Russell Martin

[Miltonaggro]

9 hours ago, SambaMaverick said:

Shades of Nathan Jones with whatever this is meant to be

Plus, it seems like he's welcoming them back from a break, not just the international players but the whole squad - it begs the question, how long have they had off? A week? More?

He really luffs them...

[Badger]

9 hours ago, SambaMaverick said:

Plus, it seems like he's welcoming them back from a break, not just the international players but the whole squad - it begs the question, how long have they had off? A week? More?

A good question. Given our league position you’d have hoped there might have been some good use of time on the training ground. Not jetting off, that should be a reward not a right.

But then time at Staplewood might have interfered with Lego’s own getaway. Glad the fucker has his priorities sorted. 

[Badger]

6 hours ago, Maggie May said:

I really don’t get the hate for him. It’s so weird.

 

3 hours ago, Saint NL said:

 

Oh hi guys, how was the international break?

This sort of thing doesn’t help his cause. No objection to him having a private life, but it should stay private.

Bloke’s  an egotist. Full of himself, with little justification.

Some managers can be arseholes, and braggarts (Clough in his early days, and Mourinho spring to mind), but they had a track record of results first. 
 

We’ve had some knobs as managers in the past, but can’t think of any who’d see themselves on social media like this. Not Hoddle, not Branfoot, both had a bit more self respect no matter what their other shortcomings. 

 

[Mr X]

15 minutes ago, Badger said:

 

This sort of thing doesn’t help his cause. No objection to him having a private life, but it should stay private.

Bloke’s  an egotist. Full of himself, with little justification.

Some managers can be arseholes, and braggarts (Clough in his early days, and Mourinho spring to mind), but they had a track record of results first. 
 

We’ve had some knobs as managers in the past, but can’t think of any who’d see themselves on social media like this. Not Hoddle, not Branfoot, both had a bit more self respect no matter what their other shortcomings. 

 

His social media presence is like his football... Embarrassing 😉

[Osvaldorama]

21 minutes ago, Badger said:

 

This sort of thing doesn’t help his cause. No objection to him having a private life, but it should stay private.

Bloke’s  an egotist. Full of himself, with little justification.

Some managers can be arseholes, and braggarts (Clough in his early days, and Mourinho spring to mind), but they had a track record of results first. 
 

We’ve had some knobs as managers in the past, but can’t think of any who’d see themselves on social media like this. Not Hoddle, not Branfoot, both had a bit more self respect no matter what their other shortcomings. 

 

 

Tbh this is a bit harsh. Clearly his mrs took the photo. 
 

People are allowed to have a life even though they manage a football team 🤣

 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

6 minutes ago, Osvaldorama said:

 

Tbh this is a bit harsh. Clearly his mrs took the photo. 
 

People are allowed to have a life even though they manage a football team 🤣

 

I don't follow anyone's social media, but it doesn't seem unusual for someone to put up a holiday pic?

[Wsaint]

30 minutes ago, Badger said:

 

This sort of thing doesn’t help his cause. No objection to him having a private life, but it should stay private.

Bloke’s  an egotist. Full of himself, with little justification.

Some managers can be arseholes, and braggarts (Clough in his early days, and Mourinho spring to mind), but they had a track record of results first. 
 

We’ve had some knobs as managers in the past, but can’t think of any who’d see themselves on social media like this. Not Hoddle, not Branfoot, both had a bit more self respect no matter what their other shortcomings. 

 

Comparing him with people almost double his age, course it's different, it's a complete different era for fuck sake 😂

 

I'm not happy with how the seasons gone so far, or with much of the football we've been served up, but some of this whining and crying about every little detail of the man is pathetic 😂

 

Man is posted in photo with girlfriend, is your damning headline.

[Mr X]

Shame he isn't punching above his weight on the pitch too 😂

[Harry_SFC]

6 minutes ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

I don't follow anyone's social media, but it doesn't seem unusual for someone to put up a holiday pic?

No issues from me. You'd like to think him removing himself from the situation for a few days might help him realise how bad our current plight is and come up with something to help improve it.

I'm expecting the complete opposite. 

