Absolutely bang on. Thats exactly the point I've been trying to make on our forum. Lots could happen in the next three games for all three clubs scrapping it out. The only comment I'll make regarding some of the opinions on here is this: We've won 14 of our last 16 games. We've won the last five, home and away, against Blackpool, West Ham, Leeds, Brighton and Saints. Taking that lot into account, if we are lucky (and we all need a certain amount of luck) that is an awful lot for any one team. We've been played off the park, for periods in games, just as you did last night, by several teams. But McDermotts way is to defend, contain and hit on the counter attack. You had 59% of possession last night but that doesn't bother McDermott. Its what you do with the possession that counts and McDermott sets out his game plan to ensure teams we play can't do much with it. It might not be pretty, but its worked well for us this season. That system has let us down just once in the last 16 games and that, surprisingly, was against Peterborough. Another aspect which McDermott is great at is reading what is happening as games progress. If its not working he changes it, whether it be the system he is playing or the players on the pitch, which was there for all to see last night. He introduces Le Fondre at a critical period in the game and he wins it for us. Luck? Possibly to a certain extent, but mostly our success is down to a good manager and a squad of good, hard working, players who stick to their instructions on the pitch. And I take nothing for granted, I still wouldn't predict which two teams will get automatic promotion.
I give up. Anyone who cannot see the difference between a clear cut chance and a chance is a fool. A shot from inside the box is not necessarily a clear cut chance. Anyways. I shall leave this forum for the season. too many arses have appeared over the last couple of months and its getting like the old 606
Joe You are quality You know nothing about football because you were slating our team against Reading for only playing Hoofball to Lambert You my friend are the one that needs to grow up After reading your opinion after the Reading game , my opinion is you no nothing about football. I have been a Southampton supporter since 1966 and have seen a few Hoofball teams and I have also played and managed football at a very good standard. So your comments show me you are opinionated with out understanding football.
I never said we played hoofball. You need to re-read my comments. I said that we passed it around well outside their area, but were unable to create chances because we couldn't work the ball into the box. The only chances we were able to create came from balls aimed at Lamberts head. That is just as much a compliment towards Reading's sturdy defence as it is towards our team. The only problem I had with our team in that game is that the passing game encourages our defenders to push forward and they are then caught out on the break. Which they were. Three times. Honestly I am shocked that you have been a fan since 1966 because I had assumed you were a child.
My word. After Friday, I've only just been able to face coming back on here. My weekend was sheer hell. First of all, we travelled down in the car on Friday night, me and Dad, with Boyf and his pal. All jovial, looking forward to the game, none of us feeling particularly confident, but just hoping we both do enough (long term) to go up. And then the game. I could see Boyf and his pal celebrating in the away end. Ouch. So then I had the long walk from the Kingsland to Ted's statue where we'd agreed to meet after the game. No surprises who was waiting there grinning at me. Now, I'm happy to admit I'm a bad loser. And especially against Reading. But that hurt. Really hurt. Give him his due though, he was gracious about it. But seeing him and his pal sneak little looks and doing fist pumps all the way home wasn't my idea of heaven. And with West Ham winning too, (and the circus at Wembley yesterday) my footballing weekend was one to forget. (But thank God Basingstoke won!) Now the dust has settled, and I'm really trying to summon up the confidence we had a few weeks ago. Really trying. Call me pessimistic if you will, but why do we always do things the hard way?! Oh well. Blue line and all that, onwards and upwards!
I don't need to argue with someone of your age, you are a opinionated young man who has yet to see or taste life but thinks they know it all. I hope the large amount of time you find to spend on here does not effect you'd exam results.
