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Comment | Southampton Set To Appoint New Manager Ahead of Birmingham Game
at 12:08:37
It seems difficult for people to react positively to Eckert. He doesn't generate the type of enthusiasm we expect from a manager, but his results so far have proven that he is better than the run-of-the mill type caretaker and his faith in the likes of Bragg and Robinson shows that he isn't afraid to use younger talents.
He is clearly an intellectual at heart; and keen on stats. and videos which give him a good insight into opposition sides. Is he our best choice for manager?...with 4 more games to go before Christmas, the results will speak for themselves and give us all a clearer picture. One thing I am sure about ...If he doesn't get the job, there will be a queue of L1 / L2 sides looking to offer him a managerial position after the New Year.
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Comment | Southampton At Millwall The Verdict
at 15:23:24
Probably the best Millwall side in a decade, as they continued their policy of playing tough guys in MF, and a Goliath at CB, otherwise we were simply a tad short all over the pitch. Three games in a week was a bridge too far for some of our lads and although Robinson and Bragg did little wrong, they aren't up for a tough game at this level and they didn't contribute much to the overall team performance. Missing Leo Scienza tipped the balance.
One of two of our experienced players were a bit under par, and the prestige of 4 good wins was quickly lost after the final whistle.
BUT at 2-2 in the 96th minute ..says something for the effort that the team did produce and now we know a little of how Wrexham fans must have felt after the game at SMS.
The result was no reflection on Eckert and we must surely continue with him through until the New Year before making THE big decision. I don't fancy the idea of any new manager having to look back at videos of our season so far, whilst trying to learn everyone's name, and it would be a poor Christmas present for the players and staff throughout the club.
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Comment | Southampton At Millwall The Verdict
at 15:23:06
Probably the best Millwall side in a decade, as they continued their policy of playing tough guys in MF, and a Goliath at CB, otherwise we were simply a tad short all over the pitch. Three games in a week was a bridge too far for some of our lads and although Robinson and Bragg did little wrong, they aren't up for a tough game at this level and they didn't contribute much to the overall team performance. Missing Leo Scienza tipped the balance.
One of two of our experienced players were a bit under par, and the prestige of 4 good wins was quickly lost after the final whistle.
BUT at 2-2 in the 96th minute ..says something for the effort that the team did produce and now we know a little of how Wrexham fans must have felt after the game at SMS.
The result was no reflection on Eckert and we must surely continue with him through until the New Year before making THE big decision. I don't fancy the idea of any new manager having to look back at videos of our season so far, whilst trying to learn everyone's name, and it would be a poor Christmas present for the players and staff throughout the club.
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Comment | Southampton At Millwall The Preview
at 13:32:26
Downes' fairly predictable suspension has to be taken into account, but the possible chance to see Romeu (mark2) may be something to look forward to. In 7 seasons Ori amassed 66 (?) yellow cards - but never a red. Some sort of proof that he knew where the borderline was but nevertheless avoided getting two yellows in the same game.
Millwall have always fielded "tough sides" with bully boys in midfield and no apologies for their tactics. Doubtless Tonda has alternative planning with the possible absence of Leo Scienza (who to his credit has taken a lot of stick in recent games).
Will be interesting to see what starting side we begin with, and who is on the bench. |
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Comment | Southampton V Leicester City The Verdict
at 13:22:20
another record-breaking game. Eckert studies his tactics. A rare start for Quarshie, who then jostled shoulders with Vestergaard,whilst Harwood-Bellis had freedom to score twice.
Azaz finding form, Fellows and Scienza terrifying defences and Aluko won't be the last FB who struggles to stop them. After first caution he was just a red card waiting to happen.
the game was effectively won before HT, and we might have had more except that sorry Leicester parked the bus for most of the second half and we had fewer chances to score.
Whatever else happens it will be difficult to find anyone else, experienced or not, who would be likely to impress as much as Tonda has so far.
With all the talk about ..young, unknown, inexperienced managers, Tondo is impressing people everywhere and clearly the players like him, too. What's the problem?
