Saints release Skacel and Smith

[Window Cleaner]

encouraging that the likes of BWP, AL, AS, KD etc want to stay :-)

 

Could be just posturing in case they don't get better offers to be honest.

Maybe KD will stay, as for the others I don't expect any of them to be here in August. Depends on the incoming (if that ever happens) management really.

 

It's all very well saying, pay cuts, contracts, wants to ,doesn't want to, but just right now were not in a position to pay anybody for very long or renegociate anything or make offers. So it's just like any SFC takeover thread, all bullsh*t and no facts.

 

Perhaps the new team will just say everybody out, we're starting from scratch at 15£ a week maximum.

[Block 5]

Message to Rudi Skacel........

 

You're not very good,

You're not very good,

You're not very,

You're not very,

You're not very good......

SH1T.

[Alain Perrin]

Two words. Kevin Davies.

 

When you shop in the bargain bin at HMV, sometimes you find a classic, sometimes you find a new track that turns out to be a new favourite, other times you get gash.

 

If you don't take the chance however you'll never get anything. Financially I think we were in so much do-do that we had little choice to be rummaging.

 

Trouble is on this board, managers / chairmen / scouts are always remembered for the drongos they sign, not the gems they unearth.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

 

I think Euell might be a good centre-forward at L1 level. I'd also say that he never seemed to lack commitment .

 

 

Every time I seen the Mule play this season he looks a a handful for the opposition to cope with and in the right circumstances he can do a job for the team no doubt .

 

But I have to take issue with the suggestion that he'd be an effective L1 striker . There's just no evidence in this seasons goal tally to support this assertion and if you ask me the guy hasn't got the strikers 'touch' in front of goal that marks out the natural forward player or anywhere near the pace to get behind opposition defences either for that matter . If he takes a substantial pay cut and stays all well and good IMO - but at his age he's a centre midfield player now for sure .

[Ash]

Skacel came here because Burley convinced him to join, same with Rasiak. Neither of them performed after GB left - in fact Rasiak hasn't played for us since GB left.

Not that it matters particularly but didn't he miss a penalty against Bury in the FA Cup under Dodd and Gorman after Burley left?

[Arizona]

Not that it matters particularly but didn't he miss a penalty against Bury in the FA Cup under Dodd and Gorman after Burley left?

 

Burley left, then we played Bury in the cup for D&Gs first game in charge. Rasiak's pen was saved, but he knocked in the 9th rebound.

 

The following Tuesday we played Norwich in the League, outclassed them and were undone by a sucker punch, 0-1. Rasiak and Skacel were by far the best players and were loaned out a couple of days later.

 

It was the one moment I have been most p*ssed off as a Saints fan. Not the saddest, but the most p*ssed off.

[saint_ed]

or he was unpopular with his teammates perhaps

 

I know for a fact he got on with the rest of the squad fine, particularly the younger members.

[Windmill Arm 2]

Believe it when I see it. As soon as the offers come in the summer for Lallana etc they will be sprinting out of the gates.

[Chez]

John just till the end of June anyway,Rasiak for as long as it takes I suppose.

What's the word on the street regarding selling him to Watford?? or anyone else for that matter.

 

£100,000 on John alone. That is a shed load of cash for a club that has zero income until we start selling ST's. Rasiak could cost us another £200,000 in wages before he goes.

[Chez]

One more thing.

 

The article saying that everyone apart from Skacel and Saga is 100% comitted to the cause next season is pure bull. Where was that comitment at Sheff Weds, in the crunch game against Charlton or in the first 15 minutes against Wolves?

 

They all talk big, but when it comes to actually doing something, they will either be off or stick around and be just as hopeless next season. We need a big clear out. Out of the current lot I'd keep Davis, Size, Perry, James and Gillett. Surman and Lallana have looked waaay off the boil and if selling them means we'd be able to bring in some decent experienced pros I'd be all for it.

 

decent experienced pros like Skacel? I'll stick with Lallana thanks.

[Arizona]

decent experienced pros like Skacel? I'll stick with Lallana thanks.

