Talking of contracts...Adkins signed a 3 yr one in 2010 Anyone know if he got an extension...have it in the back of my mind that he did?
JP was absolutely lethal against QPR, it was almost a one-man band in an all-out assault on QPR at times. He was taking it past and controlling around several players. He was taking the piss. Best game he has ever had for us. Worked hard, chased, scored, hit the woodwork, nearly scored again, created... amazing game.
I haven't watched the footage of the Liverpool game, was he nullified by Scouse tactics or did he, like several others have a bad one?
Puncheon was superb v QPR. I couldn't believe what I was watching! He was a man possessed. I think he wanted to show QPR what they were missing when he was sitting on the bench!
Punch is out of contract in June and can speak to other clubs before the end of the season. I would reckon we would want to keep him, but I'm wondering if he would prefer to move on. He will obviously do his best for us whether he wants a new contract here or wants just to impress other managers. Will depend on whether he can attract interest, but I suspect he will want to take his time about a decision.
True, but he was clearly motivated for that game because he was on loan there last season and they decided not to buy him when they had the chance. That's another exception, but my point still stands. He has had some very average games this season, usually against lesser sides. thebronze14, I wouldn't call a club with an average attendance of 50,000 a small club!
Every winger is entitled to a quiet game every now and again. And if he only gets fired up against 'bigger' teams (which is absolute nonsense), then he's in the right league for it. There are no small teams in the premier league. He is one of our best players so far this season, and like everyone said he was absolutely outrageous against QPR. Now he knows what he is capable of, we will see more of it.
Puncheon now feels appreciated, is now playing for a contract or a move, and is starting to gel well with Clyne. Yes, he will have an off day or be marked out of a game, but he will be very important to us over the rest of the season. He has been a revelation. Also Clyne is settling in well...a good buy.
He's entitled to the odd quiet game of course, but there have been times this season when he hasn't looked bothered. He has either had excellent games, or terrible ones; the difference in his contribution has been so stark that the only reasonable explanation is that he is trying harder now. I didn't actually say there were "small teams" in the premier league (though in fact there are, Wigan anyone?) I questioned his application against "lesser" and "smaller" teams. An important distinction.
More important to us now with Adams injury. I really hope he gets a new contract with us, but more importantly continues to enjoy his football here. Good lad, one of the best saints turn-a-rounds in my book.
Gel... Jason and Nathaniel are practically best mates now. In fact if I was Nigel I'd get them to move in together. There's a bit of a danger that we can all talk about how great it has all been, then in six weeks it all goes wrong (remember all those articles about Steve Bould and Arsenal's defense). But I bet they have been working bloody hard on the training ground to get to where they are now.
You are right, Qwerty. A few results and I know I'm losing a bit of perspective...a couple of losses could see us back in bottom three. However, I still believe we are showing enought spirit to keep in touch and get results when we need them.
I cannot agree with some of your comments about Puncheon - i have been to 14 of the 16 league games that Saints have played thus far this season and Puncheon has consistently been our best player up to now ( along with Lallana ), and i cant remember him 'looking not bothered' in any of them. In the few games where he hasnt played so well it has been where the team as a whole hasnt played well, but i have not seen any team performance where Puncheon could have been singled out as 'not bothered' or 'terrible'.