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Comment | Southampton V Leicester City The Preview
at 16:32:58
OK ..5-1 was great, but honestly we can't expect that quite so often, but this is Leicester, and the memory of that 0-9 still sits hard amongst the bad histories, but perhaps ..just this once a REALLY good result might feel like it's some sort of revenge . COYR ! |
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Comment | If Southampton Appoint Eckert Backroom Recruitment Will Be Essential
at 15:54:23
If Eckert has found a winning formula (with the existing playing staff) whilst gaining 3 wins (2 of them away) and clocked up 10 goals in the process he must be doing something right.
Whoever he has as assistant(s) it's clear they must be people he trusts and who think alike.
I don't believe that Adam Lallana is a "problem" (far from it) but AL's career stats. would make many Prem. players cringe with envy, whilst Tonda's own lack of playing experience at any level also creates an enormous difference in footballing mindset.
Football nowadays is about tactics, formations and good use of subs. which is where many others come unstuck. A review of his chat with Adam Blackmore showed that (aside that AB always comes up with long-winded questions), Tonda was very careful in his choice of vocabulary (given that English is not his first language) and much of his success with other clubs was surely reliant on those few hundred key words and phrases that successful coaches must surely use, and one or two comments showed that he will be not totally committed to one formation - without a possible Plan B. or even Plan C - where he sees fit.
By the weekend, the team performances,(and the fans reactions) will surely give the Board a fairly good idea of how to proceed. Looking back 20-odd years, to the bad old days of the mid -00 years, 'arry Redknapp and the succession of "temps" who briefly occupied the managers office, none came near the quality of displays we've seen in the last 3 matches.
Whatever Tonda has come up with (?)...I don't care if it's written in Brallie, and translated from German ...by Saturday evening the question of his suitability may be much clearer.
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Comment | Saints Supporters Question Block Of Empty Seats At An Away Game.
at 12:34:23
a bit too much theorising to suggest that the home club were trying to restrict the number of Saints' Red Army who travel away so faithfully. They are fearsome to hear when I watch games online, they can really be heard and frequently drown out the home supporters.
The above article relating to PO Cruises (thanks for the support b.t.w.) but if they are so low on interest perhaps someone at PO could release their quota - in the last 24 hours (?) and make them available for some of our regular fans who can travel at the last minute.
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Comment | Southampton At Charlton Athletic The Verdict
at 12:21:39
Eckert really is something else. Hardly gives a smile after his team had plundered 5 goals away from home, but this is no criticism because his nature is typical of his background and analytical style. A "thinking man" who looks to cover all the bases (sorry wrong sport).
Armstrong who was MOM fro me scoring once bit might have had a hat trick, and still managed two assists. Jander and Azaz have become fearsome as midfield duo, and at last Fellows showed what wing play is all about and with young Cam Bragg did his part with calmness and a maturity beyond his years. Scienza terrifies defences and if he doesn't score he will surely win penalties in time, as there seems no way to stop him when he gets inside the box. For once - the backline did their job and left Bazunu with very little to do.
I'd like to think we could play like this every week, but this was a game that will live in memories for a long time - especially for our faithful away fans. |
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Comment | Southampton At Charlton Athletic The Preview
at 13:47:39
Although this match is a Championship game between the two clubs, it has been sidelined into a match between Nathan Jones who will want to prove Saints were wrong to sack him (although he's probably the only person who believes that )..and Tonda Eckert who will want to prove he's capable of managing a winning side on a consistent basis.
IF.. Saints had already found another replacement for Still, he would have been in place already, but something tells me that " the Board / Spors " aren't totally convinced by any of the potential candidates they may have already interviewed already.
This 3 match trail period will be a good test, Charlton (for the reasons above), Leicester for a number of historical reasons and Millwall because they are the type of rough/tough Championship side that we need to beat convincingly if we are to progress in this league.
What is good enough to get Eckert the job ?.. At least 5 points, and/or preferably 2 wins.
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Comment | Two Weeks Gone Since Still Sacking Are Southampton HedgingTheir Bets
at 17:26:11
" The Board " (who obviously rely on Spors for the final word), are likely " scared sh*tless " of making yet another mistake by appointing "who knows" as next manager. Our squad is a mismatch of square pegs signed under 4 different managers (or is it 5?) who no-one seems to combine in secure manner. In addition to which we are missing two vital players namely; a reliable goalkeeper and a decent centre forward ( I know - an old world name) but a decent striker who can battle defences and still score goals.