 

I think we have a differing oppinion on what "like Skacel" implies, so I'll decline to comment. How about an decent, experience pro, with no comparison to Skacel what-so-ever?

 

I'd have this mystery bloke over Lallana, who has flattered to deceive and done bugger all since September. People accuse Skacel of living off past glories and saying people only rate him because of 1 decent year. Well Lallana has stuck about 5 decent GAMEs together between his goal at West Brom and September, suddenly we shouldn't be taking less than £5m for him.

 

As far as I'm concerned, since those games he's been no different to Hammill last season. I'm not writing him off, but if someone came in with a bid anything over £1m, I'd bit their hand off.

[Ash]

As far as I'm concerned, since those games he's been no different to Hammill last season. I'm not writing him off, but if someone came in with a bid anything over £1m, I'd bit their hand off.

Good comparison and absolutely spot on.

[SaintRobbie]

Smith was shocking. Skacel too good.

[Chez]

Don't get the aminmosity towards Skacel at all.

 

can't think of another midfielder who has scored more than 4 in a season since a certain Mr Le Tissier.

 

Surman got 7 this season, he got four last and five the season before.

[Give it to Ron]

A line-up of:

 

Davis

James Saeijs Perry Surman

Lallana Gillett Wotton Holmes

McGoldrick Euell

 

subs: Forecast, Mills, Paterson, Lancashire, White

 

looks bloody good for a third tier team IMHO

 

I hope we have a team but...where is the pace in that line up?

Not one of them could get past me and I am having half a knee replaced next week!

I want us to loan/buy/beg a right back, Fish Mills for left back.

A pacey right winger and a goalscorer up front like Andy Bishop at Bury.

Sorry don't see all the fuss about Lallana and he has been abysmal for most of this season.

[Torres]

Don't get the aminmosity towards Skacel at all.

 

It's not that hard to understand. He was overpaid and underperformed.

[Chez]

I think we have a differing oppinion on what "like Skacel" implies, so I'll decline to comment. How about an decent, experience pro, with no comparison to Skacel what-so-ever?

 

I'd have this mystery bloke over Lallana, who has flattered to deceive and done bugger all since September. People accuse Skacel of living off past glories and saying people only rate him because of 1 decent year. Well Lallana has stuck about 5 decent GAMEs together between his goal at West Brom and September, suddenly we shouldn't be taking less than £5m for him.

 

As far as I'm concerned, since those games he's been no different to Hammill last season. I'm not writing him off, but if someone came in with a bid anything over £1m, I'd bit their hand off.

 

You certainly won't find me accusing Skacel of living off past glories. I don't think he was all that in his first season either. Bale was our entire left side in that season. Mind you Skacel did get those wopping 4 goals as you keep on saying (Surman got 7 this season by the way and he has been lambasted from all corners). Oh yes he also put in a few crosses that Jones and Rasiak scored from. Considering he took most free kicks and corners and we had Kenny J turning **** crosses into goals forgive me if I don't read too much into that statistic.

 

Overall Skacel has been a failure in my opinion. We signed him as a creative midfield, but what we got was a slow, unfit, diving, cheating moaner. A professional footballer that is only fit enough to last 60 minutes is a joke. "But in the play off semi he last 120 minutes" yeah with him crying with cramp after about 85 minutes, or was that him cheating again, you never could be sure if he was injured or just getting his breath back.

 

...you're not writing Lallana off, but you are happy to slate him for failing to find his form after a serious ankle injury - he did coem good in the final few games IMO. You are absolutely right to cover your arse in case the lad improves in only his SECOND full season with the club and just in case in his 22nd year he finds a little more consistency. Lallana is a rare talent, is two footed, has an unbelievable touch, vision and awareness well beyond his years. He gives everything in games and is exactly the sort of player I want to watch at SFC. He is going to be a very good player indeed.

 

Putting wages aside, if there was a choice between the two to play in the hole next season than I'd go for Lallana every time.

 

As for your idea of a mystery senior pro against Lallana I haev to ask what quality senior pro is available on a free on lowish wages that will come here? I'd advice Saints fans to cross their fingers that Lallana and Surman stay because once you start slipping down the league quality players become few and far between.

