Russell Martin

[Lee On Solent Saint]

17 minutes ago, Patches O Houlihan said:

Because when you have a good team likely to get promoted that is playing well, all the 'also rans' will set up defensively and you'll need to play through 10 players packed in the box in order to score goals. Playing on the break, or Ralph style pressing doesn't work then.

Not buying that. Ever since SR walked into the building they have been obsessed with Manchester City. Buying their youth players, hiring their back room staff and if reports are to believed offering one of their coaches the manager's job. Its become a bit of a joke now. 

[Golac's Cunning Stunts]

10 hours ago, Fabrice29 said:

You’re not a serious football club if you sack a manger after 3 defeats. Nor are you a serious fan base if you demand that, pretty much 3 managers in a row.  Get a grip. 

It's pretty obvious we are not currently a serious football club

[Dman]

10 hours ago, Fabrice29 said:

You’re not a serious football club if you sack a manger after 3 defeats. Nor are you a serious fan base if you demand that, pretty much 3 managers in a row.  Get a grip. 

Even if the system they deploy is clearly not working and there is a reluctance to change? I'd say its extremely naive and stupid to persist with something for the sake of it. 

Out of interest, did you say this when Jones was here? 

[Fabrice29]

7 minutes ago, Dman said:

Even if the system they deploy is clearly not working and there is a reluctance to change? I'd say its extremely naive and stupid to persist with something for the sake of it. 

Out of interest, did you say this when Jones was here? 

Yes I did. Because it’s quite clear to me that the manager isn’t our main issue and it’s also not as simple as choosing the right system. But hey, we’re 4 managers down with 4 systems and if you guys think a 5th is needed and will solve everything then good for you 😂

[Miltonaggro]

You only had to look at McKenna last night I find a manager template for saints early summer. KM has a solid, steady coaching pedigree at some top clubs, plays to strengths and sets teams up to win points. His current club could only dream of our club’s finances. Ipswich are a limited, workmanlike side but were physical, niggly, competitive and were playing for each other and the shirt. They were also short passing across the back and in midfield much more effectively than saints, so he’s better at that aspect than Russell Martin too.  Why Sport Republic cannot recognise confidence and competence in terms of recruitment, with the resources the club currently has it is truly baffling. How do you recruit Jones from an open field, perservere with Selles with survival still possible, and then come to an executive decision that Martin is answer and saviour. More clowns than Billy Smart’s circus. 

[Dman]

14 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

Yes I did. Because it’s quite clear to me that the manager isn’t our main issue and it’s also not as simple as choosing the right system. But hey, we’re 4 managers down with 4 systems and if you guys think a 5th is needed and will solve everything then good for you 😂

This is practically a different group of players to that of last year - comparing last season with this season is apple and oranges. Also, I think everyone would agree that post Ralph (Jones then Selles) we've appointed sub par managers. 

I also think everyone largely agreed that the summer window was a successful one - now some are blaming the players again. 

Our poor form has been based on nothing but the manager this season. Ludicrous team selections and tactics. His job is to get the best out of what he has at his disposal - which lets be honest - is ridiculously strong for this leauge. He's not doing that. 

No track record of being a success anywhere else, we were warned about exactly what we're seeing, yet its the players?

As it happens - I've no confidence in that fucking dickhead Rassums picking a suitable replacement, so you're right, 5th wont solve anything unless he fucks off along with his spreadsheet. 

Edited 20 September, 2023 by Dman

[Golac's Cunning Stunts]

2 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

Yes I did. Because it’s quite clear to me that the manager isn’t our main issue and it’s also not as simple as choosing the right system. But hey, we’re 4 managers down with 4 systems and if you guys think a 5th is needed and will solve everything then good for you 😂

I think the managers and systems we have employed have played a large part in our demise. However, would be more than interested in your thoughts on this... what do you think the problems are?

[Forester]

Firstly, and it’s hard because like others I am fuming, I don’t want us to become the next Watford that sacks managers every few weeks. He is currently our fourth manager in 12 months.   Once you get that reputation it is hard to attract good people.  He should be given at least until the next international break which means four more games and in total he will have had 11 by then.  
 

