Saints V Stockport County - Post Match Reaction

[northam soul]

Well until Waigo came on we were awful and it is our midfield thats the problem.They had a short white haired bloke in there a bit gillet like who did not stop running.Roll on hammond and puncheon being available.

I still dont understand why Jaidi is not playing, i Know he will play in the jpt and skate game due to others being cup tied but i thought the league was priority and he is still our best central defender.

The same applies to harding who i think offers us more than mills. They both cannot need rest as they have only played once in a month.

I also believe Thomas is a much better full back than ostemobor.

I know my opinion counts for nowt

[Block 5]

They had a short white haired bloke in there a bit gillet like who did not stop running.

 

Number 25, David Perkins.

I thought he looked pretty good, he worked hard all game.

Their best player by a mile.

Perhaps he was hoping we would buy him?

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Poor performance, but won the game.

 

I will take that.

 

NEXT!

 

Surely you will want a bit of a moan,you usually do;)

[JustMike]

Glad to hear Holmes is proving his worth to a few people. He'll get better and better - definitely a player IMO who can play at a much higher level.

 

agree, have always liked Holmes just hope he stays fit. But i dont think he would have played yesterday had AL been fit.

[Saint_clark]

Number 25, David Perkins.

I thought he looked pretty good, he worked hard all game.

Their best player by a mile.

Perhaps he was hoping we would buy him?

 

I thought he was a horrible, whingy little tw*t who was unable to even stand when he got tapped by Holmes and then sprinted straight back onto the pitch 5 seconds later without any treatment.

[Burger]

agree, have always liked Holmes just hope he stays fit. But i dont think he would have played yesterday had AL been fit.

 

I thought Holmes was very poor yesterday. Not involved enough, slow and uncreative. Even cossing straight out of play when under no pressure. I don't rate me one bit and completely understand why Derby did not want to keep him.

 

...but he still has time to prove me wrong...

[Saint Fan CaM]

I thought Holmes was very poor yesterday. Not involved enough, slow and uncreative. Even cossing straight out of play when under no pressure. I don't rate me one bit and completely understand why Derby did not want to keep him.

 

...but he still has time to prove me wrong...

 

That is a very harsh assessment - he made a decent contribution. However, he will be understudy to Puncheon as soon as he's available.

[instinct]

Holmes was brilliant yesterday, got some good crosses in and even beat a few players

 

Barnard hasn't really impressed me yet but need a bit of time

 

Was very impressed with Fonte and Seaborne, Seaborne looked composed, agressive and won a lot in the air.

 

Otsemobor looked quite good going forwards but once or twice got caught out of position

 

Thought Mills had a poor game today, need Harding back in the line up

 

Wotton gave 100% but isn't good enough for the team imo

[Wes Tender]

As everybody else says, the first half was dire. Without Lallana, we lacked creativity and the impression given was that we were just going through the motions, couldn't be too bothered. Stockport seemed more up for it than we did and won a succession of corners through their early pressure and commitment. Thankfully, our defence has been massively improved, especially with the arrival of Fonte. Otherwise, Seabourne didn't do too badly either and with Jaidi and Thomas on the bench, we have some good strength in depth. The left and right back positions still look a bit weak with Mills and Otsemobor and IMO would be much more secure with Harding and Murty when he returns. Mills didn't have his best game yesterday and my first glance at Otsemobor gave a reasonable impression of him, but so so. Time will tell. I suspect that our defence of last season would have conceded something, but this defence didn't look too troubled. Stockport didn't have strikers that had a real cutting edge and one wonders what a better team might have achieved.

 

The bleached blond (or albino ) midfielder Perkins (their 25) stood out from a sea of mediocrity in midfield and he could have improved our first half if playing for us with his bustling, combative style. For over an hour, we huffed and puffed with little imagination, no real penetration and not much service to Lambert and Barnard. Lambert looked tired and Barnard had good movement and desire, but one worries that if he fails to score in the next two or three matches, whether his confidence might take a dent.

 

Our main threat in that time was undoubtedly Antonio, who at least gave us a bit of width and caused them problems with his pace and direct running at defenders. Although the team looked a bit more committed after Pardew had probably read them the riot act at half time, it seemed that that alone would not have been enough to guarantee a result. The introduction of Papa Weigo changed the match virtually from the second he came on. All of a sudden, his pace and movement instilled some uncertainty into the Stockport defence. Our team also seemed to be transformed and Schneiderlin suddenly found an outlet for some excellent raking passes to Papa's feet. Holmes also was encouraged to make some runs to the byeline and the extra width stretched Stockport in the midfield and made it easier to penetrate up the middle too.

