Don't know if we're planning a match thread for Tuesday, but below is the U23 line up which lost up at Sunderland today. Stephens, Reed, Isgrove & McQueen all missing. Will be interesting to see if they're loaned or sold in the next few days Hesketh, Lewis & Barnes also absent. Wonder if players like Bertrand, Cuco or Jay will feature in the upcoming match as over age players
Les Reed has said he wants the academy to play 4-3-3. The purpose of this is because he feels that a 4-3-3 develops well-rounded players who then have the skills to play any formation. So there is no requirement that Saints play the same formation as the Academy. Or that the either Saints or the Academy play 4-2-3-1. And in fact 4-1-2-1-2 much closer to 4-3-3 than 4-2-3-1. If you can play 4-3-3, you can play the diamond. The diamond is just 4-3-3 that gets stretched out a bit in transition. Just thought this should be pointed out to everyone whining about Puel not fitting their misconceived and really rather stupid notions about the "Southampton Way."
I thought the Southampton way was more about principles within the club, using the Academy, and not being affected by changes in personnel i.e. we march on. Never considered it meant a fixed formation for the team....that would hamstring any new manager.
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/sa..._Saints_youngsters_have_great_chance/?ref=rss Targett sees the Checkatrade Trophy as a good chance for youngsters to get experience against more physical opposition without being loaned out. However, some players can be over 21, so also a chance for some players not on international duty to play. Wonder if we'll do that or stick with the kids....would be a shame to rob them of an opportunity.
Probably good to mix it up, more of an opportunity to be had if we progress to the next round rather than get knocked out on inexperience.
Anyone know what sort of lineup to expect tonight? Will three 'big names' be involved e.g. JRod, Clasie, Gardos, Romeu, Austin could all be involved. Alex McCarthy as GK maybe too? Or will it just be acadamy boys who aren't on any sort of international duty?
In two minds, I think its wrong that an U23 team could take a lower league place at the final, but on the other hand L1 clubs should not really be loosing to youth teams
When is Sims going to be making the step up to the first team? He was the next big thing a while ago, now it seems Hesketh is most promising.
