Daren W Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 After beating the supposedly best team in this league and doing it with some conviction, at what point do we start to believe we can win this league? I didn't until last night... 32,150 fans, St Marys rocking, Saints playing some cracking football, top of the league by five points after a quarter of the season? Now? I believe... Do you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian H. Cope Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I believe that if West Ham are the best the championship has to offer, then we'll do ok. They were dogs muck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFC Chris Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I don't see why not. Although alot will depend upon our ability to keep guys fit... Lose Lambert, Cork or Fonte for any period of time and we'd begin to drop points IMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank's cousin Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I believe we CAN, but football is cruel in that there are always twists and turns, defeats that are daylight robbery etc. On paper I now believe we are in the top 3 sides in this division. But as we saw last season, even teh best stumble now and then, injuries suspensions and periods where the form is not gtreat will have a say in the eventual outcome. Luck as well ;-) Put it this way, there is no reason why we should not be in the mix in May, just need to keep up the 2points+ a game average (currently the only side with that average). Thing is, its usually when teams get 'cocky' that things can go pearshaped - the biggest test for NA will be managing expectations and getting the side to go quietly about their business with both feet on the ground (Can I get any more footballing cliches in there? :-) ) Still whatever happens, I KNOW its going to be an exciting season! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 We just need to take one game at a time, go out to win while playing a good, entertaining brand of football that pleases the fans. We can achieve that due to the brilliant backroom staff, and a hard working, honest group of players. We look to score goals and get 3 points, because that's what matters, then we'll draw a blue line under it and go again next time. What a lad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torrent Of Abuse Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Anyone can keep the team motivated AND keep their feet on the ground it's our Nigel. We'll have our bad patches but the other teams will likely have more. Our greatest challenge is, I feel, injuries and suspensions. If we manage to strengthen in January and keep the guys fit I have every confidence in us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minty Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Thing is' date=' its usually when teams get 'cocky' that things can go pearshaped - the biggest test for NA will be managing expectations and getting the side to go quietly about their business with both feet on the ground (Can I get any more footballing cliches in there? :-) )[/quote'] Probably not, but then that is exactly what Adkins has been saying for awhile now (perfect case in point being him refusing to 'celebrate' our promotion last season until after the last game of the season). I've never had as much belief in any manager as I do in Adkins, from every point of view - his tactics, his motivation, his fitness regime, his use of technology, his ability to get the best out of individual players, his mentality, his demeanour. Everything. I bloody love 'im. I was planning on starting a family in the next year, but at this rate my wife might have competition for who I want to have kids with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 My worry is that we might just be a tad too thin with regards squad size. On our day, as has been proved so far, we're more than a match for anyone in this league. The confidence & ability of the 13 or 14 main players is decent enough to maintain this form, but in a couple of key areas we're a bit lightweight. Areas where we are obviously light is centre half (Martin next in line) and up front until Barnard is back, who I have doubts over, no one in line, so would need a reshuffle which then weakens us elsewhere). Personally I'd be going full tilt for a loanee or two, or hoping we can hold out until January and then looking hard to see what business we can do in the window. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintwarwick Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I don't see why not. Although alot will depend upon our ability to keep guys fit... Lose Lambert, Cork or Fonte for any period of time and we'd begin to drop points IMO All teams will have the same problem though and will rely on the availability of their best players throughout the season, we will all lose some of these at some point and haven't we just got through two very hard games still playing well and being the better of the opposition without our best player, Lallana? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray kemish Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Totally believe - but the only thing that can screw us up is if one of the big money boys sacks their current manager (how long will Wenger last) and comes hunting for the next big thing. Seriously, if they come knocking do we have the clout to keep Nigel? Let's be honest now, based on what we are seeing at Southampton currently (fantasy football), is there a better young English manager in the game? If we can see it, so can everybody else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 TBH I haven't really looked much at our opponents, but if West Ham seemed to have a decent squad (quite a few out injured and still had a decent looking bench). What about Brum and Leiciester??? You may be right in that any injuries for our rivals could be just as damaging, but just think it's in the two worst areas for us (upfront & at the back). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panda Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Apply the NA philosophy. One game at a time, don't get carried away when we win, don't get depressed when we lose. Prepare well, train hard and stand together. Have confidence in our ability and above all, believe it is possible because you need that belief to keep going during the hard, dark days of winter. Come May we might well be champions, may be not, but just enjoy the ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Notwithstanding Adkins banging on about it being a team game and pointing to the strength of the sides put out in the Carling Cub, I think our squad is a bit thin and will struggle in the second half of the season. Fortunately, we have very versatile players: Chaplow can go to either LM or RM; Cork can drop to RB; Fox or Harding can go to LM; Guly and De Ridder can play upfront etc etc; while NA and the team are fantastically obsessive about fitness and recovery after games, thereby limiting the risk of injuries. But that can only go so far -Chaplow was up there for MOTM last night but his performance also demonstrated the limits of not having natural width or pace. Barney, Jaidi, Seaborne, Lallana, Holmes are not minor injuries and we're only a 1/4 way though the season. We have an excellent nucleus of a squad and a great platform from which to kick on but the January window will probably be the most important one of the last few seasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom28 Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I'm really starting to think we can keep this pace up. My concern seems to be shared, that we may not quite have the depth in certain areas. However, I think only Leicester are the only team that can say they have good depth at every position. Even West Ham look light at the back if they were to pick up injuries. I think we only look short of depth up front. Everywhere else, centre back included, I think we have adequate cover. I'd hope we could add a quality striker in the january transfer window and then I really don't see any reason why we can't achieve promotion with the way we are playing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 (edited) Notwithstanding Adkins banging on about it being a team game and pointing to the strength of the sides put out in the Carling Cub, I think our squad is a bit thin and will struggle in the second half of the season. Fortunately, we have very versatile players: Chaplow can go to either LM or RM; Cork can drop to RB; Fox or Harding can go to LM; Guly and De Ridder can play upfront etc etc; while NA and the team are fantastically obsessive about fitness and recovery after games, thereby limiting the risk of injuries. But that can only go so far -Chaplow was up there for MOTM last night but his performance also demonstrated the limits of not having natural width or pace. Barney, Jaidi, Seaborne, Lallana, Holmes are not minor injuries and we're only a 1/4 way though the season. We have an excellent nucleus of a squad and a great platform from which to kick on but the January window will probably be the most important one of the last few seasons. But Barney was training with the others in the last build-up video. He may not be doing any contact work I suppose but if he's running around he can't be too far away. Do I believe?? well actually yes, we'd need another 60 points from 34 games to obtain automatic promotion, Leicester would need about another 70 from 35 so the stats are already on our side.Winning another 20 out of 34 doesn't seem to be a very tall order to me.We could go something like W17,D9,L8 from here and still have a great chance of automatic promotion. Edited 19 October, 2011 by Window Cleaner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 But Barney was training with the others in the last build-up video. He may not be doing any contact work I suppose but if he's running around he can't be too far away. That's good news, though there are conflicting reports about him redoing something??? At any rate, it will take him a while to get fully match fit and he still has to prove he can hack it in the championship (I'm confident he can but he still has to do it). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colehillsaint Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Totally believe - but the only thing that can screw us up is if one of the big money boys sacks their current manager (how long will Wenger last) and comes hunting for the next big thing. Seriously, if they come knocking do we have the clout to keep Nigel? Let's be honest now, based on what we are seeing at Southampton currently (fantasy football), is there a better young English manager in the game? If we can see it, so can everybody else. He is a clever man and can see what he is acheiving here. With everything he says and his record of loyalty to his previous club, you would be absolutely shocked if he did't stay long enough to see this through, or establish it can't be done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simo Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I do believe in fairies I do I do ! I'm working at staplewood today and everyone here believes we will go up even the token skate that's here with us ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topcat Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Do I believe?? well actually yes, we'd need another 60 points from 34 games to obtain automatic promotion, Leicester would need about another 70 from 35 so the stats are already on our side.Winning another 20 out of 34 doesn't seem