Kelvin Davis

[Alanh]

Major overreactions on here IMO. Kelvin's not perfect and I'm sure this season is his last as a No1 for us. It would have been great to buy a replacement in one of the last three windows, but he's been exposed by defensive errors from midfielders and defenders in every game. Let's see how he does against the likes of Reading, West Brom, West Ham, Villa who are our real competitors in this league rather than some of the best attacking talent in the world - RVP, Tevez, Podolski, etc.

[JackFrost]

I think KD definitely deserved a final chance in the PL because he has been a fantastic servant for us but it is becoming evident that he simply isn't good enough. The free kick and their 4th I don't actually think he was at fault for, I think the free kick had deceiving pace and the wicked deflection off Clyne would have wrong footed anyone, but at this level he has always been unconvincing at best. However I do think it has been a baptism of fire for KD and he will get better over the next few games.

 

But it's the same old problems, his inability to come off his line to any degree and his distribution. Their third goal yesterday, I 'd have thought it'd be basic practise to come out a couple of yards/make yourself big to cover the angle as Gervinho shot. But he didn't. He pretty much stood there like a lemon and sat on his arse. For their 5th it was almost the same story but the shot came off the post and the rebound was put in.

 

We have to look at a loan GK in January - someone who can dominate his area and give the defence some confidence, Pantilimon from City?

[Saint Fan CaM]

Well I do think that Davis is not up to the mark now, however in Gazza we do not yet have an answer, so we need to make sure our play is such that we do not bring undue pressure on the defence and KD. That means the midfield needs to press MUCH more than than they did against Arse.

[SaintRichmond]

Fonte has been worse than fox IMO looks totally clueless in the premiership and panics whenever the ball comes nr him

 

 

I think that comes from playing alongside Hooiveld. I really do not think H is a commanding CB. He is the one that "panics" whenever yje ball is passed to him. I do not think the others think he is a "safe" or ouses confidence.

 

The main problem is that they are a defence that no longer has confidence in the Goalkeeper, and boy, is that beginning to show now

 

Adkins should have addressed that problem the minute we re-secured our place in the Prem. In a multimillion Business that the Prem now is, sentiment should have counted for zilch

 

Being good in Div 1 or the CCC does NOt mean you can cut it in the Prem

 

Davis is NOT a Prem keeper, and Adkins is a fool to think he was. "The table does not lie" How very true

[SaintRichmond]

Major overreactions on here IMO. Kelvin's not perfect and I'm sure this season is his last as a No1 for us. It would have been great to buy a replacement in one of the last three windows, but he's been exposed by defensive errors from midfielders and defenders in every game. Let's see how he does against the likes of Reading, West Brom, West Ham, Villa who are our real competitors in this league rather than some of the best attacking talent in the world - RVP, Tevez, Podolski, etc.

 

Good God, how many more mistakes do you need him to make ?? With KD still in goal, we will be well and truly rooted to the bottom

 

He is NOT "Fit for purpose". It surely is painfully obvious by now ?

 

Long time ago I know, but once upon a time Leicester City "blooded" a 17 year old in the old Div 1 (now the Prem). He didn't do too bad. His name was Shilton

 

Leicester took that chance, because it was the only way to see if he was any good or not. I think it fair to say that he was

[Wade Garrett]

Good God, how many more mistakes do you need him to make ?? With KD still in goal, we will be well and truly rooted to the bottom

 

He is NOT "Fit for purpose". It surely is painfully obvious by now ?

 

Long time ago I know, but once upon a time Leicester City "blooded" a 17 year old in the old Div 1 (now the Prem). He didn't do too bad. His name was Shilton

 

Leicester took that chance, because it was the only way to see if he was any good or not. I think it fair to say that he was

 

Leicester's first-choice keeper at the time was a certain Gordon Banks as well. Wasn't too long after that they sold him to Stoke.

