up and away Posted 22 November, 2011 Share Posted 22 November, 2011 From the start I viewed Adkins as a good appointment, what I never imagined is how he, the club and the team would grow under his management. Last season there were several times where I felt Adkins had got things wrong only to see hole after hole blocked up, resulting in that amazing run that gained automatic promotion. When we started this season we had stepped up to a new level of attractive , passing football that was difficult to contain. If we couldn't get down the flanks the attack would come inside passing through the defence or a bluff with the delayed ball going out to the flanks. Very few teams found an answer to this football, even those like Leicester that did were hanging on desperately. Things have not been totally rosy, with what I saw as lack lustre performances against Cardiff, Burnley and Reading. Mainly down to a lack of stamina from the midfield which happens to most teams eventually. This leads us to our current form which I believe has resulted in us stepping up to a new level, such that I now find it difficult to see a weakness in the team. I can understand why several were a bit non plussed at the first half against Brighton, but overall I thought that was a very professional performance. Adkins got the quick feet of Fonte forward to provide that extra dimension and the full backs adding to our attacking options that soon broke Brightons defences. Poyet can claim what he likes, they were opened up like a can and could no longer surround their goal. I don't even believe we hit our boot straps against Brighton, with Chaplow and Lallana not at their effective best, but we had added strength all over the pitch. This team at the moment is the strongest we have had with no obvious weakness as yet, brought about by the emergence of Hooiveld, Chaplows effective energy on the wing and moving Guly up front. Guly really beefs up that midfield when we don't have the ball and his midfield errors are no longer so critical, throw Chaplows terrier performances in there as well and you now have a midfield that can take control of a match from anyone in this league. That midfield protects a defence bolstered by Hooiveld to another level, enabling Fonte to find his good form. To cap this, Ricky is just getting better and better with each game, such anything is possible. All the above added to already good performances from the rest of the team. We now come to Bristol City on Saturday who have everything needed at first glance to take something away from Saints. An attacking side where I expect plenty of balls over the top and down the channels, enough to take on the top sides in this league with their attack. I think Saints have stepped up to a new level and hope they prove so against Bristol City. Brighton may have looked a disappointment after Middlesbrough, but the same conclusion was reached even with parking the bus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notnowcato Posted 22 November, 2011 Share Posted 22 November, 2011 The value of the team far outweighs the sum of it's parts... cliche but so very true in summing up the effect Nigel and the coaches have made on the squad. It really is as simple as that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 22 November, 2011 Share Posted 22 November, 2011 The value of the team far outweighs the sum of it's parts... cliche but so very true in summing up the effect Nigel and the coaches have made on the squad. It really is as simple as that. Yep There is no ME in TEAM is another good cliche. January is going to be the test, this is a unit playing wonderfully and enjoying it. How much can that mental attitude work to resist the chance of a 30 grand a week pay rise, whether for Nige or many of the squad. Just for once IMHO I think it might actually hold together. also now think the only fans worried about our next game are us few on here. As my lad said & I noticed Saturday, everyone heading to SMS on Saturday was chilled and knew we were good enough to beat Brighton. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West End Saint Posted 23 November, 2011 Share Posted 23 November, 2011 I have to admit I was gutted when Pardew went & whilst not against NA as Manager not thrilled either but fair play to Nigel he is doing a stella job. The question mark last season was could he buy the right players to a large extent he has answered that Cork Fox DeRidder are excellent signings Jos has to be the next signing he has been immense. There is no doubt that we have the right man for the job fair play to NC for getting the right man just keep doing what you are doing nige you will do for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corky morris Posted 23 November, 2011 Share Posted 23 November, 2011 I employed a wait & see attitude when Adkins was appointed. I had concerns & we have put in some poor performances during his tenure. That said, he has delivered an outstanding team work ethic & ultimately to his & his staffs credit this is the fittest Saints team I have ever seen!!!! He deserves all the plaudits for his work & our results. We play with a fluency & determination that other teams in the champ cant live with. Lets also not forget Cortese's part in this. He appointed him & deserves some credit for that. Long may our run continue!