Fans Forum

[ecuk268]

Tomorrow night at 18.00.

Russel  Martin, Jack Stephens, Phil Parsons and Andy Bitcon hosted by Adam Blackmore.

It's a fiver for a ticket but it'll be covered by Radio Solent.

[AlexLaw76]

Just now, ecuk268 said:

Tomorrow night at 18.00.

Russel  Martin, Jack Stephens, Phil Parsons and Andy Bitcon hosted by Adam Blackmore.

It's a fiver for a ticket but it'll be covered by Radio Solent.

No ladies team representative?

Good.

[S-Clarke]

25 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

No ladies team representative?

Good.

They're doing their own separate fans forum, which makes more sense.

[Appy]

Hopefully that person is there again who asked last year about being nicer to away fans. 

[Colinjb]

Wonder how defensive Martin will be of Baz this time. 100% certain that we would not have been promoted had he not been injured.

[Badger]

8 minutes ago, Colinjb said:

Wonder how defensive Martin will be of Baz this time. 100% certain that we would not have been promoted had he not been injured.

Perhaps that should be one of the questions. “Do you think we’d have …. “ 
 

 

[SaintsFan86]

Someone should address the PSR situation and how much funds we actually have left to utilise.

Obviously won't get answered. 

[Whitey Grandad]

9 minutes ago, Colinjb said:

Wonder how defensive Martin will be of Baz this time. 100% certain that we would not have been promoted had he not been injured.

You cannot possibly say that. He was part of the team that got us into our position at the end of the season and whilst McCarthy got us over the line he was also responsible for our stuttering performances near the end. 
 

in my view it was the move away from possession based football to a more pragmatic style which also meant keeping the ball away from our own goal that was a bigger reason. Even then it was a close run thing.

[Whitey Grandad]

Just now, SaintsFan86 said:

Someone should address the PSR situation and how much funds we actually have left to utilise.

Obviously won't get answered. 

That would mean revealing our hand before sealing any deals.

[Colinjb]

1 minute ago, Whitey Grandad said:

in my view it was the move away from possession based football to a more pragmatic style which also meant keeping the ball away from our own goal that was a bigger reason. Even then it was a close run thing.

Cannot disagree with that. 

It felt so much better with Alex in between the sticks with those tactics rather then waiting for some defensive indecisiveness.

Edited 11 August, 2024 by Colinjb

[USaintA]

I'm hoping someone asks about the best way to accessorise the new pink 3rd strip. Can the manager or board suggest a nice scarf or gloves to go with it? Or how about jewellery? And what sort of hat would be fitting to wear with such a shirt.

[Whitey Grandad]

1 minute ago, USaintA said:

I'm hoping someone asks about the best way to accessorise the new pink 3rd strip. Can the manager or board suggest a nice scarf or gloves to go with it? Or how about jewellery? And what sort of hat would be fitting to wear with such a shirt.

Not to mention hair style or eye makeup.

[Andrew Watson]

it will be online to watch.

[beatlesaint]

If anyone asks why we haven’t signed a decent keeper, even on loan, I fully expect RM to get a bit prickly like he does with Blackmore !

Edited 11 August, 2024 by beatlesaint

[FarehamSaintJames]

Where did he meet Lucy Pinder?

Does he follow the #saintsfc on Twitter?

Why has he not signed seventy players and spent £1B already in this window?

😂

[Holmes_and_Watson]

1 hour ago, Colinjb said:

Wonder how defensive Martin will be of Baz this time. 100% certain that we would not have been promoted had he not been injured.

It could be worded to support Baz.

"Does Russell think that his comment saying he should have brought in Alex sooner, reflect badly on Baz's contributions to the team?"

[Holmes_and_Watson]

1 hour ago, USaintA said:

I'm hoping someone asks about the best way to accessorise the new pink 3rd strip. Can the manager or board suggest a nice scarf or gloves to go with it? Or how about jewellery? And what sort of hat would be fitting to wear with such a shirt.