[jasoneuelllfanclub]

Davis installs zero confidence in the players in front of him. Even his shot stopping is questionable now given that he doesnt parry the ball out to the sides and away from immediate danger enough for my liking. Arsenal got lucky with 3-4 of their goals but they did carve us open far too much and found davis in charitable form. a Fonte/Yoshida partnership for the next few games is not something I am eagerly anticipating.

 

As for Free agents available they are Free agents for a reason, usually because they are sub standard or they are injury prone so I wont hold my breath on that front. Adkins needs to sort it out with what he has at his current disposal I think which is going to be a tough challenge.

 

We need at least 7 points from next four games IMO otherwise the table position will start to play on the players minds and create even further pressure.

[Window Cleaner]

Just don't know what to say anymore. For me the first thing that needed straightening out after we secured promotion last April was the GK position, those that say he is a competent keeper just don't look closely enough. I said at the time that his glaring weaknesses would be exploited by top class front men who can place the ball where they want in a nanosecond and so it is.

[AussieDog]

Davis has had his weaknesses highlighted - but he has been left so badly exposed by his teammates it's not all his fault. I didn't even bother watching the 2nd half as we were so obviously not up for it yesterday. The defence is getting most of the criticism, but the way the midfield lost the ball and then just seemed to give up was embarrassing.

 

....but then again, it's just like watching Saints of old. It wouldn't be the same if we didn't get at least one tonking a season!

[Bailey]

I predict Davis will be named MOTM as we scrape a 1-0 victory against Villa.

[SaintRichmond]

I predict Davis will be named MOTM as we scrape a 1-0 victory against Villa.

 

 

 

Whatever it is you're drinking ..... order me a Gallon

[southamptonfclegend]

He's absolutely ****e.. and was last season, his distribution is that of a league 2 'keeper.. at best, Craig Gordon is a must.

[shurlock]

We weren't linked with any no.1s it seems were we? Had hoped we'd spend big here. I have no problems with the defence because they clearly tried to sign players, saw it as a weakness and some just didn't work out. That's football and life. But if they didn't even target a new no.1, that's an active belief that one wasn't need, and that's an error.

 

But I've never seen Gazzaniga. Perhaps he is good? Taylor came from the lower leagues to do very well so wouldn't worry about that.

 

Wasn't Butland a no.1? We were also linked with Green early on. Who knows if there was any substance in these rumours.

[Cabrone]

Was saying it all summer long, no1 target needed to be a top class GK because prem attacks are razor sharp and we need the best we can get.

 

Great respect to KD who is a fine keeper and gave some terrific displays last season but he should now be our no2.

 

Can remember loads of posters over the summer saying things along the lines of 'we owe him a shot in the prem'.

 

Sorry, sentimentality ain't going to keep us up.

 

I think not significantly strengthening this position is going to cost us dearly.

[Avenue Saint]

Was saying it all summer long, no1 target needed to be a top class GK because prem attacks are razor sharp and we need the best we can get.

 

Great respect to KD who is a fine keeper and gave some terrific displays last season but he should now be our no2.

 

Can remember loads of posters over the summer saying things along the lines of 'we owe him a shot in the prem'.

 

Sorry, sentimentality ain't going to keep us up.

 

I think not significantly strengthening this position is going to cost us dearly.

 

If I'm being honest, I think 2 players have to be the minimum target for us.

 

Left back with pace (an established one)

 

And a goalkeeper.

 

I think Yoshida will cut a competent defender in this league, he has enough experience playing against quality in not just the Eredevisie but also against the best, on the World stage.

 

Gazzaniga is too raw, although given Davis' current displays, I would chuck

him in. Surely couldn't be any more costly than Davis? As long as he is doing the basics such as covering near posts and saving routine up and over free kicks I would be ecstatic. No need for world class reflex saves! Just par keeping I will take currently.

Edited 16 September, 2012 by Avenue Saint

[itchen_dan]

See Federici has been dropped from Reading's squad for this afternoons game with Spurs after at least 1 bad mistake in each game so far. Shows McDermott has the b0llocks to do it and Adkins should follow suit by putting Davis on the bench as we dont have a decent 3rd choice keeper.

