Le Tiss: Saints need defensive back-up (From Daily Echo)

We just spent £2m on yoshida? and hes grown into the league as well as fonte has so this rather contradictory theyre either both good enough or neither are but theres no question we need signings in defence!

Yoshida as signing was a bit confusing for me. We signed him from a struggling Dutch side VVV- Venlo, so I think the step has been a radical for everyone, including our new signings.

Defence is key obviously, Hooiveld has had a tough time, Fonte and Yoshida have formed a partnership now after a rough patch, Shaw has been fantastic and Clyne has been great aswell. The real change is obviously formation, with Cork playing infront of the back four, with Schneiderlin being the centre mid, freeing up four attacking players, usually Puncheon, Ramirez, Lambert and Lallana, with Jrod and Mayuka availble to come on.

We need to improve on that formula if possible, defensive cover, I'd say two more defenders to boost the squad, now that Seaborne's loan is extended at Charlton. Or we could buy one and recall Aaron Martin from Palace, who was very good last season.

We need another dedicated wing player, Jermaine Lens? who knows, we need a bit more pace out wide.

As for Goalkeeping, we seem to be linked with various goalkeepers, Green, Robinson, Friedl etc now as far as I'm concerned Gazzaniga has done a fairly good job, despite some mistakes, Boruc has had a shaky start for Saints, putting the bottle throwing incident behind him and Davis has had a tough time, but has been excellent in terms of waiting for a chance and did well when he came on.

So, that's my opinion. We don't need a striker, I think we're the second highest goal scorers in the bottom half.

AaronLeeSaint wrote:
Yoshida as signing was a bit confusing for me. We signed him from a struggling Dutch side VVV- Venlo, so I think the step has been a radical for everyone, including our new signings.

Defence is key obviously, Hooiveld has had a tough time, Fonte and Yoshida have formed a partnership now after a rough patch, Shaw has been fantastic and Clyne has been great aswell. The real change is obviously formation, with Cork playing infront of the back four, with Schneiderlin being the centre mid, freeing up four attacking players, usually Puncheon, Ramirez, Lambert and Lallana, with Jrod and Mayuka availble to come on.

We need to improve on that formula if possible, defensive cover, I'd say two more defenders to boost the squad, now that Seaborne's loan is extended at Charlton. Or we could buy one and recall Aaron Martin from Palace, who was very good last season.

We need another dedicated wing player, Jermaine Lens? who knows, we need a bit more pace out wide.

As for Goalkeeping, we seem to be linked with various goalkeepers, Green, Robinson, Friedl etc now as far as I'm concerned Gazzaniga has done a fairly good job, despite some mistakes, Boruc has had a shaky start for Saints, putting the bottle throwing incident behind him and Davis has had a tough time, but has been excellent in terms of waiting for a chance and did well when he came on.

So, that's my opinion. We don't need a striker, I think we're the second highest goal scorers in the bottom half.

Jack Cork has made a big difference since he came back. Him and Spider have been superb in midfield. Shaw and Jose's improved performances have made a difference as well, Clyne is superb but I am not sure about Yoshida (but he could cover either full back areas if we have a problem with injuries there).
On that basis we a need a decent centre back and another midfielder to cover becaue if either Cork or Spider get injured we will have a problem. I also think we should be in the market for another striker - where will the goals come from if RL has a spell out?

right back in the bar wrote:

AaronLeeSaint wrote:
Yoshida as signing was a bit confusing for me. We signed him from a struggling Dutch side VVV- Venlo, so I think the step has been a radical for everyone, including our new signings.

Defence is key obviously, Hooiveld has had a tough time, Fonte and Yoshida have formed a partnership now after a rough patch, Shaw has been fantastic and Clyne has been great aswell. The real change is obviously formation, with Cork playing infront of the back four, with Schneiderlin being the centre mid, freeing up four attacking players, usually Puncheon, Ramirez, Lambert and Lallana, with Jrod and Mayuka availble to come on.

We need to improve on that formula if possible, defensive cover, I'd say two more defenders to boost the squad, now that Seaborne's loan is extended at Charlton. Or we could buy one and recall Aaron Martin from Palace, who was very good last season.

