So much this. Kinda feeling like I might tell the others the thing I was working on. Am happy to let that go now.
It's funny you say that DTLW I've felt really disengaged with Saints for some time now, having watched the lads home and away during the ups and the downs over many seasons it wasn't the results, or even the style of play that made me feel this way. But I suddenly feel a bit rejuvenated by this appointment, so win,draw or lose lets get behind this fella and hope he digs in for the long term?
I can tell you're happy Reading reports on RH, he employed in his system - of which the pressing was enthusiastically described as 'manic and ad-hoc' - a midfielder (Diego Demme) to sit deep read and break up play and feed Kampl and Keita (possibly Hojbjerg and Lemina in our set up). In his first and most sucessful season he employed an unorthodox 4-2-2-2, massively relying on speedy wingbacks for width. The second season they switched formation and bought in an array of wide-midfielders, to slighlty less success. Maybe there's a chance for Romeu, to reinvigorate himself in the Demme role? RH apparently likes fast and agile players, so will have cut his cloth accordingly with the players avaiable. Could it be, if Rom is accommodated (well his lack of pace) that JWP yet again unfortunately falls short what the manager requires, as pace in the team is key?
I'd expect Romeu to get a shot. We could really use a Wanyama, though; he was a huge part of the efficacy of our press under Poch, because he was relied on for a lot of open-field tackles (not always Romeu's forte), and often found himself in what was effectively the sweeper role in a back three against teams that were playing two up top, thus allowing us to avoid getting 2v2'd at the back too often by simple long balls.
In the next home game programme notes there will be a bit saying the fans have to start yodeling the songs.
Personally I wasn’t surprised to see Romeu disappear into the background. I always found his play a bit limited. Similar to wannyama for us he was good for disrupting attacks but his distribution wasn’t good, couldn’t run, couldn’t score. I could see JWP having a bigger role as his passing and play is more dynamic. I know a lot are frustrated by his development but I rate him. The ball can travel much faster than a player can after all, pace not vital in the midfield.
When lemina turns up as he did on Saturday against pogba he puts Romeu and wanyama to shame. He was immense against utd I thought. Does what those other two do but can run at the oppo, shoot and pick out a pass. Problem is, 3 games in two seasons isn’t enough. Want to see him doing that every week.
Ha, I did but I never realised I was put up on the big screen. I was looking pretty flush going by the length of that horn. Must have drunk a few litres of water.
(checks site for early moning announcement for the 15th time and looks away in disbelief.... clearly, this is just Les Reed f*cking with us.....)
The general view is that Ralph is lucky to start with Cardiff....the drawback is that this must be the one game where we are expecting a win....that's what happens when fans get their mojo back. Just as I had learned to expect nuffin.
Nah...They needed three to get it right......Where as the Aussies would've only needed the one didgeridoo......
Whose expecting us to win, I'm not for definite? I want us to, we need to, certainly dont expect to though