completely out of their depth at this level.

 

I thought we rode our luck a bit in the second half but not our fault the lino gives their forwards offside when they are (!) (and if we got lucky then we were owed one after Sunday's second goal). Thought on balance 2-2 was probably about right. We play some tidy football up until the final third but lack any sort of a cutting edge up front. Perry made a big difference at the back last night though we still look all over the shop when the oppo attack. Cork doesn't look a centre half to me (too good!); we should have begged/stealed/borrowed a brick outhouse McAuley-style CH as a priority. The right back (don't even know his name) was better last night than the other 3 games I've seen him in this season. Surman was penny dreadful last night, I was a big advocate of him at LB after the last few games of last season but he is completely wasted there in this team.

 

Wotton tried hard, Gillett's confidence looks shot at the moment and he needs a rest, I thought Dyer was OK within his obvious limitations. Haven't read all the thread but can't believe McGoldrick isn't getting some stick (maybe he is!) .. **** poor last night... again ... after Sunday's no-show. John lacked any sort of service and he needs that; Lallana was excellent again although I thought he could have been involved more, if he plays in the hole we need to play through him more.

 

Despite all those obvious and known limitations I really enjoyed it last night, you get the feeling the crowd (most of them) can appreciate the effort being put in and are willing the young players on. Go and watch Saints this season and you will see some decent football (not sure if you will see many wins though!)

 

Bit of a rambling post (out of practice) but what I'm saying is make up your own mind ... don't beleive all the negatives on here... go and see for yourself ... and SUPPORT THE TEAM ... !

 

I travelled with a certain trepidation last night and I was probably inwardly hoping for another 'Blackpool' so as I had an excuse, a reason, not to bother for a few months.

 

In truth I came to bury them but travelled home praising them. I'll be down again for the Norwich game and looking forward to it now... Saints are for life, not just the Prem!

 

COYRs

[team-saint]

great result considering that was undoubtably our worst performance of the season (except maybe blackpool but wasnt there)

 

one or two positives to take (another blinder from kelvin, cork looked good, peckhart knows where the goal is) but also some harsh lesson to be learned especially that neither james or surman are good enough to play full back. surman in particular was terrible defensively it wouldn't have made a difference if he wasnt there. dyer no end product as usual, gillett and wotton ****, john didn't notice he was playing.

 

Ratings:

 

Davis 8

James 5

Perry 6

Cork 7

Surman 5 (would be 4 if he didn't score)

Gillett 5

Wotton 5

Dyer 5

McGoldrick 6

Lallana 7

John 5

 

Subs:

Schneiderlin 7

Peckhart 7

BWP 7

 

 

Pompey 1-0 up in UEFA other team just missed pen as well.

[um pahars]

against a decent Ipswich side.

 

I've seen similar quotes on quite a few threads about how decent/good/ quality Ipswich are and have to say I just don't get it.

 

They've won two of their six matches, losing three times and drawing once and are currently mid table. They're not on a flyer that's for sure.

 

I didn't think they were that good last night (how many times was Stead caught offside) and really just outmuscled us in the middle of the park and made to look better than they are due to our own poor performance.

[alpine_saint]

Want to enjoy games more?

 

 

Depressed at the results?

 

Worried about relegation?

 

Fed up with Pompey work colleagues having a laugh at your expense?

 

Miserable that Saints have 'fallen' so far from grace?

 

No longer enjoy your football and watching Saints?

 

Starting to feel like Alpine Saint? (;-))

 

 

Fear not, the answer is really quite simple - ask yourself WHY you support Saints?

To follow and enjoy the trophies and success? come on this cant be it, afterall when was the last time..... OK so maybe its because you have grown up with supporting a top flight team, one that regularly beat Manure? BUt since when was who we beat really a decision on which to base supporting choice?

 

Or is it because they are your local side, through thick and thin? A side with a rich tradition of providing us with the rollarcoaster ride of 1 step forward 5 steps back, a rich tradition of leaving us with on the edge of the seat in last day relegation scraps, but importantly a side with a rich tradition of entertaining us with charismatic players from Paine to Channon to Le Tiss, to Walcott, to Lallana? Did it matter which division we were in in Ted's day? Did those supporters of the bygone years abandon the club because supporting a 3rd division south club was too much of challenge to their egos? did they feck... their support in the lower league days is what a clubs culture and history is really based on.. not those who need global franchisepremierleaguegreed to feed their egos.

