Russell Martin

[lambtiss]

8 minutes ago, Farmer Saint said:

The more youngsters you buy, the more likely you are to find a Livramento or a Lavia.

Your point being? 

[skintsaint]

6 minutes ago, Saint Matty 76 said:

I don't think anyone else gets a game for another side in the league.

Bit harsh on Archer.

[Give it to Ron]

We had Big Les a defensive midfielder and Lallana on the bench and getting over run in whose head would think Smallbone is the answer when he hasn’t played in weeks?

Ok Big Les had bad game at Bournemouth but so did Fraser! 

[Harry_SFC]

Just now, Give it to Ron said:

We had Big Les a defensive midfielder and Lallana on the bench and getting over run in whose head would think Smallbone is the answer when he hasn’t played in weeks?

Ok Big Les had bad game at Bournemouth but so did Fraser! 

Yep utterly baffling. Smallbone is one player you do not want to bring on when defending a narrow lead. 

[Dan Johnson]

2 hours ago, Harry_SFC said:

It gets even worse for Martin - looks to me that the player who (he claims) should've been marking the penalty spot was Smallbone - who he brought on with Fraser! 

I’m pretty sure it was sulemana, immediately after the goal he was arguing with the bench 

[Lighthouse]

4 minutes ago, Give it to Ron said:

We had Big Les a defensive midfielder and Lallana on the bench and getting over run in whose head would think Smallbone is the answer when he hasn’t played in weeks?

Ok Big Les had bad game at Bournemouth but so did Fraser! 

Big Les has done nothing so far to warrant being on the pitch and Lallana is just not fit. When you're being overrun, bringing on Lallana is the absolute last thing you want to do. We were largely second best in the first half against Ipswich with him on the pitch and as you said, Les was crap at Bournemouth.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

1 minute ago, Lighthouse said:

Big Les has done nothing so far to warrant being on the pitch and Lallana is just not fit. When you're being overrun, bringing on Lallana is the absolute last thing you want to do. We were largely second best in the first half against Ipswich with him on the pitch and as you said, Les was crap at Bournemouth.

Fuck's sake, the whole team were shit at Bournemouth, if you based that concept we wouldn't have fielded a team today.

[Badger]

34 minutes ago, lambtiss said:

Just when you thought it couldn't get any more embarrassing, even Roy Cropper taking the piss ... 

https://x.com/awaydays_/status/1847687842362733031?s=48&t=Ll4_R0i8BeBKwwtE8XHBxA

Roy Cropper. Old cunt.

Saw him after the game being helped to his feet by a couple of coppers. Rishi decked him on the way back to the station. 

[6ft8saint]

2 hours ago, Baird of the land said:

Maybe he just wants to be fair to Everton and wolves and allow them the same opportunity to try for easy points that was awarded to Ipswich and Leicester.

I wonder if SR plan is to get relegated and then do it all again. With Martin in charge. Like many say Martin is there for the fans and his press conferences sound like he's reading the wizard of Oz. But I worry that no one else could do anything better with this semi questionable bunch of players. We can talk about the shite ref but we should be playing the high intensity we started with and Mark players tighter for longer. And score more goals

[Lighthouse]

2 minutes ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

Fuck's sake, the whole team were shit at Bournemouth, if you based that concept we wouldn't have fielded a team today.

I fully agree, it's almost as if the manager has an entire squad of sh*te options to try and forge a team from.

[Give it to Ron]

8 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

Big Les has done nothing so far to warrant being on the pitch and Lallana is just not fit. When you're being overrun, bringing on Lallana is the absolute last thing you want to do. We were largely second best in the first half against Ipswich with him on the pitch and as you said, Les was crap at Bournemouth.

What has Smallbone ever done in that position that you bring him on then especially when not played in weeks?

Armstrong did ok at Arsenal - Fraser was shit at Bournemouth. 

Edited 19 October, 2024 by Give it to Ron

[lambtiss]

6 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

Big Les has done nothing so far to warrant being on the pitch and Lallana is just not fit. When you're being overrun, bringing on Lallana is the absolute last thing you want to do. We were largely second best in the first half against Ipswich with him on the pitch and as you said, Les was crap at Bournemouth.

You must have watched a different game to me. I thought Lallana was class against Ipswich. He is the one player we have that can control the pace of a game. 

[Gloucester Saint]

48 minutes ago, Farmer Saint said:

The more youngsters you buy, the more likely you are to find a Livramento or a Lavia.

