Staying Up Now: Your Thoughts

[NickG]

About 80% of forum members here said, when asked whether we would stay up or not earlier in the season, something along the lines of: "Yes, confident on the condition that we strengthen in January" Interestingly enough that was precisely my viewpoint as well.

 

Now that the holy grail that was January 2013 has passed us by and we've done anything but strengthen the squad, how do you view our prospects on staying up?

 

Personally, I feel much less confident. A thread-bare squad, weak as hell second-string and virtually no decent backup to a number of positions all over the pitch. Add the fact that the likes of Reading, Newcastle etc. are beginning to find some form it could be a long four months ahead.

 

Is this wind up? Getting hard to tell

[NickG]

About 80% of forum members here said, when asked whether we would stay up or not earlier in the season, something along the lines of: "Yes, confident on the condition that we strengthen in January" Interestingly enough that was precisely my viewpoint as well.

 

Now that the holy grail that was January 2013 has passed us by and we've done anything but strengthen the squad, how do you view our prospects on staying up?

 

Personally, I feel much less confident. A thread-bare squad, weak as hell second-string and virtually no decent backup to a number of positions all over the pitch. Add the fact that the likes of Reading, Newcastle etc. are beginning to find some form it could be a long four months ahead.

 

Wrong in so many ways, just do one!

 

Now Newcastle are finding form???

Beat appalling villa 2-1 but before that..

Reading -lost at home

Norwich - draw

Brighton - lost

Everton - lost

Man U - lost

Arsenal - lost

Scraped a 1-0 home to QPR

Then more defeats!!

[NickG]

We've got the centre back in we needed and loaned out 3 players who aren't good enough. We didn't need a keeper many thought might be needed a month ago due to Boruc coming good Not sure what had changed. We'll still stay up relatively comfortably.

 

Agree

[St Marco]

Said before the season that we will stay up and still think we will. The only way we will go down is if Rickie/Morgan and Cork get injuries (please god no). Or if the manager goes on one of his losing the dressing room crusades like he did at Espanyol.

Personally I think we will be alright and maybe end up being above all the teams who came up with us by the end of it.

[Lord Duckhunter]

I think we'll be fine

 

Injuries are part and parcel of the game and anyone of the bottom 7 will suffer as the back Ups are not really up to it. We've lost Jose and AL yet are on a decent run of form. Gone are the days when an injury to matt would have meant certain relegation. Norwich, west ham, Fulham will all get dragged in to it if they lose a few to injuries. All the teams below us will suffer if hit by injuries, even rangers who throw money around. Personally i think villa are going, reading aren't good enough and i reckon third slot will be between rangers and Norwich, with us and Wigan safe before last weekend. West ham are pretty poor and fat Sam ain't that popular, i could see them slipping into it.

[Cascadia Saint]

I think Saturday will be a good indicator of how we could get on the rest of this season. We really have been on a decent run the last couple of months, much more solid and defensively strong. Goalkeeper seems to be sorted, we have to start finishing chances though. If we can start finishing better we will be mid table by may.

[The9]

Internet people and computer gamers whinging and moaning because we haven't made 8 new signings.

 

Thing is, we've signed 5-ish in the last 5 windows since Pardew was boss and we're claiming to be ambitious and have a new manager, it seems like a strange time to decide the squad doesn't need improving. There are 14ish teams already likely to be better than us this season and we don't have the depth if we lose a couple of key players at the same time.

[The9]

I think we'll have a sticky patch and the usual suspects will wet themselves about the prospect of 'being right' despite their point making little sense. Then we'll have a strong end to the season, finish about 13th or 14th, and they'll find a more creative way to make out they were right anyway.

 

To be honest, the usual moan is wanting 'better signings and earlier', so they can just say 'we'd have done better'. Forget the ignorance of it all, or that fact it's a point so simplistic it doesn't even need stating...they'll always be right. Until you have the strongest squad in the world, every club should be signing better players, and ideally as soon as possible. Thanks for that.

 

You mean just as spotting we'd played all but one of the top sides and that there was an easy run coming is bloody obvious? But plenty didn't.

 

Fixtures are a little more mixed up second half of the season but we need something from Wigan and Newcastle or we'll be in the mix in March.

[The9]

And of course ALL this has to be viewed on the back of a reasonable performance at United when we still lost but people are still feeling pretty positive about it.

 

If we lose to Wigan playing as well on Saturday without finishing our chances you'll see a very different response.

[Ewell]

We'll be fine. We lost 2-1 to Man Utd last night and that must be worth something.

 

It wasn't worth any points!

[Avenue Saint]

We'll not just survive, will have a strong end to the season.

