Armel Bella-Kotchap

[verlaine1979]

3 hours ago, notnowcato said:

I’d rather a player that wanted to be here, through thick and thin, than someone who hasn’t shown any evidence that he does want to fight for us. Quite happy coining his £xxK per week, waiting for the next transfer window. He can fuck off. 

I'd rather watch talented mercenaries than shit that bleeds red and white.

[notnowcato]

4 hours ago, verlaine1979 said:

I'd rather watch talented mercenaries than shit that bleeds red and white.

They’re all mercenaries to some extent. 

[egg]

1 hour ago, notnowcato said:

They’re all mercenaries to some extent. 

If you've ever played the game you'd know that players would rather have someone in the changing room and on the pitch with them who wants to be there. As a fan, I feel the same. 

[notnowcato]

7 minutes ago, egg said:

If you've ever played the game you'd know that players would rather have someone in the changing room and on the pitch with them who wants to be there. As a fan, I feel the same. 

I’m with you on this egg. 
Played, coached and managed. More than once I’ve seen a team become stronger as a unit when a “talented” player moves on. 

Edited 24 December, 2024 by notnowcato

[danjosaint]

1 hour ago, notnowcato said:

I’m with you on this egg. 
Played, coached and managed. More than once I’ve seen a team become stronger as a unit when a “shit manager" moves on. 

Fixed it for you 

[OldNick]

20 hours ago, Turkish said:

should have had a cortisone injection and carried on the pussy.

I find it funny that all these football fans who with the slight snivel are bed bound and cant work for days, sneer at someone with a debilitating injury.

Yes he left after we were relegated but after a ex Saints footballer called him out feigning injury (which it wasnt) and the lack of respect given to him , no doubt helped hm to be keen to leave. Apparently there were many players knocking on the managers door wanting to leave including JWP but thats ok as he's one of us lol

[Lord Duckhunter]

12 hours ago, egg said:

He's no closer to the team than Stewart. 

Two weeks? 

[notnowcato]

2 hours ago, danjosaint said:

Fixed it for you 

Hilarious. This sort of post never stops being funny. Keep up the good work. 

[sfc4prem]

10 hours ago, verlaine1979 said:

I'd rather watch talented mercenaries than shit that bleeds red and white.

That's the thing, it's always going to be one or the other for a club like ours in the PL.

[SambaMaverick]

Training with the first team today, but I've no idea if he always was to be fair

[Oldandtired]

2 hours ago, notnowcato said:

 

Edited 24 December, 2024 by Oldandtired
Sausage fingers

[Dusic]

He could in theory be decent as a RCB in a back 3. 

But also hasnt played properly for two years and RM clearly had his reasons for leaving him out despite defensive struggles.

[SaintsFan86]

Guys a lazy cunt, He can do one.

[Saint Matty 76]

Clearly a bellend. Clearly our best CB if (big if) fit.

The three from Fulham worked well, so I can't see him getting a chance until Swansea in the cup.

[Challenger]

51 minutes ago, SaintsFan86 said:

Guys a lazy cunt, He can do one.

The club needs to be just as "lazy" when it comes to paying him, might focus his mind somewhat.

[Football Special]

1 hour ago, Saint Matty 76 said:

Clearly a bellend. Clearly our best CB if (big if) fit.

The three from Fulham worked well, so I can't see him getting a chance until Swansea in the cup.

Yep and go and get some match fitness for the B team , should need to prove that having not played for so long. 

[St. Ciervo]

I disagree. He served his time on the bench. If he is an improvement, he plays. Time to turn the page and start fresh. 

That sentiment does not extend to Stephens who can F right off. 

[EBS1980]

Is there any point other than to put in the window for sale?

we are down, he didn’t want to stick around last time and won’t again so any point in playing now?!

[saintant]

11 hours ago, EBS1980 said:

Is there any point other than to put in the window for sale?

we are down, he didn’t want to stick around last time and won’t again so any point in playing now?!