But only at the £20-25m level now unless you are willing to take a hefty buyback clause others won’t consider as was the case with those two. Tino and Romeo wouldn’t be going for £5m and £12m now even so, and it’s idiotic that Semmens made a strategy of it and SR copied it.

[Badger]

9 minutes ago, 6ft8saint said:

I wonder if SR plan is to get relegated and then do it all again. With Martin in charge. 

Please no. If he takes us down then he is part of the ‘scar tissue’ for next season. And certainly no credibility among the support 

[Lighthouse]

8 minutes ago, lambtiss said:

You must have watched a different game to me. I thought Lallana was class against Ipswich. He is the one player we have that can control the pace of a game. 

HE looked good, WE looked like we were being outplayed for most of the first half. He’s not exactly the kind of player you want to bring on and chase down everything off the ball.

[Gloucester Saint]

1 minute ago, Badger said:

Please no. If he takes us down then he is part of the ‘scar tissue’ for next season. And certainly no credibility among the support 

We will be back to the attendances of 2008/9 if they do that. Martin has become as divisive as Lowe was and SR are on notice with the supporters to improve or sell.

[Tommy Mulgrew]

15 minutes ago, Dan Johnson said:

I’m pretty sure it was sulemana, immediately after the goal he was arguing with the bench 

Sulemana had just walked slowly forward towards the edge of the area, while other defenders had rushed forwards, and therefore played (I think two) Leicester players onside.  Just saying - I don’t blame Sully for the defeat.  That was down to RM’s failure to set us up defensively and to bring on the right subs.  And, secondly, inept and apparently biased referring.  As already mentioned dozens of times on here already.

[Saint Matty 76]

40 minutes ago, skintsaint said:

Bit harsh on Archer.

Is it? I think he's an extremely limited footballer and I can't think of a team he'd improve.

He's certainly shown nothing to indicate he's a "good signing".

[Badger]

2 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

HE looked good, WE looked like we were being outplayed for most of the first half. He’s not exactly the kind of player you want to bring on and chase down everything off the ball.

Agree Lallana  doesn’t  offer the level of aggression we need in midfield. Thank Christ we’ve got Smallbone. 

[OttawaSaint]

Still here is he?

Fucking charlatan. Never wanted him. Still don't. 

Just leave!

[coalman]

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/13237089/russell-martin-someone-had-a-job-to-do-they-didnt-its-about-taking-responsibility

Martin: "One person had one job to do but they didn't do it"

Saintsweb: "Drill your team how to defend"

[OttawaSaint]

8 minutes ago, coalman said:

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/13237089/russell-martin-someone-had-a-job-to-do-they-didnt-its-about-taking-responsibility

Martin: "One person had one job to do but they didn't do it"

Saintsweb: "Drill your team how to defend"

He can fuck right off with that. 

His job is to:

- get us fit 

- solidify defence

- know his best 11

- learn from past mistakes

- adjust tactics 

- make timely and good substitutions

- stop being such a cock

He's achieved none of these. 

Edited 19 October, 2024 by OttawaSaint

[Scully]

Maybe he was referring to himself in the third person?

[Lighthouse]

26 minutes ago, Badger said:

Agree Lallana  doesn’t  offer the level of aggression we need in midfield. Thank Christ we’ve got Smallbone. 

I never said Smallbone was a good player, he’s totally average even in the Championship and should be nowhere near a PL squad. However he was the right player to bring on, in the same way that I’d rather go on a date with with Anne Widdecombe than Lilly Savage.

[Sheaf Saint]

9 hours ago, coalman said:

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/13237089/russell-martin-someone-had-a-job-to-do-they-didnt-its-about-taking-responsibility

Martin: "One person had one job to do but they didn't do it"

Saintsweb: "Drill your team how to defend"

Fucking what!?

The person who didn't do his job properly today is Russ himself. 

To try and throw a single player under the bus for that defeat today is utterly unforgivable, among a whole list of other unforgivable moments from him recently.

Any goodwill this guy still had left among the fans (and probably in the dressing room as well) is rapidly evaporating. 

Time's up Russ. Bye bye.

Edited 20 October, 2024 by Sheaf Saint

[saintant]

28 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

HE looked good, WE looked like we were being outplayed for most of the first half. He’s not exactly the kind of player you want to bring on and chase down everything off the ball.

In case it escapes you Lallana is not a headless chicken type of player who goes chasing down lost causes - he's more your classy player with skill and vision who makes himself available, keeps the ball ticking over, rarely wastes a pass and brings his team mates into the game. Obviously he can't now do it for 90 minutes but today he should have been brought on and he'd have certainly introduced some calm, leadership and much needed advice for those that were the headless chickens,

[coalman]

Just now, Lighthouse said:

I never said Smallbone was a good player, he’s totally average even in the Championship and should be nowhere near a PL squad. However he was the right player to bring on, in the same way that I’d rather go on a date with with Anne Widdecombe than Lilly Savage.