At that point it’s fair at the very least to judge whether he is beginning to address issues, and it looks like he and players are genuinely learning.  If we pick up a couple of wins we will be on 16 points, five off of target and a sense of progress.  If we are still not winning by then and not dominating games then it may be necessary to pull the trigger 

[saintant]

8 hours ago, stevy777_x said:

I d be inclined to start sulemana up front with adams.

Sulemana is better through the middle as he demonstrated against Liverpool. He causes few problem for the opposition as a winger not least because crosses are a waste of time.

[Fabrice29]

2 minutes ago, Golac's Cunning Stunts said:

I think the managers and systems we have employed have played a large part in our demise. However, would be more than interested in your thoughts on this... what do you think the problems are?

Players and vibe around the club have been losing consistently for a while now. We have inconsistent performers in a losing environment. That’s not a good recipe and takes alot more than just a system to put right. It takes patience. 

 

10 minutes ago, Dman said:

This is practically a different group of players to that of last year - comparing last season with this season is apple and oranges. Also, I think everyone would agree that post Ralph (Jones then Selles) we've appointed sub par managers. 

I also think everyone largely agreed that the summer window was a successful one - now some are blaming the players again. 

Our poor form has been based on nothing but the manager this season. Ludicrous team selections and tactics. His job is to get the best out of what he has at his disposal - which lets be honest - is ridiculously strong for this leauge. He's not doing that. 

No track record of being a success anywhere else, we were warned about exactly what we're seeing, yet its the players?

As it happens - I've no confidence in that fucking dickhead Rassums picking a suitable replacement, so you're right, 5th wont solve anything unless he fucks off along with his spreadsheet. 

Window has been closed less than a month. The players missing big chances up top are the same ones who have been got a while now.

[derry]

Last night we had 59% possession and therein lies the problem.  No player in football makes 100% successful passes. The average player 80% to 90% so that means 10% to 20% go to the opposition. We play a high proportion of all our possession in our own half so we give away the ball a lot in dangerous to us areas. On top of that teams know we are obsessive about passing out around our own penalty area however they also know that pressing us will produce even more errors. They also know that while we are short passing our way up the field they can consolidate and fill their defensive third denying us space if we eventually get there without passing backwards.

We have played and been beaten by three pretty average teams including two hammerings. If RM wants an analysis, that's fine but for once look at the obvious. Playing a non tackling, pass it anywhere ball rotator like Smallbone is a nonsense. Not playing a proper defensive midfielder is a nonsense together with no ball carriers.

The solution, a back four, two centre backs and two full backs, a specialist defensive midfielder that can stay in position. Two ball carriers, two wingers and a striker.

I give you, Bazunu KWP Bednarek THB Manning (under duress} Charles Alcaraz S Armstrong Fraser/Edozie Adams Sulemana. Yes I do know Russell will feed his obsession and play his recyclers. The team that finished last night was better than the team that started it. As for Bazunu. stop passing inside our penalty area allowing us to be pinned and dispossessed in vulnerable areas.

Edited 20 September, 2023 by derry

[Saint_clark]

5 minutes ago, derry said:

Last night we had 59% possession and therein lies the problem.  No player in football makes 100% successful passes. The average player 80% to 90% so that means 10% to 20% go to the opposition. We play a high proportion of all our possession in our own half so we give away the ball a lot in dangerous to us areas. On top of that teams know we are obsessive about passing out around our own penalty area however they also know that pressing us will produce even more errors. They also know that while we are short passing our way up the field they can consolidate and fill their defensive third denying us space if we eventually get there without passing backwards.

We have played and been beaten by three pretty average teams including two hammerings. If RM wants an analysis, that's fine but for once look at the obvious. Playing a non tackling, pass it anywhere ball rotator like Smallbone is a nonsense. Not playing a proper defensive midfielder is a nonsense together with no ball carriers.

The solution, a back four, two centre backs and two full backs, a specialist defensive midfielder that can stay in position. Two ball carriers, two wingers and a 10 behind the striker.

I give you, Bazunu KWP Bednarek THB Manning (under duress} Charles Alcaraz S Armstrong Fraser/Edozie A Armstrong Sulemana Adams. Yes I do know Russell will feed his obsession and play his recyclers. The team that finished last night was better than the team that started it. As for Bazunu. stop passing inside our penalty area allowing us to be pinned and dispossessed in vulnerable areas.

You've picked 12 players there Derry. 

