Although theres no regrets about our two year stay in League One, I think by the second term it did feel like we might have out stayed our welcome somewhat. When no matter how you set the team up, on a cold Tuesday evening in winter, in front of a small crowd with bad L1 ref, you will always be up against the elements, as we found out on a few occasions. With Saturdays amazingly good result aside, it was just so refreshing to kick off on what already feels like the right platform for us & a level playing field. The team carried on the momentum of last season, & seemingly took a step up with little to no fuss. There will be some tough challenges to come, there will also be obstacles to be overcome, but I have no qualms about putting all of my faith at the door of this squad. Well done lads, proud to support you.
Really enjoyed League 1. However, we won a trophy and had a great day at Wembley in year 1 then got a great manager and stormed year 2. There was no where to go if we had to stay a third year. The team would have to repeat year two with the title the only challenge left. Enough's enough. This year presents new challenges, including maintaining our form against better sides. I want a good unspecified league position, a semi-final in the Carling Cup and a decent FA Cup run where we knock out Portsmouth, Leeds and Manchester United. I also want to win the lottery, lose 2 stone and accidently walk into the teams shower (did I say that out loud!).
For me, keeping this squad together, thats number one. I'm prepared to lose one unhappy bunny along the way, but I want us to finish high enough to just add to the spirit we have already carefully assembled. Nigel Adkins is fast becoming a favorite for me, need more bus'isms though! (Hope your shower dream works out for you Fran, but perhaps a lottery ticket will be more viable)
i know what you mean HR. And tough challenges -ipswich and leicester away, birmingham and forest at home all coming up soon. Big tests but bring em on
I know. I think I've said several times elsewhere that I can't remember when I have been so positive about a Saints side as this one. I think WGS's side that finished 8th, but at one time was 4th in the Prem left me in a continued feeling of disbelief, so I couldn't really get to grips with it. This team has pretty much been built up from scratch, with only Lallana and Davis/Bart remaining. You could add Joseph Mills to that, I suppose, and ridiculously Jack Cork as well, if you want..! Basically, not a lot of players have stayed since the dip into League One and the rebuild. So, having seen the progression, that this team has made, in leaps and bounds, the goodwill feeling has just got better and better. Occasionally, I still get the odd moment where I remember Papa Waigo and Antonio, and think how good they were for the side at crucial moments. Even Wayne Thomas and the odd other. But we've got better without them all, and now look such a cohesive unit, it's great to watch. Just had a little deja vu moment, thinking of Pardew punching the air at Wembley in the JPT, after another great goal. Despite his faults, I liked ol' Pards, but there's no doubt Nigel Adkins has moved us on. Here's to a great season.
Pardew did some good work, but he would never have stayed. We need a manager who will see the plan through. However, always be grateful for Wembley.
I have enjoyed the past 2 seasons so much; such a good feeling going into games when your heart and mind are in agreement that you have a chance of getting something from a game! I was so nervous about Saturday but thought we'd get a least a draw and so pleased with the outcome. In essence, the confidence exuded by the squad and Adkins has rubbed off on me - long may it continue.
I think I will enjoy this season in the Championship more than after we went down, as we are now on the up, with solid backing and a committed young squad. I haen't felt this good as a saints fan since thse heady days under WGS (still cant get out of my head what might have happended had Lowe dug into his pockets and backed WGS! grrrrrr). However, I am so thankful for ML, NC and NA, and during the game on saturday I couldn't help but imagine ML looking down with pride on what he had achieved.
