Match Day Thread Southampton v Sheffield United Sunday 13/12/2020 12.00pm K.O (Sky Sports main event)

We've even got fans in Brizzle despite them already having two clubs...

 

And we are going to have to be on our best for this match despite the opposition's record so far. I think we'll be ok, but with the dynamics of even a small crowd coming into the picture, it only takes a couple of mistakes for some of those present to start the SMS disease of creeping abuse which has in my view contributed to some poor results over recent years. Ralph is clearly concerned about this issue especially with Vesty, so it's not just me I think. I would say that we've all had a reason to be rightly critical of many performances but some seem to delight in getting on the backs of players then never ease off even when improvement comes.

 

And in rural Somerset, despite the draw of the mighty Yeovil Town!

 

A few good results at SMS and the fans will be fully with the team. it was getting better before lockdown but I think that a couple years of poor results and play there prior to Ralph coming had seen a negativity develop (it was always good under Ron) and the home results subsequently suffered with a crowd that lacked patience and the nervous atmosphere affected the players the longer the results were poor.
Ralph has clearly sent out the message that going backward to recycle possession is a clear part of his game plan and I just hope that fans have noticed in the period where the stands were empty and the home results improved.
Ralph has carried the players with him and I believe his popularity is helping to carry the supporters with him too.

 

Saints do have a pretty big catchment area, especially when we were the only team south of London in the top division and you only have to see how many attended the JPT final to understand that the fanbase is there.

 

There’s even some in Northampton I’ve heard... but I think that’s cobblers

 

I don’t think I’ve ever met another Saints fan apart from at matches, so I am a rare breed. You probably knew that already

 

Sole men.

 

On their uppers?

 

Well heeled.

 

And Studs? @fatletiss to confirm

 

Is it Friday night already?

 

Heart of the country, mind of a city

 

That was because of the school of excellence at Bath I think, so many people knew a kid who attended or people who worked there. I remember going into a garage in Midsomer Norton and seeing air fresheners in club crest shape. There was Arsenal, Liverpool and Saints

 

I went into Lymington today, had a look around the Saturday Market, one stall selling shirts, pullovers etc had, on the side of the stall some football themed Christmas jumpers for sale. My wife said 'you need to get one of those' I replied 'does Southampton start with a P and end in H?' 'Oh', she said, 'I just thought they were a good price and they seemed to have plenty of them!'
I gently reminded her that often the devil is in the detail

 

I think there’s probably almost as many Saints fans per head of population in my village than there is the city of Southampton!

 

Met loads at matches obviously, but met the first one away from a match in Bridport, the day after the match that we don't mention. My, how we laughed. We both were wearing Saints gear, so we weren't hiding.

 

I wonder if the home percentage win rate has increased since small crowds have returned?

 

Didnt do Brighton much good