Surely if he is good enough he should be starting games not just to help us but to put him in the shop window for when we sell him.  Ideally he plays well, helps us to gain more points and we get a decent price for him - we'll get less if he isn't playing that's for sure.

Edited 30 December, 2024 by saintant

[Convict Colony]

Thought he might of got on to deal with mateta once jan got his yellow as he had been losing that battle all game and ABK is a unit and pacey.

[Orkney Saint]

On 23/12/2024 at 08:17, Turkish said:

Oh come on, clubs have highly paid, qualified scouts scrutinising every detail of a players performance, ability, attitude everything. They’re not going to be put off because one the worst premier league manager ever prefers Jack frigging Stephens. They’ll more likely see it as one of the reasons why he’s one of the worst premier league managers ever.

It’s more likely to do with the fact hes on a good premier league contract, we probably want a lot for him and he’s barely played in two years nothing for us this season, 7 appearances last season and a load of injuries second half of his first sssaon with us. A combination of those things along with the fact he’s not really proven himself at premier league level mean the only clubs who would want him can probably get better, More proven value elsewhere right now 

I guess you missed the “In all seriousness…” part of my post? 😉

We may probably want a lot for him, but is that realistic? As you state, he’s barely played for two years. I’m of the opinion that football isn’t rocket science and you should generally play your better players. If ABK is as much of a problem as people say he is, then get rid asap. I see no benefit in keeping him around the place. 

[Roger]

Players don’t like him at all. He’s selfish.

[Matthew Le God]

1 minute ago, Roger said:

Players don’t like him at all. He’s selfish.

How do you know that?

[Lee On Solent Saint]

7 minutes ago, Roger said:

Players don’t like him at all. He’s selfish.

You mean he didn't want a cuddle from RM?

[die Mannyschaft]

He's never going to play again, more transfer nonsense from Saints

[danjosaint]

He'll play against Swansea

[SaintsFan86]

Is he still here?

[OldNick]

On 29/12/2024 at 21:59, EBS1980 said:

Is there any point other than to put in the window for sale?

we are down, he didn’t want to stick around last time and won’t again so any point in playing now?!

To put him in the shop window for one. He also must be pretty decent being a German International. He also may like to play a game, you'll never know.

JWP, and many others didnt want to stick around when relegated so he's not on his own there

[Jeremy Corbyn]

You'd think a back 5 of Ramsdale, Taylor, ABK, Bednarek and KWP would be competitive in the prem.

Shame our midfield and attack are completely below this level though.

[Teamsaint1]

15 minutes ago, Jeremy Corbyn said:

You'd think a back 5 of Ramsdale, Taylor, ABK, Bednarek and KWP would be competitive in the prem.

Shame our midfield and attack are completely below this level though.

Agree about the back 5, but Fernandes and  Downes  are comfortably PL level too. Problem is without  one or both of them we are  well adrift of the level required.

[Lighthouse]

22 minutes ago, Jeremy Corbyn said:

You'd think a back 5 of Ramsdale, Taylor, ABK, Bednarek and KWP would be competitive in the prem.

Shame our midfield and attack are completely below this level though.

I would think that is a decent keeper, average RB and three other substandard defenders, personally. Certainly not a defence I’d expect to produce much above relegation standard performances.

[Fabrice29]

On 01/09/2024 at 08:21, Saint_clark said:

I don't remember ABK ever really having standout bad games. He was just playing in a properly shit, disorganised team.

Crazy that he's being frozen out when we're struggling so much at the back. Even just having him on the bench to push the starting players would be beneficial as opposed to having *checks the Brentford game* no centreback subs. I don't think THB, Bednarek and especially Stephens feel at all threatened by Edwards and Wood. 

 

On 01/09/2024 at 08:39, Sheaf Saint said:

Indeed. Let's remember that, when we signed him in the summer of 2022, we subsequently sent both Stephens and Bednarek out on loan, having deemed them 'surplus to requirements'. 

