Saints 0-3 Watford - Post Match Reaction

[Saint Matty 76]

The pretty football's getting us nowhere if all we are doing is losing 3-0, 4-1 etc, as for the man of the match, for me it's going to the back two, who for once I thought were pretty good.

[southamptonfclegend]

Mcgoldrick is ****!!!!!!!!!!! why does he even play?

[Sheff Saint]

The pretty football's getting us nowhere if all we are doing is losing 3-0, 4-1 etc, as for the man of the match, for me it's going to the back two, who for once I thought were pretty good.

 

what pretty football?!

[Window Cleaner]

The pretty football's getting us nowhere if all we are doing is losing 3-0, 4-1 etc, as for the man of the match, for me it's going to the back two, who for once I thought were pretty good.

 

You can blame everything you like but at the end of the day we missed 2 penalties that's it and all about it. It gives the opposition a shot in the arm and you a sharp smack right between the eyes.We have got to get Morgan and Gasmi onto the pitch by Tuesday.If not I want to see Thomas,Euell,John

and Skacel there with their boots and their kit. If they can't play they should bring a note from their mum explaining exactly why,along with a cheque for the pay they're taking from us and not earning.

[Teddy Nutkins]

totally un-acceptable performance.There are a number of players out there today who think they are the muts nuts, trust me they are not.mcg don't even start me. I don't normally slag professional people, but i will make an exception in DMG case, David you are not as good as you think you are, get your head out of your ass and smell the coffee. Unfortunate for Portfliet his hands are tied, but that cherry faced **** has a lot to answer for, along with the un-royal Jersey waste of space.Unhappy, you better ****in believe it.

[Papa Shango]

Total garbage again. McGoldrick is an absoulte disgrace. He is one of the worst players ever and his attitude stinks.

[rocknrollman no2]

totally un-acceptable performance.There are a number of players out there today who think they are the muts nuts, trust me they are not.mcg don't even start me. I don't normally slag professional people, but i will make an exception in DMG case, David you are not as good as you think you are, get your head out of your ass and smell the coffee. Unfortunate for Portfliet his hands are tied, but that cherry faced **** has a lot to answer for, along with the un-royal Jersey waste of space.Unhappy, you better ****in believe it.

 

 

Couldnt have put it better myself!

In fact the game was so void of any excitement,that most of block 42 spent ages passing a pint of beer from the top to the bottom from someone who was thrown out.

[teamsaint]

With this defence we are doomed. Which is what I have written time after time this season.

 

Cork Wotton Perry skacel(or maybe mills) would give us at least a chance.

 

James and Lancashire are costing us game after game. There is room for perhaps one youngster at the back.

 

Lowe is running things, I suspect.

 

you simply cannot do well with a hopeless defence.

[Huffton]

If not I want to see Thomas,Euell,John

and Skacel there with their boots and their kit. If they can't play they should bring a note from their mum explaining exactly why,along with a cheque for the pay they're taking from us and not earning.

 

Ask Rupert, its him who won't pay their appearance money. Unfortunatley the smug faced c**t would rather see sub 15000 crowds and the administration that comes with it than admit he may have been wrong.

[teamsaint]

totally un-acceptable performance.There are a number of players out there today who think they are the muts nuts, trust me they are not.mcg don't even start me. I don't normally slag professional people, but i will make an exception in DMG case, David you are not as good as you think you are, get your head out of your ass and smell the coffee. Unfortunate for Portfliet his hands are tied, but that cherry faced **** has a lot to answer for, along with the un-royal Jersey waste of space.Unhappy, you better ****in believe it.

 

Paul Wotton's radio solent interview suggested as much.

 

I'd make him the manager NOW.

[derry]

Just returned from watching a side likely to be relegated.

 

Defending of set pieces is so so poor. Davis stays on his line too much and does not come to catch or punch. That puts the defence under even more pressure and goals result.

 

Brian O'Neil (ex Saints player for you young'en) said at half time he was with Micky Channon in the week and they agreed the team has no heart. Those players in the heart of the team who can get a grip of the game is what I think he meant.