Christ dude, let's hope no one ever has to make that choice.

[saintant]

13 minutes ago, coalman said:

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/13237089/russell-martin-someone-had-a-job-to-do-they-didnt-its-about-taking-responsibility

Martin: "One person had one job to do but they didn't do it"

Saintsweb: "Drill your team how to defend"

Could be talking about himself here for every game this season.

[Saint_clark]

37 minutes ago, Badger said:

Please no. If he takes us down then he is part of the ‘scar tissue’ for next season. And certainly no credibility among the support 

Martin has mentioned this season that when he joined the plan was to be in the Premier League after 5 years. I don't think they will sack him if we go down as he will still have two years to get us back up and meet the target. 

[Whitey Grandad]

1 minute ago, Saint_clark said:

Martin has mentioned this season that when he joined the plan was to be in the Premier League after 5 years. I don't think they will sack him if we go down as he will still have two years to get us back up and meet the target. 

Please God no. 
 

He won’t do it twice.

[Pamplemousse]

38 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

We will be back to the attendances of 2008/9 if they do that. Martin has become as divisive as Lowe was and SR are on notice with the supporters to improve or sell.

No we won't, no he isn't and no they aren't.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

5 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

I never said Smallbone was a good player, he’s totally average even in the Championship and should be nowhere near a PL squad. However he was the right player to bring on, in the same way that I’d rather go on a date with with Anne Widdecombe than Lilly Savage.

Why was Smallbone the right player to bring on? He can't run or tackle. Absolute waste.

[Badger]

3 minutes ago, Saint_clark said:

Martin has mentioned this season that when he joined the plan was to be in the Premier League after 5 years. I don't think they will sack him if we go down as he will still have two years to get us back up and meet the target. 

Or he could have two relegations before the Board realise his shortcomings. 
 

If he takes us down, and keep him then, we stay down. 

[Whitey Grandad]

1 minute ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

Why was Smallbone the right player to bring on? He can't run or tackle. Absolute waste.

He was the wrong player to be on the bench let alone the pitch.

[Sheaf Saint]

7 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

I never said Smallbone was a good player, he’s totally average even in the Championship and should be nowhere near a PL squad. However he was the right player to bring on, in the same way that I’d rather go on a date with with Anne Widdecombe than Lilly Savage.

I honestly can't imagine any scenario in this league where Smallbone is the right player to bring on. Whether we are chasing a game or defending a lead, he is completely anonymous - a nothing player who can't run, can't tackle, and consistently gives up any midfield advantage to the opposition by being utterly fucking useless at everything you need a midfielder to be good at.

And if I'm honest, I'd rather go on a date with Savage. At least I would have a bit of a laugh before being ultimately disappointed. Widdecombe would just have me wanting to gouge my own eyes out within about 2 minutes.

[Colinjb]

How can someone who has led the club to promotion and a record breaking unbeaten run be so intensely dislikable?

Smug, arrogantly and resolutely self assured despite the reality in front of him. 

Seriously, what idiot, after seeing a pragmatic reaction to necessary circumstances work and deliver success (promotion) DOUBLES DOWN on his original, clearly flawed principles that nearly cost everything dear? He's f**king insane.

[Saint_clark]

4 minutes ago, Colinjb said:

How can someone who has led the club to promotion and a record breaking unbeaten run be so intensely dislikable?

Smug, arrogantly and resolutely self assured despite the reality in front of him. 

Seriously, what idiot, after seeing a pragmatic reaction to necessary circumstances work and deliver success (promotion) DOUBLES DOWN on his original, clearly flawed principles that nearly cost everything dear? He's f**king insane.

His interview post match where he throws one player under the bus and talks about taking responsibility while taking none himself is exactly why nobody likes him. The guy is a fucking prick. The kind of bloke that makes you and your mates get up and go somewhere else when he turns up at the pub. 

[beatlesaint]

14 minutes ago, Saint_clark said:

His interview post match where he throws one player under the bus and talks about taking responsibility while taking none himself is exactly why nobody likes him. 

Yes, he does this regularly, it’s not even a one off. He’s very good at “protecting my players” whilst not actually doing that but ensuring nothing sticks to him.