None of the names so far quoted are " certs" otherwise he would be filling his desk drawers at Staplewood. Thankfully, no second chance for Hasenhuttl or Martin.
Sadly, Gary O'Neil is disqualified from the start (not his fault), and most of the others are
not interested and don't want to have their name linked with a struggling Championship side, or are merely waiting for the next Prem. manager to get the push.
There is nothing to say we MUST appoint a permanent man before the weekend, or even the end of the month / year. The fact that Eckert has achieved a feat that few others have managed (two wins on the trot) maybe luck, but has the advantage over "others" in that he has been with the club for a while and long enough to recognise the majority of players by sight, and doesn't need a taxi, or GPS to find his way to "the workplace" (Staplewood).
I'd give him a more time to prove his worth, and not have to be compared to Selles or Rusk meanwhile allowing "The Board" a longer time to make that vital decision. |
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Comment | Tonda Eckert Hits The Top Spot In Bookies Favourites List
at 14:42:28
Clubs may go bankrupt, but "Bookies" never do. Whatever else - they will be "winners " provided that Saints don't hire some experienced "long shot" who doesn't mind managing a Championship side who have already had half-a dozen managers in the last few years.
Failure doesn't look like a good recommendation on anyone's CV.
Eckert has already gained an "impressive record" of getting two wins on the trot, and with our young Academy talents queueing up to get in the first team squad we might just see a turnaround in fortunes. With everyone grasping at names of unemployed managers like someone trying to catch flies, we might already have found the best candidate in Tondo.
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Comment | Southampton V Sheffield Wednesday The Verdict
at 09:37:03
Not a lot to add to those comments (above). Two goals in the first 20 mins. was enough to ease many nerves, but absolute chaos for Wednesday's goal. Still findmyself unconvinced about Bazunu as a long-term option. The Man U. loan lad (scored their goal) is one to remember if / when MU decide to release him. I thought he was their best player (along with Bannen) as he continually turned up all over the pitch.
When fitness and form come together, we will have a fearsome midfield with; Azaz, Jander, Fellows and Charles, and even the prospect of a returning JWP. Goals for Jander and Azaz got the monkeys off their backs, and Adam's goal was a real masterpiece considering the chances he's wasted in recent games.
The managerial appointment is still a wide-open questions amongst fans, but it will be Spors who will make the final decision. Eckert seems to have a real footballing brain but still sounds a bit restrained in English language interviews, (but he's streets better than Pochettino, Puel and one or two others in that area). However, he has the courage to select the likes of young Williams when their was more experience on the bench.
Two very welcome wins don't give any real chance to review his methodology, but he does know the club - and the player's names- so he can't be worse than some of the previous managerial choices in the last few years. |
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Comment | Time For Sport Republic To Rip Up The Manager Blueprint And Appoint Experience
at 09:26:29
A lot of valid points (Nick) but I'm not so sure that we can find such a person in the short time available. A lot of water under the bridge since McMenemy's time, (remembering he inherited Ted Bates team - who were 4th in the Prem. - to relegation in the same season).
Club owners were more pragmatic in those times, and it's interesting to note that having 3 managers in a season is not an uncommon event for many clubs nowadays.
Everyone wants success and they want it ..yesterday. The list of "successful managers" is often based on their prestige with one club over a short period, and no decent manager wants a list of relegated clubs on his CV, however those who don't mind just as mercenary as those players who move from club to club without gaining any real achievement.
In the end, you can only appoint someone who applies or, is willing to come to the club.
With the memory of Selles and Rusk's short sojourns as manager still fresh in our minds, the obvious question is, can "another U21 coach" (like Eckert), break the pattern and make a success of lifting the club's fortunes. The X factor is can someone like TE (who has at least learned the names of all the players, and can find his way to Staplewood without a GPS) ..lift us from the basement of THIS league considering our overloaded playing staff looks like a long list of "square pegs" who can't even field a team between them and is capable of winning two games on the trot.