[alpine_saint]

I havent voted because I really dont know. Could easily go either way.

 

Our first 11 are good enough to stay up. But due to Cortese's focus being in the wrong place in this window, changing manager now instead of in the summer or last summer and then failing to back him up with a couple of signings, we are imo 2 or 3 injuries away from relegation.

[tajjuk]

Well 95% says it all really.

 

I think our first XI is pretty strong and has shown that in recent games. Also the likes of Jos, Guly, Davis, JWP etc. have all shown they are better back ups than many thought. We have Mayuka to come back in and hopefully he will get some chances.

 

The club have set a policy of singing players that improve the squad, the went after targets such as Coutinho to try and do that but haven't gone out and signed players that just bloat the squad and add nothing. Our 'rivals' have added -

 

- Aside from Remy and Samba, QPR have added Jenas, Townsend and a fairly unknown Korean.

 

- Reading have added a couple of league 1 players, a player from Portugal who was warming the bench for a mid table club, and a pretty average right back.

 

- Wigan have added three loans and free transfer. One is back up keeper and none of whom are obvious startes.

 

- Norwich have added a striker who has a record of in 45 goals in 178 games in the MLS and Bechhio who has a pretty average championship and league 1 scoring record.

 

- Villa have added a young DM who has only played french second division football and spurs youth product who has spent most of his time in the MLS.

 

The only club that is signifiganty stronger is Newcastle really, and maybe QPR but then they needed the most strengthening and Harry still has to get that Motely Crew of players into a team.

 

A pretty rubbish transfer window all in all, shown by Beckham joining PSG taking all the headlines (especially when he could have moved at any point being a free agent)

 

We seem to have a tight knit group of players who are enjoying their football and have adapted to the premier league, a load of additions could have destroyed the morale. If we get a collection of injuries to key players we will be in trouble but that's true of any club even the Utds and Citys still rely on a few key players and it's certainly true of anyone in the bottom half. Lallana and Fonte have been missing in recent weeks and are pretty key but we have still picked up good results.

[daveygwyatt]

I think we will stay up baring some serious bad luck with injuries. I also think the lack of transfer activity in jan for us is not a bad thing. We were sensible by spending most of the seasons tranfer budget in August (giving us players for a whole season rather than last 14 games, to top up a squad which had many players from league 1 not too long ago) and I guess the BVI loan was purely for the purpose of spending the seasons budget in August.

 

We now have a settled squad in decent form and should not be too hard to finish above Wigan, Villa, Reading and I still dont think QPR will make up the points on us.

[Winnersaint]

I did the BBC predictor and had us in the bottom three from around now pretty much into March and then finishing more strongly. Key games are Wigan away and QPR at home. I am normally an optimist but can't see us getting anything against City or at Newcastle. I felt for a while that the six game stretch starting with Everton would make or break the season. Potentially we could lose 5 out of the six epecially if QPR's new players are bedded in and they are resurgent by the time we play them.

[NickG]

Would people expect us to catch Stoke in 10th?

 

Probably no-one.

 

We are 7 points behind them and our form is better.

 

QPR are 7 points behind us, but their form is worse than ours.

 

Will be interesting see how their new team plays - heard their £100k / week defender say he is not match fit yet.

[SNSUN]

I don't think it's as black and white as 'yes' or 'no', I'm still undecided. We signed a much needed centre back but are still a flair player short IMO. Earlier in the season we were concerned about our left back slot and our keeping slot, but both have been sorted by Luke Shaw and Artur Boruc. Having Lallana back is like having a new signing, but I agree with others we are short on depth. Fingers crossed we stay clear of injuries. If we do, we'll stay up. If we don't, we could go down.

 

I voted no in the above poll, not because I necessarily think we will go down, but because I'll be a lot happier if I expect little and get a lot.

[saints-cris]

We can still get loans in right? If so, maybe our depth will arrive there.

 

I think we'll stay up

[Ian the Red]

We need 17 points from 14 games. We will stay up, I have no doubts. In SRL we have a proven goal scorer at this level, we simply need other players to chip in with a few goals.

[Doctoroncall]

Thing is, we've signed 5-ish in the last 5 windows since Pardew was boss and we're claiming to be ambitious and have a new manager, it seems like a strange time to decide the squad doesn't need improving. There are 14ish teams already likely to be better than us this season and we don't have the depth if we lose a couple of key players at the same time.

 

I don't think a club can rely on continually changing the squad in an extensive and costly way each window to constantly improve and claim to be ambitious. It's up to the Manager to get the best out of the squad rather than rely on a new purchase to do the job for him, besides the ethos and ambition of the club is to progress as much of the academy products to the first team.