 

We failed to challenge second ball all over the pitch.

 

Let's make no mistake Watford are a poor side.

 

We lack a clinical finisher up front.

 

This team will be relegated but hopefully will be the better for it. I do not see any other way bearing in mind our ever worsening financial position and reducing attending fan base.

 

The two centrebacks played square, neither dropped off to give cover, the last fullback didn't drop in to cover. Defenders let the ball bounce too many times, instead of attacking it.

 

No marking at set pieces. What was the header back across goal about.

 

Our free kicks were just gifts to the Watford defence. All their free kicks and corners into the six yd box were dangerous. We didn't win the ball and they won the knockdowns. We never won the second ball anywhere.

 

When is Kelvin Davis going to take charge of the six yd box, clear our defenders out and punch or catch the ball. Instead of just standing on the line. Opponents are causing us problems because they know this.

 

McGoldrick runs in at 45 degrees and scuffs the replayed Coventry penalty, like me the Watford keeper knew where it was going. Surman should be given the job for the rest of the season.

[derry]

totally un-acceptable performance.There are a number of players out there today who think they are the muts nuts, trust me they are not.mcg don't even start me. I don't normally slag professional people, but i will make an exception in DMG case, David you are not as good as you think you are, get your head out of your ass and smell the coffee. Unfortunate for Portfliet his hands are tied, but that cherry faced **** has a lot to answer for, along with the un-royal Jersey waste of space.Unhappy, you better ****in believe it.

 

You've obviously heard the same rumours. (see my thread)

[70's Mike]

The two centrebacks played square, neither dropped off to give cover, the last fullback didn't drop in to cover. Defenders let the ball bounce too many times, instead of attacking it.

 

No marking at set pieces. What was the header back across goal about.

 

Our free kicks were just gifts to the Watford defence. All their free kicks and corners into the six yd box were dangerous. We didn't win the ball and they won the knockdowns. We never won the second ball anywhere.

 

When is Kelvin Davis going to take charge of the six yd box, clear our defenders out and punch or catch the ball. Instead of just standing on the line. Opponents are causing us problems because they know this.

 

McGoldrick runs in at 45 degrees and scuffs the replayed Coventry penalty, like me the Watford keeper knew where it was going. Surman should be given the job for the rest of the season.

 

 

Do not often agree with you , but your comments are spot on.

Even Tyro defences are taught to be diagonal so there is cover.

[Give it to Ron]

totally un-acceptable performance.There are a number of players out there today who think they are the muts nuts, trust me they are not.mcg don't even start me. I don't normally slag professional people, but i will make an exception in DMG case, David you are not as good as you think you are, get your head out of your ass and smell the coffee. Unfortunate for Portfliet his hands are tied, but that cherry faced **** has a lot to answer for, along with the un-royal Jersey waste of space.Unhappy, you better ****in believe it.

 

Thanks Teddy s[ot on and exactly how I feel..I don't usually single out players but his attitude stinks. Not just the penalty miss but his passing amd committment stunk today.

The manager on radio Hampshire said about missing chances and penalties yet left him on for 90 mins that just gives him license to be as crap as he wants and then knows he wont get substituted.

 

How long can this club ignore the fact that a 16 yearold at left back a makesshift youth cente midfielder at right back, a lightweight ball playing centre half in Lancashire are not up to this kicking league.

Ye I am fully aware we have no money yet sign Robertson, Gasmi, Pulis and Smith and totalli ignore the defence - we sign Kack Cork to play at the back then play him in midfield alongside a lightweight Surman and Lalana

[gordonToo]

The short term answer must be for JP to buy out his contract (for he is an honourable man) and take himself back to the nether reaches of Dutch non-league football from whence he came. Personally I'd be happy for Dennis Wise to try his luck next - it just might bring some sense and organisation to team seelction and shake up one or two of the fancy dans before it's too late.

[yorkie]

There are so many things wrong - Jan going in isolation is not the answer.