How on Earth have we now got to the stage where both those players are not only still here but somehow keeping him out of the team?

 

On 01/09/2024 at 21:07, Orkney Saint said:

If the Saints want rid of ABK, or any other non-playing centre back for that matter, I don’t think they’re doing themselves any favours by playing Stephens every game (as captain too!). What message does that send to any potential buyers?
“They’re playing Stephens ahead of [insert player name here], how bad must [insert player name here] be?! OK, we’ll give you f’all and you’d better thank us for that too!”

In all seriousness, if Stephens can be captain and picked for every game (so far), then ABK should have a route back into the team/squad ASAP. However, if ABK is as much of a problem as some seem to think he is, then he should’ve been released on a free by now. Why would you want a player hanging about if they were that much of a problem?
I think there must be some serious mismanagement going on whichever way you look at it.

 

On 23/12/2024 at 07:58, trousers said:

Agree, but doesn't surprise me...

 

 

On 23/12/2024 at 08:28, austsaint said:

Yep.  If that recent quote is accurate, it reinforces the suspicion that Martin was too quick to judge and overlook players.   ABK, Les Ugo, Sulemana, Tall Paul, Taylor, even Cornet strike me as players Martin couldn’t get a tune out of, or wasn’t interested in trying to.   I’m expecting several of them to get an opportunity and show improvement now, should they survive the transfer window.   One of Martin’s legacies will be the poor judgement he showed in believing players like Smallbone, Stephens, Bazunu and Manning were first choice players.

 

On 23/12/2024 at 08:29, tdmickey3 said:

Says the numpty who "fell" for Russel Martins guff, with lines like "we are better with him on the pitch" (Stephens) and "I am happiest when he's on the field (Smallbone)

Go dry your eyes sweetheart, everyone is seeing through the shambles Martin created

 

On 23/12/2024 at 01:33, benjii said:

Bizarre from Martin, if true.

Shocked that a PR piece in the German media isn't enough for people at the club who deal with him daily despite it being proof of everything they knew about ABK and Martin by people on here.

Edited January 14 by Fabrice29

[Turkish]

1 minute ago, Fabrice29 said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shocked that a PR piece in the German isn't enough for people at the club who deal with him daily despite it being proof of everything they knew about ABK and Martin by people on here.

Pipe down Jordan. 

Quite a few people have actually said he's got an attitude problem and the fact that he's still got to convince people and do more seems to confirm this.

[Fabrice29]

14 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Pipe down Jordan. 

Quite a few people have actually said he's got an attitude problem and the fact that he's still got to convince people and do more seems to confirm this.

Quite a few people also didn't say that, as per my post.

[FarehamSaintJames]

Said a month ago he was a nob. Let him rot.

[SaintNewForest]

But but but, everyone on twitter said that it was just RM being stubborn ... 

Complete waste of space, this guy. The fact he's had another undeserved chance and still hasn't done enough to get a game of football speaks volumes. 

[CanadaSaint]

Whether or not the “rumours” are true, I think we’d be a much stronger side with ABK at the back, allowing KWP to move back to his best position. Right now they’re both devalued assets who have been highly rated internationals.

ABK’s a player who needs a strong manager who will call him out if he steps out of line. Selles wasn’t strong enough, and Martin only picked players with blind allegiance to him and his system - even if they ball-watched incessantly and took halfwitted red cards.

Juric has a project on his hands, but there are big “upsides” to taking it on. A better-performing side, higher valuations for two good players we’ll probably lose when we go down.

What’s the downside for a team with six points after 20 games?

[Lighthouse]

6 minutes ago, CanadaSaint said:

Whether or not the “rumours” are true, I think we’d be a much stronger side with ABK at the back, allowing KWP to move back to his best position. Right now they’re both devalued assets who have been highly rated internationals.

ABK’s a player who needs a strong manager who will call him out if he steps out of line. Selles wasn’t strong enough, and Martin only picked players with blind allegiance to him and his system - even if they ball-watched incessantly and took halfwitted red cards.

