Really? I thought Semmens and Steele both came across as utterly out of touch, defensive arrogant twats and Ralph, yeah he was better and clearly cares but even he was getting rattled and defensive when answering.
Yep, really. They said more than I expected them to. Tbh I’m surprised they did it. It’s an absolute nightmare for them to have to field those sort of questions without alienating everyone.
Trying not to be an old grump but it reminds me of companywide meetings I've been to when things are going a bit crap. Words are cheap - let's see the actions. They can say anything they like but if nothing changes at all on the pitch the whole thing was pointless.
Its was quite interesting how it came across to me. Ralph who quite rightly has some questions to answer about the underperformance of the squad handled it all quite well and with a fair amount of charisma. Semmens who operationally has done some pretty good work and probably had less to defend felt pretty hostile towards the fans to me, particularly appearing to have a bit of a crack at fans not backing the team and this having an impact on performances, well find me a set of fans from any club, anywhere who would be happy with 5 points from 13 games. I think we are actually taking it quite well...... Of course its good that they actually do turn up to answer these questions directly, so I suppose we should be thankful for that at least.
I do wonder what fans think a club held fans forum would entail. Even if Semmens wanted to say more, or Ralph, they wouldn't out of fear of alienating people. They're going to keep things in front of them at all times.
And yet it is staggering how few saints fans seem to get this. Including those invested enough to post on saints forums (I’m thinking of the other ones - don’t think I have seen it here). Seemed to not pay attention to pre season or notice how little he has played
As I have just posted in the reply to the reply to this - it genuinely shocks me how many fans don’t know he was badly injured and has almost no match fitness
Vokins is not a premier league option and that has been the case for a while now KWP can play at left back but it would involve Valery at right back. Or maybe redmond at RWB like against Monaco in the friendly - not too different to the Djenepo situation Loaning cover is import but clearly tricky
Thanks for the snippets! Did Ralph say anything as to why Che didn’t get on the pitch then on Saturday if we aren’t selling him and Ralph loves him? From the snippets it sounded like they said specifically that we aren’t selling him to Everton. Did they say we won’t sell him this window at all?
Very good. confirmed for me what Ive seen with my own eyes, that its really difficult managing at this level. you are looking for a tiny percentage of difference in everything. recruitment, brilliance, effort, technique, tactics and mental toughness. If you dont find it we lose and sometimes lose badly and of course, finding that difference in the game after becomes even harder. Thats why we are streaky both in wins and defeats. once again I’m struck by the sense and principle in what Ralph says and it agrees with me. I really do hope he can get the new players up to speed really quickly and get back to the way he wants to play and particularly improve defensive performances. He’s not perfect, very naive to think the two front players would do a job on saturday because they scored in preseason but also not wrong. i made mention of how AdzArma was playing myself. As for Semmens. just sign someone who will get us some goals and give us some options up front. Take some pressure of the manager to find ‘solutions’.
99% of people think I really care if they meet me professionally. Spoiler- I don't. Once again people are buying into his charisma rather than his ability
Vokins is clearly seen as much further away. Remember we loaned him out that season where we only had one fullback on each side in January and were desperate
He said if you perform, you get the chance and Arma did the job in preseason, as did Aribo and Djenepo. he never mentioned Che not getting a chance so the implication there is that he hasnt been putting in a shift.
funny, so you lack integrity and therefore see a lack of integrity in others. that makes sense. im the opposite.