When are we signing Tom Davies, to properly show off the kit?

[The Curse of St Mary's]

1. Why does Bazunu have such a low save percentage and are the club actively trying to develop his ability to save low shots particularly to his left side?

2. Does the continuous giving away of chances from playing out across the back notably stemming from McCarthy cause you concern?

3. £20-25m is the standard rate for players nowadays so can the club compete with other clubs at this price range or are we fishing in the shallow end?

4. Were the club disappointed with the attendance for Getafe game? Is there scope to offer cheaper tickets in the future in order to try and attract the next generation of fans? 

 

 

 

 

[The Cat]

The random comma in this thread title is bothering me more than the endless posts about a goalkeeper 

[Weston Super Saint]

Has anyone seen Ross Stewart lately?  Do we have insurance covering the mysterious disappearing footballer?

[Farmer Saint]

I can't make it due to being abroad on transfer business - @TurkishI know you were meant to be on the panel as representative of the CoT - I'm assuming the leads you had have come in so you had to turn down the invitation and concentrate on that? 

[SaintsFan86]

8 minutes ago, Weston Super Saint said:

Has anyone seen Ross Stewart lately?  Do we have insurance covering the mysterious disappearing footballer?

Who has seen the Loch Ness

[gio1saints]

 Might go. Went to the last few. Might get to ask a question this time but needs to be a good un. Might use the best of what’s posted here. 
 

[goodymatt]

1. How many starting players are we looking to sign before now and the end of the window.

2. Given Bazunu’s save percentages etc ranking him bottom of starting keepers for the last 2 seasons and now picking up a big injury, are the club looking to improve this position permanently. Loan with option/obligation would make sense.

3. Is Ross Stewart anywhere near being able to contribute anything to the team or is he done?

4. How much of a role do you expect Lallana to play on the pitch this season. Are we looking to transition him to a coaching role after this season.

5. Is Alcaraz likely to be loaned for further development or do we need to generate funds to improve the starting lineup. Assume the latter.

6. Do we see Wellington as a Saints or Goztepe player for this season/half season?

7. Thoughts on a more pragmatic style being required to be competitive in the premier league, as we did successfully in the playoffs.

8. Why are season ticket and members retail discounts now ‘at certain times in the season’. Do you plan to communicate when they will be?

Edited 11 August, 2024 by goodymatt

[Turkish]

1 hour ago, Farmer Saint said:

I can't make it due to being abroad on transfer business - @TurkishI know you were meant to be on the panel as representative of the CoT - I'm assuming the leads you had have come in so you had to turn down the invitation and concentrate on that? 

Given the very sensitive stage some of our dealings are at it was felt inappropriate for a member of the CoT to be on the panel. However that’s not to say we aren’t sending anyone, you might want to listen VERY carefully to one of the questions and the reply you get, make of that what you will 

[trousers]

Q. How many more months do you anticipate Stewart being "2 weeks away from being ready"...?

Q. Is there any danger of the club getting around to replacing Danny Ings any time soon?

Q. Could another relegation / promotion cycle make us stronger in the longer term?

Q. Do you think our current squad is stronger or weaker than the 2012 promotion team?

Q. Whenever Downes was out injured last season our form dropped significantly. What steps have you taken to improve cover for Downes this season? 

Edited 11 August, 2024 by trousers

[SaintNewForest]

I'd like to know a bit more about the academy;

More specifically, why have we cut back on wages we offer scholars, thus losing 2 of our better talents? And why certain players seem to want out; do we make promises and then break them? (Doyle & Meghoma spring to mind) 

Not that I would expect either to be answered, but perhaps a more broad view of how they see the academy over the next couple of years because it really feels like we prioritise other clubs youngsters more than our own...

[Turkish]

4 hours ago, trousers said:

Q. How many more months do you anticipate Stewart being "2 weeks away from being ready"...?

Q. Is there any danger of the club getting around to replacing Danny Ings any time soon?

Q. Could another relegation / promotion cycle make us stronger in the longer term?

Q. Do you think our current squad is stronger or weaker than the 2012 promotion team?

Q. Whenever Downes was out injured last season our form dropped significantly. What steps have you taken to improve cover for Downes this season? 