to be a very tall order to me.We could go something like W17,D9,L8 from here and still have a great chance of automatic promotion. Good point. We have 28.9% of the 90 points probably required, yet have played only 26.7% of the games. So almost 10% better than the target. We now need 1.88 points per game in the remainder whilst our rivals need 2.03 and higher. It needs at least two of that group to do that. Early days, but we are slightly ahead of the requirement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I believe.. i really do.. I also know that we will have a fwe dodgy results this season. lose at home...but so will every other team so I do believe.....I also believe that if we are top 2...of with say six points of the top come jan then we WILL recruit....also, i simply cannot see NC allowing ANY player to leave until the summer at the earliest........but I cant see any that will want to leave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daren W Posted 19 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I believe.. i really do.. I also know that we will have a fwe dodgy results this season. lose at home...but so will every other team so I do believe.....I also believe that if we are top 2...of with say six points of the top come jan then we WILL recruit....also, i simply cannot see NC allowing ANY player to leave until the summer at the earliest........but I cant see any that will want to leave Good point, January will be a real tester... Judging by previous seasons it's the most vital part of the season and if we're still up there I think we'll now attract some serious talent... Happy days.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topcat Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 (edited) Totally believe - but the only thing that can screw us up is if one of the big money boys sacks their current manager (how long will Wenger last) and comes hunting for the next big thing. Seriously, if they come knocking do we have the clout to keep Nigel? Let's be honest now, based on what we are seeing at Southampton currently (fantasy football), is there a better young English manager in the game? If we can see it, so can everybody else. Of the teams in the Prem, who would a) Hire an English manager and b) Be bigger than us when we are in the Prem? I would guess that it comes down to 5. Villa, Everton, Spurs, Sunderland & Newcastle. Of these the only possible two I can see this season are Villa and Sunderland. Nigel is quite safe. Of course if SMS was expanded above 40k then with the bigger crowds and higher average earning per punter than the north, Saints could be bigger than all 5 of these until Spuds re-build. Edited 19 October, 2011 by Topcat extras Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldsarum Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I'm not geeting too carried away just happy at where we are at the moment All of our home games before christmas are against top half sides , Middlesbro, Peterbro, Brighton, Hull, Blackpool and Palace if we are in top two after that lot we'll be doing extremely well and that's when I'll start thinking of automatic promotion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Give it to Ron Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I still think we are a good, quality, quick forward away from an automatic promotion winning side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat from Poole Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I still think we are a good, quality, quick forward away from an automatic promotion winning side. Agreed. Baldock looked a class act last night, shame we couldn't get him in the window. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambosa75 Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Think people are looking too much in to signing new players in January. There may be one or two additions but I wouldn't go expecting it unless we have long term injuries when January comes around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I will believe when we are mathematically promoted. Until then I will just remember "This is Southampton, this is Southampton". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxstone Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 After beating the supposedly best team in this league and doing it with some conviction, at what point do we start to believe we can win this league? I didn't until last night... 32,150 fans, St Marys rocking, Saints playing some cracking football, top of the league by five points after a quarter of the season? Now? I believe... Do you? Top of the league by 5 points after 12 matches ! I think its safe to say my expectations have been exceeded by some margin, and in Nigel Adkins I truly beleive we have a man who will become one of our clubs all time greats !! Ver happy and yes, very beleivable !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Great team, manager, strength in depth, money to back us up, massive support from the fans. Worthy of belief I feel.