[Mr X]

On 18/11/2024 at 21:17, Saint in Paradise said:

Quite frankly I wouldn't even wish RM  on Portsmouth.

Ryan manning? 😉

[Badger]

14 minutes ago, Osvaldorama said:

 

Tbh this is a bit harsh. Clearly his mrs took the photo. 
 

People are allowed to have a life even though they manage a football team 🤣

 

 

6 minutes ago, Wsaint said:

Comparing him with people almost double his age, course it's different, it's a complete different era for fuck sake 😂

 

I'm not happy with how the seasons gone so far, or with much of the football we've been served up, but some of this whining and crying about every little detail of the man is pathetic 😂

 

Man is posted in photo with girlfriend, is your damning headline.

Yes, some fair points made. 

Obviously a generational thing, but I'd rather a manager who got on with the job, and did it well. 

[Whitey Grandad]

2 hours ago, notnowcato said:

You forgot “single-handedly”… oh wait

I think he may have used both hands.

[trousers]

31 minutes ago, Osvaldorama said:

 

Tbh this is a bit harsh. Clearly his mrs took the photo. 
 

People are allowed to have a life even though they manage a football team 🤣

 

Source...?

[trousers]

On 18/11/2024 at 21:17, Saint in Paradise said:

Quite frankly I wouldn't even wish RM  on Portsmouth.

Robert Mugabe?

[Whitey Grandad]

36 minutes ago, Osvaldorama said:

 

Tbh this is a bit harsh. Clearly his mrs took the photo. 
 

People are allowed to have a life even though they manage a football team 🤣

 

How can he do that when he’s playing about on a beach?

[pingpong]

1 hour ago, Badger said:

 

This sort of thing doesn’t help his cause. No objection to him having a private life, but it should stay private.

Bloke’s  an egotist. Full of himself, with little justification.

Some managers can be arseholes, and braggarts (Clough in his early days, and Mourinho spring to mind), but they had a track record of results first. 
 

We’ve had some knobs as managers in the past, but can’t think of any who’d see themselves on social media like this. Not Hoddle, not Branfoot, both had a bit more self respect no matter what their other shortcomings. 

 

https://youtu.be/m1g-Hd6Exd0?si=RB6eUbec6MM8SByD

[trousers]

15 minutes ago, pingpong said:

https://youtu.be/m1g-Hd6Exd0?si=RB6eUbec6MM8SByD

Blimey, didn't realise Hoddle was also a manager whilst still playing for Spurs...

 

 

Edited Wednesday at 21:34 by trousers

[Badger]

12 minutes ago, pingpong said:

https://youtu.be/m1g-Hd6Exd0?si=RB6eUbec6MM8SByD

Good point. But he was still a player at this stage.
Think he might have matured a bit by the time he became a manager ( and I did say we’d had some knobs as managers before anyone points out some of his later other failings …) 

[Wsaint]

53 minutes ago, Badger said:

 

Yes, some fair points made. 

Obviously a generational thing, but I'd rather a manager who got on with the job, and did it well. 

I'm sure he does when he's working, but like every other being in existence, we don't work 24/7 365, I can forgive him for taking a trip down the beach 😂

If he's posting it straight after our next heavy loss then people might have a right to be angry (and I'd agree) but it's the international break and we have no idea when that photo was actually taken. Of all the sticks to beat the man with right now, this ain't it 😂

[Holmes_and_Watson]

2 hours ago, Badger said:

Not Hoddle, not Branfoot, both had a bit more self respect no matter what their other shortcomings. 

 

You've clearly managed to get over that Branfoot Twerking video, having dropped MLT, more quickly than I have. 🙂

[Toussaint]

12 hours ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

Nope. He's far too close to the players. Fuck knows how he greets Stephens.

And spare a thought for poor old Smallbone who has had such a terrible time waiting for his bottiie to heal. 

[Toussaint]

8 hours ago, Midfield_General said:

Desperate to catch Amazon's eye so he can be the star of the next All Or Nothing / Mission to Burnley 

There is already a working title “nothing or fuck all”

[Mr X]

Martin made the rag https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/31844737/russell-martin-lucy-pinder-holiday-southampton/

They describe his "fanatical desire to dominate possession in every game" 😂

[TheAlehouseBrawlers]

17 hours ago, Saint NL said:

 

Oh hi guys, how was the international break?