 

Time to protest - but how?

 

At games? - NO confidence a bit fragile at the moment!

At SMS before and after games? - see above!

Personal attacks on boards members? Achieves nothing and likely result in criminal record.

 

The only thing any business understands is with holding money. Cash flow is the live blood of any company SLH included. If you want to show your anger vote with your feet, don't attend matches. If you are worried about the financial damage you are doing to the club - save the money and if when it is required stump up a lump sum to show your support. For those who don't want to save and spend the money every week - send it to me.

 

I have opened an account with all donations going to the "NEW REGIMES WARCHEST".

 

Admin - make this a sticky and a pole. If people want to take action in this way then I will provide the service, if the consus of opinion is for me and my idea to "go forth and multiply" then I will shut up!

[um pahars]

Terrible, truly terrible.

 

Can we please have no more mention about total football blah, blah, blah.

 

We have just been stuffed by a very poor Watford side. That's no criticism of Watford, it's just a true opinion of them and reflects on how poor we are.

 

Davis - 7 - Too much expected of him behind a back four that Shilton would have struggled with.

 

James - 2 - Bless him, he's just not up to it. Why can't the manager se this.

 

Lancashire - 4 - They had a 20 year old at centre half who took the pi655. Poor performance, second to the ball too much, no presence.

 

Wotton - 5 - Not a centre half, so no idea why he was being played there.

 

Mills - 4 - Again, not up to it. Full backs have been a problem since day one, why hasn't it been addressed.

 

Surman - 6 - OK, but outmuscled too many times.

 

Cork - 6 - Tried his best, but he's just too lightweight for this division. I bet he can't wait to get back to Chelsea

 

Smith - 5 - Wasn't too sure if it was David Gest or Lewis Hamilton, but both would have probably put in an equivalent performance.

 

Lallana - 6- My favourite, but he can't do it every week. Felt sorry for him today.

 

Robertson - 4 - A shadow of his home debut. Didn't really do anything.

 

McGoldrick - minus 2 - A fciucking disgrace. Don't like slagging off players, btu how he gets a game, ****c knows.

 

Subs : Thomson - 5 - dotn know what to say

 

Pekhart - 5 - Dont know what to say.

 

I have now seen 1 good game in about 6 or 7. We're in a relegation battle and a whisker away from administration, so please no more let's wit and see.

 

Why wasn't Cork playing????

 

Tactics and shape looked poor ????

 

How did McGoldrick stay on????

 

Why no changes earlier????

 

The manager looked shell shocked in the second half????

 

Don't want to slag the manager off, but he was found wanting today.

 

(PS I'm sure some will come on here and blame the supporters](*,)](*,)](*,))

[70's Mike]

The funny thing is we pull all 11 back for corners and still concede, they not leave Smith and another up field and occupy 4 defenders, by dragging all back we invited Watford to stick 9 in our box.

[saintjay77]

The short term answer must be for JP to buy out his contract (for he is an honourable man) and take himself back to the nether reaches of Dutch non-league football from whence he came. Personally I'd be happy for Dennis Wise to try his luck next - it just might bring some sense and organisation to team seelction and shake up one or two of the fancy dans before it's too late.

 

I get the feeling that the Denis Wise type person is the one thing we are desperatly missing. WGS had it, Pearson had it and even Hoddle had it.

 

Im all for us playing tactically and in the mould that is trying to be achieved but the team has no backbone which someone like Wise would install.

 

JP should be concentrating fully on the defence and if I was in charge every training session for the next 2 months would be all about the defence. Grind out a few clean sheets and get a couple of points on the board from draws and I will be happier than I am now.

 

Didnt Graham or someone do something similar with Arsenal years ago? 1st choice defence should all be tied together for till the next game so they all learn to look after each other.

 

Cant do much about getting a better defence in now so tripple the work our current defence has to do ffs.

[rocknrollman no2]

Can someone tell me why our head coach stands there motionless for 85 minutes,then decides to jump up and down and shout at players?

