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Comment | Southampton V Queens Park Rangers The Preview
at 14:02:06
Sorry to say but Cameron Bragg doesn't give me confidence that he's sharp enough yet. Hopefully I'm wrong and he can step up but he hasn't looked convincing under pressure.
Dobbin, whilst not spectacular, does score goals so it makes sense to give him more game time. Mabuma starting would entail every other player creating passes to suit rather than knowing where to find Dobbin.
Essentially, only make changes to the line up if necessitated by injury or form. |
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Comment | Southampton Looking To Extend Tonda Eckert's Contract
at 11:01:18
I'm certainly not going to disagree with you Nick but it's only a few months back when posters were stating that, following the Middlesbrough faux outrage, he should be sacked immediately.
Now that the trial by social media has moved on to find another hapless victim I certainly hope that Tonda will sign a new contract very soon.
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Comment | Can Southampton Get Automatic Promotion Even With The Points Deduction
at 10:51:11
At the end of the season if we're ten points clear of the team in third place with three matches remaining I'll probably relax a bit.
Personally I'd prefer not to continuously discuss the points deduction which is now irrelevant. I suppose the EFL could find that their action was excessive and reinstate the points lost but my gut feeling indicates that is an unlikely scenario. |
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Comment | Southampton At West Ham The Preview
at 17:12:06
I think I'm correct in saying that Ross Stewart has managed to play just over thirty minutes for Swansea this season having been on the treatment table since August. So, in all probability, he wouldn't have replaced Larin at West Ham and is still an injury liability.
Hopefully the squad have been working on a shape that will support Dobbin's strengths because he deserves the opportunity to play and is a capable goal scorer. His work rate is good and he knows how to defend as well, certainly my choice to start. |
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Comment | Southampton V Bolton Wanderers The Verdict
at 12:59:58
Admittedly not a good performance but with so many players out of sync a realistic, if disappointing, result.
Hopefully Flynn Downes will be fit to play this week because he's become an essential component of the midfield. Fellows, Bragg and Edozie are frustrating because their development seems to have run out of steam.
Whilst none of the alternatives to Larin have been inspiring I feel that confidence is a significant factor in their poor productivity.
Mubama either has to step up voluntarily or Tonda needs to clarify to him why he gets paid each week. If Mubama's not capable then Dobbin has already proved in pre season that he can score goals and has done so for other clubs at this level. He's been overshadowed by Larin and not had much game time but there's a decent finisher waiting for an opportunity.
Considering that neither Fellows nor Edozie have contributed much then surely Dobbin should be backed to prove himself. |
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Comment | Southampton At Norwich City The Preview
at 11:34:36
If you want to rest Larin and play Mubama fair enough, I think he has good potential and needs decent game time. From what I've seen he looks as though he would be most effective running on to the ball rather than holding it up.
My choice would be to have four in the midfield, adding in Jander, alongside Azaz, to feed the front runners. With Scienza free to switch wings the Norwich defence could be pulled apart.
Provided he is fit Jander is wasted sitting on the bench, more quality than Matsuki or Fellows who give options later in the game when changes are required.
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Comment | Southampton V Portsmouth The Verdict
at 15:21:15
Loads of talking points, already well covered elsewhere, but getting Caspar Jander fit and back on the pitch strikes me as being the equivalent of a new signing. He is such a massive influence on matches that I firmly believe we will now steadily climb into the automatic promotion spots.
Apart from that, I admit that seeing Captain Jack on the team sheet induced some anxiety, but he was rock solid in defence and kept his focus on the fundamentals of defending.
As for the Azaz challenge all I can say is, Mark Dennis will be very proud of you mate. |
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Comment | Southampton At Birmingham City The Verdict
at 15:41:45
Lot's of valid criticism but in respect of their goal the cross appeared to be undefendable. Credit to the scorer who got between the defenders and timed his movement perfectly?
Before pressing doom and gloom buttons let's not forget how we started last season. In my view that was worse than the four point deduction.
Also, in respect of the forward line, Stewart wasn't available until late in the campaign and there is the opportunity to bolster the the attack in January if required.
I agree with davidargyll that JWP looks like an absolute bargain, despite my initial misgivings.
Whilst we are not firing on all cylinders there is a long, long slog until the end of the season and no alarm bells need ringing just yet. That said I'm hoping Peretz isn't, understandably, distracted by Ramsdale's presence in the squad.
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Comment | The Prodigal Son Returns
at 13:53:27
I'm not sure that Johannes Spors is in tune with a number of supporters, but it is what it is.
Personally, I've got mixed feelings because I can't see how JWP is going to slot into the current midfield set up. That said, if he can do a job, welcome back.
I sense that there are still a few loans and transfers in the pipeline so I'm happy to await the full picture to pan out.
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Comment | Saints Linked With Second Central Defensive Signing Of the Week
at 10:53:43
We certainly have a few players to offer Viking FK on loan. I say on loan because I suspect that wage deals in Norway preclude any of our under performers making a permanent move.
Me getting interested in a player predominantly from the Norwegian second and third tier sums up my view of Captain Jack's recent showing. I sense that Peretz is losing form because he can't predict what the outfield players might cock up next. |
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Comment | Southampton V Stoke City The Preview
at 11:06:14
The "form is temporary class is permanent" adage applies to Captain Jack. I was signing his praises at the end of last season and I only hope that he can redeem himself against Stoke. Why any experienced player would hoof the ball into space behind the defence is beyond my comprehension.
I can't see any reason to pick Ramsdale, a highly paid individual too keen to jump ship and sit on the bench at Newcastle rather than play for the team. As there appear to be scant offers for Ramsdale's services why would you choose to humiliate Peretz who made some good saves at Watford?
The current squad is good enough to get back on the winning track but I got the impression last week that one or two players might have been unsettled by agent influences. It might take another couple of weeks to get into the positive mentality of last season. |
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Comment | Fulham Confirm Signing Of Southampton Midfielder
at 11:53:49
Sensible move for his development, so I hope there's a sell on clause after he's upped his value at Fulham.
Thankfully we, currently, have plenty of options in midfield and Cam Bragg is looking like a first team regular. If the club can keep Caspar Jander and Finn Azaz then there is depth and quality to build the team around. |
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Comment | Colchester Cup Game Could See Southampton Get Serious
at 10:47:50
Weeks of uncertainty ahead so, for me, difficult to feel anything but apprehension.
Will the FA come to a decision about whatever sanctions they intend to impose on our manager? They seem to have a system whereby every action has response dates for the accused and an open ended time frame for making their own conclusions on the outcome.
The extended transfer window which, inevitably, means supporters have no idea if the players selected in August will be with the same club in September. I know that applies to every team and players will arrive and depart but August still feels like a false start.
Maybe I'll get the buzz come kick off at Colchester but I'm not feeling it yet. |
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Comment | Ross Stewart Not Completely Out Of The Picture Says Tonda Eckert
at 11:35:17
Easy to say when you're not the player or coach but, in my view, Ross Stewart would be misguided if he didn't accept a contract at SFC.
He may well have to accept reduced wages but gains some financial security and the comfort of working with a fitness team that knows his physical limits. |
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