 

13 minutes ago, Mr X said:

Martin made the rag https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/31844737/russell-martin-lucy-pinder-holiday-southampton/

They describe his "fanatical desire to dominate possession in every game" 😂

As much as I’m not liking the possession-dominated/reluctance-to-attack RM ideology I’m don’t exactly share some fans deep dislike of the fella. I can’t lose sight of the shit in his early life and that he’s done a lot of good charitable stuff.

And I’ve a newfound respect for him and the Pinder if they can strip off on a British beach in November and still smile!

[coalman]

12 hours ago, Wsaint said:

I'm sure he does when he's working, but like every other being in existence, we don't work 24/7 365, I can forgive him for taking a trip down the beach 😂

If he's posting it straight after our next heavy loss then people might have a right to be angry (and I'd agree) but it's the international break and we have no idea when that photo was actually taken. Of all the sticks to beat the man with right now, this ain't it 😂

Amen. The man's private life is his own and I don't begrudge him time away with someone he loves.

Compared to Jones rocking up and giving the players a 3 week holiday during the World Cup rather than getting to know them this is a nothing burger.

[trousers]

9 minutes ago, TheAlehouseBrawlers said:

I’m don’t exactly share some fans deep dislike of the fella

I'm guessing that the "dislike" is as much to do with the somewhat sardonic and haughty attitude that comes across in some of his interviews as it is to do with his dogmatic approach to the game, per se...?

Edited Thursday at 10:02 by trousers

[TheAlehouseBrawlers]

1 minute ago, trousers said:

I'm guessing that the "dislike" is as much to do with the somewhat sardonic and haughty attitude that comes across in some of his interviews as it is to do with his dogmatic approach to the game, per se...?

You’re probably right Trousers but I’d struggle with a microphone stuffed in my face, and if put on the spot I’d be more likely to nut ‘em! 🥴

[notnowcato]

5 minutes ago, trousers said:

I'm guessing that the "dislike" is as much to do with the somewhat sardonic and haughty attitude that comes across in some of his interviews as it is to do with his dogmatic approach to the game, per se...?

Like all managers, most of his interviews are absolutely fine, there's bound to be an occasion or 2 where a manager will get a bit sniffy about a question.  It happens, comes with the territory.

[trousers]

2 minutes ago, TheAlehouseBrawlers said:

You’re probably right Trousers but I’d struggle with a microphone stuffed in my face, and if put on the spot I’d be more likely to nut ‘em! 🥴

Indeed. Me too. But that's probably why you and I aren't paid millions of pounds to sit in front of said microphone and act professionally at all times. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it....

[trousers]

10 minutes ago, notnowcato said:

Like all managers, most of his interviews are absolutely fine, there's bound to be an occasion or 2 where a manager will get a bit sniffy about a question.  It happens, comes with the territory.

Fair point, although I would venture that the amount of times this happens with Martin is open to debate / opinion. (It's often very subtle from what I've seen). And yes, of course, most other managers let the mask slip from time to time too... but I guess the "dislike" with Russ is amplified somewhat when you have the combination of attitude and tactics in play at the same time. In other words, if people like the football being played they are less likely to get narked by how a manager comes across in interviews, I would suggest.

Edited Thursday at 10:18 by trousers

[notnowcato]

1 minute ago, trousers said:

Fair point., although I would venture that the amount of times this happens with Martin is open to debate / opinion. (It's often very subtle from what I've seen). And yes, of course, most other managers let the mask slip from time to time too... but I guess the "dislike" with Russ is amplified somewhat when you have the combination of attitude and tactics. In other words, if people like the football being played they are less likely to get narked by how a manager comes across in interviews.

I'm not sure it's all about the style either.  Last season saw nowhere near the amount of hate being shown so far this season, therefore, I think it's more likely to be down to results.  