Also why bring on a striker when the game was all but over?

And as U.P mentioned above,why was Mc G still on the pitch?

Portaloo just hasnt got a clue.

[VectisSaint]

Just got back after a 150 mile round trip to watch a load of garbage, and Saints were even worse. What has happened to the team I love and have supported for over 40 years. This is shameful. How can any team miss 2 penalties. At least Wotton's attempt was reasonable, McG must have struck just about worst penalty ever, even the 3 kids at half-time made better attempts (indeed I think the girl would probably have not looked out of place in the team today). Our players are too weak, too easily knocked off the ball. Watford knew how to destroy them today, and frankly didn't even break sweat. They were gifted 3 goals by our excuse for a defence. Why play Wotton and Ollie at the back when Perry, a proper CB is on the bench, Perry at CB and Wotton in MF and we may have had some spine. We look too slow, we are not good at passing to our own players, and we are completely ineffective up front - indeed blaming the defence is all well and good, but even if they had kept a clean sheet the best we could have hoped for would have been a 0-0 draw.

 

I really do dread to think what will happen when we play a good side, it will go one of two ways I suppose, Sheff Utd will either tear us apart or we will step up and atually give a good performance, sadly I suspect the former is more likely.

 

I don't think Jan knows what he is doing either. His general demeanour is awful, standing hands in pockets, with no ideas of subs. We were crying out for a change at HT or just after, at least going for a win could have raised the spirits a bit. But we did not try to change things until Peckhardt came on with 10 to go, too late Jan. His post-match interview as well spoke volumes, a man in despair, with no ideas, just hope. Out of his depth with a bunch of kids who desparately need a strong leader before their confidence is completely destroyed.

 

Still, to be positive, I did at least see some talent out there today. Impressed with Smith, especially in the 2nd half (when I could see him better). Cork, Surman and Lallana are also clearly gifted players, just hope they don't suffer too much from having their confidence destroyed by this hopeless regime. I was also impressed by Mills, but he needs to bulk up a bit, too lightweight, but I think one day he will be a good LB.

 

It was a bit sad being on my own today, couldn't persuade anyone else to go with me, but in the end glad it was just me that witnessed the shambles, I may have put others off for life. It might be a while before I go back, and I think there are several thousand others there today who will feel the same. I guess as well there will be a few less there next game as our stewards seemed to be excelling at expelling our own supporters this afternoon, I don't know if they get a bonus for each supporter they eject but they do seem to relish it - there probably weren't that many in fiarness but the game was so dull I got more enjoyment watching the antics.

[saintjay77]

There are so many things wrong - Jan going in isolation is not the answer.

 

Time to protest - but how?

 

At games? - NO confidence a bit fragile at the moment!

At SMS before and after games? - see above!

Personal attacks on boards members? Achieves nothing and likely result in criminal record.

 

The only thing any business understands is with holding money. Cash flow is the live blood of any company SLH included. If you want to show your anger vote with your feet, don't attend matches. If you are worried about the financial damage you are doing to the club - save the money and if when it is required stump up a lump sum to show your support. For those who don't want to save and spend the money every week - send it to me.

 

I have opened an account with all donations going to the "NEW REGIMES WARCHEST".

 

Admin - make this a sticky and a pole. If people want to take action in this way then I will provide the service, if the consus of opinion is for me and my idea to "go forth and multiply" then I will shut up!

 

Im all for voting with your feet but I wouldnt suggest it be every game. Something more organised like every other home game or last home game of the month. If the general idea was to stay away on these matches the club would still get some support but when they dont it will be allot more obvious.

 

I believe many of the stay away fans are due to the credit crunch and lack of prem football but believe many more would join in with an organised boycot if it got the point accross more.

 

Dejected about today as others have already said the problems were there for us all to see yet we still get players in for other areas who are not even fit yet!!! no sign of gasmi or Pulis yet we secured them in the transfer window when a big oaf of a defender would have been money much better spent.

 

Only good money spent IMO was on Morgan and Holmes both of which are sorely missed.

