I watched my very first Saints game in 1952 for my 6th birthday surprise. Dad was a supporter but only rarely went to the Dell due to his work commitments. I have seen us rise from the third tier twice now and this time it has felt even more special considering where we were just over three years ago. Very nearly dead and buried. This site has not been around for very long though a heck of a lot of old 606ers have come across to join the party. We have several newbies who may have arrived due to our success though they may simply be floaters who have come from other Saints related sites. I have been a moderator on two sites and also ran one albeit not very successfully considering the hours that were involved. I always found it odd that some posters seemed to get their kicks by looking for internet punch-ups and only ever banned two and they were banned more for their overly expansive use of unpleasant words than what they were saying. This season we have played two good games and two not so good. In fact against the Gooners we looked terrible. These results have brought forth a torrent of negativity which for me has been over the top. Suggestions that Adkins will soon be on his way. Davis must be the worst keeper in the league and has to be dropped. Our defence is pitiful and will see us getting relegated. Too many people shouting abuse at our own players. All too many to mention but the emphasis has been on slating the machinations of our club without serious thought or debate as to how things could be improved. I don't pretend to be a football genius but understand how easily we can be demoralized with a run of poor results. I was most affected by the way we capitulated against Arsenal. The team kept trying to attack in the same way more or less throughout although patently out of our depth. Sadly we don't get points by simply trying. Changing formation does not necessarily mean a change of outlook as we continued to get left wide open to a counter. We all know that things need to improve and hopefully they will and soon. I know things need changing but believe that even if the worst comes to the worst we will still be in a far better place than when first relegated from the Premiership. Back then we had nobody that could see and lead us forward as we have now. I will always say it as I see it and at the moment I will say that our midfield is not up to it. Our defence is not good enough and Kelvin looks extremely suspect. Even our strikers don't get away with it as they have missed far too many chances but that is something which we have seen consistently over the last three seasons. So what the hell comes next? Will Gaston be the spark to set us on fire? Do we drop Kelvin and if we do what do we do if Gazza has a stinker? Do we wave farewell to Nigel and then see the new man stumble along with what we presently have? Do we drop defenders knowing that we only have inexperienced players waiting? Do we play with 5 midfielders knowing that they are likely to push too far forward leaving gaping wide space behind them? Do we switch formation to make us a more solid outfit because of our worries about the defence? There are many options available when a season ends to improve what you have. We have gained in midfield more than anywhere which leaves us looking rather threadbare at the back. We have yet to see how good Mayuka is and how he will play. J Rod at present seems to be Rickie's replacement more than a partner in attack. Adam has been centralized this season which I have concerns about even though last season I was asking for just that. We are still waiting to see what Nigel thinks is his best eleven. Cork and Lee should be ready soon and then just maybe we will find out how our squad is really shaping up. So what do we do next? Right now I haven't a clue as I am still waiting to see our new players and what they have to offer but apart from roaring on our team on Saturday I don't see how much we can do. Abusing our own players has to be a strict no no. By all means have your say on sites like this but please then let us support the team whatever happens. Continuing to cheer them on when things go wrong may just be the one thing which instills a little more effort. Apart from anything else it will show the club that we are fully behind them and not just when we are winning.
"I will always say it as I see it and at the moment I will say that our midfield is not up to it. Our defence is not good enough and Kelvin looks extremely suspect. Even our strikers don't get away with it as they have missed far too many chances but that is something which we have seen consistently over the last three seasons." Sorry but this is rubbish! This is the Premier League and we have played three of the top 4 and scored 5 goals. Not many other teams will do that!