[Doctoroncall]

8 minutes ago, notnowcato said:

I'm not sure it's all about the style either.  Last season saw nowhere near the amount of hate being shown so far this season, therefore, I think it's more likely to be down to results.  

Style over substance, this is the heart of the issue and is part of the debate, unfortunately other stuff gets included.

For last season, was winning the majority of the games down to the quality of the squads in the division or did the tactics enable the team to achieve more or less (wins) than expected?

Promotion was the goal and that was achieved. 

Could ask the same question for this season. And I’d think survival is the goal. 

[Oldandtired]

35 minutes ago, trousers said:

I'm guessing that the "dislike" is as much to do with the somewhat sardonic and haughty attitude that comes across in some of his interviews as it is to do with his dogmatic approach to the game, per se...?

I see it like this. Imagine the captain of the Titanic, instead of being given not much warning of icebergs ahead he's given enough warning to steer clear of them if he alters course. But no, this captain is adamant that his course is the only true path despite the fact that this path can only end in catastrophe. 

I give you Capt Russell Martin, and that's why I dislike him.

[ChrisPY]

I’m looking forward to Russell getting doubts he can make the relationship last. This’ll then lead to him shaving his head and talking with a Catalan accent after he has an opportunity to ask Mrs Guardiola what she still finds attractive about her husband all these years later.

[notnowcato]

10 minutes ago, Doctoroncall said:

Style over substance, this is the heart of the issue and is part of the debate, unfortunately other stuff gets included.

For last season, was winning the majority of the games down to the quality of the squads in the division or did the tactics enable the team to achieve more or less (wins) than expected?

Promotion was the goal and that was achieved. 

Could ask the same question for this season. And I’d think survival is the goal. 

Agreed. The style is distinctive from many others and given the results and some of the performances it would be tempting to rip it up and start again. Personally, now is not the time for that, if the decision is to stick with the current manager and therefore style/ philosophy/ whatever, then you have to double down, get a lot fucking better at doing what you’re trying to do. I expect pelters but I can see our defence is improving over more recent games, losing Jan and Rambo is terrible timing, but signs are there. Next is being more dangerous when in the attacking 1/3. 

[coalman]

1 minute ago, notnowcato said:

Agreed. The style is distinctive from many others and given the results and some of the performances it would be tempting to rip it up and start again. Personally, now is not the time for that, if the decision is to stick with the current manager and therefore style/ philosophy/ whatever, then you have to double down, get a lot fucking better at doing what you’re trying to do. I expect pelters but I can see our defence is improving over more recent games, losing Jan and Rambo is terrible timing, but signs are there. Next is being more dangerous when in the attacking 1/3. 

My frustration comes from the fact that his style has the potential to become something good but only if he adapts. Our passing took a step change forward at the start of last season. The problem is it's happening at the wrong end of the pitch.

Over a period of time we seem to be more and more conservative so we wind up playing good stuff in the wrong areas. We used to play two pacy wingers who could beat their man. Now the ball goes out wide into promising positions and comes straight back. Bravery seems to be about holding the ball rather than putting teams under pressure. Along with that we can't defend or soak up pressure.

If Martin learned and adapted he could be great. But his dogmatic refusal to do so means that every week teams have a better idea how to exploit our system.

I also worry about his attitude. Being pleased after losing shouldn't be in anyone's repertoire. I remember a story about Le Tissier meeting up with with Flowers after scoring two worldies in a 3-2 defeat to Blackburn and being upset Flowers congratulated him because they'd still lost. 

[kitch]

15 hours ago, Badger said:

 

This sort of thing doesn’t help his cause. No objection to him having a private life, but it should stay private.

Bloke’s  an egotist. Full of himself, with little justification.

Some managers can be arseholes, and braggarts (Clough in his early days, and Mourinho spring to mind), but they had a track record of results first. 
 

We’ve had some knobs as managers in the past, but can’t think of any who’d see themselves on social media like this. Not Hoddle, not Branfoot, both had a bit more self respect no matter what their other shortcomings. 

 

I think we need change at the top as much as most fans (whether it's RM finally admitting that his approach needs a total rethink, or the board deciding someone else needs to take the reigns)...