[gurru991]

2 hours ago, Saint_clark said:

His interview post match where he throws one player under the bus and talks about taking responsibility while taking none himself is exactly why nobody likes him. The guy is a fucking prick. The kind of bloke that makes you and your mates get up and go somewhere else when he turns up at the pub. 

I went back and watched the interview again .... It's disgraceful !!!   How do you face the players after spewing that shit. 

[austsaint]

7 hours ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

Why was Smallbone the right player to bring on? He can't run or tackle. Absolute waste.

Indeed.   This is the Smallbone who had three abysmal performances in the first three matches of the season; is out injured for weeks and is then brought on  by Martin to replace Saints best player on the day, Fernandes.   Smallbone did not touch the ball; didn’t make a block, tackle or interception.   He’s the player Martin said he’s happiest about when he’s on the pitch.   For that remark and decision alone RM should be packing his bags.

[Give it to Ron]

In my posts I am not making Smallbone the scapegoat here this is all on the manager. 
I can’t make out whether Lighthouse is joking, poor judgement or totally in love with Russ he would rather date Anne Widdecome than Pinder.

How anyone thinks bringing on a player that hasn’t played in 6 weeks when under the cosh is such a gushing lickspittle it’s laughable! Oh and his injury re-occurred and now out again so we won’t see this important player again for a while.

The players are playing to the managers tactics if no-one did their job that’s on you - you put them on the pitch and you coach them!

Edited 20 October, 2024 by Give it to Ron

[trousers]

8 minutes ago, Give it to Ron said:

I can’t make out whether Lighthouse is joking, poor judgement or totally in love with Russ

I believe the word you're looking for is 'contraian'... (And to confirm, he'll duly disagree with this post shortly... )

Edited 20 October, 2024 by trousers

[AlexLaw76]

7 hours ago, Colinjb said:

How can someone who has led the club to promotion and a record breaking unbeaten run be so intensely dislikable?

Smug, arrogantly and resolutely self assured despite the reality in front of him. 

Seriously, what idiot, after seeing a pragmatic reaction to necessary circumstances work and deliver success (promotion) DOUBLES DOWN on his original, clearly flawed principles that nearly cost everything dear? He's f**king insane.

I thought he was pretty unlikeable much of last season. The unbeaten run was good, but not great. We made up precisely 0 points on the top 2 during that time.

[whelk]

21 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

I thought he was pretty unlikeable much of last season. The unbeaten run was good, but not great. We made up precisely 0 points on the top 2 during that time.

Don’t rewrite it - we played very well most of that unbeaten run. The fact that other teams were also doing well doesn’t mean anything.

i want him to go although problem is when ever a team does badly whatever manager says will come across as shite. And any manager should have a degree of self confidence that going to defend themselves. His game management is dreadful

[AlexLaw76]

19 minutes ago, whelk said:

Don’t rewrite it - we played very well most of that unbeaten run. The fact that other teams were also doing well doesn’t mean anything.

i want him to go although problem is when ever a team does badly whatever manager says will come across as shite. And any manager should have a degree of self confidence that going to defend themselves. His game management is dreadful

I am not re writing it. We did not make any ground on the top 2 spots when the unbeaten run came to an end.

 

[Charlie Wayman]

8 hours ago, Colinjb said:

Smug, arrogant and resolutely self centred. 
 

Corrected it for you. Never trust a bloke with a beard, what's he hiding or is he just too lazy to shave?

Edited 20 October, 2024 by Charlie Wayman

[Weston Super Saint]

1 hour ago, trousers said:

I believe the word you're looking for is 'contraian'... (And to confirm, he'll duly disagree with this post shortly... )

I have a sneaky suspicion that it isn't  

[Football Special]

8 hours ago, Saint_clark said:

His interview post match where he throws one player under the bus and talks about taking responsibility while taking none himself is exactly why nobody likes him. The guy is a fucking prick. The kind of bloke that makes you and your mates get up and go somewhere else when he turns up at the pub. 

Is there a link to the interview anywhere? I can't be arsed to watch MOTD , he does seem to struggle to accept his way isn't working 

Fans are going to turn on him from now I think, all goodwill used up 

[Harry_SFC]

40 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

I am not re writing it. We did not make any ground on the top 2 spots when the unbeaten run came to an end.

 

Indeed. The unbeaten run was great and fair play to them. But the reality is that we drew way too many games that we should have won. 

[Give it to Ron]

1 hour ago, trousers said:

I believe the word you're looking for is 'contraian'... (And to confirm, he'll duly disagree with this post shortly... )

I have no problem with how others see it but find the Smallbone thing baffling - in fact one bloke after game said why bring on tall Paul he didn’t win a header!