Aside only from the certain promise of compensation for impending failure, any new manager has only one factor to consider, namely - should I buy a house now, or continue living in the hotel until things play out - one way or another.
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Comment | Southampton At Queens Park Rangers The Verdict
at 12:33:49
At last.. not altogether convincing but considering the players who weren't available - it was a welcome and deserved 3 points. We still don't have the right balance in midfield and that will be another headache for the " next manager " whenever he arrives.
Two good goals. Jay working a good move with Adam A. and then a very serious message from Leo, and the hope that we will expect more of the same during the season.
Armstrong is still our only experienced striker, and when he isn't on form, we usually end up with a blank sheet. After our SECOND goal (oh that sounds good - I'll say it again) the first subs. came on and we had a change of formation and "parked the bus" only to concede yet another "silly goal " and then defend for dear life for the remaining 20 mins.
If we can't do a real job on "Wednesday" at the weekend the new manager will have two weeks to botch together another starting side - as soon as he learns all their names.
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Comment | Southampton At Queens Park Rangers The Preview
at 16:19:59
I prefer a defence that doesn't depend on THB and Capt. Jack (who still haven't recovered their confidence from last seasons debacle). Individual mistakes have cost us in almost every game, but as long as I've been watching football you win games by scoring one goal more than the opposition. Sadly we have no striker(s) capable of scoring on a regular basis and losing (by a single goal margin) or even drawing - when we should have won has become endemic for this squad and they seem to start games with a losing mentality.
Why not try a new CF every game until we find someone who can put the ball in the net.
I don't care where you find him..one of our defenders, a kid from the Academy - just do it !
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Comment | First Link Of The January Transfer Window For Southampton
at 13:02:23
Almost everyone (above) has made the same points. What is the reasoning behind buying YET another winger, when there is no big striker to capitalise on the crosses they provide.
Every fan has the same complaint...where are the new strikers?. We had the nightmare period trying to play Onuachu, yet had no wingers to supply him. After returning to Turkey ..he is back to scoring for fun. Where the sense in that?.
Now we seem overloaded with wingers, but have no genuine striker to take advantage.
It took ages to get Ross Stewart fit, and for a couple of games it looked like we'd found one. Archer is almost invisible when he plays up front, and clearly Damion Downs has a lot to learn about English football. Adam Armstrong is the only player with a proven record in this league, but he failed miserably against Blackburn and has not even rediscovered his old " Championship goalscoring form ", as is not a patch on " his former self ".
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Comment | Oriol Romeu Set To Return To Southampton As A Free Agent
at 16:06:58
May not be the same standard as before, but still a better bet than others in that role.
If the rumours of a return for JWP is also on the cards(?)..it would give us a reprise of the best MF pair we've had in the last... 8 years. |
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Comment | Southampton V Preston North End The Will Still Obituary Verdict
at 09:51:21
Inevitable? ..maybe, but I think it's tough on Will but just highlights the standard required - even in the Championship - let alone Prem. League. Also shows the difference in the European Leagues where only clubs who qualify for Euro games have any real quality.
Football managers need to be thick-skinned and realise that even half-a-dozen bad results means alarm bells ring, and Club owners and fans start to get restless. Here I think that, regardless of tactics, the psychological effect of " failure" finally got to Will, who is still young in the sport and has players in his generation, whilst young players are still finding their feet in a squad still suffering the effects of last season's deplorable performances.
REPLACEMENT ? . Someone who knows the club might help. Not Lallala who will certainly make a good manager sometime in the future. Hasenhuttl ?...maybe, but he is closing on 60 and not likely to be so active on the training pitch with the squad, and doesn't have a recognised striker to fit his formation. Russell Martin ? - putting aside his promotion in a year - when no team was good enough to stay up in the Prem. his "successful" formation with 60+% possession and only half-a-dozen creative attacks every game worked better than my sleeping pills. Quite simply, with all the incoming players since Hasenhuttl's time, the club has continually failed miserably to find a good striker good enough to replace Ings.
I don't envy whoever gets the task, as the new man will also be without many of his best players for another 6-8 weeks and an uncertain transfer window on the horizon. One can hope he doesn't directly revert to the " old guard " who were so poor last season.
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