...but the bloke's allowed a few days holiday occasionally, surely? This seems to be stretching a bit.

[Miltonaggro]

49 minutes ago, coalman said:

My frustration comes from the fact that his style has the potential to become something good but only if he adapts. Our passing took a step change forward at the start of last season. The problem is it's happening at the wrong end of the pitch.

Over a period of time we seem to be more and more conservative so we wind up playing good stuff in the wrong areas. We used to play two pacy wingers who could beat their man. Now the ball goes out wide into promising positions and comes straight back. Bravery seems to be about holding the ball rather than putting teams under pressure. Along with that we can't defend or soak up pressure.

If Martin learned and adapted he could be great. But his dogmatic refusal to do so means that every week teams have a better idea how to exploit our system.

I also worry about his attitude. Being pleased after losing shouldn't be in anyone's repertoire. I remember a story about Le Tissier meeting up with with Flowers after scoring two worldies in a 3-2 defeat to Blackburn and being upset Flowers congratulated him because they'd still lost. 

Excellent summary of where things are.

[Midfield_General]

Is it fair to say that Steve Wigley is generally regarded as the worst top flight manager we've had? 

Because Russ needs to get five points from his next three games (Liverpool (H), Brighton (A), Chelsea (H)) just to equal Wigley's managerial record of 9 points from 14 Premier League matches. 

[Ted Bates Statue]

2 minutes ago, Midfield_General said:

Is it fair to say that Steve Wigley is generally regarded as the worst top flight manager we've had? 

Because Russ needs to get five points from his next three games (Liverpool (H), Brighton (A), Chelsea (H)) just to equal Wigley's managerial record of 9 points from 14 Premier League matches. 

Would have thought Jones/Selles did worse. Also how did Sturrock compare with Wigley? His record seemed ok on paper, but generally considered to be totally out of his depth.

[gio1saints]

No one can disagree with the principles of adaptation . But it may take longer than we think though, especially given the players RM has available. 
 

In a hypothetical max adaptation. world - if RM were to “adapt” 180 degrees we’d see goal kicks and goalie drop kicks come back into play. Less or zero passing from the back. All mostly to the head of Tall Paul or into space, Tall Paul will try to control it or knock it on and past last man forSulemana to use his pace and skill to get in and shoot/score. Archer / Tyler is on the other wing for same. 
 

Our mf has Lesley in it for beef to win headers/challenges plus Lallana or Mateus for skill, Downes can play the quarterback position aiming to hit long diagonal balls for the forward line from slightly behind the other three mf. 
 

Goalie is AM for now so kicking the ball far away suits him for sure! That leaves three best remaining defensive players in THB, KWP and Yuki. They only need three cos they won’t be touching the ball much and just need be tidy and swift when we they have ball - before they kick it long to TP Sule and Tyler. Or if they overlap. The main thing in this new adaptation is bypass the ineffective midfield passes and get into last third way quicker. 
 

Other adaptation includes man marking from corners - not zonal, and shooting on sight and vastly accelerated advancement of play. A disruptive game like what Bournemouth do. Instructions should be a demand for at least 15 shots per match or no match fee. 
 

There, tried to think of as much the opposite of what we do atm but with the squad and best players we have to use.  Would it be better than what we do atm? Could hardly get fewer points - though it’s possible, and maybe get worse beatings but it might also work. Is this what is meant by RM adapting the tactics do you think at its most extreme? 

Edited Thursday at 13:13 by gio1saints

[franniesTache]

14 minutes ago, Ted Bates Statue said:

Would have thought Jones/Selles did worse. Also how did Sturrock compare with Wigley? His record seemed ok on paper, but generally considered to be totally out of his depth.

Jones and Selles both have better records than Martin in the top flight. Wigely definitely the least successful on paper but Martin will beat him in the next three games.

 

2 hours ago, notnowcato said:

Agreed. The style is distinctive from many others and given the results and some of the performances it would be tempting to rip it up and start again. Personally, now is not the time for that, if the decision is to stick with the current manager and therefore style/ philosophy/ whatever, then you have to double down.