[saintant]

1 hour ago, WALK DMC said:

I reckon he has two things which may help protect him in the short term: 

1. SR seemed surprised at the depth of feeling against Nathan Jones, so may not yet feel the fan pressure to do something about RM. 

2. More importantly, if SR are to fire RM, it will mean that they are saying to the fans that they have mucked up (again). I think that the loss in pride that this would entail will mean that they'll put it off until they really have to.   I give it until Christmas if we're in the bottom 3rd of the division. 

Dragan is the bloke putting his hard earned on the line not anybody at SR. If I were them I'd be thinking fuck loss of pride, we'll be feeling the wrath of Dragan again if we don't sort this out quick.

Edited 20 September, 2023 by saintant

[danjosaint]

1 hour ago, bangkoksaint said:

Saints with RM is like trying to take a 28 handicap golfer, dismantle and change their swing and turn them into a single figure player. It can be done but will take lots of practice, money and good coaching. Above all though it may take time and everyone needs to buy into it. In the meantime it’ll be painful with backward steps along the way and if you decide to jack it in then there’s every chance you will just remain as mediocre. Of course the coach could be changed and might make a difference but there’s no guarantees. FWIW I’m in the camp of seeing if it can be turned round - for now.

That's fine if that Coach proved he could do that in a previous job, RM hasn't,  it's the same shit from mkdons and Swansea so why do you think it will change 

[Golac's Cunning Stunts]

6 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

Players and vibe around the club have been losing consistently for a while now. We have inconsistent performers in a losing environment. That’s not a good recipe and takes alot more than just a system to put right. It takes patience. 

But surely a good manager is absolutely crucial to turning round a losing mentality and installing a winning one? So, for example, a manager comes in, sees that morale is low, and initially sets up the team to be hard to beat? stop leaking goals, do the fundamentals correctly etc? Not implement some apparently genius system that only the liikes of Man City can actuallyimplement?

[Miltonaggro]

20 minutes ago, Saint_clark said:

You've picked 12 players there Derry. 

#pragmatic

[tdmickey3]

2 hours ago, Fabrice29 said:

Yes I did. Because it’s quite clear to me that the manager isn’t our main issue and it’s also not as simple as choosing the right system. But hey, we’re 4 managers down with 4 systems and if you guys think a 5th is needed and will solve everything then good for you 😂

So are you suggesting the tactics and team selections from Jones, Selles and Martin were/are correct and they all should have worked?

Jones - front footed hoofball nonsense and odd team selections

Selles - negative "against/off the ball" bollocks and no attacking intent

Martin - Possession based, ridiculous keep ball with ludicrously stupid team selections with this inverted full back shit, not to mention the batshit crazy midfield

Mistake number 1, We persisted with Ralf too long

Mistake number 2, We gave jones the job.....  stats based spreadsheet appointment

Mistake number 3, Kept Jones far to long.... refused to admit they fucked up

Mistake number 4, Gave Selles the job....  Absolutely no idea why they thought this would work, he was here with jones

Fianlly we were hoping SR had realised all of their stupid ideals were a complete failure but no,

Mistake number 5, Appointing Martin, based on bang average/poor stats and more spreadsheets

 

Yep, its all on the players because all of the above clowns don't understand the basics of football, trying to get them to do stupid things

 

Edited 20 September, 2023 by tdmickey3

[Lee On Solent Saint]

4 minutes ago, tdmickey3 said:

So are you suggesting the tactics and team selections from Jones, Selles and Martin were/are correct and they all should have worked?

Jones - front footed hoofball nonsense and odd team selections

Selles - negative "against/off the ball" bollocks and no attacking intent

Martin - Possession based, ridiculous keep ball with ludicrously stupid team selections with this inverted full back shit, not to mention the batshit crazy midfield

Mistake number 1, We persisted with Ralf too long

Mistake number 2, We gave jones the job.....  stats based spreadsheet appointment

Mistake number 3, Kept Jones far to long.... refused to admit they fucked up

Mistake number 4, Gave Selles the job....  Absolutley on idea why they thought this would work, he was here with jones

Fianlly we were hoping SR had realised all of their stupid ideals were a complete failure but no,

Mistake number 5, Appointing Martin, based on bang average/poor stats and more spreadsheets

 

Yep, its all on the players because all of the above clowns don't understand the basics of football, trying to get them to do stupid things

 

You forgot to blame the fans as well. Surely you realise we are the problem in all of this. Close St Mary's and watch us rise up table 

[Fabrice29]

7 minutes ago, tdmickey3 said:

So are you suggesting the tactics and team selections from Jones, Selles and Martin were/are correct and they all should have worked?