 

Reading fans saying they're glad he's been dropped and hope he doesnt play again. To go from one of best keepers in Champ last year to not good enough for PL puts him in same position as KD - just he has a managed strong enough to make a bold call where I'm not sure if Adkins has that bottle to do so?

[James]

See Federici has been dropped from Reading's squad for this afternoons game with Spurs after at least 1 bad mistake in each game so far. Shows McDermott has the b0llocks to do it and Adkins should follow suit by putting Davis on the bench as we dont have a decent 3rd choice keeper.

 

Reading fans saying they're glad he's been dropped and hope he doesnt play again. To go from one of best keepers in Champ last year to not good enough for PL puts him in same position as KD - just he has a managed strong enough to make a bold call where I'm not sure if Adkins has that bottle to do so?

 

Federici has an injury according to SSN - not dropped.

[Window Cleaner]

See Federici has been dropped from Reading's squad for this afternoons game with Spurs after at least 1 bad mistake in each game so far. Shows McDermott has the b0llocks to do it and Adkins should follow suit by putting Davis on the bench as we dont have a decent 3rd choice keeper.

 

Reading fans saying they're glad he's been dropped and hope he doesnt play again. To go from one of best keepers in Champ last year to not good enough for PL puts him in same position as KD - just he has a managed strong enough to make a bold call where I'm not sure if Adkins has that bottle to do so?

 

 

Rob Green didn't even last through the pre-season as number 1 did he? Julio Cesar looks like a right old signing. We should have tried for him instead of wasting 7 million on a player we obviously have no immediate need of, especially as we had Sharp.

 

Our recruitment is a complete f*ck up.

[itchen_dan]

Federici has an injury according to SSN - not dropped.

 

McDermott said this week he was fit to be in the squad to play Spurs but he has made some huge clangers this season. He has made Kelvin look like Buffon.

 

JonnyFordham: Federici told fans outside ground he wasn't in team. If true, he's been dropped as McDermott confirmed he was fully fit #readingfc

 

BroadcastMoose: Big Reading team news the keeper Adam Federici has been dropped and Alex McCarthy comes in

 

MirrorFootball: Bad news for AVB as Reading drop butter-fingers Federici for this relegation six-pointer. Youngster Alex McCarthy is in pots instead.

[Thedelldays]

whats the point in Gazza being here if he is not going to be ready to be thrown in...what if Davis got injured yesterday..?

[hasper57saint]

For almost the whole of last season I had serious reservationd about the 'Capability' of KD at a higher level and posted to that effect. His distribution, hoofing and near-post failures continue. NA must have the bottle to bring in Gazza and take the risk of him performing better than Kelvin. I despair when I see some of his clearances. ie his pass to the Manure winger!!!

[itchen_dan]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/sunday-exclusive/120916/cross-i-cant-see-southampton-surviving-their-current-state-181065?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

First couple of minutes is entirely about Kelvin and back four. John Cross says defence and Davis just not good enough. Also says Yoshida needed translations and instructions? Um, he speaks perfect English. Rest of interview is crap. Completely contradicts the rest of it i.e:

 

"Southampton were poor and I fear for them" then next Q & A

 

Q: "How good were Arsenal?"

A: "Arsenal were fantastic!"

 

Surely that is why we lost because Arsenal were fantastic and better than us?! Okay we were poor for first 40mins and some of Arsenal's play was brilliant, hence 6 goals and not 3 like Spurs v Reading today, but second half we were on top for a lot of it and had chances to make it 4-2 / 4-3.

Edited 16 September, 2012 by itchen_dan

[S-Clarke]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/sunday-exclusive/120916/cross-i-cant-see-southampton-surviving-their-current-state-181065?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

First couple of minutes is entirely about Kelvin. John Cross says defence and Davis just not good enough.

 

He seems entirely clueless about Yoshida.