 

I think that Papa has made a good enough case for himself to be included into the scheme of things, either to start, or to be introduced as an impact sub, but please Pardew, not in the last five minutes. He showed us what he can do with at least half an hour, when the pressure he brought snuffed out any further threat from Stockport and we cruised to the final whistle. Considering that he has not played as frequently as he could have, I thought that his attitude and determination were exemplary. The way that he took his goal illustrated that he does have some good skill and technique and he can certainly cause defences some problems. I'd like to see us buy him at the end of the season if Fiorentino are amenable to letting him go.

[Window Cleaner]

 

I think that Papa has made a good enough case for himself to be included into the scheme of things, either to start, or to be introduced as an impact sub, but please Pardew, not in the last five minutes. He showed us what he can do with at least half an hour, when the pressure he brought snuffed out any further threat from Stockport and we cruised to the final whistle. Considering that he has not played as frequently as he could have, I thought that his attitude and determination were exemplary. The way that he took his goal illustrated that he does have some good skill and technique and he can certainly cause defences some problems. I'd like to see us buy him at the end of the season if Fiorentino are amenable to letting him go.

 

 

I think Fiorentina's attitude may depend on whether Mutu gets another ban for stimulant use or not.He could get up to 2 years apparently if his wishy washy "the mother in law left them behind" excuse for taking the tablets doesn't impress the CONI (who don't seem to be easily impressed by anything)

 

Edit seems that that they're signing Cassano from Samp to replace him so Papa may be for sale fairly cheaply.

Edited 31 January, 2010 by Window Cleaner

[OldNick]

I thought Holmes was very poor yesterday. Not involved enough, slow and uncreative. Even cossing straight out of play when under no pressure. I don't rate me one bit and completely understand why Derby did not want to keep him.

 

...but he still has time to prove me wrong...

He put in some superb crosses and his work and fantastic cross to create the heading chance that Papa missed was brilliant.

How the ref missed the push on barnard is a mystery to me.

[Matthew Le God]

I'd like to see us buy him at the end of the season if Fiorentino are amenable to letting him go.

 

I think Fiorentina's attitude may depend on whether Mutu gets another ban for stimulant use or not.He could get up to 2 years apparently if his wishy washy "the mother in law left them behind" excuse for taking the tablets doesn't impress the CONI (who don't seem to be easily impressed by anything)

 

Edit seems that that they're signing Cassano from Samp to replace him so Papa may be for sale fairly cheaply.

It doesn't matter what Fiorentina think now. They have already written into the loan deal that Papa Waigo can sign for Saints if they want him and the price has been agreed already.

[Saint_clark]

It doesn't matter what Fiorentina think now. They have already written into the loan deal that Papa Waigo can sign for Saints if they want him and the price has been agreed already.

 

O RLY?

That's interesting.

[SNSUN]

I thought Holmes was very poor yesterday. Not involved enough, slow and uncreative. Even cossing straight out of play when under no pressure. I don't rate me one bit and completely understand why Derby did not want to keep him.

 

...but he still has time to prove me wrong...

 

I rate you Burger...

 

...Now what do you think of Holmes?

[Burger]

I rate you Burger...

 

...Now what do you think of Holmes?

 

about as much as my typing skills.

 

Seems like other have a different view - can't see what they are seeing that I'm not.

[Window Cleaner]

It doesn't matter what Fiorentina think now. They have already written into the loan deal that Papa Waigo can sign for Saints if they want him and the price has been agreed already.

 

OK, hope we think he's worth whatever figure was agreed them.

However I do think we need to play him more if we really want him to stay.

Morgan didn't translate what he said yesterday very precisely and it would seem to me that Papa is somewhat peturbed about his lack of playing opportunities of late.

[Jack]

how was Banard?

 

Feel a bit sorry for him, thought he worked hard and chased down, but had zero service and was then subbed. Think he needs to get closer to Lambert and get onto the balls he knocks down/on. Didn't help that the Stockport defence won most of the headers when Barnard was playing. He's had a few half chances since he signed, I reckon he'll be good when he gets a goal and some confidence. And hopefully we'll start playing into feet instead of lumping it up to Lambert at the first opportunity

[shurlock]

OK, hope we think he's worth whatever figure was agreed them.