[NickG]

We need 17 points from 14 games. We will stay up, I have no doubts. In SRL we have a proven goal scorer at this level, we simply need other players to chip in with a few goals.

 

17 ? Think could even be as little as 11 more this season

[doddisalegend]

Saints spent 35m, 20m of it on two players, this season, the last game saw them lose to Man Utd at Old Trafford even with 21 shots on goal. Yet people complain!

[Thedelldays]

17 ? Think could even be as little as 11 more this season

 

I think 14 more should do it

[Barry Sanchez]

I am amazed at how its allowed for any percieved positive saints fan to be it seems abusive to fans who hold a more reserved view in the light of the transfer window, look at the language written by the sol called happy clappers, they dont seem very happy to me, down right rude more like and there is no need.

[Charlie Wayman]

Reading, Saints & Villa will drop unfortunately. Wigan are too good and too canny to go down and somehow my gut instinct is that Harry will scrape enough draws to get him by. The rest seem comfortable now. Saints still need 17 points and must get some wins as there are only 14 matches left - at least 4 probably 5 and let's be frank they are not there in the fixture list

[Webby]

Teams like us in the bottom half all have games where they would hope to get points from and those where they accept a defeat is likely. For me, Wigan away is the former. A draw at the very least, but a win is possible.

 

If we lose, then that means we'll need points from another game.

 

I feel we can get 10points from our next 6 games.

[Webby]

Reading, Saints & Villa will drop unfortunately. Wigan are too good and too canny to go down and somehow my gut instinct is that Harry will scrape enough draws to get him by. The rest seem comfortable now. Saints still need 17 points and must get some wins as there are only 14 matches left - at least 4 probably 5 and let's be frank they are not there in the fixture list

 

I can't see QPR doing it. Norwich are not comfortable. Newcastle are not comfortable. West Ham are not out of it yet. Villa are doomed.

 

I agree that Wigan could do it, cos they've often finished the season strongly, but then this year might be their year to go down.

[CB Fry]

We can still get loans in right? If so, maybe our depth will arrive there.

 

I think we'll stay up

 

 

 

Pretty sure we can't get loans. That's a football league thing.

[KelvinsRightGlove]

Pretty sure we can't get loans. That's a football league thing.

 

Correct Sir.

 

I've thought we would stay up all season, Jan hasn't changed this.

 

Honestly think we have a better team than others in the relegation battle. Villa's signings are hardly terrifying, and still not all that convinced by QPR.

 

A win at Wigan would go a long way to survival, imo. Though, whatever the result it's not the end of the world, still plenty of games and points left to be played for.

[corky morris]

I think we will stay up, but it has got harder. I never thought Newcastle would go down anyway, but without doubt QPR have strengthened. Saying that Samba was part of a Blackburn team that were going down all season, but from what i have seen he is an excellnt centre back. I thought Norwich & West Ham cold drop from mid table, but they have strengthened. Wigan have a track record of staying up & getting points when they need to. Reading have improved. Villa have not. Fulham have strengthened too.

MP has us playing 4-2-3-1. When you look at what we have I feel confident we can get the points. It was interesting to see him rotating Lambert, Ramirez & Jay Rod from either the wing, just behind or as central striker. Thats probably why he will like Guly. Puncheon may well struggle in that environment. Lallana coped well with it. Its different than the 4-5-1 NA was playing early season too.

What i do think we need is pace. We lack it IMHO. I originally wanted a winger, but not sure thats what MP will want.

Fingers crossed!!

[NickG]

Reading, Saints & Villa will drop unfortunately. Wigan are too good and too canny to go down and somehow my gut instinct is that Harry will scrape enough draws to get him by. The rest seem comfortable now. Saints still need 17 points and must get some wins as there are only 14 matches left - at least 4 probably 5 and let's be frank they are not there in the fixture list

 

So you think QPR will go from;

 

First 24 games, 2 wins and 16 points

 

To

 

Last 14 games, maybe 8 wins, 24 points??!!

 

They would need to match the Spurs/Everton level performance for rest of season.

 

Would be surprised.

[eelpie]

I am not as confident in our survival prospects now that Adkins has gone. Nigel had resolved disfunctional defensive problems that we began the season with by reorganising tactics, which may have been less spectacular but steadily picked up draws and occasional victories (importantly against clubs around us). I fear that MP's exciting upfront style leaves us too weak at the back again. On the plus side of course is Boruc's improved keeping which will save us points, although Jos is likely to be needed for a few games yet. This is a dangerous time. If we win at Wigan I will feel more reassured.