 

''Well they strengthened their defensive with Yoshida, who has no experience, and had to have translation in order for Adkins to give him instructions when he came on''

 

Err, quite clearly not seeing as he speaks fluent English. It's just quite irritating when people come out with such ''sure'' statements to enhance their point about communication, when they couldn't be further from the truth

[itchen_dan]

He seems entirely clueless about Yoshida.

 

''Well they strengthened their defensive with Yoshida, who has no experience, and had to have translation in order for Adkins to give him instructions when he came on''

 

Err, quite clearly not seeing as he speaks fluent English. It's just quite irritating when people come out with such ''sure'' statements to enhance their point about communication, when they couldn't be further from the truth

 

From watching the game yesterday, I thought Yoshida looked very good. Calm, composed, good passer. I think he misplaced 1 pass to Fox and that was it. Got sucked in for Gervinho's goal but he had just come on and only done 1/2 training sessions. I think he'll do a decent job for rest of season.

[S-Clarke]

From watching the game yesterday, I thought Yoshida looked very good. Calm, composed, good passer. I think he misplaced 1 pass to Fox and that was it. Got sucked in for Gervinho's goal but he had just come on and only done 1/2 training sessions. I think he'll do a decent job for rest of season.

 

Harsh game to judge him on defensvley, but I thought he added a bit of pace back there. Looks to have decent ability on the ball as well. Is he left footed do we know?

[itchen_dan]

Harsh game to judge him on defensvley, but I thought he added a bit of pace back there. Looks to have decent ability on the ball as well. Is he left footed do we know?

 

From what I understand he is both footed. Watch the videos of him playing for VVV Venlo on YouTube. Many of his clearances are pin point long range passes with both feet. Adkins said when he arrived that "he is comfortable on either side of the CB pairing".

[saintant]

Have great respect for what Kelvin has done for the club but unfortunately I fear the Premier League is a step too far for him. Unlike the last two seasons we are likely to be under the cosh for long periods so we need a goalkeeper who instills calmness, can be trusted and does not make too many howlers. In this league goalkeeper is one of the most key positions and I just don't think Kelvin fits the bill. Unfortunately we are stuck with what we've got and in my book that is down to the people running the football club. It was a massive mistake not to move heaven and earth to get in a decent 'keeper. Admittedly they're a bit thin on the ground but I'm not sure we were even in the market for someone to step straight in head of Kelvin so it seems the management and coaching staff have faith in him that most of us do not.

[The Kraken]

Anyone calling for Adkins to be replaced after 4 games in the English Premier League, deserves to be called an idiot.

 

Where on this thread has anyone called for Nigel Adkins to be replaced?

 

Edit: found it, Saint Richmond, come on down.

Edited 16 September, 2012 by The Kraken

[VectisSaint]

whats the point in Gazza being here if he is not going to be ready to be thrown in...what if Davis got injured yesterday..?

Fair point, but would you want to risk Gazza next week in a winnable game against Villa, or would it be better to trust what we know. What if Gazza had a Bart? Could destroy his confidence and leave us with no backup? Difficult call, but I guess Adkins sees them on the training ground and he is the one that has to make a judgement. If it was down to me I'd tell Davis he is in the last chance saloon, stick with him for Villa, play Gazza against Wednesday, and take it from there

[eurosaint]

Anyone calling for Adkins to be replaced after 4 games in the English Premier League, deserves to be called an idiot.

 

As for the topic, Davis is costing us badly.

 

Spot on, on both points made !!

[Whitey Grandad]

Fair point, but would you want to risk Gazza next week in a winnable game against Villa, or would it be better to trust what we know. What if Gazza had a Bart? Could destroy his confidence and leave us with no backup? Difficult call, but I guess Adkins sees them on the training ground and he is the one that has to make a judgement. If it was down to me I'd tell Davis he is in the last chance saloon, stick with him for Villa, play Gazza against Wednesday, and take it from there

 

According to that argument we can never play him.

