Liam_Baggies Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 Hi, As a moderator on http://www.westbrom.com we run a weekly version of A View from the Opposition and I was hoping you would be able to answer our questionnaire. The replies will be formed into an article which shall be posted on this forum later in the week. Firstly, I would like to apologise to the forum administrators if this breaks any forum rules. Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? Q9. And finally, score predictions. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 Hi mate, All the best to you, happy to oblige. Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? It has surpassed all expectations. I was anticipating a long hard slog of a season and that was exactly how it began. Thankfully though, the club and team has learned from it's errors and we have somehow blossomed into the competitive entertaining side that we now get to watch week in week out. To be essentially safe with four games to go is dreamland. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? I was dubious as to whether Steve Clark could step up from being a perennial no 2. to being the main man at a club. He has so far proven me totally wrong. A mid-table finish is the least you guys deserve after an excellent start (which included given us an absolute lesson at your place.) Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? The change is still a sore point, I will always be grateful for Nigel's work here. He was treated disgracefully. Pochettino has however made us more dynamic and his pressing tactics in midfeild have made us more competitive and compelling to watch. The change he has made is in some ways subtle (same basic formations as used by Nigel) but with more emphasis on pressing and harassing the opposition. It's really entertaining and encouraging when it works. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? Always had a lot of time for the Baggies. You seem to be a very passionate yet grounded club who make the most of what they have. As a resident in Coventry I always look forward to the away day, it's nearby and freindly. Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? He was seemingly led up the garden path by his agent and has rightly been shown to be naive. He will need to learn from it but it seems he hasn't the humility/self awareness to do so. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? We didn't show up. Our performance was muted, we deserved nothing that day. I feared that Nigel Adkins would have been receiving his P45 afterwards. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? Now, we don't want to give too much away..... While Rickie Lambert is a key player, our real strength lays in our central midfield, Jack Cork and Morgan Schneiderlin will be looking to dominate the game and break up any attacks before they can form while also creating a foundation for our forward line. The battle between our central midfield and your also effective midfielders, Claudio Yacob for one, will be fascinating. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? I would expect something along these lines: ---------------- Lambert ----------------- Lallana --------- Ramirez ------- Rodriguez ---------Cork ---------- Schneiderlin ---- Shaw ----- Yoshida ---- Hooiveld --- Clyne ----------------- Boruc ------------------ Q9. And finally, score predictions. With the season winding down and us looking to avoid trouble in order to stay high in the fair play league (and a chance at Europe next year...) an entertaining 1-1 draw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lighthouse Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 Hi, As a moderator on http://www.westbrom.com we run a weekly version of A View from the Opposition and I was hoping you would be able to answer our questionnaire. The replies will be formed into an article which shall be posted on this forum later in the week. Firstly, I would like to apologise to the forum administrators if this breaks any forum rules. Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? I personally think it has gone marginally better than expected. After some decent investment in summer, I was expecting bottom half but to be relatively safe from relegation, somewhere between 12th and 15th maybe, so we're looking good for that right now. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? Before the season I'd have had them down as possible relegation candidates but Clarke had a brilliant start to the season. Obviously it has tailed off since the Baggies were in a Champions League spot about 10 games in but overall still a really good season for them IMO. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? His points average is pretty much the same as Adkins ever since we lost away to you guys on Monday night football on matchday 10. Since then our form has improved. Having said that I do think MP has moved us up a gear. I have doubts that Adkins would have masterminded wins over Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? Can't recall ever going to a game against them personally but I haven't heard any Saints fans say too many bad words about them so respect from me I guess. Good to see them finally finding stability after years of tedious yoyoing Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? He looks a bit of a plank. Good player though. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? That game marked the end of our very poor start to the season, earning just 4 points in our first 10 games. We were at our very worst and WBA were at their very best, in terms of form. It certainly showed on the pitch, never a classic but we were never really in it. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? I fear Lukaku personally and Long is always a threat. Jay Rodriguez seems to be causing the most problems recently and is in form. In Clyne and Shaw we have 2 excellent young and very quick fullbacks Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? The same as Swansea I guess but probably with Shaw in for Fox at LB. Q9. And finally, score predictions. 2-1 Saints, I'll be optimistic, although neither team really has much to play for. A couple more points from our last 2 games will keep us comfortably midtable Thank you. My thoughts in bold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? Its exceeded my expectations. I expected a real struggle to stay up, but we've really pushed on and look like we can begin to relax a little for our remaining games. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? I've been really impressed with WBA. At the start of the season I thought Steve Clarke would struggle in his first managerial position and be a bit of a Brian Kidd. but he has been superb and a top ten finish looks likely to be a just reward for his endeavours. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? The move came out of the blue, and it was probably the timing and the way it was done that stuck in the throat of supporters rather than the actual decision itself. Nigel Adkins had a shaky start but we had turned the corner under him, were 15th in the league and looking upwards rather than over our shoulders. That said, credit to MP, he has taken us onwards and developed the side and has us playing a really good, high tempo passing game. And wins against Man city, Chelsea and Liverpool suggests we'll give every game a proper go rather than set out just to consildate in games. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? Well, my Wolves supporting mate would want me to chime in with something here but.....! If I'm honest I don't really have an opinion. You're a club similar to us, rather inoffensive, you play football the right way and have a decent following. Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? It was utterly hilarious, and if anything his actions since have proved was a classless idiot he is. I think WBA handled it spot on actually, and hearing him gripe about how unfair ti is and badly he's been treated just makes me laugh even more. He came out of it looking terrible. WBA came out fairly positively I feel. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? That Saints side was in terms of personnel not too far away from our current side, but a world away from the way we're playing now. I think you'll find the return trip a different matter altogether, we have a team full of confidence and with a bit more Premier League know-how behind us we've become a lot more difficult to beat. That game for us was pretty dreadful really, and quickly forgotten! Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? At the moment Jay Rodriguez is probably our most improved player; he's rapid and forming a great partnership with Rickie Lambert, who you clearly know about. Our most creative players are Adam Lallana and Gaston Ramirez but I've been somewhat disappointed with both of them of late. Indeed against Swansea in our last game Ramirez started on the bench and Lallana was subbed off after a subdued game. In midfield we have a massively under-rated partnership of Jack Cork and Morgan Schneiderlin who are just getting better and better, I genuinely think Jack Cork should be in the England reckoning, he turned our season around when returning from injury after 9 or 10 games of the season gone. Also our full backs Nathaniel Clyne and Luke Shaw are earning rave reviews for their attacking instincts. As for WBA, I'm a massive fan of Lukaku, if you can keep hold of him for another season it'll be a massive coup. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? Our side against Swansea was: Boruc; Clyne; Fox; Yoshida; Hooiveld; Cork; Schneiderlin; Davis; Lallana; Rodriguez; Lambert. Hopefully Shaw will replace Fox at left back (he was ill during the week so missed the game), other than that I'd be happy with that side, though being at home MP may decide to use Ramirez perhaps in place of Steven Davis. Though I hope he doesn't do this. Q9. And finally, score predictions. I think it'll be a tight game; heart says a draw but I'll go with a Saints win 2-1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jawillwill Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 Hi, As a moderator on http://www.westbrom.com we run a weekly version of A View from the Opposition and I was hoping you would be able to answer our questionnaire. The replies will be formed into an article which shall be posted on this forum later in the week. Firstly, I would like to apologise to the forum administrators if this breaks any forum rules. Don't aplogise to Boj. Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? Not bad I suppose. I, like mainly Saints fans, were fairly confident that we were good enough to finish mid-table. We all already knew that we can play nice football, but it's only since we beat Man City that the media have started picking up on it. Our horrible run of fixtures at the start of the season, coupled with a bit of inexperience, put us in a false position I the league for much of the season. We're close to where we feel we deserve to be now though. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? You haven't been near the top. You haven't been near the bottom. Apart from that vague whispers of qualifying for Europe before Christmas, I'd forgotten WBA even exist this season. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? I loved NA, but in hindsight getting rid of him seems like it was the right thing to do to move forward - but we could have been a bit classier in the way we sacked him. We are an ambitious club these days. Would have been nice to see survival with Adkins though. All in all, we play similar, just slightly more effective football under MP. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? Only time they've ever registered on my radar was 2005. You stayed up, we went down. You had a bit of a love in with Pompey, so most of you a probably diseased. But that's all water under the bridge now. Going down for a few years was arguably the best thing that could have happened to us. Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? I remember laughing at the time, but I can't really remember what actually happened. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? **** - arguably our lowest point of the season. We are a completely different team now though. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? Guly and Fox. And Lambert and Rodriguez. We have plenty of players who can cause damage now. Hard to pick one out. I'm scared of Foster. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? Same as played v Swansea yesterday. Swan Fox for Shaw though. Q9. And finally, score predictions. 3-1 Saints Thank you. You're welcome ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintBobby Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 Q9. And finally, score predictions. I think it'll be a tight game; heart says a draw but I'll go with a Saints win 2-1. ? Your heart says a draw, but your head says a win? Odd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UpweySaint Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 No worries pal, 1. Good. Always said anything above 17th would be a success and I stand by that. 2. Exceeded by some way! Had them to struggle with Clarke's inexperience and their relatively small budget but they've done well with some very astute signings. 3. Might be too soon to judge, let him make his own mark next year, but so far so good. I think the difference is that he built well upon what was already in place and has made small but significant improvements to a few individuals as well as changing how we play without the ball. Less sitting back more pressing play. 4. A tad bitter about the season your lot stayed up at our expense, was in a pub owned by wba fans at the time! But a very well run club and seem to do things the "right" way. Lot of respect for Pearce's handling of Odemwinge and took a bold step in appointing Clarke. 5. Ah. As above I suppose! Not the first time he's acted like an idiot, players seem very happy to play the martyr but this is a very well paid man throwing his toys out of the pram in a disgraceful way. WBA should be proud thay they stuck to their guns and showed they wont be bullied, hopefully more clubs will follow the example! 6. Was not a great spectacle and, at the time, genuinely believed it may have been Adkins last with all the rumours circling. Still think it may have been his death knell. WBA were clynical and effective with one of the best central midfields we've come up against, bossed the game. 7. Rodriguez. The lad is in real form and is playing with fantastic confidence. Also keep an eye out for Luke Shaw getting down the left flank, see what all the hype is about WBA dont seem to have many "stars" as such but Long always seems to work hard and create something from nothing, Yacob and Mulumbu will give Cork and Morgan one hell of a battle in the middle, that will be one to watch! 8. Honestly job to know. Been a virus striking down players in the last few weeks. Others will give you their best guess for starting XI so I will just add expect a cameo from Mayuka if things aren't going well for Saints. Not got going this season but looks sharp and surely due a goal 9. We've been good at home but I expect a close game with a draw not exactly being a shock, I'l back the boys though and go with saints 1-0 wba. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 ? Your heart says a draw, but your head says a win? Odd. Why is it odd? My emotions say that a draw is the likely result, but my head says we're also on form and could win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 Hi, As a moderator on www.westbrom.com we run a weekly version of A View from the Opposition and I was hoping you would be able to answer our questionnaire. The replies will be formed into an article which shall be posted on this forum later in the week. Firstly, I would like to apologise to the forum administrators if this breaks any forum rules. Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? Yes & no. I fully expected us to struggle early on as our failure to buy CBs was an error but from November on we've been good and from Jan' on simply excellent. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? Good solid team but thought you'd be bottom 6/7 so yes, exceeded expectations and working in Sandwell as I do I'd suggest exceeded many of your exceptions as well. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? Awesome decision. Adkins, thankful as we all are, wasn't quite up to the EPL IMHO. They way we play now is the way I've dreamed of us playing! Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? Good club, excellent fans. Best fans in the West Mids easily. Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? He's clearly a co.ck and the club were bang on. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? It was the turning point IMHO. From then on a change of management was inevitable. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? All of our front lot / None. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? The side we put out at Swansea. Q9. And finally, score predictions. Home win. (I need the bragging rights for the Monday!) Thank you. My thoughts in bold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNSUN Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 (edited) 1) At the start of the season our realistic aim was survival, and we've seemingly achieved that with a few games to spare. Some fans consider survival as the minimum we should have been looking for, especially considering our player investment in the summer, so to finish mid-table which is a very real possibility now, is a good season. 2) West Brom were flying earlier in the season with a decent managerial appointment in Clarke and bringing in class players like Yacob and Lukaku. The price of overachievement though is usually apathy with the league position, but West Brom have kept picking up points to maintain that top ten spot. Still with only six points separating us now, a win would close that gap! We're coming for you! ;-) 3)We were all shocked with the Adkins sacking because after a difficult start to the season, he had found his feet in the Premier League and had us picking up points. But there were also questions over his tenure. Still in our eyes, he could do little wrong after achieving back to back promotions, the Championship promotion being largely unexpected. The timing of the sacking brought the most questions, as did the decision to bring in a man who spoke now English who few of us had actually heard of. Now though, three months on, it seems that ruthless decision has been justified. Pochettino has us playing an attacking pressing style which has claimed the scalps of Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea, although we have lost to sides like Newcastle and QPR in that time, but it appears he's changed the way we play against the "hoof" teams, and now knows how better to deal with them. Adkins would have kept us up IMO, but only just. Pochettino has done it with games to spare, and with a few more points from our last few games, we could well finish top ten. 4) I'm not massively knowledgable about West Brom it has to be said, barring your YoYo tag from a couple of years ago. It seems now though that you've banished that tag and have moved on to the next level. We now give that tag to Reading! Oh, and Frank Skinner is a fan, of that I know! 5) Odemwingie has done well for you, and gave us a torrid time towards the end of the last calendar year, but if a player becomes a problem, it is usually better to get rid, no matter how good that player. Was it QPR he wanted to go to? I bet he regrets making that decision now! 6)See above re: Odemwingie, but I also remember you were flying at the time. We wer on a bad run of results too. Fortunately after that game we got our act together and picked up some useful points through November and December. 