Jones - front footed hoofball nonsense and odd team selections

Selles - negative "against/off the ball" bollocks and no attacking intent

Martin - Possession based, ridiculous keep ball with ludicrously stupid team selections with this inverted full back shit, not to mention the batshit crazy midfield

Mistake number 1, We persisted with Ralf too long

Mistake number 2, We gave jones the job.....  stats based spreadsheet appointment

Mistake number 3, Kept Jones far to long.... refused to admit they fucked up

Mistake number 4, Gave Selles the job....  Absolutley on idea why they thought this would work, he was here with jones

Fianlly we were hoping SR had realised all of their stupid ideals were a complete failure but no,

Mistake number 5, Appointing Martin, based on bang average/poor stats and more spreadsheets

 

Yep, its all on the players because all of the above clowns don't understand the basics of football, trying to get them to do stupid things

 

I think that after 4 managers we maybe should look elsewhere for the issue. 3 managers were unable to get consistency out of an inconsistent group of players. This manager has been given a new bunch of players, mixed with some of the others, and has shown improvement early on but we’ve had some issues in the last few games. I feel like 7 games, and less than a month since the end of the window, probably isn’t enough to judge his work. But hey, let’s change it and give another manager, with another style a handful of games to sort it. 

[Fabrice29]

5 minutes ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

You forgot to blame the fans as well. Surely you realise we are the problem in all of this. Close St Mary's and watch us rise up table 

Our best form in the last few years coincidentally came when St Mary’s was closed and we weren’t relying on Armstrong and Che for goals. Maybe if we can’t close St Mary’s, we should wait for when we’re not relying on Armstrong or Che for goals.

[Fan The Flames]

6 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

I think that after 4 managers we maybe should look elsewhere for the issue. 3 managers were unable to get consistency out of an inconsistent group of players. This manager has been given a new bunch of players, mixed with some of the others, and has shown improvement early on but we’ve had some issues in the last few games. I feel like 7 games, and less than a month since the end of the window, probably isn’t enough to judge his work. But hey, let’s change it and give another manager, with another style a handful of games to sort it. 

What positives do you see at the moment?

[Lee On Solent Saint]

4 minutes ago, Fan The Flames said:

What positives do you see at the moment?

 I can't make the Leeds game. That's a massive positive for me.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

11 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

Our best form in the last few years coincidentally came when St Mary’s was closed and we weren’t relying on Armstrong and Che for goals. Maybe if we can’t close St Mary’s, we should wait for when we’re not relying on Armstrong or Che for goals.

But arguably then we more incisive and made things happen with or without the ball. It was at the height of Ralphball. We had a clear identity. As a team we knew what we were doing. This lot just look like a bunch of strangers, thrown together on matchdays. 

[Fabrice29]

4 minutes ago, Fan The Flames said:

What positives do you see at the moment?

I think the fact the manager has clearly implemented his style very quickly with a bunch of players who were recruited for the opposite style of play and a raft of new ones whilst losing some of his best ones is a positive. Results and performances were positive early on. Yesterday if we had a striker who could score when we were dominant we’d have won, that’s a positive because there was clear improvement from the two games previously. 

In a 46 game season bad games will happen so I’m not overly worried about 3, although obviously the goals conceded are concerning as is the consistent picking of Armstrong specifically but like I said yesterdays improvement on the defensive side was a positive and actually addressed the concerns everyone raised on here. You can’t litigate for individual mistakes. 

[Dman]

1 hour ago, Fabrice29 said:

Players and vibe around the club have been losing consistently for a while now. We have inconsistent performers in a losing environment. That’s not a good recipe and takes alot more than just a system to put right. It takes patience. 

 

Window has been closed less than a month. The players missing big chances up top are the same ones who have been got a while now.

They're also the same players who scored 3 in 3 and 4 in 4 respectively. Other than Che missing one last night, that was, lets face it, a half chance - I don't remember there keeper having a decent save to make. 

The issue isn't our forward players, its the slow ponderous build up combined with a weak as piss midfield 3 selection. All on the manager. 