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmel Posted 23 November, 2011 Share Posted 23 November, 2011 I had a phone call on the day we appointed him from a work colleague, who I had no idea was a Scunny fan. "Congratulations you have just hired one of the best English managers in the Country" I felt slightly better after that, but was still underwhelmed by the whole thing and had been a big fan of Pardews and felt considerably worse after the going to his first game at MK dons. It wasn't over night, but slowly but surley he imposed himself on the team and proved himself and then a bit more and then a bit and then a bit more etc etc. He has one box left to tick for me and that is transfers, which may be harsh as we don't know what budgets he has or indeed if he wants to strengthen the first team or simply add back up, but given where we are today, January will be the trickest part of managerial career to date. But if any of you read the article on the BBC (Adkins Diet - I think) then his stats from his very first managerial post, to today are simply incredible (And that includes a relegation) and so may be we shouldn't be so surprised. He has a BIG future infront of him, if he wins us promotion, then bigger clubs (If they are not already) will be sniffing around, if he keeps us up in the Prem and has a couple of decent top half finishes and gains some experience of working with top end players, then he would be a genuine candidate for the England job..... I suspect his name is already pinned to some succession plan at Lancaster gate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 23 November, 2011 Share Posted 23 November, 2011 I didn't like Pardew and was happy when he went. Adkins was my No 1 after seeing the way his S****horpe side played after his first promotion despite struggling in the Championship together with his ability to improve teams. My other choices were Clarke and O'Driscoll eventually Howe. He tried to change the way we played last season but after the Huddersfield debacle opted for a pragmatic approach and used the strength of the side to get promotion. He has used the close season well to change the way we play. I don't like hoofball and am delighted with the way we play and the way we change shape to break opponents down and most of all with the proper flying start to the season down to the superb fitness of the players. Having said that, I think he is an even better manager than I had thought possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martel Posted 23 November, 2011 Share Posted 23 November, 2011 I have to admit I was gutted when Pardew went & whilst not against NA as Manager not thrilled either but fair play to Nigel he is doing a stella job. The question mark last season was could he buy the right players to a large extent he has answered that Cork Fox DeRidder are excellent signings Jos has to be the next signing he has been immense. There is no doubt that we have the right man for the job fair play to NC for getting the right man just keep doing what you are doing nige you will do for me. I must admit myself that I was alarmed when Pardew went, and again when N.A. was appointed, however, given the choice knowing what I know now, I would give N.A. the nod over A.P.; having only seen Saints play once from this side of the pond it is difficult to imagine how good they really are, but everytime I follow the BBC text during the game it is quite obvious to me that N.A.'s ability to read the game and make positive changes in the subs used, and as he say's change of shape really show's his tactical abilities to be excellent and for me far better than A.P. in this area of leadership. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mowgli Posted 23 November, 2011 Share Posted 23 November, 2011 Yep There is no ME in TEAM is another good cliche. There's no 'I' in team. If you look closely there is a 'me'..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintNeil90 Posted 23 November, 2011 Share Posted 23 November, 2011 He has one box left to tick for me and that is transfers, which may be harsh as we don't know what budgets he has or indeed if he wants to strengthen the first team or simply add back up, but given where we are today, January will be the trickest part of managerial career to date. I honestly think this wont be a problem. Our growing reputation for playing such attractive football and the clubs ambition will sell to players. Also bearing in that Adkins reputation is certainly much higher than when he first came here. I really dont think attracting players will be an issue now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammysaint Posted 23 November, 2011 Share Posted 23 November, 2011 I honestly think this wont be a problem. Our growing reputation for playing such attractive football and the clubs ambition will sell to players. Also bearing in that Adkins reputation is certainly much higher than when he first came here. I really dont think attracting players will be an issue now. Well Jos Cork Chaplow and Guly are proving to be good signings and SDR looks like hes gonna be good, cant complain about them transfers. Steve is getting there, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackFrost Posted 25 November, 2011 Share Posted 25 November, 2011 I had a phone call on the day we appointed him from a work colleague, who I had no idea was a Scunny fan. "Congratulations you have just hired one of the best English managers in the Country" I felt slightly better after that, but was still underwhelmed by the whole thing and had been a big fan of Pardews and felt considerably worse after the going to his first game at MK dons. It wasn't over night, but slowly but surley he imposed himself on the team and proved himself and then a bit more and then a bit and then a bit more etc etc. He has one box left to tick for me and that is transfers, which may be harsh as we don't know what budgets he has or indeed if he wants to strengthen the first team or simply add back up, but given where we are today, January will be the trickest part of managerial career to date. But if any of you read the article on the BBC (Adkins Diet - I think) then his stats from his very first managerial post, to today are simply incredible (And that includes a relegation) and so may be we shouldn't be so surprised. He has a BIG future infront of him, if he wins us promotion, then bigger clubs (If they are not already) will be sniffing around, if he keeps us up in the Prem and has a couple of decent top half finishes and gains some experience of working with top end players, then he would be a genuine candidate for the England job..... I suspect his name is already pinned to some succession plan at Lancaster gate Doubt it, I don't see many people mentioning Tony Pulis as the next England manager. . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 25 November, 2011 Share Posted 25 November, 2011 Well Jos Cork Chaplow and Guly are proving to be good signings and SDR looks like hes gonna be good, cant complain about them transfers. Steve is getting there, Pretty sure Guly was here before Adkins? Though I suppose he signed him permanently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jam Posted 25 November, 2011 Share Posted 25 November, 2011 Doubt it, I don't see many people mentioning Tony Pulis as the next England manager. . . Probably because the FA have already said that the next England manager will be English... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liebherr driver Posted 25 November, 2011 Share Posted 25 November, 2011 Doubt it, I don't see many people mentioning Tony Pulis as the next England manager. . . Lol, you only need to look at Chel****, how much did they pay for AVB? The next young hope, my arse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doughnutman Posted 25 November, 2011 Share Posted 25 November, 2011 Doubt it, I don't see many people mentioning Tony Pulis as the next England manager. . . Probably because he's Welsh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints-cris Posted 25 November, 2011 Share Posted 25 November, 2011 I think Adkins is absoloutely brilliant. I love his energy, enthusiasm and how posoitive he is. I also love the way he is making us play, so nice to watch added to the fact that it seems the days are gone of when we concede, the game is over. Nowadays, I feel that if we go 1-0 down, 2-0 down, I always think we can still get something out of it. The only thing that has yet to be tested is when we go through a bad run - It will happen, and I think it will be interesting to see what happens at that stage. The whole '5 positives and 1 negative' aspect after a game could be difficult when we lose regularly for example. Hard to take positives from losing runs. What happens if he just scraps it or changes it to '3 positives and 3 negatives'. Anyhow, it is a great time to be a Saints fan, really have never felt so good about things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohio Saint Posted 25 November, 2011 Share Posted 25 November, 2011 Fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1976_Child Posted 26 November, 2011 Share Posted 26 November, 2011 I like chocolate. Anyone got any chocolate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1976_Child Posted 26 November, 2011 Share Posted 26 November, 2011 Frankly we should bring back Poortvliet (or whatever his name was). He was undoubtedly the most successful (who>) manager of all times ever. Total football. Totally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eelpie Posted 26 November, 2011 Share Posted 26 November, 2011 Frankly we should bring back Poortvliet (or whatever his name was). He was undoubtedly the most successful (who>) manager of all times ever. Total football. Totally. You forgot your smiley-winky thing. Seriously, I don't think the Dutch duo were appropriate for Saints but they were unreal times. Yet under Poortvliet the young Saints played some inspiring, flowing football on occasions. They just had no effective frontmen, and they were not experienced enough and tough enough to recover from setbacks. But how close to the 'total football' ideal are Saints now? Adam and Kelvin survive from those days. Perhaps they did learn some positives about the game from the Dutch? Yes, No? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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