[kpturner]

not a chance he will be one of the main culprits if we go down

 

If ever missing punctuation could alter the meaning of a sentence.....

[MAY-Z]

Whilst he hasn't been great he would probably be doing a lot better if he wasn't being left exposed one on one against quality strikers so often. The whole defence and midfield are just as much to blame

[Leicestersaint]

I have a lot of time for KD and respect all that he has done for us but I fear he is not up to it for the PL - we need a top class keeper.

[Bearsy]

Kelvin looks smaller nowdays. You can see dark shadows behind his eyes, as though his soul is tormented by past failures. He's been off his food for weeks, and taken to showering alone while the rest of the squad lather each other in the team baths. His hands tremble and he walks with his head down, as afraid of catching a team-mates eye as he is of an opposition cross.

 

When the teams line up in the tunnel, Kelvin can here the opposition muttering under their breath. "Hey cissy-boy," said Tevez before the first game, "I'm gonna score against you, near post, cissy boy." Kelvin just stood there and took it, his mouth dry and his palms clammy. His knees knocking together like wooden testicles.

[buctootim]

Kelvin looks smaller nowdays. You can see dark shadows behind his eyes, as though his soul is tormented by past failures. He's been off his food for weeks, and taken to showering alone while the rest of the squad lather each other in the team baths. His hands tremble and he walks with his head down, as afraid of catching a team-mates eye as he is of an opposition cross.

 

When the teams line up in the tunnel, Kelvin can here the opposition muttering under their breath. "Hey cissy-boy," said Tevez before the first game, "I'm gonna score against you, near post, cissy boy." Kelvin just stood there and took it, his mouth dry and his palms clammy. His knees knocking together like wooden testicles.

 

You think he's on crystal meth? wow.

 

Actually thinking about it if you see the police before and after pics his decline is obvious.

 

 

Edited 16 September, 2012 by buctootim

[Bearsy]

Just a theory homes!

 

I picture Kelvin in his squalid bedsit. The windows are so filthy local kids come from miles around to mark abusive words with their fingers. Kelvin doesn't know. He hasn't drawn the curtains since we were promoted. When he realized, almost on the blow of the final whistle that he would have to go back to the places of his worst humiliations. Arsenal. Manchester. Anfield. He's like a touched child sent back to the Church.

 

Untouched bananas sit on his broken tv cabinet so over-ripe they've become liquidized in their skins. He feels like them bananas does Kelvin, he feels like he is somehow rotten inside, like his skin might split and foul liquids would spill on the carpet. Carpet that is littered with old newspapers. Nothing recent, they mostly date from the weekend Southampton beat Leeds at Elland Road. He used to be able to quote them articles from heart, but now the words of praise feel like mockery.

 

He cannot escape from himself, even in this space of his own. He avoids the mirrors like they're out for him. He's like a beaten dog, a nervous wreck. When the doorbell rings he balls himself in the corner and simply weeps.

[kpturner]

Just a theory homes!

 

I picture Kelvin in his squalid bedsit. The windows are so filthy local kids come from miles around to mark abusive words with their fingers. Kelvin doesn't know. He hasn't drawn the curtains since we were promoted. When he realized, almost on the blow of the final whistle that he would have to go back to the places of his worst humiliations. Arsenal. Manchester. Anfield. He's like a touched child sent back to the Church.

 

Untouched bananas sit on his broken tv cabinet so over-ripe they've become liquidized in their skins. He feels like them bananas does Kelvin, he feels like he is somehow rotten inside, like his skin might split and foul liquids would spill on the carpet. Carpet that is littered with old newspapers. Nothing recent, they mostly date from the weekend Southampton beat Leeds at Elland Road. He used to be able to quote them articles from heart, but now the words of praise feel like mockery.

 

He cannot escape from himself, even in this space of his own. He avoids the mirrors like they're out for him. He's like a beaten dog, a nervous wreck. When the doorbell rings he balls himself in the corner and simply weeps.

