Mixture. The bit I really don’t like is when Saints fans turn on each other. There was a couple of flash points that didn’t go anywhere, but it’s not nice and a bit pathetic.
One of the guys I go to the football with (I won't call him a friend, because he isn't) still reels off that line every time the possibility of MP's sacking is mentioned with him in earshot. Does my head in. It's not like we're looking for someone for the next five years. Even thinking medium term is probably out of the window now. If we want to roll the dice on someone, then roll it. I'm not convinced that between now and May, it would lead to a worse outcome.
I think there's less people available now than there would have been had we acted in January. From the lack of Silva links with anyone I suspect he might be joining Everton in the summer. My thinking though is that I'm not sure anyone could do much worse really. Even if we throw someone in who isn't really upto it they may well provide a new manager bounce for a few games which could well be enough.
Look no further than Newcastle. They're grossly lacking in goalscorers, too, so what does Rafa do today? Sets them up to play a style which will result in chances that they cannot miss. Played quick individuals and got the ball forward quickly, resulting in our defenders panicking. Threw people forward with abandon on the counter because they knew that they'd have time to get back if dispossessed. Our talent level is mediocre, but is it a strike force of Dwight Gayle, Ayoze Perez and Joselu? No. Yet Rafa has coaxed more goals out of his squad than Pellegrino has out of his.
I got to the car after the game and said something to my lad for the first time. I said, “He needs to go by Monday.” It’s not all his fault, but we need a change, even if it’s just a complete gamble. Today I felt deflated and I just don’t do deflated. * Our manager, not my son
I saw that only two managers have even been appointed by the club in the bottom three with nine (or less) games left (I know that we're not currently in the bottom three) and have kept their side up. And that one of them was Di Canio... (Not that I am suggesting him. Just illustrating your point.)
I completely agree with and get what your point and I don't actually think we're too far apart in what we're saying to be honest. I'm more likely to get frustrated than outright angry but there is very rare occasions where I do get a bit angry, last I remember being Be'er Sheva. I just think that different people have different ways of venting or having a release, some people will get angry and violent, some will go and get off their head on drink and drugs and I think some use this place as a release and a place to vent their anger/frustration. Completely agree about same people btw.
No, I mean he wouldn’t be my first choice, or even in the top five, but I’m not taking “with who though?” as any kind of excuse. Much as I wasn’t in January, December or November.
Treat it as we do the match threads: each poster gets to manage until they lose, at which point a new one takes over. Which also is the prevailing strategy in Italy, come to think.
There's been issues above Manager level for 2 years. The squad has been starved of new talent because of all the financial wrangling at owner-level. Interesting that Gao has potentially bought 80% of a Championship Club for £200m. How does he feel about that? I also think MP is having his arm twisted to play 'The Southampton Way' which is pass-pass-pass despite the fact this is failing because we are lacking the players to do this. The issue for me on MP now is if we go down then will the board sack him? If so it would be better to have someone in this season and avoid another summer with the manager trying to play catch-up. If not, then he's going to need big cojones to handle the negativity at the start of next season and what effect will that have on the team? Of course if we survive by the skin of our teeth then it probably won't be much different either. I am resigned to our fate whatever. Bring on the Championship and trips to Bristol, Fulham, Brentford, QPR, Reading
I think even if we sacked him and put Davis in temporary charge we would change. I mean he might actually play 2 up front and that instantly would make us more attacking. I don't think he is 100% of the problem but the negative tactics in so many games this season has to be down to him, the knock on effect from them has meant lots of dropped points and poor results which in turn has led to a lack of confidence building in the side.