Dave from Shirley here I’ve been a season ticket holder since 1942 and I’ve never been so let down by the catering department  I love a good pint at the soccerball but £6.20 for a pint of kingfisher, plus I Read on Twitter Birmingham's are in league one and they got moretti. Why can’t we compete with these clubs for beer?

Edited 11 August, 2024 by Turkish

[Turkish]

I’m always amused why fans think they need to wear Saints shirts to these events, it’s quite funny 

[goodymatt]

Would be good to get a straight answer on the Wilcox replacement, I know it’s a group effort and Bitcon has stepped in to cover for this window, but going forward what is the plan? What are the conditions where we can justify hiring a direct replacement? We knew Wilcox was going for many months and this window is key to survival, are we taking an unnecessary risk?

[Give it to Ron]

Why don’t we leave a player up when defending a corner as it always comes straight back ?

Edited 12 August, 2024 by Give it to Ron

[Matthew Le God]

34 minutes ago, goodymatt said:

Would be good to get a straight answer on the Wilcox replacement, I know it’s a group effort and Bitcon has stepped in to cover for this window, but going forward what is the plan? What are the conditions where we can justify hiring a direct replacement? We knew Wilcox was going for many months and this window is key to survival, are we taking an unnecessary risk?

Mark Bitcon has been confirmed as having a new job title, he is now listed by the club as 'Director of Football operations'.

[Pamplemousse]

The best thing about these fan forums is following it along on here. Nearly spat my drink out last time when that bloke (wearing the women's goalkeeper shirt I think??) wanted us to use the big screen to display nice messages to the away fans.

Having said that, the club did take his feedback on board. I remember we displayed a helpful message informing the Cardiff fans that all their trains home had been cancelled

[goodymatt]

1 hour ago, Matthew Le God said:

Mark Bitcon has been confirmed as having a new job title, he is now listed by the club as 'Director of Football operations'.

I wonder if that’s the permanent solution or just using what we have in a different role for the time being. There are still suggestions we could look to bring in someone new, going off Alfie House’s tweets on this subject.

[Toussaint]

17 hours ago, Weston Super Saint said:

Has anyone seen Ross Stewart lately?  Do we have insurance covering the mysterious disappearing footballer?

I have, but on this rare occasion I didn't have my smartphone with me, so I made what I think we can all agree is a very true to life facsimile. 

[gio1saints]

Not expecting any revelations tonight, especially from RM, but considering asking the finance guy what is the wage cap for prospective new players at Southampton - and as a follow up how flexible will he be on that for free transfers and loans. 
 

It’s a pointer in how likely rumours pertinent to RF, possibly Ramsdale or Johnstone any new star CF or AMF are. 
 

I’ve read £60k pw? If it’s answered here then will come up with something else . 

[Nolan]

5 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

Not expecting any revelations tonight, especially from RM, but considering asking the finance guy what is the wage cap for prospective new players at Southampton - and as a follow up how flexible will he be on that for free transfers and loans. 
 

It’s a pointer in how likely rumours pertinent to RF, possibly Ramsdale or Johnstone any new star CF or AMF are. 
 

I’ve read £60k pw? If it’s answered here then will come up with something else . 

That is not a question that any person with sound business sense would ever answer.

[gio1saints]

4 minutes ago, Nolan said:

That is not a question that any person with sound business sense would ever answer.

I know. The idea is not to reveal anything that might give opposition a competitive edge. So they will try say nothing but platitudes.

 But he may give a ballpark answer? I’m there to read body language responses to questions in the main anyways. 

Any better suggestion? 

Edited 12 August, 2024 by gio1saints

[Nolan]

16 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

I know. The idea is not to reveal anything that might give opposition a competitive edge. So they will try say nothing but platitudes.