[tdmickey3]

22 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

No one can disagree with the principles of adaptation . But it may take longer than we think though, especially given the players RM has available. 
 

In a hypothetical max adaptation. world - if RM were to “adapt” 180 degrees we’d see goal kicks and goalie drop kicks come back into play. Less or zero passing from the back. All mostly to the head of Tall Paul or into space, Tall Paul will try to control it or knock it on and past last man forSulemana to use his pace and skill to get in and shoot/score. Archer / Tyler is on the other wing for same. 
 

Our mf has Lesley in it for beef to win headers/challenges plus Lallana or Mateus for skill, Downes can play the quarterback position aiming to hit long diagonal balls for the forward line from slightly behind the other three mf. 
 

Goalie is AM for now so kicking the ball far away suits him for sure! That leaves three best remaining defensive players in THB, KWP and Yuki. They only need three cos they won’t be touching the ball much and just need be tidy and swift when we they have ball - before they kick it long to TP Sule and Tyler. Or if they overlap. The main thing in this new adaptation is bypass the ineffective midfield passes and get into last third way quicker. 
 

Other adaptation includes man marking from corners - not zonal, and shooting on sight and vastly accelerated advancement of play. A disruptive game like what Bournemouth do. Instructions should be a demand for at least 15 shots per match or no match fee. 
 

There, tried to think of as much the opposite of what we do atm but with the squad and best players we have to use.  Would it be better than what we do atm? Could hardly get fewer points - though it’s possible, and maybe get worse beatings but it might also work. Is this what is meant by RM adapting the tactics do you think at its most extreme? 

Hahahahahah

Only need 3 defenders ..really what about defending then 🙄

[Farmer Saint]

3 hours ago, TheAlehouseBrawlers said:

 

As much as I’m not liking the possession-dominated/reluctance-to-attack RM ideology I’m don’t exactly share some fans deep dislike of the fella. I can’t lose sight of the shit in his early life and that he’s done a lot of good charitable stuff.

And I’ve a newfound respect for him and the Pinder if they can strip off on a British beach in November and still smile!

Where's the poster that said his charity work and his foundation is also done to feed his ego? The hate is really odd.

[notnowcato]

26 minutes ago, Farmer Saint said:

Where's the poster that said his charity work and his foundation is also done to feed his ego? The hate is really odd.

Who was that Fella?

[Lord Duckhunter]

On 20/11/2024 at 09:46, SambaMaverick said:

 

This is the way to deal with first England call ups. Far better than cuddling them. 
 

 

[sadoldgit]

18 hours ago, Badger said:

 

This sort of thing doesn’t help his cause. No objection to him having a private life, but it should stay private.

Bloke’s  an egotist. Full of himself, with little justification.

Some managers can be arseholes, and braggarts (Clough in his early days, and Mourinho spring to mind), but they had a track record of results first. 
 

We’ve had some knobs as managers in the past, but can’t think of any who’d see themselves on social media like this. Not Hoddle, not Branfoot, both had a bit more self respect no matter what their other shortcomings. 

 

I can think of several people who would be all over social media if they were dating someone like her. Have a go at his tactics by all means, but I think he is doing what most would do in the circumstances!

[OldNick]

I think we need o come to terms with the case that RM is here for the season and will be left to get us back up next season.

He has made some poor squad selections for the more important 6 pointers that have cost us. Hopefully he learns for us in future.

The Bournemouth game was the worst IMO as they were nervous but we gave them a foothold and they grew. Much like Bristol City last season where he messed around with the team making lots of changes and we were awful

[sadoldgit]

6 minutes ago, Lord Duckhunter said:

This is the way to deal with first England call ups. Far better than cuddling them. 
 

 

Still stuck in the 1970’s Duckie 😂

[Dark Munster]

2 hours ago, Ted Bates Statue said:

Would have thought Jones/Selles did worse. Also how did Sturrock compare with Wigley? His record seemed ok on paper, but generally considered to be totally out of his depth.

Luggy’s record was 1.23 points per game. Comfortably mid table level. He was sacked in his second season after 2 matches, one win and one loss. Allegedly he lost the dressing room. Replaced by Wigley followed by Saggy.