However I do think we need to play him more if we really want him to stay.

Morgan didn't translate what he said yesterday very precisely and it would seem to me that Papa is somewhat peturbed about his lack of playing opportunities of late.

 

Yeh thought the translation wasn't completely accurate - didn't capture Papa's frustration. He basically says that when he came here he was supercharged to show his qualities but when you hardly play its impossible to do so.

 

But fair play to Papa - was watching him do his runups on the sidelines and rather than just concentrating on his own stuff he was pretty active in clapping the play of his team-mates. I wouldn't blame him if he moped or questioned what the f**k he was doing here.

[SFC Forever]

Holmes is good in patches. He needs to put in a full 90 mins before we are all converts.

[Goalie66]

Well until Waigo came on we were awful and it is our midfield thats the problem.They had a short white haired bloke in there a bit gillet like who did not stop running.Roll on hammond and puncheon being available.

I still dont understand why Jaidi is not playing, i Know he will play in the jpt and skate game due to others being cup tied but i thought the league was priority and he is still our best central defender.

The same applies to harding who i think offers us more than mills. They both cannot need rest as they have only played once in a month.

I also believe Thomas is a much better full back than ostemobor.

I know my opinion counts for nowt

 

maybe but you are absolutely right

[Leicestersaint]

Well until Waigo came on we were awful and it is our midfield thats the problem.They had a short white haired bloke in there a bit gillet like who did not stop running.Roll on hammond and puncheon being available.

I still dont understand why Jaidi is not playing, i Know he will play in the jpt and skate game due to others being cup tied but i thought the league was priority and he is still our best central defender.

The same applies to harding who i think offers us more than mills. They both cannot need rest as they have only played once in a month.

I also believe Thomas is a much better full back than ostemobor.

I know my opinion counts for nowt

 

yes - I completely agree.

[Stu Man Do]

Well until Waigo came on we were awful and it is our midfield thats the problem.They had a short white haired bloke in there a bit gillet like who did not stop running.Roll on hammond and puncheon being available.

I still dont understand why Jaidi is not playing, i Know he will play in the jpt and skate game due to others being cup tied but i thought the league was priority and he is still our best central defender.

The same applies to harding who i think offers us more than mills. They both cannot need rest as they have only played once in a month.

I also believe Thomas is a much better full back than ostemobor.

I know my opinion counts for nowt

 

Agreed, Jaidi to my mind offers more than Seabourne who should really just be learning his stuff from him and Perry this season. Id prefer to see Harding at left back as I just think he offers a bit more experience going forward. Did Mills and Holmes link up anywhere near as much as Harding does? and before anyone asks no I dont think Mills is "crap" :-D

 

Otsemebor as well IMO just isn't anything different to LJ. He has a bit of pace but from what Ive seen so far is rarely used and for a full back he is to happy to shadow an attacker rather than getting stuck in or even attempting to put a foot in the way, needs to man up abit!

 

Barnard as others have said seems very similar to Lambert and so Im not sure he's they are the best two to partner up front. Lambert has looked best this season when he has been up front with a "clever" player like Lallana or a little quick like Waigo or Connolly. Probably down to the pace of these two which moves the center backs about and lets Lambert find that space that he can be so deadly in.

 

In short the game yesterday can be summed up easily ... COLD!

[benjii]

Sorry guys, haven't read the thread so the chances are I'm repeating something someone has said but for what they're worth, here's my thoughts on the match!...

 

Seabourne - very impressed. Much better on the ball than I expected and looks like a good acquisition. Jaidhi may still be a better defender but I can see some sense in playing Seabourne alongside Fonte against a team like Stockport as Seabourne offers more in the way of distribution and these two have the makings of a formidable pairing next season. In fact our defence next season could be very good indeed if we sort out the RB slot, which leads me on to....

 

Semi - early days so won't slate him but I haven't seen anything to make me think he's better than James or Thomas. In fact I'd say Thomas is a much better defender on yesterday's evidence. JO seems to switch off mentally which leads to him standing off people or being caught out of position. He's fast but that's the only real attribute I saw. Hope he improves.

 

Midfield - Antonio was our best player and Holmes was decent. Wotton tried to drive us on in the first half when most players looked half asleep. Morgan was great once we scored but innefectual before then.