 But he may give a ballpark answer? I’m there to read body language responses to questions in the main anyways. 

Any better suggestion? 

With only 2 league games to be played before the Transfer Window closes, how much chance does that give to gauge our competitiveness against other teams? and how does that factor into when we bid for players and if we look to be more flexible when it comes to incentivising players to come our way?

[gio1saints]

3 minutes ago, Nolan said:

With only 2 league games to be played before the Transfer Window closes, how much chance does that give to gauge our competitiveness against other teams? and how does that factor into when we bid for players and if we look to be more flexible when it comes to incentivising players to come our way?

Interesting.👍.
 I think they’d most likely say that the two matches results will not significantly affect transfer policy. Too small a sample size even if we get beat 5-0 both matches. But not including if key players get serious injuries of course. 

What that transfer policy IS - injuries aside - is another matter altogether. Are we fully committed to a new striker another winger and AMF and a keeper before Aug 31st? 1/4? 2/4? 3/4? All 4? 

Or will we hear on Sept 1st that they feel the squad is strong enough and potential targets were either too costly or not good enough to start…

[Pamplemousse]

Can someone ask if Sport Republic will be prepared to commit more investment in the playing squad in January like the last time we in a relegation battle?

[The Cat]

Do any of you read SaintsWeb, and if so who do you think is the second most tedious poster on the forum after Batman?

[SuperSAINT]

21 hours ago, The Cat said:

The random comma in this thread title is bothering me more than the endless posts about a goalkeeper 

It’s still there, FFS.

[Weston Super Saint]

4 hours ago, Toussaint said:

I have, but on this rare occasion I didn't have my smartphone with me, so I made what I think we can all agree is a very true to life facsimile. 

Nah. All those legs look like they work.

[FarehamSaintJames]

2 hours ago, The Cat said:

Do any of you read SaintsWeb, and if so who do you think is the second most tedious poster on the forum after Batman?

Got to be DT.

[trousers]

Q. What lessons did the club learn about making 'sentimental' signings during Theo Walcott's second stint at the club and how was that knowledge utilised when signing Adam Lallana...?

[franniesTache]

Hopefully someone asks Russell Martin what his top three biscuits are, when we are expanding the stadium and adding an aquarium end so we can take advantage of our marine catchment area, and if we're still planning on getting champions league when one of the big clubs slip up.

Also looking forward to our social media "influencers" claiming to speak on my behalf again, that was great when they did that, and not at all arrogant and weird

Edit to say i almost forgot the most important question:

When are the Five Pledges(tm) coming? Honestly i'm sure all of our woes in recent years must be down to the fact we have never published the five pledges

Edited 12 August, 2024 by franniesTache

[Turkish]

was it last year that fella in the pink top said we should be nicer to away fans at the womens games? You've got the senior leaders at your club there an the best thing they can think to ask is can we say a hello message to 20 away fans that come to watch the womens match. 

[franniesTache]

1 minute ago, Turkish said:

was it last year that fella in the pink top said we should be nicer to away fans at the womens games? You've got the senior leaders at your club there an the best thing they can think to ask is can we say a hello message to 20 away fans that come to watch the womens match. 

We have some genuinely very, very strange fans in our ranks. On social media this week some where saying Martin should quit now because he's not being backed and deserves better than that. It seems there's a weird cult forming around him the same way we had a weird cult that formed around Ralph.

It's almost like some of our fans don't really support southampton, instead they support managers.

[manji]

16 hours ago, Turkish said:

I’m always amused why fans think they need to wear Saints shirts to these events, it’s quite funny 

To show they are proper fans if you look closely they wear small pins badges to show how long they have been supporting the team.

its a weird time for a fans forum they won’t be able to answer most of the questions anyway, “ how much money we got left for transfers “ the inevitable lets give Bazunu a good kicking “ we all know Baz is a lightweight and we would have been promoted blah are we signing Aaron Ramsdale “

Edited 12 August, 2024 by manji