Edited 7 May, 2009 by Chez

[Burger]

One more thing.

 

The article saying that everyone apart from Skacel and Saga is 100% comitted to the cause next season is pure bull. Where was that comitment at Sheff Weds, in the crunch game against Charlton or in the first 15 minutes against Wolves?

 

They all talk big, but when it comes to actually doing something, they will either be off or stick around and be just as hopeless next season. We need a big clear out. Out of the current lot I'd keep Davis, Size, Perry, James and Gillett. Surman and Lallana have looked waaay off the boil and if selling them means we'd be able to bring in some decent experienced pros I'd be all for it.

 

The biggest issue we had this season is defence - how many times have we played well, then conceeded......so why do we want to keep 4 of the back 5? Keep going down until we find a level they can defend at? Keep James for a midfield option and Davis is a good keeper (who has played with no defence). We need to get a complete new back four that can defend.

[Arizona]

The biggest issue we had this season is defence - how many times have we played well, then conceeded......so why do we want to keep 4 of the back 5? Keep going down until we find a level they can defend at? Keep James for a midfield option and Davis is a good keeper (who has played with no defence). We need to get a complete new back four that can defend.

 

Our problems have, IMO, stemmed from failing to win at home, and a large part of that is failing to score. Only Donny have scored less at home than Saints this season.

 

The main culprit has been the midfield as a unit. They don't offer enough protection to the defence and they are absolutely hopeless going forward. Yes Surman has 7 goals and a few assists, but other than that you're looking at an average of about 1 goal and 1 assist each for the likes of Lallana, Schneiderlin, Holmes, Wotton, Gillett and Smith.

 

Overall I was happy with the back 4 and Davis as individuals. I'd rather have seen Skacel and James in midfield, but I think they did a good enough job at fullback.

 

 

You certainly won't find me accusing Skacel of living off past glories. I don't think he was all that in his first season either. Bale was our entire left side in that season. Mind you Skacel did get those wopping 4 goals as you keep on saying (Surman got 7 this season by the way and he has been lambasted from all corners). Oh yes he also put in a few crosses that Jones and Rasiak scored from. Considering he took most free kicks and corners and we had Kenny J turning **** crosses into goals forgive me if I don't read too much into that statistic.

 

Overall Skacel has been a failure in my opinion. We signed him as a creative midfield, but what we got was a slow, unfit, diving, cheating moaner. A professional footballer that is only fit enough to last 60 minutes is a joke. "But in the play off semi he last 120 minutes" yeah with him crying with cramp after about 85 minutes, or was that him cheating again, you never could be sure if he was injured or just getting his breath back.

 

...you're not writing Lallana off, but you are happy to slate him for failing to find his form after a serious ankle injury - he did coem good in the final few games IMO. You are absolutely right to cover your arse in case the lad improves in only his SECOND full season with the club and just in case in his 22nd year he finds a little more consistency. Lallana is a rare talent, is two footed, has an unbelievable touch, vision and awareness well beyond his years. He gives everything in games and is exactly the sort of player I want to watch at SFC. He is going to be a very good player indeed.

 

Putting wages aside, if there was a choice between the two to play in the hole next season than I'd go for Lallana every time.

 

As for your idea of a mystery senior pro against Lallana I haev to ask what quality senior pro is available on a free on lowish wages that will come here? I'd advice Saints fans to cross their fingers that Lallana and Surman stay because once you start slipping down the league quality players become few and far between.

 

Your first statement is just ridiculous. Bale, our entire left flank? So what, you're just ignoring the contribution Skacel made now? The bit in bold is mind bendingly stupid. I always thought you were one of the more intelligent posters, even if I didn't agree with some of your view, but that statement just takes the ****.

 

What your basically saying is setting up goals from set pieces and crosses doesn't really count. What f**king planet are you on? How would you like a winger to set up a goal? Collect the ball in his own penalty area, run the entire perimeter of the pitch, then hit a 90 yard long ball up the pitch for Rasiak to tap in? And what about the fact that nobody except him and Bale were apparently capable of setting up these 'goals which don't count because they're from crosses and set pieces'?