[The Dogman Of Bassett]

**** Lowe. Administration, PLEASE! The only way forward. It's bizarre, but I am enjoying watching SFC capitulate.

[Wade Garrett]

I wonder what all the people who were championing Lowe, JP, and playing kids are thinking now?

[Simon_UK]

What was the attendance? it seemed to me that an awful lot of stay away fans responded to the saints trust rallying call and came to support the team. after that performance how many of them are going to come back against coventry next tuesday?

[Rebel]

McGoldrick, Lloyd James and Joseph Mills have just got to be dropped...

 

McGoldrick becomes he can't finish anything and at times seems to believe his own hype and not put in the work or concentration

 

James because he is just not a right back - and playing there has destroyed his confidence - -he was truly awful today and his decision making was terrible - put him back in the reserves at central midfield

 

Mills - too young and too small - still has a lot to learn about defending

 

And I for one would like to see 'super super Kel super Kelvin Davis' come of his line and claim the ball once - just once - before I die - and dominate his area!

 

You don't need a shot stopper in this league - you need a keeper that can deal with corners and long throws and free kicks because that is where games are won and lost in this league

 

Smith looked good when we let him run at people

 

Cork, Lallana and Surman looked a class above but that was it

[Norm]

**** Lowe. Administration, PLEASE! The only way forward. It's bizarre, but I am enjoying watching SFC capitulate.

 

 

How sad, to read such a shameful quote. I really can't believe that anyone can enjoy seeing the state SFC is in. I have no idea about the politics at SMS and to be honest, I don't want to. I just think it sad to see how far we have sunk.

 

As for protests, 17,000 staying away each game have shown how they feel.

[explorer saint]

Think we should look at who was not playing Thomas Perry even Skacel, kids are not the answer. These are all players paid by SFC and are dragging us down by not playing.

 

JP is not the answer but if his hands are tied by RL we have no chance

[saintwarwick]

Listened to some of the commentary on "Three Counties Radio", a surprisingly balanced account.

At half time the commentator said, the supporters will be shaking their heads in disbelief at this scoreline.

At full time their summariser admitted the Watford goalie should have been sent off for his first pen, and said Saints defending was simply shocking and naive and we needed two big strong centre-backs; he added that nearly all the good football came from Saints and that we had some very promising youngsters.

 

Sums it up basically, shocking penalty by McGoldrick and a sitter missed by him later on in the first half after doing the hard work beating the defenders and goalie. Wotton's penalty was about power and was unlucky. Had John played he would of buried the penalties and won a few challenges in the penalty area instead of falling over like McGoldrick did on many occasions. Watford had three chances in the first half and scored from each chance from set pieces with yet again shocking defending. Davis had to make his first save on 60 minutes which shows Watford did their homework and used the set pieces to their advantage. No other chance from them in the first half. We are in need of a couple of experienced defenders and should be playing 4-4-2 at home not 4-2-1-2-1 or whatever Jan plays. Promising youngsters we have yes but it's experience we need to compliment the team. Another depressing long drive back home :sad:

[sotonianproud]

In Lamen's terms we are quite simply 2 centre backs and a goal scorer short of a team!

[RedWillie]

Defence were hopeless, McGoldrick was worse than hopeless, in fact he was worse than that.. the kid aged 12 next to me fell asleep, Portalooooo looked hopeless. Smith and LLLLLLLLana looked OK

My daughter (aged 9) however bless here 'Dad, there are ups and downs....we are on a big down at the moment but I won't support anyone else...we'll be up soon....! and she stayed awake...

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

My personal ratings for Saints v Watford :

 

K Davis 5 - I felt sorry for him , didn't really command the box but any keeper is going to look poor with this defence in front of him .

L James 3 - Put simply he's not up to the job and I'm getting tired of making excuses for him . Not strong enough .

P Wotten 3.5 - Apparently he can play in defence or midfield , this will come as a surprise to anyone at SMS today , dismal :mad:

O Lancashire 4 - A inexperienced player clearly out of his depth , we can only hope he learns , ASAP please .