Many a true word........

[Jonnyboy]

Just a theory homes!

 

I picture Kelvin in his squalid bedsit. The windows are so filthy local kids come from miles around to mark abusive words with their fingers. Kelvin doesn't know. He hasn't drawn the curtains since we were promoted. When he realized, almost on the blow of the final whistle that he would have to go back to the places of his worst humiliations. Arsenal. Manchester. Anfield. He's like a touched child sent back to the Church.

 

Untouched bananas sit on his broken tv cabinet so over-ripe they've become liquidized in their skins. He feels like them bananas does Kelvin, he feels like he is somehow rotten inside, like his skin might split and foul liquids would spill on the carpet. Carpet that is littered with old newspapers. Nothing recent, they mostly date from the weekend Southampton beat Leeds at Elland Road. He used to be able to quote them articles from heart, but now the words of praise feel like mockery.

 

He cannot escape from himself, even in this space of his own. He avoids the mirrors like they're out for him. He's like a beaten dog, a nervous wreck. When the doorbell rings he balls himself in the corner and simply weeps.

 

 

 

You're getting mixed up with Turkish/Charming.

[SaintRobbie]

We should have bought a defence and a goalkeeper with premier league potential - Kelvin should now be our reserve keeper.

 

That said its also time for us all to wake up. This is not a cruise to Europe season as promised but a survival season. The yoyo strategy is rubbish - we will not necessarily return straight away. We used to be good at supporting our team as underdogs and supporting our manager and Board - before the Lowe years - its time to FIGHT. Its time for fans, players, manager and the Board to unite and FIGHT to stay in this league. WE ARE IN A RELEGATION BATTLE. Let's unite and fight.

[melmacian_saint]

We should've signed a keeper. Kelvin is not PL standard (full appauling season with Sunderland in 05/06), and not only that Gazza is still too young to be no.1 in a PL team, especially one involved in relegation battles.

 

Craig Gordon is not a reliable option for me either. Looked inconsistent for Sunderland IMHO. Definitely a place where we should have invested a couple of millions into.

 

Again looking at those who were promoted last season, their starters were all 2nd/3rd choice internationals, and even Paddy Kenny looked good for QPR.

[max_saints]

why spend 1m (a figure I keep hearing) on gazza as our second keeper if he's not ready??

[Crab Lungs]

Artur Boruc still a free agent.

[Gingeletiss]

And to think a few months ago a lot on here were claiming he should be in the England squad and anyone who said he wasn't good enough was shouted down.

 

Ah! but that was then, this is now for our fickle fans.

[Gingeletiss]

To be frank, he was never that good, he always had the weaknesses he is showing now, no command of his box, poor distribution, poor at corners, his one saving grace was that he was a great shot stopper.

 

This ^

[Aura]

why spend 1m (a figure I keep hearing) on gazza as our second keeper if he's not ready??

 

It's not a matter of him being ready or not it's about Nigel having the balls to play him

[buctootim]

It's not a matter of him being ready or not it's about Nigel having the balls to play him

Course it is. Any manager with any balls would play an inexperienced 20 year who has never played above lg2. Nothing to do with Gazzaniga being ready. Right?

[OldNick]

He's absolutely ****e.. and was last season, his distribution is that of a league 2 'keeper.. at best, Craig Gordon is a must.

ive seen some nonsense on here but this post is in the top 2.

KD has been voted the top keeper by his piers for the last 2 seasons, it is sad tha5t such a great loyal servant is being treated with so little respect by 'fans'

[Andyb1]

what sums it up for me is the number of Arsenal fans i know saying how crap he was/is. A lot of what's said on here is biased either way for one reason or another, Arsenal fans don't have any need for that.

 

Time to move on Kelv, sorry.

[BotleySaint]

I'm guessing Craig Gordon's wage demands may be too high. Or his quality has seriously dropped. Otherwise I can't see why he wouldn't have signed for someone else by now...