 

RE: Lallana, yes he may well be an exciting prospect for the future, but people don't seem to get that's not what we need. We need players who are good RIGHT NOW. We need decent, experienced pros who can get us out of this League. I get the impression a lot of people would be happy sliding out the football League completely, as long as we've got a bunch of 20 year olds who will be the next Torres, Robben, Gerrard and Puyol in 5 years time. I don't WANT Lallana to leave, but if we get a decent cash offer, I'd take it.

 

I do not know who these mystery experience pros are. All I'll say is whoever heard of Jan-Paul Saeijs or Marian Pahars, before they came here? I'll leave it to the proffesional scouts to determine who really CDAJFU.

[Chez]

Your first statement is just ridiculous. Bale, our entire left flank? So what, you're just ignoring the contribution Skacel made now? The bit in bold is mind bendingly stupid. I always thought you were one of the more intelligent posters, even if I didn't agree with some of your view, but that statement just takes the ****..

I stand by that. We could have played just about anyone in front of Bale he was that good and we would have been equally dangerous. Bale was the talent in that "partnership".

 

What your basically saying is setting up goals from set pieces and crosses doesn't really count. What f**king planet are you on?

I'm not saying that at all, I'm just trying to point out that just because Skacel "lead the assists" as you have repetitively stated it doesn't mean he had a great season. He crossed a lot of balls and we scored some goals. But he still was not all that IMO.

 

RE: Lallana, yes he may well be an exciting prospect for the future, but people don't seem to get that's not what we need. We need players who are good RIGHT NOW. We need decent, experienced pros who can get us out of this League.

 

Lallana is decent right now. He is a quality player. The finger of blame for our woeful season can be pointed to these experienced pros that quite frankly showed that experience counts for **** all if you are **** (Wotton, Perry, Holmes, Saga and Skacek).

 

I get the impression a lot of people would be happy sliding out the football League completely, as long as we've got a bunch of 20 year olds who will be the next Torres, Robben, Gerrard and Puyol in 5 years time.

no one on here wants us to slide through the leagues. What a pathetic statement to justify you **** weak arguement.

 

I do not know who these mystery experience pros are. All I'll say is whoever heard of Jan-Paul Saeijs or Marian Pahars, before they came here? I'll leave it to the proffesional scouts to determine who really CDAJFU.

our scouts are amateurs, the Smith, Pekard, Robertson, Wotton, Holmes, Gasmi, Pulis signings proe tha beyond a doubt. I'll stick with Lallana thanks as I think my own judgement of a player is better than our scouts.

[Arizona]

Your argument is inconsistent at best.

 

I still cannot believe you refuse to give Skacel ANY credit for the partnership with Bale. If Bale is that good, how come Spurs couldn't win a domestic game he played in for over a year after he joined? (Yes I know he was injured for some of it).

 

"He crossed a lot of balls and we scored some goals. But he still was not all that IMO" So why does this statement apply to Skacel but not Bale? Bale put a few crosses in and Kenny/Rasiak nodded a few of them in. Why were the goals he set up so much better than Skacel's?

 

You say Lallana is decent right now. In what way exactly? He gets the ball, runs at players a bit and...

 

Honnestly, the bloke has contributed nothing of particular value since September. Has he even scored or set up 1 goal since then? He has flattered to deceive big time. For 90% of this season, he has been no more effective than Hammill was last year. I reiterate: I'm not writing him off, he could be good, but he isn't right now and we need players who are.

 

Maybe I should rephrase the bit about sliding down the Leagues... Nobody wants it to happen, but they are willing to blindly stick to formula which has already set us on our way.

[capitalsaint]

Skacel would have been nothing without Bale. I was so excited when he came to us, after all the hype, and never saw him do anything exciting. Wasn't quick enough, wasn't fit enough, and didn't play with enough heart to make up for it. Bale looked infinitely more composed when he was on the ball. Skacel is like the girl from school that you fancied for years, only to realise one day that she was a hag all along.