[Turkish]

6 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

I think the fact the manager has clearly implemented his style very quickly with a bunch of players who were recruited for the opposite style of play and a raft of new ones whilst losing some of his best ones is a positive. Results and performances were positive early on. Yesterday if we had a striker who could score when we were dominant we’d have won, that’s a positive because there was clear improvement from the two games previously. 

In a 46 game season bad games will happen so I’m not overly worried about 3, although obviously the goals conceded are concerning as is the consistent picking of Armstrong specifically but like I said yesterdays improvement on the defensive side was a positive and actually addressed the concerns everyone raised on here. You can’t litigate for individual mistakes. 

What?!! We were lucky not to go in at half time 3-0 down! Second half was dull and we never looked likes scoring. 

[Dman]

6 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

I think the fact the manager has clearly implemented his style very quickly with a bunch of players who were recruited for the opposite style of play and a raft of new ones whilst losing some of his best ones is a positive. Results and performances were positive early on. Yesterday if we had a striker who could score when we were dominant we’d have won, that’s a positive because there was clear improvement from the two games previously. 

In a 46 game season bad games will happen so I’m not overly worried about 3, although obviously the goals conceded are concerning as is the consistent picking of Armstrong specifically but like I said yesterdays improvement on the defensive side was a positive and actually addressed the concerns everyone raised on here. You can’t litigate for individual mistakes. 

We've implemented no style - what the hell are you watching.

We aimlessly pass it around on our goal line before giving it away. Combined with that we heedlessly press and get carved apart like a knife through butter.

We're literally like watching a Sunday league side being asked to press and pass it around a bit with no coaching or structure on passing patterns. 

[saintant]

27 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

I think that after 4 managers we maybe should look elsewhere for the issue. 3 managers were unable to get consistency out of an inconsistent group of players. This manager has been given a new bunch of players, mixed with some of the others, and has shown improvement early on but we’ve had some issues in the last few games. I feel like 7 games, and less than a month since the end of the window, probably isn’t enough to judge his work. But hey, let’s change it and give another manager, with another style a handful of games to sort it. 

What are the 3 previous managers doing now? One is playing golf, the second is doing a bit of TV punditry and the third is managing Reading who currently occupy a relegation spot in Division 1. Not exactly glowing endorsements and no clubs of note have beaten a path to their door since they left us. This suggests to me that we were right to change them - the problem is that we haven't appointed replacements well for successive coaches we've fired. That's got nothing to do with the players and I'm as certain as I can be that a good appointment would make a world of difference to the way we play and our results.

[saintant]

12 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

I think the fact the manager has clearly implemented his style very quickly with a bunch of players who were recruited for the opposite style of play and a raft of new ones whilst losing some of his best ones is a positive. Results and performances were positive early on. Yesterday if we had a striker who could score when we were dominant we’d have won, that’s a positive because there was clear improvement from the two games previously. 

In a 46 game season bad games will happen so I’m not overly worried about 3, although obviously the goals conceded are concerning as is the consistent picking of Armstrong specifically but like I said yesterdays improvement on the defensive side was a positive and actually addressed the concerns everyone raised on here. You can’t litigate for individual mistakes. 

Absolute nonsense - we should have been 3-0 down at half time.

[Fabrice29]

Just now, Dman said:

They're also the same players who scored 3 in 3 and 4 in 4 respectively. Other than Che missing one last night, that was, lets face it, a half chance - I don't remember there keeper having a decent save to make. 

The issue isn't our forward players, its the slow ponderous build up combined with a weak as piss midfield 3 selection. All on the manager. 

This is what they do though. It’s what Che has done his whole time here. Goals in short bursts to convince you he’s not the issue when the nothing performances come. Both fluffed big chances against Leicester and fluffed opportunities to create things yesterday as well. They barely effect things attacking wise consistently. We’re still relying on them. It’s bad recruitment and bad from the manager picking them. 

[Dman]

3 minutes ago, saintant said:

What are the 3 previous managers doing now? One is playing golf, the second is doing a bit of TV punditry and the third is managing Reading who currently occupy a relegation spot in Division 1. Not exactly glowing endorsements and no clubs of note have beaten a path to their door since they left us. This suggests to me that we were right to change them - the problem is that we haven't appointed replacements well for successive coaches we've fired. That's got nothing to do with the players and I'm as certain as I can be that a good appointment would make a world of difference to the way we play and our results.