M Mills 5 - Quick and always willing to get forward I'm sure he'll make a decent player- given time .

A Surman 6 - He did OK generally and probably one of our better players , but that's not saying much .

J Cork 6 - Neat and tidy he surly should have played at RB today with Gillett available .

DMG 4 - Criminal penalty shot that set the tone for the rest of the game , but did show some nice wing play just to confuse the issue .

A Lallana 6.5 - Lovely skills but needs to impose himself more to be really effective at this level .

R Smith 6.5 - The fact that our best player was this kid on loan from Millwall I find profoundly depressing .

J Robertson 4.5 - After an impressive debut a few weeks ago he struggled to make any real impact today , disappointing .

 

Substitutes :

J Thompson 3 - Another young lad prematurely promoted to the first team .

T Pekhart 3 - a late sub he made no noticeable difference as far as I could see .

 

Summary :

One of the worst Saints performances I've seen at SMS in recent years and believe-you-me there's been some pretty stiff competition . On this basis we're in grave danger of relegation IMO unless JP can engineer a dramatic improvement in short order .

The teams total inability to take a competant penalty kick or defend 'bread and butter' corners makes a mockery of any 'total football' pretensions . As Chris Perry made the substitutes bench I can only presume he was fit to play , in this case Jan Poortvleit's failure to select him remains a mystery to this reviewer and a fatal omission today .

 

nb - no MOTM today as none of them deserved it .

[harvey]

Will it?

It will bring us the instant sale of Lallana,Surman and Schneiderlin and a 10 point penalty, prbably more.

 

So what !, if a decent club wants them they'll be gone anyway. Bite the bullet now and get rid of the scum the haunts the corridors of St Marys, the club can't move on while they're here.

[sidthesquid]

My ratings for today

Davis - 3 - I know he makes good saves, but I still think a lot of questions need to be asked of the keeper when all three goals come from set-piece crosses.

James & Mills - 5.5 - both okay, fullback was not the problem today

Wotton & Lancashire - 4 - too similar, neither dominant enough physically

Smith - 5.5 - I quite liked the look of him, but wonder how much end-product he'll produce

McGoldrick - 4 - flits in and out. Should be fined for that penalty (perhaps we should sign the girl who took the pens at half time - at least she knew how to kick it)

Lalllana - 6.5 - classy on the ball but not enough end-product today

Surman & Cork - 6 - looked quite a good pairing, but lacked a bit of bite

Robertson - 5 - a poor man's Beattie

Pekhart & Thomson - totally anonymous

Overall more total pants than total football against the worst team we have played this season. If you give away 3 soft goals to set-pieces straight after two missed penalties and a one-on-one with the keeper you are doomed, no matter how good the coach or players are individually

[tommi]

What winds me up most is everyone ****ing complaining all the ****ing time. It was widely known at the beginning of the season that if we stayed up this season it would be a success. If you though anymore than that then you're a 'tard and as such, shouldn't be allowed on the internet without supervision.

 

If the league finished now we'd stay up, which considering the age of the team, the inexperience of the manager, the lack of crowds and the whining fans is not that bad.

 

Winds the living **** out of me when people start the season saying all we have to do is stay up and the team doing enough for that and people are still getting on their backs. Wtf did you all expect?

 

Champions League football in 2 seasons, 7 trophies and a 65000 seater stadium.........

 

Top post by the way, I agree 100% with everything you have said. Far to sensible to be posting on here.

[dubsaint]

I'll go first then.

It's clear, you miss 2 penas in the first 20 minutes or so and you lose.

Newton's 146th law of football.Don't care about the rest.

[/i]

we are just lacking in spirit at the club, both on and off the pitch,,,,,,

to miss 2 penalties in the same game is criminal.....

please, please,please can we sort our defence.....