We need another dedicated wing player, Jermaine Lens? who knows, we need a bit more pace out wide.

As for Goalkeeping, we seem to be linked with various goalkeepers, Green, Robinson, Friedl etc now as far as I'm concerned Gazzaniga has done a fairly good job, despite some mistakes, Boruc has had a shaky start for Saints, putting the bottle throwing incident behind him and Davis has had a tough time, but has been excellent in terms of waiting for a chance and did well when he came on.

So, that's my opinion. We don't need a striker, I think we're the second highest goal scorers in the bottom half.

Jack Cork has made a big difference since he came back. Him and Spider have been superb in midfield. Shaw and Jose's improved performances have made a difference as well, Clyne is superb but I am not sure about Yoshida (but he could cover either full back areas if we have a problem with injuries there).
On that basis we a need a decent centre back and another midfielder to cover becaue if either Cork or Spider get injured we will have a problem. I also think we should be in the market for another striker - where will the goals come from if RL has a spell out?

two good posts, though not sure about Aaron Martin ALSaint, he looks like he is struggling to get in Palace first 11

A large part of defending is standing in the right place. At the sart of the season they were standing in the wrong place. Most have learn't to stand in the right place now and when they are not to quickly get in the right place, those who didn't have been dropped and replaced by some that do. And so the team are defending better.
Unfortunately, if you are short it's difficult to win in the air however good you are at standing in the right place so Saints need a tall CB and a tall central defending midfielder, who has to be told his right place to stand is just infront of the penalty spot and not to get over excited and wander off.

NB ( I think?) Seabourne has not let a goal in every time he has played for Charlton. Gazza lets in less goals than the other keepers.

MERRY XMAS ALL

I think Yoshida looks good personaly. He struggled a bit when he had to cover right back, but since he has gone back in the middle he has really grown.

Still the first choice centre back scoring 2 goals in 22 appearances for Japan who are not a bad side!!!

Liked his bicycle kick against QPR.

Fonte continues to grow with the odd suspect clearance here an there. They have both stepped up recently however......... I agree with Matt in that we still need to strengthen in this position.

Personally I like Yoshida. He's only 24, so still young, yet has 22 caps for Japan and captained them to 4th in the Oympics. He now seems to have a good understanding with Fonte, whereas bringing in someone new will most likely affect our defence for 2-3 games as they get used to each other.
I think our defence is good enough this year to keep us up, as shown by our impressive results against those around us in the last couple of weeks, but in the summer we should target a first-choice CB, when the fee won't be as inflated and he can use the summer to fit into our style of play.

I have to disagree with Tiss. I think Yoshida has been good. He's the only CB we have who is comfortable playing left or right. Fonte has got a lot better in recent weeks and the partnership is looking good. Very pleased with the full backs. Richardson is good back up, but there is not much else. Jos' confidence would have been dented after a poor start and now warming the bench and Fox well...

I respect what Le Tiss has to say and would like him to attend more live AWAY Games because that is where we are currently struggling and not picking up points. This is where our Players are given a strong test.

As Saints have continued to improve - it is not so crystal clear where Saints have to strengthen.

If they spend more money - then it has to be on a much better player than we have already.

IMO the money spent on Gaston was worth it as he adds quality to the play making.

SAINTS have improved as a Team - nothing illustrates this more than watching static championship side reading that have stood still.

THE FANS must give it max to get behind the Team against Sunderland - We must get the WIN.

We will dominate at Fulham AWAY and we FIGHT for 3 Points.

We go to Stoke who have a small..ish Stadium and SAINTS FANS can make their presence felt.

WE OWE Arsenal - we must get the Victory at all costs.

Cannot wait for the Villa game AWAY - again there is the chance of 3 points.

WE ARE THE MIGHTY SOUTHAMPTON.

RED ARMY 2012-2013. NO FEAR.
NO SURRENDER. FIGHT AND WIN.

p.s Bring on the Liquidizer - time's up for the skunts. :o) LOL

Yoshi is doing fine... I think our manager knows where we'll strengthen in the window and will have feelers our if not contracts ready to sign.

Matt go and find a team to manage - hows the handicap