Shame we only have eight games to fight in, but very pleased it has happened. Now, I don't dread the last thing I think about before sleep is football. This Sunday feels like it will be a special day, how it should feel. Had we not made the change, sadly it really wouldn't of. If the players are half as excited as me, we will have no trouble achieving our targets!
He is hiding out the back somewhere, he will be back out to lap up the praise if we start doing well again
Not joining an enemy club, I hope. Mind you, that is practically all the EPL if you include clubs that have pissed us off, clubs claiming to be derby matches, clubs who are rivals, or Manchester United. Arsenal was practically the only one left we could vaguely tolerate.
And yes, moving clubs. Still in the Prem, so Saints need to hurry up and survive so I can see a couple of games.
I was an Arsenal fan starting from the arrival of Super Mac (because it was my ex's team). I stayed an Arsenal fan until I saw the light and fell in real love with Southampton (curses!!!).
https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/47740/ Ugly Inside saying that, although not being a fans' choice before being appointed, many fans are now coming round to the idea that Hughes may be what we need. Also mentions an important goal scored by MH v Blackburn in our great escape season.....strange how I had forgotten he was here then.
has a manager ever secured a Wembley appearence in their first game in charge? (tempting fate there - maybe i should shut up)!
Bit of a dream for a manager to come in at the quarter final stage, especially v a League 1 team (though not assuming a win....touch wood). He can look at the team without losing precious EPL points. And because he replaces an unpopular manager, the fans will be on his side. Of course if we play exactly as before and don't seriously push for a win..................
I have sent him my bloody big stick and I hope uses it on the idle buggers. Why is it everyone under thirty is aspirational but dead ****ing lazy.
Welcome back, Mark. Pod lwc!! (I know, I know, he doesn't speak Welsh but I've been desperate for a Welsh connection with Saints for years!)
Hughes' first presser - key notes from Sky*: (* Sky did cut away while he was mid-flow) - No proper discussions about his future beyond the end of the season - Obviously if things go well for both parties then there will likely be a conversation about that - Good group here, talented players - Lack of direction, the players need more direction and drive - Some people commented on the intensity of training - He was surprised that the intensity of his work has surprised the players, but it's how it's going to be now - We need to be more intense in matches too - His only focus is on making sure we stay in the Premier League - He is going to take the FA Cup match seriously - We just need to bring out the best elements of our players - We need to make our attacking play more effective - We need better movement and creativity in the final third - The team need to understand where to put the ball, where to attack, how many more people need to attack - That is my focus for this weekend, I want to see us creating chances to win the game - In the league, draws and losses are not good enough - We must win the league games, not focus on trying to take a point
Here's the rest, courtesy of Facebook LIVE: - There's an argument for saying that players now have a fresh start - Any grievances people had with the past manager should now be forgotten - Let's start afresh and see if people take their opportunities - As an opposition manager I know a lot about the place I've come to - The key for us now is that if you perform well, you will be keeping the shirt - The standard needs to be higher if you want to keep the shirt though, it's not been good enough - The fans are going to be massive for us now - Over 4,000 at Wigan is massive support, we need to show the fans and give them something to grasp onto for the rest of the season - We want to change how they feel - I've been speaking to Charlie Austin, he's not going to be involved this weekend - We think we can get him involved for short periods next week - He could get some game time if things go well - He is encouraged and we will look at speeding up his progress - But I do not want to put too much pressure on Charlie, but if we can get him ready for West Ham that's great - There is no right or wrong way now - The only way for us is to win these football matches - I can only judge the guys on what I see in training - I am pleased with them - You always feel apprehensive in scenarios like these when you come in - But I haven't seen fragmented groups, lack of confidence or lack of belief in ability - Now we can focus on work - I don't have the luxury of a bit more time to build relationships and slowly grow things - We're in a situation where I have to and will step on people's toes - We don't have time to waste - If I upset people along the way, then they will have to accept it - All I care about is that when we look back on this period, we view it as a success and the club is safe - I do like the energy here, everybody is pushing in the right direction, but it must continue until the season ends - The cup can be a real positive influence and give us confidence and momentum - I do not see a game against Wigan as a hindrance, this is a positive for us