Finally can we understand as fans that we are a mid table side at best this season

[Channon's Sideburns]

[/b]

 

 

How sad, to read such a shameful quote. I really can't believe that anyone can enjoy seeing the state SFC is in. I have no idea about the politics at SMS and to be honest, I don't want to. I just think it sad to see how far we have sunk.

 

As for protests, 17,000 staying away each game have shown how they feel.

 

Sorry Norm, but Lowe is finally reaping what he has sown.

 

To quote Micky C on the Saints History Video - we are on the slab, sliding, and the grappling hooks aren't biting.

 

To quote Dad's Army - We're Doomed.

 

Lowe is killing this club - AGENT LOWE?????

[harvey]

Champions League football in 2 seasons, 7 trophies and a 65000 seater stadium.........

 

Top post by the way, I agree 100% with everything you have said. Far to sensible to be posting on here.

 

How about actually competing in this league (a bit leftfield I know), instead of just rolling over and having you're tummy tickled.

[captainchris]

the two centrebacks played square, neither dropped off to give cover, the last fullback didn't drop in to cover. Defenders let the ball bounce too many times, instead of attacking it.

 

No marking at set pieces. What was the header back across goal about.

 

Our free kicks were just gifts to the watford defence. All their free kicks and corners into the six yd box were dangerous. We didn't win the ball and they won the knockdowns. We never won the second ball anywhere.

 

When is kelvin davis going to take charge of the six yd box, clear our defenders out and punch or catch the ball. Instead of just standing on the line. Opponents are causing us problems because they know this.

 

Mcgoldrick runs in at 45 degrees and scuffs the replayed coventry penalty, like me the watford keeper knew where it was going. Surman should be given the job for the rest of the season.

 

100% correct !!!!!!!

[jasonbenali]

Why on earth couldn't that two week break have been used to get the defence organised? Somehow we were even worse today on set pieces against a side known for it. In fact that's all Watford needed to do.

 

To compound it with some equally bad play in the final third just shows what a poor side we are at present.

 

Watching Jan motionless on the touchline and then refusing to make a sub at half time (should have been before to get Perry on) just underlined how out of his depth he is. As for what formation we were playing in the second half, I really have no idea and neither did the players. Summed up by Thompson playing at right back when he came on until someone reminded him Cork was supposed to be switching there.

 

I thought the youngsters were supposed to get better, not worse?

[captainchris]

My ratings for today

Davis - 3 - I know he makes good saves, but I still think a lot of questions need to be asked of the keeper when all three goals come from set-piece crosses.

James & Mills - 5.5 - both okay, fullback was not the problem today

Wotton & Lancashire - 4 - too similar, neither dominant enough physically

Smith - 5.5 - I quite liked the look of him, but wonder how much end-product he'll produce

McGoldrick - 4 - flits in and out. Should be fined for that penalty (perhaps we should sign the girl who took the pens at half time - at least she knew how to kick it)

Lalllana - 6.5 - classy on the ball but not enough end-product today

Surman & Cork - 6 - looked quite a good pairing, but lacked a bit of bite

Robertson - 5 - a poor man's Beattie

Pekhart & Thomson - totally anonymous

Overall more total pants than total football against the worst team we have played this season. If you give away 3 soft goals to set-pieces straight after two missed penalties and a one-on-one with the keeper you are doomed, no matter how good the coach or players are individually

 

Just how many times do we have to play Thompson to understand he is way off the pace for this division ??????? As for McGoldrick - ditto

[southamptonfclegend]

With this defence we are doomed. Which is what I have written time after time this season.

 

Cork Wotton Perry skacel(or maybe mills) would give us at least a chance.

 

James and Lancashire are costing us game after game. There is room for perhaps one youngster at the back.

 

Lowe is running things, I suspect.

 

you simply cannot do well with a hopeless defence.

 

you say the defence is bad?

but we're not scoring so it doesn't make a difference

you can't win without scoring

[Bailey]

The first half was one of the strangest 45 minutes I've ever seen. To miss 2 penalties and conceed 3 when the oppo hadn't created one clear cut chance was unreal to say the least. Watford's only efforts came from their 3 set pieces which all, ultimately, led to goals.