The worse thing is, Martin is probably the worse of the lot. We'd be in no worse position now if we'd kept Selles. 

[Dman]

Just now, Fabrice29 said:

This is what they do though. It’s what Che has done his whole time here. Goals in short bursts to convince you he’s not the issue when the nothing performances come. Both fluffed big chances against Leicester and fluffed opportunities to create things yesterday as well. They barely effect things attacking wise consistently. We’re still relying on them. It’s bad recruitment and bad from the manager picking them. 

I think you've got your head massively in the sand on this one. 

I don't rate Che at all, but he's not the problem here. 

[Fabrice29]

11 minutes ago, Dman said:

We've implemented no style - what the hell are you watching.

We aimlessly pass it around on our goal line before giving it away. Combined with that we heedlessly press and get carved apart like a knife through butter.

We're literally like watching a Sunday league side being asked to press and pass it around a bit with no coaching or structure on passing patterns. 

Our patterns of play and intent in the games are completely different. If you don’t or choose not to see them that’s up to you. How successful they are/will be is up for debate sure but there’s a clear difference in this season to the previous ones. That’s obvious to anyone. 

[Patches O Houlihan]

3 minutes ago, Dman said:

The worse thing is, Martin is probably the worse of the lot. We'd be in no worse position now if we'd kept Selles. 

I don’t think he’s the only one with his head in the sand! Our current situation is far from ideal but there is no way we’d be a better team right now with Selles at the wheel. 

I’d rather have Peter Selles - and he’s dead!

[Dman]

2 minutes ago, Patches O Houlihan said:

I don’t think he’s the only one with his head in the sand! Our current situation is far from ideal but there is no way we’d be a better team right now with Selles at the wheel. 

I’d rather have Peter Selles - and he’s dead!

No worse is not saying better...

[Lee On Solent Saint]

21 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

I think the fact the manager has clearly implemented his style very quickly with a bunch of players who were recruited for the opposite style of play and a raft of new ones whilst losing some of his best ones is a positive. Results and performances were positive early on. Yesterday if we had a striker who could score when we were dominant we’d have won, that’s a positive because there was clear improvement from the two games previously. 

In a 46 game season bad games will happen so I’m not overly worried about 3, although obviously the goals conceded are concerning as is the consistent picking of Armstrong specifically but like I said yesterdays improvement on the defensive side was a positive and actually addressed the concerns everyone raised on here. You can’t litigate for individual mistakes. 

Am all for us have differing opinions and such like, but seriously this is absolute nonsense. We have had three appalling games in a row. That's not coincidence. It's down to a manager not setting up his team correctly and not getting the best out of what he has. 

[Whitey Grandad]

1 hour ago, Saint_clark said:

You've picked 12 players there Derry. 

We’d still lose.

[derry]

1 hour ago, Saint_clark said:

You've picked 12 players there Derry. 

Sorted😇

[OldNick]

11 hours ago, pimpin4rizeal said:

Having the only teams he’s managed being Barca Bayern and city probably helps as well .. even jones would succeed in those jobs .. I’d like to see how  good pep would be at a Everton or similar job 

Behave, hes an incredible manager and anybody who thinks he wouldnt improve any team is IMO a tad foolish

[Miltonaggro]

18 minutes ago, Dman said:

No worse is not saying better...

I agree.  Fucking awful isn't it.

I thought that Ralph was a busted flush when he was sacked, knackered and out of ideas, but fair wager he could set this lot up to be competitive over a long weekend!

 

[OldNick]

3 hours ago, adrian lord said:

He's been in management for only 4 years, and now 3 clubs, and very mediocre results.

I cannot for the life of me understand why SR took such a gamble. We are tumbling down this league, and who know where we will bottom-out at this rate?

would you trust those buffoons with a footballing decision, inept?? If they got rid of RM they'd probably go for some other hipster who talks in riddles and doesn't take on board that the Championship is a hard league, where you need some grit in midfield and also some of Nathans kick and run. Before that you have to actually have players that are cut out for grafting and getting stuck in, we haven't 

[gio1saints]

1 hour ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

You forgot to blame the fans as well. Surely you realise we are the problem in all of this. Close St Mary's and watch us rise up table 

Please, LOS Saint. Supporters are NOT the reason we are so abject at present and nobody has ever argued they are. 