 

When I was old enough to actually make a proper decsions on who to support in the mid seventies, we were in the 2nd tier. At school everyone supported Liverpool so as not to have to try and be an individual... going against the grain and supporting with your heart and not your ego is what makes all those fans of clubs outside the top TV elite the REAL fans, not the plastic airmchair 'elite' who are obviously too insecure with themselves to form an opinion themselves.

 

I have been proud to support Saints since that day in early '75 through the triumph of '76, the 'glory' of the 2nd place in '84 - easy times to be a fan, but more proud in the dark years, the regular relegation scraps, the eventual fall into the CCC, and the current financial turmoil, I support the club DESPITE the crap, one that is still TRYING to entertain, bring on and encourage youngsters in the spirit of Le Tiss, despite not being able to AFFORD the balance of youth and experience that many believe is the only way... the maverick spirit.

 

Com on embrace this, remember why you support Sainst and the POSITIVE reasons you made that decisions as a kid, afterall the clubs history when you started supporting was hardly one of annual extensions to the trophy cabinet was it?

 

We are about a community that has loved this little unfashionable side from the creaking Dell against the odds, against my belief that we were never side that the SKY/prem aliance really wanted in their top league (they would much rather have the Leeds and the armchair viewers this generates) and what should set us apart and in solidarity with every fan of those clubs without a cat in hells chance of ever dining at the top table is that we support our club for the RIGHT reasons - not the fake culture being encouraged by the Prem, CL or the Sky millions. Local club, Local fans, genuine love.

 

Remember that and the enjoyment we get from the kids playing now, will be ten fold and defeat will be about the learning process and victories will be so much sweeter

 

Hear endeth the sermon.

 

Cheers and enjoy!

 

What a load of sentimental codswallop.

 

Yes, I support Saints because they are my local team.

Yes, my loyalty has caused me pain the like of which no woman ever has.

 

But to compare NOW with the 70's in some bizarre-SOG parody is ridiculous.

 

Money talks now, and everything else is f**king irrelevant. Whether it be TV money, the Premiership money required to lure away a 23 year-old days after proclaiming loyalty and love for a lower-league club, or simply arrogantly believing you can charge PL entry prices after relegation.

[Professor]

great result considering that was undoubtably our worst performance of the season (except maybe blackpool but wasnt there)

 

one or two positives to take (another blinder from kelvin, cork looked good, peckhart knows where the goal is) but also some harsh lesson to be learned especially that neither james or surman are good enough to play full back. surman in particular was terrible defensively it wouldn't have made a difference if he wasnt there. dyer no end product as usual, gillett and wotton ****, john didn't notice he was playing.

Blackpool wasn't a bad performance, and it could have gone either way, as could the Ipswich game but we have to do better than this at home. The cup game against Brum suggested we could, but that promise has faded.

One thing you do get with JP is honestly in his comments and it does seem he wants to move the balance back a bit towards experience against youth. Wait to see Saturday's selection with interest.

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Bit late coming on but not had a chance since last night.

 

I felt the game was just dull ,except for out 2 goals and Davis saving

our arses again!

 

Personally i felt, bar the goal Surman was poor but to be fair he is no full back,

the worst performer for me was McGoldrick he was truly awfull and should have come off.

Don`t rate him at all.

[dubai_phil]

Blackpool wasn't a bad performance, and it could have gone either way, as could the Ipswich game but we have to do better than this at home. The cup game against Brum suggested we could, but that promise has faded.

One thing you do get with JP is honestly in his comments and it does seem he wants to move the balance back a bit towards experience against youth. Wait to see Saturday's selection with interest.

 

Yikes! What game did YOU watch?

 

We were torn to shreds every time they attacked and from the first touch in the match by Gillett which just looped up into the air, we seemed incapable of passing the ball.

 

Sitting in a pub with non-saints fans, trust me it was a hide your head when you walk out performance. Especially after what we had been led to expect.

 

QPR was a far better performance, but agree time to rest some of the youngsters

[wild-saint]

IMO our problems stem and will continue to stem from the fact that we do not have the personal capable of defending from set pieces / crosses. We have no strength / aerial presense at the back. Short of Killer / Thomas getting fit or an axperienced CD loan signing with these attributes coming in we will concede goals.

 

As for the play goin forward we looked ok and will create chances. The last 20 mins we failed to string two passes together. The team were clearly nervous / lost bottle and it was clear that Davis had no option but to punt the all forward as the fullbacks had there heads down and werent looking to receive the ball. IMO we are a couple of experienced CB away from a decent side but the question is will we get them. Without them i fear for the confidence of the side and can see 100+ goals being conceded this year.