Saints 2012 - 2005 - 2003

[Lighthouse]

Yes, it's one of those pointless comparison threads! However, that 2005 team is the standard we have to surpass to stay up. The 2003 team is the bench mark for a top half finish, decent cup run and a possible shot at Europe.

 

My take on it:

 

Goalkeepers

We were strongest in 2003 with Jones and Niemi. I'd say the latter lost his form 2 years later, although Keller and Smith performed very well for a brief period. Given that Grimsby thought Forecast was appalling, I wouldn't even bother including him in our plans. He will ship 10 against even the poorest of Prem sides. Kelvin's last outing was a nightmare at Sunderland in 05-06.

 

Verdict: With only an aging Kelvin in 2012 this is clearly our weakest area.

 

Defenders

Our cup final side was build on the central defensive pairing of Claus and Killer. Bridge was in his prime with Dodd/Telfer being probably the weakest aspect at RB. 2005 was a shambles and the defense took the lions share of blame for relegation. Davenport, Bernard, Van Dammit, Delap... it still gives me nightmares. Now we have a decent back 4 in Clyne, Jos, Fonte and Fox, but no other Premier League quality, except possibly FR at RB.

 

Verdict: We are stronger than 05, weaker than 03 and need some more cover.

 

Midfield

In 2003 we had an excellent balance with Marsden, Oakley, Fernandes, Anders, Delap and later Prutton. In 2005 we lacked leadership and direction. Unfortunate injuries and players like Fernandes losing form didn't help. Redknapp and Quashie improved the team when they came in, but it was too little too late. Now I'd say we are very strong in this area. We haven't had a player of Lallana's tallent since Le Tiss, Morgan matches Oakley's performances in the middle. Cork is Premier League quality and Davis is a natural leader. De Ridder and Guly add something different, although neither is consistent. Puncheon remains and enigma.

 

Verdict: Stronger than in 2005 and probably just about match our 2003 midfield man for man.

 

Strikers

Probably our weakest area in 2003, despite Beattie's fantastic season. Pahars and Delgado had the tallent but were normally injured, whilst Davies seemed to have lost interest and needed a fresh start. Ormerod worked his socks off, but 5 goals was a prolific season for him. Tessem did an okay job from time to time. In 2005 I'd say we were stronger. Yes Beatts had lost it, but Crouch, Phillips and Camara were all very good players. With Lambert, Rod, Sharp, Lee and Guly I'd say we have a good blend of options for this season.

 

Verdict: Overall, stronger than 2003 but not as strong as the proven strikers of 2005.

 

 

So looking at the squad overall, I'd say we're well on our way to beating that team that got relegated. Obviously some more depth is needed at the back, but we're looking good.

[Saint Charlie]

Accurate summary I would say. Only thing is that most of the players we had in those years were good solid prem players for most of their career, we have little top flight experience.

 

We also always seemed to have a striker that got goals, will be important for one of ours to get 15 and the others to back up.

[david in sweden]

error post

Edited 19 July, 2012 by david in sweden

[david in sweden]

error

Edited 19 July, 2012 by david in sweden

[david in sweden]

not pointless Lighthouse. I'd say it was a good assessment.

 

Obviously form plays an enormous part in the equation now, whereas in Npc and L1 experience carries the day even in a fairly well-organised side. In the Prem. there is no margin for error.

 

The difference is between a good side that can sustain changes in personnel and continue OK....as against a side that is ageing

and needs repair ....or, as in 2005.. .trying (unsuccessfully) to seek panic measures to stay afloat. In 2005 we sank!

 

Last season's squad looked fairly well-drilled, with in general used good subs. when necessary (11 goals scored by oncoming subs.).and the new acquisitions can only improve the mix. NA showed that he had a Plan B when necessary, and we have created the bulk of a 25 squad which defies the thought of seeing a sub. coming on .and muttering " ...Oh No ..not HIM ".

Now it's more likely to be WOW....it's HIM !

 

Adkins' new look squad of eager, young talent looks exciting and it gets better every signing - doesn't it?