[Chez]

Your argument is inconsistent at best.

 

I still cannot believe you refuse to give Skacel ANY credit for the partnership with Bale. If Bale is that good, how come Spurs couldn't win a domestic game he played in for over a year after he joined? (Yes I know he was injured for some of it).

 

"He crossed a lot of balls and we scored some goals. But he still was not all that IMO" So why does this statement apply to Skacel but not Bale? Bale put a few crosses in and Kenny/Rasiak nodded a few of them in. Why were the goals he set up so much better than Skacel's?

 

You say Lallana is decent right now. In what way exactly? He gets the ball, runs at players a bit and...

 

Honnestly, the bloke has contributed nothing of particular value since September. Has he even scored or set up 1 goal since then? He has flattered to deceive big time. For 90% of this season, he has been no more effective than Hammill was last year. I reiterate: I'm not writing him off, he could be good, but he isn't right now and we need players who are.

 

Maybe I should rephrase the bit about sliding down the Leagues... Nobody wants it to happen, but they are willing to blindly stick to formula which has already set us on our way.

 

I'd like to ignore the arguement about Spurs not winning games with Bale in the side, but it is so easy to counter I just cant resist. For starters he was absolutely fantastic at CCC level for us, he tore sides apart. I saw every single one of his games for us and he was head and shoulders above the rest of the team. But, and it is a big but, he actually now plays in hte Premiership and thats just a little tougher opposition every week. You stick Skacel in a Premiership side and see how well he does. He couldn;t get a game for WBA never mind Spurs. And another thing, a sides performance and win ratio is not dictated by one player. If you speak to Spurs fans that go to games you will know that he played fantastically well at left midfield and they thought they had got a gem when he first broke into their side. His form has dropped off (whats that another young player not quite managing to keep his form consistent) and he has struggled a little at left back, but that does nto make him a bad player.

 

As for comparing Bale performances to Skacels in that season, Bale was a left back for starters yet he got up and down the pitch (right to the byeline) all day long doing far more than Skacel. You didn't see him tire after 60 minutes. What you did see was a guy with the ability to beat a man all hands up - has Skacel ever done that??? - deliver top crosses, but also defend stoutly. I do not agree with people who say his defending was poor. I never saw anyone go past him at CCC level. Bale was critical to that side, and wiothout him we created **** all the following season. Skacel was still here I might add but he is such an average player he had no impact. In short Bale is a far far better player than Skacel. Miles better.

 

Returning to Lallana, he was our best outfield player at the start of the season. He was top notch right up to November (this September date you pluck from thjn air is total garbage. If you were at the Reading game on the 22nd November for example you will haev seen him run rings round them). I believe he got a ankle injury in December and quite obviously was carrying it for several weeks whilst still playing. When he returned his fitness levels had dropped and he struggled. We then started playignlong ball hoof ball and he never saw the bloody thing. Yes when we finally got the ball back on the deck about 5 weeks later he still did not perform but I still insist that right midfield is not his best position. He should have played where McGoldrick played.

 

When was the first or last time you saw Hammill chasing back and sliding in for a tackle. Lallana gives you that. Very few ball players offer that side of the game as well. Hammill's had two decent halves. At Scunny and at home to someone I can't remember.

 

You keep saying we need `senior pro's but you need a balance betwen young talent and old heads. Besides you offer no alternatives. I offer you Paul Wotton. Senior and ****e. Lallana is the futue of this club. If we can keep him for ten years and add a few with the same spirit AND half his talent then we might start going up the league.

 

Skacel, pah, apart from argueing with you about his ability (which is fun by the way) I've pretty much put him out of my head. When I look back in ten years time I doubt ther is one thing he did that will stick in my mind. Actually I lie, in my mind he will be remembered for his trick of conning refs that he has been fouled, usually near the corner flag because at that point he has run out of steam and or ideas.

Edited 8 May, 2009 by Chez

[Arizona]

Meh. This is going nowhere...

 

I'll just clarify my possition, then that's it from me.