 

The most frustrating thing about today was that first half, and I don't want to sound like a broken record, but we actually were by far the better side. We passed the ball about well and created numerous openings. Second half however, we were chasing a lost cause and whilst we saw alot of the ball, we never looked like threatening and it was too comfortable for Watford.

 

Defensively we have some issues. One positive is that we seem to have learnt how to win headers when the ball is hoofed up top to the oppo's forwards. On numerous occasions Olly and Wotton won their headers and looked solid enough. HOWEVER, we really need to work on our defending of set pieces. We always struggle to deal with balls that come across us, with a basic lack of communication, poor positioning and fundamental errors being the main reasons for today's defeat.

 

Had we worked harder on defending set plays and taken our chances, may I be the first to suggest that we could have been on the over end of this 3-0 result. Watford never posed any real threat today and looked ordinary at best. It was one of those games where it could have gone on for another 90 minutes, and yet we still wouldn't score.

 

With our next match just around the corner, we really have to roll our sleeves up and show that we have what it takes. 3 points at Sheffield United would be the perfect way to put today's defeat behind us.

[ladysaint]

Bitterly disappointed with the performance today and really cant understand why he keeps chopping and changing the team, you need a consistent back 4 and other than injuries he should stick to the same 4.

 

We are also lacking a midfield bully boy someone in the Terry Hurlock mould as our team seemed to be bullied by every team we meet. The first half was all long ball stuff and I was totally bored, second half the first 20 minutes I thought we did ok but then just lost the plot completely. You can see whats going to happen, NP and Leicester willl get promoted and we will end up getting relegated.

[hugh]

Absolutely gutted

 

Their goalie should have been off, the first penalty was probably the worst taken I have ever seen. Pathetic.

 

The second, Wotton did everything right, but their goalie didn't move.

 

Robertson missed an open goal from a very narrow angle, having nicked the ball from the goalie. McGoldrick was unmarked in front of goal, but I wouldn't have passed to him, so why should I expect Robertson to.

 

McGoldrick missed a one on one with the keeper.

 

With the exception of the three set piece goals, Watford were very poor.

 

How the hell did we contrive NOT to win that match??

 

Can't find it in me to be critical of the youngsters. They are all individually skilled, but they still make catastrophic mistakes two or three times per game. What do you expect though, when Wotton is the only outfield player over 21?!

 

Bugger seems the word to best sum things up.

[Ivan Katalinic's 'tache]

The difference is Leicester employed a manager with the nous to get them out of League 1. Should we keep JP and slide into League 1, I just can't bear to think what will happen if we try to play total football with a bunch of kids against real cloggers.

[harvey]

Bitterly disappointed with the performance today and really cant understand why he keeps chopping and changing the team, you need a consistent back 4 and other than injuries he should stick to the same 4.

 

We are also lacking a midfield bully boy someone in the Terry Hurlock mould as our team seemed to be bullied by every team we meet. The first half was all long ball stuff and I was totally bored, second half the first 20 minutes I thought we did ok but then just lost the plot completely. You can see whats going to happen, NP and Leicester willl get promoted and we will end up getting relegated.

 

And that is exactly what's gonna happen :mad:

[Toadhall Saint]

we can't defend - JP needs to work on it but doesn't seem to want to.

[AwaySaint1]

Im all for voting with your feet but I wouldnt suggest it be every game.

 

I believe many of the stay away fans are due to the credit crunch.

 

Your are taking the p*ss ?

[LostBoys]

Picking up on the posts - I care and I diod not leave until the final whistle. Summing up some good stuff which played a mediocre Watford side off the park at times but naive formation naive tactics naive finishing and unbelievablly poor defending. I dread to think what will happen when we hit the good sides in this division.

 

I said in August that we would be in the bottom three by the end of October and that the Lowe panic button will be pressed then. I would love to be wrong but I fear I will not be and the hand is over the red button with two hard away games coming up.

 

Very depressed