7)Jay Rodiguez is flying at the moment for us, and you might find it hard to break down the defensive midfield duo of Cork and Schneiderlin, and even if you do you then have to get past our solid keeper Boruc. For you of course Lukaku sticks out with his physical presence. If Chelsea sell him to you in the summer then more fool them and what a signing for you! 8 - As yesterday but perhaps with our young left back Shaw starting the game. 9) I have this down as a Saints win (sorry!) 2-0. Edited 21 April, 2013 by SNSUN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miltonroader07 Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? Yes happy with the way it is going now Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? Hopefully you are no longer a Yo Yo club to the Championship Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? You will see that in comparison to the team you last played. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? No bad feelings, loyal fan base Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? He is a ****, the club done good Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? We played crap Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? You need to fear Danny Fox Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? His best side in his opinion, we trust him Q9. And finally, score predictions. 1-1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sentry Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 Im based in Brum and sit next to a season ticket holder baggie fan. Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? Great, very happy. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? Solid but obviously slowed down, Mulumbu and Yacob key. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? Dubious at first, but the big wins won me over, would like to see a few more results now going forward against teams around us. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? Very good chairman, looks after the club financially, not one to splash millions on one player and seems to hire managers who have the same ethos in mind, much like swansea at the mo. and the fans seem to be a good lot. Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? He is a gobby idiot, and think Baggies handeled it well. He got racist stick in Russia and these antics make me think there was more too it than just skin colour. NEVER an excuse for racism but maybe he did something that ment the fans tried to get at him. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? You were solid, Mulumbu and Yacob key. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? See above. Also I like J. Thomas, but thats just me. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? Q9. And finally, score predictions. 3-0 saints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? I predicted we'd finish 8th...so looks like I'm going to be slightly disappointed! Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? Without knowing too much about WBA I would have had them in my list of relegation candidates. As such you have considerably exceeded my expectations. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? The timing appeared strange to the outside world but my view is that Adkins knew Cortese had brought him in to 'do a job' (promotion to the premier league) and that his days were numbered. Straight after our promotion winning game vs Coventry he somewhat oddly talked about a "future parting of ways" rather than revelling in the victory. Our chairman runs the club in a non sentimental business manner and having someone (Pochettino) lined up to take over was not a surprise in many ways. Pochettino's appointment seems to have taken us up a level in terms of competitiveness and next season promises exciting times at little old Southampton... Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? This probably sounds a tad disingenuous and/or arrogant but from my perspective WBA are one of those innocuous clubs that you neither love nor dislike. Probably not too dissimilar to ourselves... Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? Didn't really pay too much attention to it TBH. Was probably too busy belly laughing at Pompey trying to sweep under the carpet the £150m they owe the taxpayer, local businesses and charities whilst hoodwinking the media, and football world at large,into how hard done by they are... Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? Our lowest point of the season confidence wise. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? Saints: JRod, Schneiderlin, Boruc WBA: not been watching you closely enough so no one springs to mind Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? Boruc Clyne Yoshida Hooiveld Shaw Cork Schneiderlin Davis Lambert Rodriguez Lallana Subs: Davis, Fox, Fonte, Ward-Prowse, Ramirez, Guly, Mayuka Q9. And finally, score predictions. Saints 3 WBA 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lallana's Left Peg Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 Hi, As a moderator on http://www.westbrom.com we run a weekly version of A View from the Opposition and I was hoping you would be able to answer our questionnaire. The replies will be formed into an article which shall be posted on this forum later in the week. Firstly, I would like to apologise to the forum administrators if this breaks any forum rules. Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? At the start of the season I predicted 15th, but that was based on an incorrect view that our passing game as it was would be good enough to see us steer clear of relegation but not do much else. As it was, whilst we weren't helped by a challenging opening half-dozen games we played far too open and whilst we always maintained a goal threat we were very exposed at the back and did not have the quality of player (if not experience) do do well for 90mins and get a result. I certainly didn't expect 4pts from the first 10 games, and although things improved after then it didn't feel like we would ever properly pull away from danger. Since the new Manager has come in the players have reacted well with many high profile wins and we appear just a few points from safety now, which feels like a relief to be honest. So we're safe, which I expected, but how we've got to this point isn't something I think anyone could have predicted last August. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? You've definitely exceeded my expectations. I had reservations about Steve Clark being a Manager but he has done very well. He inherited a defensively sound team with some decent forward thinking players and I think got the most out of them that could have been expected. I couldn't tell you what he has done to stamp his mark on the team from last season but perhaps that is another sign that he has done is job properly - his remit wasn't to overhaul, it was to continue the good work and make sure you remain an established Premier League club. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? I'm very encouraged by Pochettino. For me the biggest thing is that the players appear to love him, and whilst I do not see that as a criticism of Adkins at all I think the players are enjoying being challenged by someone with his pedigree and attitude and we are now a team who does not worry so much about the opposition, but looks to impose ourselves on them and do so in a way which prevents us needing to defend for long periods of the game. It's a very bold attitude to have and quite aggressive all things considered, but it has worked very well. As for whether it works long-term will be done to how other teams adapt and how we also adapt but the start is very promising. I think the way we play now accentuates our strengths and minimises our weaknesses, and also gives the players a chance to express themselves. I'll be very interested to see what Pochettino does in the transfer market this summer to see where he wants to improve to push us further. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? I've no negative or positive thoughts fans wise - I was up at your place for the game last November and I would say from my experience your fans sing more than the average home crowd, but also go very quiet at times (though to be fair it was a routine win for you and the game wasn't very interesting). As a club I have some respect for you and the way Jeremy Peace runs things - he gets good value in the transfer market and has made wise management changes, whilst continuing to make sure you are profitable. As Premier League chairman go, that is a fairly rare thing. Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? Again mixed feelings - on one hand it was great to see your club take a stand out of principle and stop 'player power'. However, on the other hand I wonder what damage financially has occurred - he's hardly played since and his transfer value will be minimal this summer so I wonder how much money you've lost by not selling him? That said you've also set a precedent for how you'll act in the future with players who want to leave so there will also be benefit there which may have a fiscal value. All in all it was good to see but maybe it came at a cost. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? It was a dire game. To be honest that felt like our low point of the season. Ramirez was rushed back from injury, we had a horrible 4-4-2 formation with Lallana and Ramirez out wide, we couldn't pass the ball properly, I couldn't tell what our purpose was, and you guys were in good form so I was just relieved it was only 2-0. In fact the only positive I had was seeing Luke Shaw come on for his Premier League debut and seeing Cork get back involved. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? The usual suspects from Saints - Lambert always and Jay Rod is turning into a fantastic player. Lallana and Ramirez blow hot and cold but when they are on it they too are great. I think the pace and power of Long and Lakuku can cause us problems - but the key as always is to stop the supply and that is what we're all about now. Hopefully they'll just be feeding off rushed long-balls and be starved of any proper service as we'll look to press high up the pitch and stop any chance you have of either playing through us or measuring some balls into the channel. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? It's hard to tell at the moment, it looks like he is happier to play with a more attacking team at home but he also appears keen to keep those who perform in the team. I would guess: Boruc; Clyne - Yoshida - Hooiveld - Shaw; Cork - Schneiderlin; Lallana - Davis - Rodriguez; Lambert. Q9. And finally, score predictions. 2-1 Saints. Thank you. Completed in bold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 (edited) Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? Sort of, we could see the fixture list wasn't going to do us any favours early on, but it's turned out to be a blessing which allowed the players to drop points against the top sides whilst learning how to play in the Prem, and then start picking up points against the teams around us when it mattered. I have to say I didn't see Lambert carrying his Championship form on as he has, or a squad that didn't have many players with Prem experience doing as well as they have. The sacking of Adkins however was always a possibility given the Chairman's previous. Top half is dreamworld, even 12th will vastly exceeds my expectations. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? I thought Clarke would struggle to take forward Hodgson's effective side last season and the team has done superbly well - who knows where you would be if Mulumbu and Yacob had been together all season ? Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? Pochettino stuck with the basics Adkins had instilled, his policy on developing youth players seems to be in line with the club's philosophy and he's got us pressing all over the place and beating top sides. It will be interesting to see who we sign in the summer and where he thinks we need to improve. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? Setting aside your Portsmouth love-in when we got relegated in 2005, West Brom are a decent club that have pushed on from the yo-yo years. Sorry, I don't really have any particular preconceptions other than that ! Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? He's an idiot and I think West Brom dealt with it very well. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? We didn't get a kick and it was typical of the sort of result we were coming to expect at that point. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? Jay Rodriguez seems to be on a run of form at the moment and is thriving under Pochettino after being a bit of a bit-part player for the future under Adkins. I think the midfield is the key for the Baggies, how Cork and Schneiderlin match up with Mulumbu and Yacob could be the key. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? Boruc; Clyne, Hooiveld, Yoshida, Shaw (if fit, or Fox otherwise); Schneiderlin, Cork; Rodriguez, Ramirez, Lallana; Lambert. Though there's a chance we might start rotating a few out as we're all but safe and need to give players like Mayuka a run to decide if he's got anything to offer, he's barely played this season. Same goes for Forren at centre back, signed on the day we fired Adkins so clearly a "committee" purchase, has not kicked a ball for the first team yet. Steven Davis deserves a start, but Ramirez needs time to get used to the Prem, although we're running out of excuses for his mediocrity at the moment. Q9. And finally, score predictions. Saints to win 2-1. No probs. Edited 21 April, 2013 by The9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? Probably followed a predictable script, of early struggle (with difficult fixtures),period of stabilisation, then gradual movement up the table. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? Surprised by your success, especially as you started with a relatively untried manager who has an impressive CV as an assistant, but moving up to take full control in the Premiership is a different prospect. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? Appalled by the sacking of Adkins, as we had turned the corner under him, and I felt he could be a long term manager after a cruel baptism of early fixtures in the Prem. MP appears to want the play at a higher tempo. He has also brought more out of certain players, Rodriguez and Davis, probably by playing them in positions they are more suited to. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? Traditionally (and I'm going back to the 1960's) like us, a steady mid-table club at best, although a yo-yo club in recent years. Supporters, no real view, other than they must be following their local club (good on them for that), rather than being glory seekers following a glamour club. My first league game at The Dell was v WBA in 1969 ; it p!ssed with rain all day, and you won 2-0 Colin Suggett scored twice. Not enough to put me off and I still returned to The Dell for more. Best recollection, the 4-0 win the FA Cup replay,1976. Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? Odenwingie made himself look an utter tool , motivated by greed, although I suspect he was encouraged into pulling the stunt by others, only to be left out to dry when it all went tits up. Next day 'arry faces his media chums with "oh, he's been a silly boy..." , don't suppose he was anyway involved in the saga WBA right not to let him force the move. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? Lowest ebb. Might have been different had Lambert not hit the bar. Thought NA might have been on his way after that,if at all this season. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? Lambert, Rodriguez for us. Lokaku (sp) for you. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? Probably Shaw at left back. He may rest Rickie. Q9. And finally, score predictions. Saints 2-1, although as both have reached safety, I'm not expecting a classic, it will probably fizzle out as an end of season going through the motions effort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 21 April, 2013 Share Posted 21 April, 2013 Hi, As a moderator on www.westbrom.com we run a weekly version of A View from the Opposition and I was hoping you would be able to answer our questionnaire. The replies will be formed into an article which shall be posted on this forum later in the week. Firstly, I would like to apologise to the forum administrators if this breaks any forum rules. Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? I thought we'd probably finish somewhere between 12th-16th before the season started. Was a bit worried after our start to the season, but I suppose 8 defeats in 10 games will do that to any fan of any club. We've improved a hell of a lot since Pochettino came in, but I think we probably would've survived under Adkins anyway. Best we can hope for is a 10th place finish, but I would be happy with anywhere down to 14th or so. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? I was very impressed with the start to the season that you made, thought you played some very effective football. I have to say that I had WBA to finish near the bottom of the table, but Steve Clarke proved himself early on and having good strikers like Long, Lukaku and Odemwingie in the team can only ever help. Nothing personal, but I can't see you finishing this high again next season - probably be kicking around in the mid-table with us next year! Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? I was devastated when Adkins was sacked, and I wanted Cortese's head for it. However in retrospect I think he made the right decision, just at the wrong time. If we had sacked NA after the game at your place it would have been understandable, as that was the low point of our season. With our form finally picking up and us moving up to 15th after some good results, sacking Adkins seemed like an absolutely crazy move. I have to say that I think we'll progress more under Poch than we would have done under NA though. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? Decent fans, knowledgeable about football and always good to chat to. You can keep that jebend Chiles though. Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? Any player that wants to sign for 'Arry Redknapp is clearly mental, and as such he can't be held responsible for his actions. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? I was quietly confident going into the game, but I think we definitely deserved to lose. Couldn't get on the ball and were exposed far too easily by the counter-attack. Still remember Odemwingie handballing before the goal though, was fuming about it at the time because every point counted at that stage of the season! Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? Jay Rodriguez has proven to be a real thorn in the sides of a lot of teams recently, and he's definitely one to watch out for. He'll run straight at your defence without fear and shakes the play up. Luke Shaw is also a difficult player to deal with, both defensively and offensively. For a relatively small lad he's very physical and stands his ground - very nippy too and likes to burst up the flank with the ball. Artur Boruc has been very solid in goal for us recently as well, and has shored our defence up a lot. Oh, and some bloke called Lambert too. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? Probably the same team that started against Swansea, but with Luke Shaw in for Danny Fox (thank christ). Q9. And finally, score predictions? I couldn't say really, we've been exposed by teams playing the ball over the top under MP (Newcastle, QPR) so if you manage to exploit that weakness in our team then I think it'll be difficult for us to cope. However I think we're probably the better team in possession, so it depends on how compactly you defend if we keep the ball and pin you back. Ought to be a good game either way! Thank you. No worries mush. In bold for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctoroncall Posted 22 April, 2013 Share Posted 22 April, 2013 Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? Good considering the start, expected to struggle a bit due to lack of experience and strengthening the CB position. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? Solid, expected mid table from the canny Steve Clarke side. The Mulumbu and Yacob partnership has been fundamental with Lukaku proving the goals. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? Shocked when it happened, expected it ealier after the game against you as we have a very ambitious and driven chairman. MP has done very well considering it's a new league, new language and new squad. He's added a bit of structure in the way we press the oppostion more effectively and given the players a bit more confidence in going forward in crafting an opening rather than shuffling the ball across the pitch waiting for something to happen. Hoping he can move us a couple of places. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? Well run club, financially sound, hope they get rewarded for it. Lucky to be rid of Appleton! MiL doesn't like them as they cause havoc on the local trains. Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? Hilarious! Club acted correctly, a shame Hoillet (?) didn't want to go to you as it would have been a good trade for a parties. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? We were sh!t, lowest ebb of the season, you were OK controlled the midfield. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? Team game, but J Rod and R Lambert for the special stuff. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? Depending if the virus is still around, the same vs Swansea with perhaps Shaw coming in for Fox. Q9. And finally, score predictions. 2-0 saints of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints_is_the_south Posted 22 April, 2013 Share Posted 22 April, 2013 Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? As well as we could have hoped for. My prediction of 13th at the start of the season was looking ominous at the end of October, but we've got over the horrendous start we had superbly well and now look more than comfortable at this level. The fact that no promoted team has started a season as badly as we did and stayed up puts our achievement into some sort of context. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? I'll be honest, I expected WBA to struggle and be involved in a relegation scrap, as I wasn't convinced Clarke would make the step up from a very good no2 to manager. But he, and the team have proved me (and a lot of others) wrong. You had a fantastic start to the season and I think it was always inevitable that you'd fall away a bit, but you look set for a top 8 finish which should be considered an excellent campaign for WBA. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? The timing of it was a surprise, had it happened after you'd beaten us at your place I don't think many would have grumbled. The manner in which it was done was disgraceful, and more respect should have been paid to Nigel who did so much for this football club. That said, we have definitely improved under Pochettino who I think pays more focus on what he wants his own team to do, rather than the opposition. We've had some great wins at home under him so far, against City, Liverpool and Chelsea and the future looks exciting. When it works, as it did in the 3 aforementioned victories, the high tempo pressing football is superb to watch. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? Good club with a good tradition and history, and a decent set of supporters. Only grumble about you we could have was the love in with Pompey when we were relegated and you survived, but we're well over that now. Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? You said it. He made himself a laughing stock, but I thought WBA handled the affair very well and it was nice in this day and age of footballers basically doing as they please and holding clubs to ransom, for your club to stand up and take the hard line with him. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? We were very poor, even if I don't think you were that much better. You deserved the win though, although it could have been a very different story had the referee spotted Odemwingie's handball in the lead up to the first goal, and if Rickie Lambert's shot at the start of the 2nd half had found the top corner rather than the crossbar. This game marked the end of our dreadful start, and it was from here that we started to improve and come to grips with this league. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? The obvious candidate is Rickie Lambert, but watch out for Jay Rodriguez (in great form at the moment), Morgan Schneiderlin (our player of the season IMO), Nathaniel Clyne & Luke Shaw (2 of the best young full backs in the division). From your lot, Lukaku is the main one I'd be worried about. He's got so much strength and power, but also got excellent technical ability and eye for goal. Mulumbu and Yacob are a crucial partnership for you in midfield, and their battle against Schneiderlin and Cork will be fascinating. Shane Long is always a handful to deal with too. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? Fitness depending - Boruc; Clyne - Hooiveld - Yoshida - Shaw; Schneiderlin - Cork; Rodriguez - Ramirez - Lallana; Lambert. Q9. And finally, score predictions. A WHU supporting colleague of mine saw you recently at Upton Park and said it looked like you may be on the beach already. You aren't in the best of form, and we are. So I go Saints 3-1 WBA. Thank you. There you go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiggles31 Posted 22 April, 2013 Share Posted 22 April, 2013 Would be great if SWF did something similar next season. Fid it interesting reading opposition views. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UpweySaint Posted 22 April, 2013 Share Posted 22 April, 2013 Would be great if SWF did something similar next season. Fid it interesting reading opposition views. Spot on. Would ne a nice feature and cant hurt to have a few links with other clubs, away day info etc etc .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 22 April, 2013 Share Posted 22 April, 2013 With reagard to Q5 I would say Redknapp was pulling his strings big time! As for WBA my opinion is it is now very well run and apart from the Odemwingie shambles you keep a nice low profile preferring to under promise and over achieve. Feel your season ran out of steam though once you had enough points - can't say I can blame you for that although next season expectations will raise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_ed Posted 22 April, 2013 Share Posted 22 April, 2013 Completed in bold. Excellent answers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingwing Posted 22 April, 2013 Share Posted 22 April, 2013 (edited) Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? Didn't expect quite such a shocking start, didn't expect Adkins to be given so much time, didn't expect him to be sacked when he did, didn't expect it to pay off. So ultimately a season completely contradicting expectations and turning out better than expected overall, been fun really! Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? Miles better than expected, didn't think Clarke would be the right man for the job at all but him and getting Lukaku in on loan seem to have completely energised WBA and has given you a lot of purpose in the league which has been good to see. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? At the time I was devastated, 5 stages of grief and felt like I had lost a family member, our first manager in a long time anyone really cared about and believed in (instead of having one about the place who just goes through the motions a bit), he was an odd inspiration and revolution. Now 3-4 months on Potchettino has completely reinvigorated my love for football and has brought the best out of our players playing some of the best football of all time. It was probably the wrong time to make the change (results wise) but it is clearly a master stroke for us overall as he has really brought something special to the club. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? Excellent club, well run, nice stadium and a decent set of fans. Premier league brings out the worst in some people (or the dullest in glory supporters) but didn't really get that impression from your lot at all which was a good change. Also you guys have the best food vans in the league around your ground! £3 for a 1/2b burger and another quid for chips! (something like that anyway) made the £5.50 we pay for frozen horse meat feel like robbery, and then feeling bad that we didn't wait for hog roast or the weight of a small child in sweet was just unfair (as we got in sight of the Hawthorns). Pro tip, if you come to st marys no decent food can be found near the ground, only the sort of thing you'd eat after 10 pints before the game... (and then regret it) Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? Spot on really, no player is bigger than the club and he is an employee till the club says so. The perfect way to handle it and making him play like that is even funnier as if he refuses/under-performs deliberately he's in breach of contract and wont get a new club out of it. Couldn't have asked for more! Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? Monday night games are always a pain, no one is quite as up for them as a saturday or sunday kickoff, no idea why the league persists with them but doesn't go for a friday night game. Anyway I felt one of your goals was lucky (that hand ball) and we were pretty unlucky with hitting the bar and someone going clean through to hit it wide. Neither side were at their best but you took your chances against us playing our 3rd choice keeper and us having no clue what we were doing that evening. Sounds a terrible and biased view, for balance and clarity your midfield out did ours fair and square, morg and davis as a pair didn't work that well and your 2 ran the show completely which was such a shame. On a side note you guys have the funniest half time on pitch entertainment of that "win a house" game!! There was something deeply entertaining about that, especially as I always wonder where the house is.... Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? Midfielders both sides, we will have Cork back with Morg (unlike the first meeting) who are a brilliant pairing and how your two deal with it will be the defining game. Notable mentions go to Rodriguez/Lambert as that combination is getting a lot better and I am worried which Lukaku will turn up, the best one like against Liverpool I am terrified of, the one that came on against us and missed a sitter not so worried. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? More or less last weekends line up but probably with Shaw back in if he's fit. Q9. And finally, score predictions. 2-1 to us in an enjoyable and hard fought game. Thank you. Edited 22 April, 2013 by pingwing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 22 April, 2013 Share Posted 22 April, 2013 (edited) hi, as a moderator on www.westbrom.com we run a weekly version of a view from the opposition and i was hoping you would be able to answer our questionnaire. The replies will be formed into an article which shall be posted on this forum later in the week. Firstly, i would like to apologise to the forum administrators if this breaks any forum rules. Q1. What are your opinions on southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? expected a dreadful start, expected adkins to go earlier than he did to be honest, but he stayed and we started to turn the corner. In the space of a couple of months have gone from worried to proud. Safe position and playing some great football with a team for the future q2. What are your opinion on wba's season so far? - have we exceeded your expectations? was surprised to see you get off to a good start, but from here don't follow other clubs in much detail so meh q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on mp and what difference has he made to your side? loved na the man and what he did for us. The way he was canned was awful. MP has similar views on the way the game is played (pass & move) but has added a new level to us and we are starting to look a classy team. One point I had not realised is what has happened in the past months with regard to our international reputation. Being at a beerfest in Munich this last weekend we met loads of fans Bayern, Sevilla, Real, Barca & Juve. Every single one of them now know us, had started watching us more closely, knew our manager and told us in varying degrees of english that we had got a real gem of a manager. Maybe being English we were a bit myopic, as fans we heard the "he was suggested to Cortese by Guardiola" line (or was it Mourinho as some rumours suggest) but the europeans were all surprised we had got him and had been watching us in games since. Hearing a Barca fan wax lyrical about Rickie Lambert was one of the weirdest moments of our weekend.... q4. What are your opinions on west bromwich albion football club and its supporters? You live in the shadow of your neighbours, you don't seem to have the true confidence or vision to make that final step up. You should do, this year has shown you are the best in brum, in some ways, like us with the basket case down the road, you need to forget (or laugh at) the others, be yourselves, move on q5. Peter odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? idiot. In some ways it was similar to Jason Puncheon last year driving himself to QPR. You handled it well, difference is that Puncheon has re-entered the fold and become a mini folk hero for many (not me) q6. The game at the hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? didn't watch it so can't comment q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? jrod obviously, but if he plays then steve davis is always under rated and the work he does backed by our cm can wear teams down and create the spaces. If the old adam lallana turns up you could struggle. Ramirez if he plays will appear to do nothing for 60 minutes but one of his insane attempts at a pass will come off and hurt you q8. What side is mp most likely to choose for saturday's encounter? shaw in for fox if fit, might bring davis back for one of lallana or ramirez. might see one of our nippers on the bench getting a chance if we are winning & other results are going well for us. be careful though, some team is going to get mayuka'd before the end of the year. That could be very embarrassing for you (and a surprise to us) q9. And finally, score predictions. depends if ericofarabia can get to watch the game. If he is working then 3-1 to us. If he is in the pub with us then a lacklustre 1-1 draw thank you. hth Edited 22 April, 2013 by dubai_phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 22 April, 2013 Share Posted 22 April, 2013 Hi, As a moderator on http://www.westbrom.com we run a weekly version of A View from the Opposition and I was hoping you would be able to answer our questionnaire. The replies will be formed into an article which shall be posted on this forum later in the week. Firstly, I would like to apologise to the forum administrators if this breaks any forum rules. Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? I thought we'd find it very tough, but at the same time I thought we might eak out a win or two in the earlier games as promoted sides usually ride on a crest of promotion wave. With the poor start things look bad, no worse than at your place. That was our lowest point and we looked ragged at best and even the most confident of Saints fans must have feared the worse at that point. Brilliant turn around since then and right now we are playing very well and exceeding my expectations. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? Brilliant start and not altogether unsurprising. I rate several of your players highly and you have a solid Premiership squad. If I'm honest I'm more surprised at the way you have declined since the Odemwingie fiasco. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? We press a little higher up the pitch. We also seem to know what we are doing a bit better at the back. When under pressure hit it, when not take your time and retain possession. Under Adkins there seemed to be a keep it and pass it no matter what and that cost us goals. the two midfielders seem to know their roles better too. We gamble by playing a lot of attackers, but with two pacey fullbacks we get away with it a lot. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? Excellent set of fans, decent ground to go to. Like us you wonder what the next step is? Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? I thought you put in a poor position and liked your stance. The end result though was you had a player you couldn't use and no money in the bank. The players hold the cards. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? You looked like you were at your best and we certainly were at our very worst (this season). You stuffed us and it could have been many more. I was surprised Adkins wasn't sacked afterwards. Perhaps the decision was made after that game and took time for the new man to be found. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? We have lots of good attacking players like Ramirez and Lallana, but its been Rodriguez that has been flying of late (although not on Saturday). He has been our real threat taking players on and running with the ball at pace. Lambert is the link man and will always be a threat. Shaw (if he plays) is a real threat down the wing. He has been brilliant rampaging down the line. Lukaka looks a nightmare to mark. I rate Brunt and Morrison, although I've not seen them live that often. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? Boruc Cylne Jos Yoshia Shaw Lallana Cork Schneiderlin Davies Rodriguez Lambert Q9. And finally, score predictions. 2-1 Saints Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Outsider Posted 22 April, 2013 Share Posted 22 April, 2013 Hi, As a moderator on http://www.westbrom.com we run a weekly version of A View from the Opposition and I was hoping you would be able to answer our questionnaire. The replies will be formed into an article which shall be posted on this forum later in the week. Firstly, I would like to apologise to the forum administrators if this breaks any forum rules. Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? We have performed pretty much as I expected, I anticipated between 12th-14th place and thats still looking a reasonable estimation. It was apparent last season that we had a core of players who would perform very well in this league. It was clear that we would take time to bed in as the group was young, highly talented but inexperienced. Some saints fans thought we should have brought some experience in to help bed the younger players in and maybe that would have helped during that terrible start to the season. For myself though I felt we had enough ability in the squad and that our experience would grow over the season and the club's strategy has been vindicated. It was also perfectly obvious that despite his record, since before the season had even started Adkins was living on borrowed time. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? West Brom have performed slightly above expectations this year. In slowly becoming an established PL club, you have managed to avoid the pitfalls of a cycle of investment and stagnation that have befallen teams such as Aston Villa, Sunderland and Stoke. Your club is very well run, making gradual, incremental improvements and the imposition of Clarke was a very shrewd move. He's been biding his time for a long while, his experience as an assistant manager is second to none. Whilst there is always the worry these qualities may not transfer to management, he has proven himself to be highly adept. I believe next season will be an interesting one for you, as you may struggle to build on this years successes without keeping hold of Lukaku for another season. Improving upon, or even maintaining your current level of performance will be difficult and will require careful planning and investment. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? MP's arrival has gradually coincided with an improvement in form, though it was gradual. The main tactical difference has been for us to press higher up the pitch without the ball. Whilst there is seemingly near universal acclaim for him now, there were murmurings of discontent until the Man City win. However, though the form has improved since his arrival, correlation does not necessarily imply causation and I believe MP is benefiting greatly from what was left to him, both in terms of playing personnel from the transfer committee and from the strategies of the previous management team. He has inherited a young, highly talented squad, of highly fit players trained in passing football. The type of high tempo, pressing football we are now playing is not possible without great levels of fitness and confidence on the ball, he has NA and his team to thank for that. We were improving under NA and this has continued under MP and I expect us to do even better next season. The question really is about degrees of improvement, who could have taken us further and whilst it is easy to pick your prejudices, I believe that it is an argument which may never be proven conclusively. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? West Brom are a very well run club with a fan base of loyal and understatedly passionate supporters much like ourselves. The fans are considered and relatively non partisan in their discussion and aside from the small pocket of fans that all clubs of middling stature have, seem to have realistic expectations about your prospects and are rightly delighted with how youve been performing. From our point of view there is a degree of respect toward WBA perhaps due to the relative lack of direct competition between us and also, a respect of your club as a model for how to establish itself effectively without breaking the bank. Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? He has undoubtedly acted in an incorrect manner but the only victim has been himself. Many players and their agents are able to drive through transfers without anything like the level of attention he brought to himself. Ultimately, he was looking for a move on his terms, he did not achieve this. West Brom handled it very diplomatically and have been helped by the astute management of Clarke and the continued performance of the team during the saga. Had you been struggling for form, you may have been compromised, as it was, he was undermined greatly and WBA came out of it with great credit. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? This was the low point of the season for many of us. After a difficult start, we had been targeting a decent points total from games against Fulham, West Ham, Spurs and WBA. When the games against Fulham and West Ham brought only a point and on the back of a Jekyll and Hyde 2nd half performance against Spurs we were hoping the players would turn out as they had in the second half against Spurs for a result against you. Unfortunately, we were abject and you thoroughly deserved the three points. Ill never forget the WBA faithful singing 'your getting sacked in the morning' in front of an increasingly beleaguered NA. Sitting bottom of the league at full time, when he went to applaud the fans at the end, many of us wondered if that was it for him. After this game we welcomed back Jack Cork and Luke Shaw made his debut, thus solving two of the main troubles we had, both against you and teams before you in that our midfield had lacking tenacity and our left back being out of his depth (Mulumbu ran the show that night and Fox was caught on the counter for the 2nd). We havent looked back since, the match against you marked the line in the sand. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? We are comprised of young, technically able and tenacious players who will press you, close you down, try to win the ball high up the pitch and pass at a high tempo with runners in behind. The likes of Cork and Schneiderlin will make the midfield battle highly competitive and then the players gifted on the ball such as Ramirez and Lambert will look for passes to the runners such as Rodriquez and Davis. Rodriquez in the man in form but when all is said and done, our talisman is Rickie Lambert and he is never far from the action. For you, Lukaku is clearly going on to the very top, hes the stand out player and you will miss him when hes gone. Mulumbu was a giant when we last played you, though he wont have it so easy this time. Olsson is a class act, Brunt is a quality player and Foster is always going to be hard to get past. Not the most attractive team in the PL to watch, you have a very strong, efficient and highly competitive team, composed entirely of players who compete week in week out and the odd special player who can hurt anyone on their day. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? Ordinarily, if all are fit I would say MP's preferred line up would be Boruc, Clyne, Hoiveld, Yoshida, Shaw, Cork, Schneiderlin, Ramirez, Davis, Rodriquez, Lambert. However, with the season coming to an end in relative comfort, we may see the odd selection anomaly. Q9. And finally, score predictions. I think this match will be a saints victory, I predict 2-1. We are in good form and playing very well at home. There are mitigating factors however, on our side many of the players have had a virus the last two weeks, we have been working very hard and virtually secured our status in the division, the fatigue may catch up with us this weekend. Also, lets not forget, you are a top half of the table team, players like Lukaku are ideal to play against us as he offers pace, power and strength in the air. The ideal forward to play against our high defensive line as he will give both you both an out ball from our pressing tactics and a threat in behind if you get time on the ball, for this reason, I believe you will score. Thank you. The length of this is proof that I have too much time on my hands today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liam_Baggies Posted 25 April, 2013 Author Share Posted 25 April, 2013 http://westbrom.com/forum/index.php?topic=11282.0 There's the finished article. Thank you for your insightful posts. Without doubt the best edition we've done this season so thank you. Apologies to those which didn't make it into the article. I've just had to spend the last half hour removing some posts so I can fit the article within our 20,000 character limit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 25 April, 2013 Share Posted 25 April, 2013 Not only do we dress better (thanks to our Style guru), we also appear to be far more eloquent than other PL fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 25 April, 2013 Share Posted 25 April, 2013 Ha, I managed to get a whole sentence in the final article. Comes of having SaintsWeb Hive Mindset I suspect, I think everything I said was also said by someone else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingwing Posted 25 April, 2013 Share Posted 25 April, 2013 Cheers for posting the final product! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
