Don't get me even started on listening to the radio. By the sound of it the opposition are always less than a yard from our goal line! Still, nice to know I'm not completely alone. I thought you would all be watching without a care in the world.
Having had many, many years of Saints failing for any number of explicable or inexplicable reasons, it's really difficult to shed the anxiety that comes just watching from the sidelines, but it's happening. Nowadays, it's been even worse having to work, or be available, while the radio commentary rises and falls in tempo and excitement. Sometimes I'm so far away from the set, all I can hear is a vague ebb and flow of the game, and that's terrible, as I can't concentrate on what I'm doing. Better to have the thing off. If I was in this position just a few seasons back, I'd cross my fingers, turn off the radio and get back to work. While I was away the opposition would score or the situation would invariably worsen for Saints. Now, if I have to do the same, when I come back, Saints have either completely turned a game around or have pushed further into the lead. Whatever I do, listen or not listen, the Lads have my confidence they are up to the task. And I'm not sure I can remember when I last felt that way.
I do have more confidence than I used to have, because I know we can score. I also have faith that Adkins can change things, but the defence scare me. There's too much pinging around of the ball for me. I would also be more relaxed if we only had had a reasonable start, because I'm sure we'll never flirt with relegation. However, being one of the leaders gives us something to lose. Illogical I know, but when has logic ever had anything to do with supporting Saints.
I love it, every game I've ever been to, with the exception of Wycombe away in 09-10 (the 0-0) I do get the massive sense of worrying about the game, but there is so much excitement I don't really think about it. But the thing I really love is the atmosphere.
The defence scare me also. We're scoring plenty at the moment, and can outscore people (except that game against Leicester) but what happens if/when the goals dry up? We're bound to get a rocky period (it would be unlike Saints not to). Still, I think Nigel Adkins is doing a great job and he can sort things out as and when needed. He's the first manager since Gordon Strachan I've had confidence in, even more so.
Haven't got to many games in the last two years but ever since I started going, I've spent the full 90 minutes in nervous silence (apart from the mandatory goal celebrations or referee chastising). The same is true of televised games. It just gets to me because it means so much to me. My Mrs says that it's the only thing that shuts me up!
It is quite interesting to visit this thread after looking at the other one regarding the worst Saints players since we left the premiership. I had forgotten about many of the players such as Mario Licka and whilst I would disgree about the negativity regarding Lloyd James, it is staggering just how many of the footballers mentioned failed to leave a lasting impression on me. I can recollect many of the players who featured during the period 1975 through to 2004 but there can hardly ever have been a period when so many mediocre players featured in a red and white striped jersey. This brings me back to this thread. Ever since the Swiss owners started to run the club in a manner which is moe in keeping with the Southampton of old and particualrly with Nigel has been managing us, I really enjoy going to the football. I think we are a far more entertaining team to watch and the likes of Lallana, Lambert and Fonte seem to exhibit the finisse of the old days. Whilst I was initially shocked by playing First Division football, the two seasons we soent down there were entertaining and the quality of football not as bad as I had expected. It was also great to see teams I had never seen play at either St. Marys or The Dell before. I think we have had a squad for the last two and a bit seasons which reminds me very much of McMenemy's old squads. So, to answer the initial question, I am enjoying my football perhaps more than at any time since Hoddle was briefly in charge. Can't understand how any Saints can grumble with what we have been served up with over the last two seasons.
I did enjoy the 2 years in League 1, I love our style of play going forward, but I just wish I was more confident in the defence. Having said that, I think my problem is more to do with me than with the team.
It's a rollercoaster ride and I don't want to ever get off. Right now it's perfect, I don't really care the division we're in as long as we're competitive and we're certainly that. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I think after all the heartache of the double relegation and administration we're on the march Together as one!
It will never get better i'm afraid. As much as it would be nice we're not the harlem globetrotters and other teams want to score. I don't think i have ever been comfortable with a defence, but it's great to see them chucking themselves in for blocks and tackles. You have to fight and scrap as well as play football
I notice several of the wrist-slitters on TSF on already harping on about what Nicola Cortese will do if/when Saints get to The Premiership. They're talking about what kind of people tend to buy solvent clubs, and that generally they are the foolish who'll buy anything. The thread pays no heed to the fact that Cortese says he's here for the long term and isn't selling SFC. That already, there has been an adjustment to the current 5 year plan, and that a further one is ready to be put into place. It takes no account of the investment that is going into the club, so that Cortese and the Liebherr family can reap enjoyment, as well as a long term return in their investment. I mean, let's face it, they don't need the dosh, in the slightest, so really they're getting into the dream alongside Cortese. I can see Saints being in the same hands for years and years. And the wrist-slitters can't see it because they have grown up with instability. It actually makes me wonder whether they enjoy watching Saints, because they are already trying to foresee some sort of disaster.
I enjoy it when we win convincingly but games like last week were excruciatingly tense to watch. To the neutral it must've been great but I only enjoy those games on the final whistle. Can't wait for the next fixture to come along every week though. Listening to away games on the radio is horrible also as you don't know if the opposition are as close to scoring as they make out.
The radio is a nightmare, but all I have (apart from player) until I visit parents in Soton, and some London games (easier to get to from where I am) which are (I think) mostly next year. Was most annoyed when Birmingham game wasn't on the tv! However, the dread that used to be felt when we conceded a goal is not quite as bad as it used to be because of the belief of the side at the moment, even on the radio.
I love going to watch Saints play. I do think I watch the games with mega critical eyes though. I remember taking my Geordie mate to Walsall away last season (nil 1 loss) and I gave the boys a battering on the way home until my mate pointed out that we had had about 20 chances which was enough to win three games. Sometimes it's hard to be objective at a live game because we are all so desperate for them to win. I consider myself a football purist (pass, pass and more passing) but if we're one up with 5 to go I can't help wish we'd stick the ball half way down the river Itchen!
Was happy at 3 nil..feeling relaxed and confident. Then they scored with oodles of time left. Thank goodness Adkins knows what he's doing and put on Chaplow..the man is a genius. Even I relax at 4.1. Great game and we're looking good.
Think it's the old thinking for a Saints fan..we ought to know by now that under Adkins we don't leak goals.
