If we are trying to sell the club to him or even if his transfer is a formality and just waiting on the work permit, then I can't see the benefit of having him train separately. He needs to feel as welcomed and part of the team asap. Plus, he needs to learn the Southampton style of play. Surely he was only training by himself to prove his fitness and then will link up with the rest of the team for normal training? While I understand the reasons for this, Adkins will be playing for the win. It's all about the winning mentality. Imagine if Adkins said: Right then Rickie's out for three games and i don't believe the rest of you are good enough without him, so we are going for a draw in this one so he only misses the one league game. Now i know Adkins would never say that, but its the sort of message that would be portrayed. It's just not going to happen! The team will probably feature a fair amount of changes, but you can bet that they will play in the same way and that means playing to win. That said, if we were to draw i would be delighted
If Guly is not fit I wouldn't be surprise to see Adkins try something new and go for a 4-3-3 formation. I think he will rest the likes of Lallana, Richardson and Cork. I would imagine Hammond and Schneiderlin will feature as they have had a rest in recent weeks. Playing with 3 in Midfield may also relieve some of the defensive responsibility for Ward-Prowse. Davis Butterfield, Martin, Hooiveld, Harding Ward-Prowse, Hammond, Schneiderlin De Ridder, Connelly, Holmes
He has to start with Bart. Never be a better chance to rebuild his confidence. Won't even be any City fans to jeer for the first 15 mins!
If we draw against Coventry when will the replay be played? i'm all for drawing and having Rickie back sooner! Adkins won't tell them to draw but he may be thinking it!
You think so? see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-14153116 If it had hit Portsmouth it would have done thousands of pounds worth of improvement!
He may well do that but personally I would stick with Davis as I have no confidence in Barts ability to ever make it at Saints. His last performance was terrible but it is not the first time he has made costly mistakes. I think his best option is to move on and try to rebuild his career somewhere else. It's a shame really because he showed a lot of promise early on in his career. I for one would find it very hard to sit through another one of his games . Maybe if Davis plays he may be able to once again master the art of catching the ball or tipping in around the post rather than straight out to an attacking player.
It's true Kelvin has looked dodgy holding on to shots recently, but in the video clip of the Brighton game it looks as though all three might have had slight deflections. It would also be nice to see our defenders closing down better or getting to the loose ball first.
Yeh in fairness I do agree with you. I think he would have been disapointed with the initial shot for the goal against Bristol City but it happens. This would be another reason for him to play against Coventry. Since he has come back from the injury he hasn't been playing up to his usual standard IMO, whether this is because he was rushed back a little sooner than planned because of the knightmare performance from Bart. I feel that the more games he plays the better he will get.
sorry but thats a silly attitude - we should be aiming to win every game, and this game is important due to the run we're on
He is able to train ok with Saints as he's in the country right now as a visitor. Just not able to play in organised professional games.
Was talking to a first team player about him on Wednesday, says he's not allowed to train with them fully until it's finalised.