Juric has a project on his hands, but there are big “upsides” to taking it on. A better-performing side, higher valuations for two good players we’ll probably lose when we go down.

What’s the downside for a team with six points after 20 games?

That’s an awful lot of assumptions based on very little. History is littered with players who, "just need the right manager who can sort them out." The likes of Pogba, Mutu, Lemina, Cassano, Osvaldo etc. all undoubtedly had superb talent but ultimately never got near what they were capable of. ABK not being in the Swansea squad, unless there’s some unknown injury, doesn’t exactly scream ‘commitment to the club’.

[Fabrice29]

9 minutes ago, CanadaSaint said:

Whether or not the “rumours” are true, I think we’d be a much stronger side with ABK at the back, allowing KWP to move back to his best position. Right now they’re both devalued assets who have been highly rated internationals.

ABK’s a player who needs a strong manager who will call him out if he steps out of line. Selles wasn’t strong enough, and Martin only picked players with blind allegiance to him and his system - even if they ball-watched incessantly and took halfwitted red cards.

Juric has a project on his hands, but there are big “upsides” to taking it on. A better-performing side, higher valuations for two good players we’ll probably lose when we go down.

What’s the downside for a team with six points after 20 games?

Would just like to remind people we still got relegated, finishing bottom with ABK at the back last time too. Rewarding someone who hasn't wanted to be here since seems a bit daft, but hey, all the managers we've had since were probably at fault and CanadaSaint knows best.

[West end Saints]

On 09/01/2025 at 17:03, Teamsaint1 said:

Agree about the back 5, but Fernandes and  Downes  are comfortably PL level too. Problem is without  one or both of them we are  well adrift of the level required.

Far from convinced Downes is, certainly not comfortably so

[CanadaSaint]

6 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

That’s an awful lot of assumptions based on very little. History is littered with players who, "just need the right manager who can sort them out." The likes of Pogba, Mutu, Lemina, Cassano, Osvaldo etc. all undoubtedly had superb talent but ultimately never got near what they were capable of. ABK not being in the Swansea squad, unless there’s some unknown injury, doesn’t exactly scream ‘commitment to the club’.

I don't disagree - I said it would be a project, but it's one with a high upside. It's difficult to see a downside when you look at the table and watch us trying to defend.

7 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

Would just like to remind people we still got relegated, finishing bottom with ABK at the back last time too. Rewarding someone who hasn't wanted to be here since seems a bit daft, but hey, all the managers we've had since were probably at fault and CanadaSaint knows best.

I didn't claim to know best - I just offered an opinion. If you'd criticized me for talking out of my arse I would have been more inclined to accept it because I know that's your area of expertise. Was it the criticism of Russ that got your panties twisted?

[trousers]

4 hours ago, Fabrice29 said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shocked that a PR piece in the German media isn't enough for people at the club who deal with him daily despite it being proof of everything they knew about ABK and Martin by people on here.

"Bizarre, if true" / "If that quote is accurate" = "Proof of everything they knew"

If Carlsberg did false equivalences... 

#strawman

 

Edited January 14 by trousers

[Fabrice29]

34 minutes ago, CanadaSaint said:

I don't disagree - I said it would be a project, but it's one with a high upside. It's difficult to see a downside when you look at the table and watch us trying to defend.

I didn't claim to know best - I just offered an opinion. If you'd criticized me for talking out of my arse I would have been more inclined to accept it because I know that's your area of expertise. Was it the criticism of Russ that got your panties twisted?

The idea that two guys with just two international caps under their belts and both been available for transfer for a season and a half but not got one are highly rated internationals is a bit OTT, but yeah that’s opinion. The idea that theirs no downside to allowing someone who has quite clearly not wanted to be here for a while now and has been ignored from starting matches by two managers and had his attitude questioned by both publicly is you talking out of your arse, yes. That shit shouldn’t just be rewarded without earning it.

Edited January 14 by Fabrice29