People who spend all match perpetually abusing our players are out of order - and undeniably unhelpful. Thankfully last night Northam in particular was brilliant especially 2nd half, bloody brilliant. 

You seem to be taking it personally. IF you are someone who spends all match calling Baz a useless cunt or Smallbone is shit or Manning is a tosser on and on then, guess what, I say go support your local team - pompey - instead as you are doing a great impression of a skate with numpty straw man arguments. 
 

the issue is we are not learning and made innate the RM playbook quick enough and or ( and this is way more bloody obvious) RM needs to let the very good players we have actually play without or with less shackles. They often look in slo mo as if they are trying to remember where they should be what they should do - when it’s well known that flair players in particular need be allowed to let that instinct for football determine the play. 
 

Simple example 2nd half Sam had the ball half way line potential breakaway but he was maybe 10 m from RM on the sidelines. Instead of driving forward causing chaos he stopped turned around and it was back in our 18 yard box again. Given His instincts you know he wanted to be running forwards with that ball - but he didn’t.
RM needs to introduce more Independent t flexibility into this possession based football end of. 

Edited 20 September, 2023 by gio1saints

[Osvaldorama]

43 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

This is what they do though. It’s what Che has done his whole time here. Goals in short bursts to convince you he’s not the issue when the nothing performances come. Both fluffed big chances against Leicester and fluffed opportunities to create things yesterday as well. They barely effect things attacking wise consistently. We’re still relying on them. It’s bad recruitment and bad from the manager picking them. 

You’re totally missing the obvious. 
 

Yes Che missed one chance. But the ridiculous system he’s playing in only created one chance for him. 
 

No striker has 100% shooting accuracy. If your “managers” system only creates one chance per game whilst simultaneously offering the opposition countless free shots on your goal… the problem is not the striker. 

[badgerx16]

1 hour ago, Fabrice29 said:

...yesterdays improvement on the defensive side ..,..,

The fact we only conceded one was not due to defensive 'improvements'. They had their goal,( presented on a plate with a cherry on top ), then hit the bar, but realistically were in control at 1-0 so didn't need to over exert themselves to pocket all 3 points. Until we stop fannying around at the back and giving the ball away 20 yards from our own goal things will not improve.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

13 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

Please, LOS Saint. Supporters are NOT the reason we are so abject at present and nobody has ever argued they are. 

People who spend all match perpetually abusing our players are out of order - and undeniably unhelpful. Thankfully last night Northam in particular was brilliant especially 2nd half, bloody brilliant. 

You seem to be taking it personally. IF you are someone who spends all match calling Baz a useless cunt or Smallbone is shit or Manning is a tosser on and on then, guess what, I say go support your local team - pompey - instead as you are doing a great impression of a skate with numpty straw man arguments. 
 

the issue is we are not learning and made innate the RM playbook quick enough and or ( and this is way more bloody obvious) RM needs to let the very good players we have actually play without or with less shackles. They often look in slo mo as if they are trying to remember where they should be what they should do - when it’s well known that flair players in particular need be allowed to let that instinct for football determine the play. 
 

Simple example 2nd half Sam had the ball half way line potential breakaway but he was maybe 10 m from RM on the sidelines. Instead of driving forward causing chaos he stopped turned around and it was back in our 18 yard box again. Given His instincts you know he wanted to be running forwards with that ball - but he didn’t.
RM needs to introduce more Independent t flexibility into this possession based football end of. 

My reply was intended to be a sarcastic response to certain fans and dare I say management that believe the negative feelings from the stands are to blame for the constant shit that we have to endure. Fuckin calling me a skate because of where I live is bang out of order. I was born in Southampton lived much of my life in Sholing and Thornhill, only moving east due to my now wife living out this way, who incidently is from Southampton too. I don't call our players the names you suggested, but equally I won't just sit there and appauld another backwards or sideways pass. 

[Fan The Flames]

It's the lack of options we have when we play out from the back. Baz plays it to one of the centre backs, they then have one option (or back to the keeper) to go centrally with it which is normally a dead end and the player is then vulnerable . Surely playing out from the back shouldn't be this impossible, players need to move more, so there are a couple of options to pass to. Are the players not doing what they are meant to or are they following instructions, either way it's on Martin.