100% Saint Posted 25 April, 2013 Share Posted 25 April, 2013 Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? I think it has gone slightly better than I thought it would because I didn't think we would win against the now ex-champions of England and the Champions League and FA Cup winners. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? In my opinion West Brom had a flying start to the season in a Champions league place but have eased off a bit to what I thought they would a very solid season. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? Well I thought that Adkins treatment was poor and he deserved, but I have to say what a good choice Nicola Cortese has made Pochettino's mentality is to go out and get the 3 points every time no matter who the team are playing and he likes pressing which has done us very good so far this season. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? I have WBA in high regard to be honest because they are a sensible club who have a good stadium and good support and have done well and got some very capable players. Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? I thought that is was a shambles and a hoo-haa from him and his agent and think WBA were right to send him home but since then he has still been able to play as a sub and the club handled it very carefully and in the correct manner. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? I was there at the match and in my opinion I think that we should of done better than we did but we got to see the first of Luke Shaw who has turned out to be another of our talented young player who is extremely mature and composed for his age. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? For us Rickie Lambert goal-poacher he will head, shoot inside and outside of the box and head, Jay Rodriguez relatively in form, Luke Shaw for runs along the wing and Adam Lallana for the same reason. For WBA Romelu Lukaku because he has 14 or something goals, Long because he is quite a good striker. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? For me this team: ---------------- Lambert ----------------- Lallana --------- Ramirez ------- Rodriguez ---------Cork ---------- Schneiderlin ---- Shaw ----- Yoshida ---- Fonte ----- Clyne ----------------- Boruc ------------------ Q9. And finally, score predictions. I would have to say 3-1 to Southampton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UpweySaint Posted 25 April, 2013 Share Posted 25 April, 2013 Q1. What are your opinions on Southampton's season so far - has it gone how you expected? I think it has gone slightly better than I thought it would because I didn't think we would win against the now ex-champions of England and the Champions League and FA Cup winners. Q2. What are your opinion on WBA's season so far? - Have we exceeded your expectations? In my opinion West Brom had a flying start to the season in a Champions league place but have eased off a bit to what I thought they would a very solid season. Q3. You made a controversial change not so long ago. What are your thoughts on MP and what difference has he made to your side? Well I thought that Adkins treatment was poor and he deserved, but I have to say what a good choice Nicola Cortese has made Pochettino's mentality is to go out and get the 3 points every time no matter who the team are playing and he likes pressing which has done us very good so far this season. Q4. What are your opinions on West Bromwich Albion Football Club and its supporters? I have WBA in high regard to be honest because they are a sensible club who have a good stadium and good support and have done well and got some very capable players. Q5. Peter Odemwingie became a laughing stock during the transfer window. What did you make of his antics and how our club dealt with it? I thought that is was a shambles and a hoo-haa from him and his agent and think WBA were right to send him home but since then he has still been able to play as a sub and the club handled it very carefully and in the correct manner. Q6. The game at The Hawthorns finished 2-0. What were your opinions on this game? I was there at the match and in my opinion I think that we should of done better than we did but we got to see the first of Luke Shaw who has turned out to be another of our talented young player who is extremely mature and composed for his age. Q7. Which players should we be wary of in your side and who do you fear in our side? For us Rickie Lambert goal-poacher he will head, shoot inside and outside of the box and head, Jay Rodriguez relatively in form, Luke Shaw for runs along the wing and Adam Lallana for the same reason. For WBA Romelu Lukaku because he has 14 or something goals, Long because he is quite a good striker. Q8. What side is MP most likely to choose for Saturday's encounter? For me this team: ---------------- Lambert ----------------- Lallana --------- Ramirez ------- Rodriguez ---------Cork ---------- Schneiderlin ---- Shaw ----- Yoshida ---- Fonte ----- Clyne ----------------- Boruc ------------------ Q9. And finally, score predictions. I would have to say 3-1 to Southampton Missed the boat on this, article already published, a link has been posted above Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints_is_the_south Posted 25 April, 2013 Share Posted 25 April, 2013 http://westbrom.com/forum/index.php?topic=11282.0 There's the finished article. Thank you for your insightful posts. Without doubt the best edition we've done this season so thank you. Apologies to those which didn't make it into the article. I've just had to spend the last half hour removing some posts so I can fit the article within our 20,000 character limit! Cheers, you're most welcome. Mods, any chance TSW could replicate something similar for next season? Really enjoy reading the majority of opposition fans views on us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToreSF Posted 27 April, 2013 Share Posted 27 April, 2013 http://westbrom.com/forum/index.php?topic=11282.0 "These Southampton fans seem to really know their stuff, very knowledgeable, reasoned and objective in what they say. Looking forward to my weekend in Southampton, hopefully share a few pints with the locals, they sound a decent bunch." Appearances are deceptive. Everyone knows this is a mongboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatch Posted 27 April, 2013 Share Posted 27 April, 2013 got to say , i thought the WBA fans were terrific today. Loads of them and a lot of noise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 27 April, 2013 Share Posted 27 April, 2013 got to say , i thought the WBA fans were terrific today. Loads of them and a lot of noise. I too was surprised by their numbers, given an end of season game, with nothing to play for, and yes, they gave good vocal support. Much of it was about Wolves going down, but we can't criticise on that score obviously. Just a shame the fat rubber faced reptile, Adrian Chiles might get some joy out of the result. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 28 April, 2013 Share Posted 28 April, 2013 There was also the fact they all got free travel! Fair play to them, loudest fans we've had here since I can remember, possibly ever at St Mary's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedWillie Posted 28 April, 2013 Share Posted 28 April, 2013 Indeed, it was WBA 's game they chose to offer free travel to all of them hence why 48 coaches were parked up in the North car park and Brittannia Road. Apparently they do this once each season. Fair play to the noisy buggers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junction 9 Posted 28 April, 2013 Share Posted 28 April, 2013 Agree with many of the comments above, best set of away fans to come down here in a long while. They sang as one throughout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UpweySaint Posted 28 April, 2013 Share Posted 28 April, 2013 A good bunch but free coaches, an early lead, dominant performance and a bit of handbags on the pitch. Plenty for them to sing about But fairplay all the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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