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintwarwick Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I still think West Ham should win it. Their resources are crazy and no doubt they'll spend big again in January, win or bust and all that. But not worried about any other teams. Not so much if we'll win it, I just think anyone can get top 2 because there's so many weaknesses in teams. Leicester spent lots, but I've said all year they won't ever get top 2 under Sven as he won't find consistency, same as with England. Saints play the best football, have a few of the best players, and IMO, the best management and team spirit. So we have a very, very good chance. If we're top 2 in January I'll really believe we can do it. After seeing West Ham last night I see no reason why they should win it, previusly undefeated away they come up against better opposiion and as for their resources I thought they were in debt but pease correct me if I am wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daren W Posted 19 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Think people are looking too much in to signing new players in January. There may be one or two additions but I wouldn't go expecting it unless we have long term injuries when January comes around. Historically we've always done well in the Janury transfer windows under Cortese... I'm thinking of those clubs who tried to play hardball with him and thought they'd get a wedge of that Oxlade Chamberlain transfer money... Well, that parachute money's fast running out... Some real bargains to be had in January methinks... Just one or two players mind you but it could make a real difference.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Village Saint Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Historically we've always done well in the Janury transfer windows under Cortese... I'm thinking of those clubs who tried to play hardball with him and thought they'd get a wedge of that Oxlade Chamberlain transfer money... Well, that parachute money's fast running out... Some real bargains to be had in January methinks... Just one or two players mind you but it could make a real difference.. My 50 quid at 20-1 before the season started is already looking more like an investment than a gamble! I take what everyone says about not getting too cocky but I am sure that under Adkins the players aren't and I dont think that us getting over-confident actually affects what happens on the pitch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spyinthesky Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Like a fair few Saints fans I guess we would have collectively settled for a mid table position I thought we didnt exactly set the world alight last season in Div 1, although to be fair the team finished very strongly, and was a little concerned about the capability of certain players to make the upward transition to the Championship. However from Day 1 v Leeds, individually and collectively, we look the real deal West Ham were a big physical side who will be in the mixer at the end of the season but we handled them well Every club needs to strengthen and, to my mind, we need more resources in central defence and up front, but I am really enjoying both the results and the manner of how we achieve them Even in defeat the team has performed well Problem is, our collective expectation has increased and a failure to win automatic promotion and despatch Pompey twice may be looked upon as disappointing at the end of the season Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Like a fair few Saints fans I guess we would have collectively settled for a mid table position I thought we didnt exactly set the world alight last season in Div 1, although to be fair the team finished very strongly, and was a little concerned about the capability of certain players to make the upward transition to the Championship. However from Day 1 v Leeds, individually and collectively, we look the real deal West Ham were a big physical side who will be in the mixer at the end of the season but we handled them well Every club needs to strengthen and, to my mind, we need more resources in central defence and up front, but I am really enjoying both the results and the manner of how we achieve them Even in defeat the team has performed well Problem is, our collective expectation has increased and a failure to win automatic promotion and despatch Pompey twice may be looked upon as disappointing at the end of the season Ironically, the one player I expected to take to the NPC like a duck to water was Fonte -and he's possibly struggled the most out of the promotion squad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I started off settling for finishing above the Skates even if that meant mid table. I then amended this about a month ago to play offs, and I'm now really starting to think about promtion. It's not just the results we're getting but the manner we're playing in. Defeat at Leicester was unlucky and we should have beaten Derby, whilst our wins in the main have been pretty convincing, maybe Forest & Milwall had a touch of luck about them, but that is streaching the point slightly,as we were still the better side. Injuries in certain positions maybe the thing that derails us. Centre half and upfront we look light to me. The full back and midfield I believe we can cope with (whilst losing AL was a blow, I thought Chaplow stepped up to the plate). If we lost Ricky for a length of time, I would start to worry. Hopefully Adkins ect have a plan B if this happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Well, now we've actually beaten one of the top 10 at a time when they weren't racked with injuries (Leeds) or just about to sign half a team (Ipswich), I'm feeling much better about it. We've also had 12 league games in which we can legitimately say we could have won. The defeats at Leicester and Cardiff saw us miss some golden chances, the draw at Derby saw us on top for much of the game and even in the Burnley draw when we were poor for 70 minutes we still had enough chances to win it late on. If that carries on we'll be up there. If West Ham play like that every match (albeit without Taylor and Cole) they'll be in the playoffs at best. The evidence is that so far we deserve to be where we are, everyone else is taking points off each other, and when you look at the team throughout yesterday, our best player is missing, and one of our other best players from the first month or so is off-form and dropped. Add to that De Ridder who has barely got a look in with all of his talent, and Harding just coming back, we