They haven't proved to be "adequate" though have they?, we have had poor results over the last 2 seasons when we have used back up FBs. Anyway Bedders was the last RB replacement and he looked like a fish out of water.
I think almost every single one of us shares that frustration. But it's a somewhat different discussion to Valery and Vokins. Just because they happen to play in those two positions was no reason to keep them. Whether they are or aren't good enough is a independent of what alternative options to them we have (or don't have!). Sadly, I have zero confidence in us finally resolving the situation this summer. Maybe a depressed transfer market, including a number of players being out of contract, could help? But I'm really not holding my breath.
Just remembered this is match day thread. So to get back on topic (and test a few options before next season) my preferred line up would be McCarthy, KWP, Vesty, Bedders, Salisu, JWP, Jankewitz, Armstrong, Minamino, Adams, Tella Redmond, Walcott and Obafemi should all get playing time later on
I respect your opinion but I don’t share it. I think they did ok. I think our downfall during the dreaded injury strewn period was, as so often with Saints, down to individual schoolboy errors. Usually at CB but also cover from midfield.
Neither Valery nor Vokins has played much for their loan clubs, so I can`t see them coming back any better. As for tonight, I think it`ll be a 1-1 draw.
In fairness to Vokins, he caught covid and had a heart scare afterwards, just as he broke into their team. And then picked up up injury for their reserve team as he fought his way back.
This has to be the first time in my life as a saints supporter that before every game I have absolutely no hope in the team winning. Start well, maybe get the first goal then fade badly, defend poorly and go on to lose by 2 or more goals. Nailed on.
Its a step up from parking the bus I'm not sure we'd get a clean sheet if we parked the Death Star COYFS
Southampton XI: McCarthy, Walker-Peters, Vestergaard, Stephens, Bednarek, Ward-Prowse, Armstrong, Redmond, Minamino, Tella, Adams. Subs: Forster, Djenepo, Salisu, Diallo, Ramsay, Walcott, N'Lundulu, Ferry, Jankewitz.