Perhaps hasn't got off to the flying start we and himself may have wished for, but I think he is starting to settle and with a run in the team could hit a patch of form. It seemed like he had an impact at Millwall on Saturday, where in previous games he hasn't made to much for the team. But, with Tadanari seemingly out for Saturday (not 100% sure) and with Guly going off yesterday with a tweak to his hamstring (I think), Sharp could be well placed for a start against Doncaster. I'm torn whether that will spur him on more - against his old club - but as a professional he will know he can't let personal issues get in the way of doing his job. His Twitter bio says: Fat lad from Sheffield - and although I don't think he is 'overweight' he isn't as trim as some of the others we have in the squad. Adkins regularly highlighted that over the summer and pre-season that Lambert was in the shape of his life, and look how well that has turned out this season. Do you think that Adkins is again, trying to get Sharp into a better shape in terms of fitness and physique? I know Tadanari has done really well, but I think something to do with Sharp's fitness could be a factor? Here's hoping he gets off the mark on Saturday.
The thing is he has scored goals in this league just as is he is ! So yeh he may get even better if he was fitter but his weight hasnt stopped him scoring goals in this league.
The reason he hadn't got a chance yet is coz our team is very hard to get into. Very few players are guaranteed a starting place! Why do we need another Sharp thread? I'm going to create one every day for the next week about Iago Falque and why he should be in the team
He'll be fine. Even if he doesn't hit form this season, he'll still get a chance in the Prem. He's like Barnard but way better.
I just think it is simply a case of Tadanari settling in quicker than Billy. I obviously don't know what was in Nigel's head when they where signed but I would think that Sharp was going to be first choice to play along side or instead of Rickie (should Rickie have got injured). Tadders I would guess, was seen as more of a gamble and possibly not expected to be a regular initially, but as we know he has looked good from day one.
Tadanari offers us something different with a bit of pace. If anything happened to Lambert (wash my mouth out with soap) we would see more of Sharp. I think Sharp is more a poor man's Rickie, but over a whole season next year and after a good preseason, Sharp will get some match time.
I think Sharp is a much better footballer than quite a few posters on here seem to realise. He's just adjusting to our style.
Listening to the game last night on the radio it seemed like there were many Saints fan disappointed not to see sharp in the starting line up, me being one of them. I think if he gets a run in the team then he will be class for us....If he can score so consistently for a team like Doncaster (no disrespect to them) then in a team like ours, with so much attacking quality, he could bang in plenty of goals. I don´t think he has any fitness or personal issues so I´m hoping he gets a start this Saturday.
Totally agree look at his career as a whole and he has generally been successful Nigel knows him very well so he would hardly bring him in if he were not to be of value to us we all know there is no sentiment in pro football there is no doubt he will play apart this season and next season i for one am glad our boss invited him on the bus
I don't know why Sharp isn't playing regularly for Saints but perhaps this is no bad thing. Look at the money that Sam flashed around at the close of the January transfer window on Vaz Te and Maynard. They have been regulars since bit I wonder what kind of message that sent to the players already on the staff who had managed to keep West Ham in second for much of the season. It would appear their inclusion has backfired so far. Compare that with ourselves and Reading where new arrivals are gradually integrated (Roberts and Lee). What is particularly pleasing to see is that 7/8 of the Saints regulars have been with Saints since our rise from the foot of Division 1 in 2009. And if we evaluate Chelsea's attempts to integrate Torres into their team before his signature had dried, this failed quite spectacularly!! It is good to be patient with new signings.
That's a very good observation, you've made there. Nigel's not spoilt his settled side, whereas Allardyce has pushed his two newbies into his team, stuck with them, and West Ham have stalled. Of course they'll come good eventually, but by giving them time to find their niche in the team he may have sacrificed automatic promotion. And just imagine if they didn't win the playoffs..? I'll stick with Nigel's judgement and selections.
Hmmm. Work permit? Doesn't he have to 'feature' in a certain amount of games? Sharp is here because he IS good. OUr manager (The one who should be trusted) brought him in and WILL play him when it is the right time and the right game. Tactics may have some say over when this time is however he will play. I think for the Donny match though with the year Sharp has been through it may be a last resort if we see him from the start. More likely Lallana fills behind Lambert if no Lee or Guly available. Maybe even Puncheon behind Lambert?
The great thing about Nigel is the way that he has managed to instill a brilliant team spirit and kept all his players on the bus. He only signs players who understand that they have no automatic right to play every week, and that he will rotate the squad for tactical and other reasons, including loss of form if a player has gone off the boil. The players also know that they will get a chance and that any prima-donna behaviour wont be indulged (think Puncheon). Everyone was crying out for a striker to be signed, "in case Rickie gets injured." We sign a proven striker but he has to earn the right, and his chance will come. I don't understand the criticism of Sharp as he has had almost no time on the pitch, any more than I understand the insistence that he should play bearing in mind the position we find ourselves. It's great that we have a player of his quality onboard and his attitude seems totally professional. Southampton FC are a racehorse. If the team was managed by the "committee" on here, we would be watching a Camel. In Nigel we trust!
Further to all the comments on this item, Sharp's signing has had a massive impact as it lifted the dressing spirit after the setbacks encountered in December and January. His presence on the bench has raised the game of other players.
I'd also add to take a look at Sharp's body language... doesn't appear to be a player unhappy. His reactions when we have scored have been superb; he is one of our team for sure.
Great interview just up on Saints Player. Talks about his frustrations and stuff, for those bacteria who are begging for answers.
Adkins' interview was good also. Says he knows Billy is a top scorer but Tadanari got a chance and really impressed him from the off. Says there should be less burden on Billy now but he is a very good goalscorer and will be great for Saints, he's settling very well also. Also says his conditioning is something they've worked on. It's improved a lot Nige says.