[Dr. Kucho]

1 hour ago, tdmickey3 said:

So are you suggesting the tactics and team selections from Jones, Selles and Martin were/are correct and they all should have worked?

Jones - front footed hoofball nonsense and odd team selections

Selles - negative "against/off the ball" bollocks and no attacking intent

Martin - Possession based, ridiculous keep ball with ludicrously stupid team selections with this inverted full back shit, not to mention the batshit crazy midfield

Mistake number 1, We persisted with Ralf too long

Mistake number 2, We gave jones the job.....  stats based spreadsheet appointment

Mistake number 3, Kept Jones far to long.... refused to admit they fucked up

Mistake number 4, Gave Selles the job....  Absolutley on idea why they thought this would work, he was here with jones

Fianlly we were hoping SR had realised all of their stupid ideals were a complete failure but no,

Mistake number 5, Appointing Martin, based on bang average/poor stats and more spreadsheets

 

Yep, its all on the players because all of the above clowns don't understand the basics of football, trying to get them to do stupid things

 

Agree with most of the post, I think mistake number 1 was not giving Ralph the striker he asked for in the summer. 

Mistake number 2 was replacing Ralph with Jones. Brighton, Villa and Wolves all lost/sacked their manager before the World Cup. They then replaced them with experienced managers who had managed at the top of the game. We brought in some angry Welsh guy who claimed he was one of the best in Europe and had only had succes at Luton.

Mistake number 3 was letting Rasmus do the January transfers after Shields left. Should have had the chief scout do the work. 

After that it was just mistake after mistake. 

I think we can conclude that Sports Republic aren’t fit to run a football club (let alone 3) and it would be best if they try to sell us to a more competent person/consortium.

[Miltonaggro]

7 minutes ago, badgerx16 said:

The fact we only conceded one was not due to defensive 'improvements'. They had their goal,( presented on a plate with a cherry on top ), then hit the bar, but realistically were in control at 1-0 so didn't need to over exert themselves to pocket all 3 points. Until we stop fannying around at the back and giving the ball away 20 yards from our own goal things will not improve.

Agreed, Ipswich came with a game plan and once it was executed sat back knowing that it was unlikely that we could hurt them.  McKenna schooling Martin in terms of how to achieve a cool-headed three points away from home. The clear defensive improvement in the second half was due to replacing the young central defensive midfielder who had been asked to play centre half, with an actual centre half. 

[LeBizzier69]

3 minutes ago, Fan The Flames said:

It's the lack of options we have when we play out from the back. Baz plays it to one of the centre backs, they then have one option (or back to the keeper) to go centrally with it which is normally a dead end and the player is then vulnerable . Surely playing out from the back shouldn't be this impossible, players need to move more, so there are a couple of options to pass to. Are the players not doing what they are meant to or are they following instructions, either way it's on Martin.

It was strange to watch last night - the desire to take the risk on by playing out from the back (or around the back i should say) only to then pump it long due to the lack of options.....and that was against some absolute units. So, tippy tappy around the back and then hump it long to be cleared up with relative ease by their massive central defenders.

A fairly damning indictment is that it's been said by many that THB is a real prospect and excelled last year....and yet at times he had zero options, didn't appear to know where he was going next, which led to indecision etc and just a hoof up the pitch or out of play.

All that coupled with no protection for the back 4 whatsoever and a team with no cohesion is a real worry. I can't help but like RM, but was baffled at not putting Charles in midfield and playing Bednarek, unless he was an injury concern of course.

It just looks like whenever the opposition get possession and carry it over halfway with any purpose, that they're going to get a goalscoring opportunity. Fully expecting us to play 'Boro into form at the weekend and a proper fair play to anyone making that journey.

[Alanh]

2 hours ago, saintant said:

Sulemana is better through the middle as he demonstrated against Liverpool. He causes few problem for the opposition as a winger not least because crosses are a waste of time.

IMO Sulemana is only of any use against teams that push forward leaving some space behind their defenders.  We have yet to play any team that has done that in this league and I don't think we will any time soon.  Managers know tht they can just sit deep, give us the ball and wait for a mistake.  Sulemana isn't going to offer much to create danger in that situation as he is always going to be faced with two or three defenders whenever he gets the ball.