 

1. Skacel WAS a good left winger. Nowhere near the messiah some idiots on here were hailing him to be before he signed, but a good player none-the-less. He easily matched any of out other midfielder's contributions and I think the goals and assists stats for that season prove it.

 

2. Bale was far better I don't disagree, but your argument that it was just Bale on his own doing everything is ridiculous IMO. Especially when Skacel quite clearly did set up a few goals. Bale was a special tallent yes, but let's compare Skacel to say Viafara or Dyer on the right wing. How many decent crosses did they ever put in? You might as well claim Claus did nothing that season because Baird was so good.

 

3. Lallana is the future. Maybe. However he isn't the present. I was at the Reading game and yes he did look good. Was there any end product? Not really. Our first goal came from ONE brilliant cross from Lloyd James, although you seem to think crosses don't. There is a difference between looking good and making a contribution. Hammill looked good last season at times. Lots of fancy step-overs and fancy dribbles...didn't deliver a decent ball all season. BTW, I got the September thing from when he last scored. 14th september when we got hammered at QPR.

 

4. I keep stating I don't know who these pros are, but I will have to trust our scouts, our manager and his various contacts to find them. We can't just stick with the same spineless shower of sh*te we had this season, minus a few out of contract players. There is nothing more I can say about that.

[NickG]

Your argument is inconsistent at best.

 

I still cannot believe you refuse to give Skacel ANY credit for the partnership with Bale. If Bale is that good, how come Spurs couldn't win a domestic game he played in for over a year after he joined? (Yes I know he was injured for some of it).

 

"He crossed a lot of balls and we scored some goals. But he still was not all that IMO" So why does this statement apply to Skacel but not Bale? Bale put a few crosses in and Kenny/Rasiak nodded a few of them in. Why were the goals he set up so much better than Skacel's?

 

You say Lallana is decent right now. In what way exactly? He gets the ball, runs at players a bit and...

 

Honnestly, the bloke has contributed nothing of particular value since September. Has he even scored or set up 1 goal since then? He has flattered to deceive big time. For 90% of this season, he has been no more effective than Hammill was last year. I reiterate: I'm not writing him off, he could be good, but he isn't right now and we need players who are.

 

Maybe I should rephrase the bit about sliding down the Leagues... Nobody wants it to happen, but they are willing to blindly stick to formula which has already set us on our way.

 

Hammill - one of the 5 worst players I have seen in 30+ years!

[Arizona]

Hammill - one of the 5 worst players I have seen in 30+ years!

 

I don't disagree. Looked good with some fancy footwork at times, but ultimately flattered to deceive. That is how I perceive Lallana for much of this season. Not nearly as bad obviously, but no telling contribution either.

[captainchris]

I think it's good news that most of the players want to stay, although we'd certainly need to rationalise Euell's and BW-P's wages.

 

I'm not as down as some on the qualities of our playing staff. I think the raw skill is there, although there have been some exampels of serious attitude problems.

 

With the right preparation, motivation and management, a team that got 45 points in the CCC, should manage 80+ points in League One.

 

I think Euell might be a good centre-forward at L1 level. I'd also say that he never seemed to lack commitment.

 

A line-up of:

 

 

Davis

James Saeijs Perry Surman

Lallana Gillett Wotton Holmes

McGoldrick Euell

 

subs: Forecast, Mills, Paterson, Lancashire, White

 

looks bloody good for a third tier team IMHO

 

Except Wotton who is by far the worst player on our books and I would not pay to watch him - no skill wots so ever.

[pilsburydoughboy]

Except Wotton who is by far the worst player on our books and I would not pay to watch him - no skill wots so ever.

 

FFS its League One Wooton will be fine.

We had a team filled with So Called Talent this season and look at the ****e we had to watch.

[Chez]

FFS its League One Wooton will be fine.

We had a team filled with So Called Talent this season and look at the ****e we had to watch.

 

and Wotton was part of that team.

 

I'm not sure if you know this but League 1 also is full of players that can control a ball, look up and pass to a team mate. Most of them can also run faster than my Gran. I seriously doubt Wotton will start to look th epart just because we haev gone down a League. He won't look worse, he will still gie everything, but I seriously doubt he will get us promoted.