[Secret Site Agent]

Saints spent over £35m on players this season, the last game saw them outplay Man Utd at Old Trafford with 21 shots on goal. Yet people complain!

 

Do you just cut and paste the quote and put it into all threads?

 

This must be the third fred i've seen it on.

 

I also think it's been e-mailed to me by customer services.

[Secret Site Agent]

Don't forget, all these new signings still have to........hoe can i put this..............Gel????????

 

I'll take cover.

[IOWSaintDaz]

As long as Jack Cork stays fit and avoids suspension we should be ok, he has been vital in our resurgence in form

[hasper57saint]

You can pontificate as much as you want, but to ignore the reality that we have improved by 200% since that Wigan fiasco at SMS is nothing short of surrender. Stick with what we have as they all know each other now and as long as we don't get cheated by another incompetent* Ref/Lino 4th Off, Then we will survive (Apols to Gloria!)

*Manure 2nd goal.No foul,Hand Ball and offside - if I could see the offences from up in the Gods then why not the Officials?

[Wes Tender]

I am not as confident in our survival prospects now that Adkins has gone. Nigel had resolved disfunctional defensive problems that we began the season with by reorganising tactics, which may have been less spectacular but steadily picked up draws and occasional victories (importantly against clubs around us). I fear that MP's exciting upfront style leaves us too weak at the back again. On the plus side of course is Boruc's improved keeping which will save us points, although Jos is likely to be needed for a few games yet. This is a dangerous time. If we win at Wigan I will feel more reassured.

 

This post strikes a chord with me. A high line is effective against the glory teams, where you are in their face and don't allow them to settle and pick out the killer passes to their strikers, who will punish you if you don't close them down. How will we fare if a team plays that way against us, or hits us on the break, or with the long ball over the top? Maybe Martinez has the advantage of his extra experience over Pochettino in this division.

[Charlie Wayman]

As long as Jack Cork stays fit and avoids suspension we should be ok, he has been vital in our resurgence in form

 

Agreed Jack Cork is vital as is Morgan Schneiderlin and Luke Shaw but they do not score goals so unless Rickie gets some help from somewhere that's going to be our big problem. Jason is a bit on and off, on a good day he can pull pink rabbits from hats, most times he produces ooh-aah's. We need goals but we seemed to have become shot-shy of late and if Pocket Rocket doesn't fix that soon.... you know the rest.

[torsaint]

In 163 games Pochettino at his only club as manager Espanol managed just over a point a game (1.19). Not much to write home about, but it could just be enough. It could easily come down to goal difference.

[Tamesaint]

When you see the names of the people who have voted no , I am pleased that I have voted yes. I do not want to be associated with them!!

[monosaint]

At the beginning of the season we were unsure of Fonte, Goalkeeper, left back, Puncheon, could Rickie do it in the PL; Jack Cork was injured and has proved he is PL standard. Luke Shaw was nowhere to be seen. So many uncertainties clearer for me and so more confident that we can do it. We clearly do not need to do a Harry Redknapp who seems to wallow in Transfer Windows and in some cases bugger it up. Remember?

[View From The Top]

Personally I don't really care as to whether we go down or not but I firmly believe that if we beat Wigan we will stay up.

[DG]

Voted no...part reverse psychology part one injury to Boruc and we're dooooooooomed.

[aintforever]

It's probably just me being pessimistic because we are playing well but I just have a horrible feeling we will go down.

[Dig Dig]

I prefered our old relegation battles where we'd be bottom now and about 6 points from safety and still survive even without signing a single player.

[Dr Who?]

We look pretty handy, so if we do not, I think it will because something has gone seriously wrong.

[martyg1950]

I'm not normally pessimistic but I have voted no. IF everyone stays fit and avoids suspensions we have enough about us to avoid the drop.

 

Personally I think it's to big an if and that events will find us wanting.

 

Goes without saying I hope I'm wrong.

[Dangermouth]

Reckon we'll end up 12th / 13th. Possibly just behind W Ham but next year we'll be far stronger and an outside bet for Europe. That's without strengthening overly too. That could make us even more of a force. MP does look a good choice and once he can do his interviews in English we'll have a better idea of what goes on in his head e.g. 'More tapas please, love'.

[Dalek2003]

We have definitely blown it and relegation is a nailed on certainty.

 

1. We failed t properly prepare in the summer and left big weakness in parts of the squad.

2. The sacking of NA is ridiculous and weakens our chances of staying up.

3. We have shown an arrogant complacency in the Jan transfer window.

[Gis]

Have some really hard games now, but a decent in in at the end of the season. A lot depends on tomorrow as I still think QPR will escape