 

Papa - what an impact. Why this guy hasn't played more is a complete mystery to me. He is not a League One standard player. Much better than that.

 

Barnard - Reminds me a bit of Ormerod. Missed a good chance with a header and will be disappointed not to have scored but I thought his movement was pretty good and he makes himself available in front of the defender well which should help reduce our tendency to lump it to Lambert.

 

The performance wasn't great but we won and kept a clean sheet which I guess is all that matters. Will need to play much better than that though in the coming weeks.

[LostBoys]

Grim stuff until Waigo came on but I will happily take the points as some of those above us dropped them

[St_Tel49]

Game of two halves, which seems to the norm for us one good half one bad. Surely Papa has to start getting more playing time? even if he doesn't start he has to be brought on early as a sub, Papa made the difference to day. Starting to worry about Barnard, got to give him more time yet, but his missed a few good chances in his first three matches.

He'll be fine when he has scored his first goal for us. Ricky Lambert set him up with two decent chances (which shows that they can play together) which he fluffed. He would probably have score at least one of them if he was still at Southend. It will come. Good players don't suddenly become bad ones.

[St_Tel49]

I thought he was a horrible, whingy little tw*t who was unable to even stand when he got tapped by Holmes and then sprinted straight back onto the pitch 5 seconds later without any treatment.

He was still the best midfielder on the park in the first half though.

[John Boy Saint]

First half I was waiting for Frank Sinatra to pop up on the sideline and bang out Strangers in the Night, Pardew must have handed out name badges in the changing room at half time to make it easier for them all to get to know each other, seemed to work in the second half, especially when Papa came on and shook it all up a bit........................... And can someone tell me why Kelvin fannys around when he has caught the ball and we have players in dangerous positions up field standing in acres of space, as he repeatedly seems to squeeze the ball pat it about and waits for everyone on both sides to be ready Holmes was really getting the arse with it 1st half: as was a bloke who sits down in front of me who looks like he will explode as it winds him up so much.

[St Landrew]

Just in case nobody has linked it, here are slightly extended highlights:

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8490249.stm

 

Sorry Overseas Saints fans, UK only.

[Chez]

And can someone tell me why Kelvin fannys around when he has caught the ball and we have players in dangerous positions up field standing in acres of space, as he repeatedly seems to squeeze the ball pat it about and waits for everyone on both sides to be ready Holmes was really getting the arse with it 1st half: as was a bloke who sits down in front of me who looks like he will explode as it winds him up so much.

 

 

if he throws it out and we lose posession straight away then you can bet your bottom dollar that bloke will moan then as well. IMO its only on the odd occasion that he could go for the long ball early, but on the whole his safety first choices make sense.

 

Whats more annoying is not having at least one or two players on the half way line when defending corners. They were tiny. There was no need whatsoever in bringing back both Lambert and Barnard. Lets at least give ourselves a chance of latching on to a hoofed clearance. Half these palyesr in the box are rubbish in the air anyway.

[Scummer]

Whats more annoying is not having at least one or two players on the half way line when defending corners. They were tiny. There was no need whatsoever in bringing back both Lambert and Barnard. Lets at least give ourselves a chance of latching on to a hoofed clearance. Half these palyesr in the box are rubbish in the air anyway.

 

Yeah that annoyed me. Five minutes into the second half Stockport got a free kick about 10 yards into our half. We dropped every single player back to defend it. It means we have no outlet if we win the ball back so we have to hoof it straight back to them.

 

Contrast that to Stockport, who left a man up. From one of our corners the ball was cleared up to that player, who laid it off to a supporting runner who got brought down for a free kick to them.

[Whitey Grandad]

if he throws it out and we lose posession straight away then you can bet your bottom dollar that bloke will moan then as well. IMO its only on the odd occasion that he could go for the long ball early, but on the whole his safety first choices make sense.

 

Whats more annoying is not having at least one or two players on the half way line when defending corners. They were tiny. There was no need whatsoever in bringing back both Lambert and Barnard. Lets at least give ourselves a chance of latching on to a hoofed clearance. Half these palyesr in the box are rubbish in the air anyway.

Yup, I agree. If we leave one up then they have to leave two back to cover.

[saintsmike25]

Yup, I agree. If we leave one up then they have to leave two back to cover.

 

Leave the pacy players up - Antonio/Waigo/Lallana sometimes having Lambert back on corners helps as he wins alot in the air (sometimes)