[Andy_Porter]

There really isn't much difference between the Championship and League one, our current side minus Size, Davis, Saga, Skacel and Euell will struggle unless we bring in new faces to replace them. People need to realise this before the season start or they will be in for another dissapointing season.

 

Unless we get big investment in then I'll be very happy with a mid table 8th-12th type finish. People like BWP won't suddenly be able to shoot because they've dropped down a league and as Chez says Wotton won't suddenly become quicker or any better on the ball.

 

The next managerial appointment will be massive for us, a decent experienced manager and I think we should have the players left to achieve the mid table finish but at the same time a bad manager and we could get dragged into another relegation scrap easily and our players have already shown they don't have the character to win six pointers.

[Burger]

There really isn't much difference between the Championship and League one, our current side minus Size, Davis, Saga, Skacel and Euell will struggle unless we bring in new faces to replace them. People need to realise this before the season start or they will be in for another dissapointing season.

 

Unless we get big investment in then I'll be very happy with a mid table 8th-12th type finish. People like BWP won't suddenly be able to shoot because they've dropped down a league and as Chez says Wotton won't suddenly become quicker or any better on the ball.

 

The next managerial appointment will be massive for us, a decent experienced manager and I think we should have the players left to achieve the mid table finish but at the same time a bad manager and we could get dragged into another relegation scrap easily and our players have already shown they don't have the character to win six pointers.

 

Totally agree. A major overhaul of the squad is required

[Andy_Porter]

I don't disagree. Looked good with some fancy footwork at times, but ultimately flattered to deceive. That is how I perceive Lallana for much of this season. Not nearly as bad obviously, but no telling contribution either.

 

Since Christmas Lallana has been like that but before then he was one of our best players. It's easy to criticise a young player who hasn't performed this season but you have to take things into consideration. He took a while to get over his injury, was playing in a new position for a long stretch and played a long time with no real experience upfront. He's 10 times better than Hamill and has a lot more potential anyone can see that.

 

Saying that he's not as good as some people like to think, doesn't tackle or get stuck in enough and certainly doesn't control the tempo of the game at all like he should and well there where people at the forum match who can shoot better than Lallana.

 

There is alot of potential there though and he's one of the few I hope stay next year. If we played him behind a big lump of a centre forward next season he could be an important player for us.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

and Wotton was part of that team.

 

I'm not sure if you know this but League 1 also is full of players that can control a ball, look up and pass to a team mate. Most of them can also run faster than my Gran. I seriously doubt Wotton will start to look th epart just because we haev gone down a League. He won't look worse, he will still gie everything, but I seriously doubt he will get us promoted.

 

Couldn't agree more .

 

Paul Wooton was a poor/below average player in the Championship this season and he'll surly prove to be a poor player in L1 next (although I do love the guys attitude). Anyone on here thinking that L1 is going to be a walk in the park really needs to take a reality check right now - you underestimate the opposition at your peril .

 

Only the very best players we can get led by a competent manager will do next season , anything less and we could be looking at relegation again in 12 months time - I kid you not .

[Andoverian]

There really isn't much difference between the Championship and League one, our current side minus Size, Davis, Saga, Skacel and Euell will struggle unless we bring in new faces to replace them. People need to realise this before the season start or they will be in for another dissapointing season.

 

Unless we get big investment in then I'll be very happy with a mid table 8th-12th type finish. People like BWP won't suddenly be able to shoot because they've dropped down a league and as Chez says Wotton won't suddenly become quicker or any better on the ball.

 

The next managerial appointment will be massive for us, a decent experienced manager and I think we should have the players left to achieve the mid table finish but at the same time a bad manager and we could get dragged into another relegation scrap easily and our players have already shown they don't have the character to win six pointers.

 

Dead right. However if there is not major changes do you really want to pay good money to watch that lot playing next season albeit in a lower division. For the best part they are simply not good enough and will continue to struggle. Football is part of the entertainment business and you pay to be entertained.