look decent. We're still to see what happens if we lose Fonte/Hooiveld, Richardson, Lambert or any 2 of the central midfielders at once though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paris Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 It's certainly looking promising from where i'm standing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toomer Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 IMO we are two or three players short, a couple at the back and one up front which is the general opinion. The balance and togetherness of the squad looks very good so Adkins needs to bring in players that will not upset the harmony which I am sure he will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I'm with Daren, I really didnt believe, or dare think about it until last night. But to beat them with Cork on the bench and Lallana not even fit to play I really think, with some additions in January, that we could do this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1976_Child Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 growl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericb Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I saw darren outside the ground with my brother after the game and all three of us were stunned and definitely believing. One game at a time and all that but so far i've seen nothing in any game i've seen (and i've only missed three i think) that makes me think we can't. We've played and matched the "top" sides, at home and away, and we've outplayed most with their fans saying on the way out of the grounds we've been the best side they've seen. Saying that the natural saints cynicism says no Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chin Strain Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 After seeing West Ham last night I see no reason why they should win it, previusly undefeated away they come up against better opposiion and as for their resources I thought they were in debt but pease correct me if I am wrong. They are massively in debt. £100m apparently. However that doesn't seem to stop them spunking huge wages and big transfer fees on players. So, technically they've not got huge resources, yet they're still massive spenders in this league. £3.5m and £50k per week+ for Nolan (in his 30's), or 23 year old Jack Cork for £750k and whatever his wages might be? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daren W Posted 19 October, 2011 Author Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I saw darren outside the ground with my brother after the game and all three of us were stunned and definitely believing. One game at a time and all that but so far i've seen nothing in any game i've seen (and i've only missed three i think) that makes me think we can't. We've played and matched the "top" sides, at home and away, and we've outplayed most with their fans saying on the way out of the grounds we've been the best side they've seen. Saying that the natural saints cynicism says no Dan? Kev? Rakim? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericb Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Dan? Kev? Rakim? One of the three mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 My pre-season prediction was 9th and would have been happy with that and finishing above you know who and possibly getting play offs. 12 games in and I'm starting to believe we can go straight up and the play offs would be a major disappointment! Seen absolutely to nothing worry us, we look better than everyone we play against. One criticism would be away from home, we need to be more clinical, and not allow the opposition into the game like we have on a few occasions. And need Barnard back as back-up, and maybe a CB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 I reckon we can do it. Will we though ? I also harbour fears that the squad is a bit thin for a 46-game campaign. I reckon we have a good chance of sustaining form until Xmas, then we really need to strengthen a bit in January if we are to keep this up until May. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Micky Posted 19 October, 2011 Share Posted 19 October, 2011 Being a bit of a chicken I wouldn't like to say. But when we were perrennial 'drop dodgers' during many of our Premiership years, I always used to point to the last ten games as opposed to the first ten - still 30 points to go for. I think this year will be the same - good first 10, but let's wait and see where we are with ten to go - if we are still in the mix then, perhaps I'll start to really believe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohio Saint Posted 20 October, 2011 Share Posted 20 October, 2011 I have little doubt that we will gain auto promotion. Probably as champs. There, I said it. It's not just because of our current position either. I'm a great believer in what NA is doing with the psychology of the team. Since the middle of last season we have been growing steadily in confidence, and as NA has got to know the players better, his tactical decisions have improved. Sure, there will be injuries and suspensions, but we are suffering those right NOW (especially AL) and are still doing well. I think our key strength at the moment is our team spirit, and I honestly can't see anything coming along to spoil that. NA seems to go out of his way to make sure that only good team players stay at the club (look at Puncheon) We might not have the best players in this division, but I do feel we have the best team players, and the best manager. I think that NA has proved that you don't need to be an overbearing A-hole to be a good manager when it is much easier to hand pick those that will have your back, and perform out of their skins for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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