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Saints shock the Royals
5:02pm Saturday 22nd November 2008
Comments (102) Have your say »
A BRACE from Bradley Wright-Phillips gave Saints a shock win at Reading, ending Steve Coppell's side's unbeaten home record.
The Royals had dropped just two points at the Madejski Stadium all season prior to kick-off but were second best in the opening 45 minutes and went behind when Wright-Phillips headed home.
The striker then blasted in a fine second four minutes after the break before Reading winger Jimmy Kebe grabbed a response.
The hosts started in typically bright fashion and should have taken the lead through Noel Hunt in the third minute.
Elder brother Stephen broke into the area before teeing up Noel and his shot was heading into the net until it was blocked on the goal line by Jack Cork.
But Jan Poortvliet's side took control of the game and Rudi Skacel should have done much better with a clear shot at the far post when Adam Lallana's corner found its way through to him.
David McGoldrick was then guilty of another bad miss when he dragged a shot wide from 10 yards after a cross by Jordan Robertson but the Saints did break through in the 14th minute.
A crisp passing move found its way out to Lloyd James on the right and his deep cross picked out the unmarked Wright-Phillips at the far post who was able to guide his header into the net.
The former Manchester City man should have made it two when his pace took him clear of Andre Bikey but he put his shot wide of Marcus Hahnemann's far post.
And Lallana was denied a goal in the dying moments of the half when his volley on the stretch from Skacel's cross was brilliantly turned round the post by Hahnemann.
Coppell must have had words with his stuttering side at the break but it was Wright-Phillips again who punished the hosts with his second four minutes into the second half.
He cut inside Liam Rosenior, turned the cumbersome Bikey and rattled a shot across the face of Hahnemann and into the net from the edge of the area.
Coppell reacted by bringing on Czech Republic midfielder Marek Matejovsky and saw his side pull one back in the 57th minute.
Kevin Doyle burst into the area and sent in a vicious low drive which Saints keeper Kelvin Davis could only parry and Kebe was brightest to pounce and slot in his first goal in English football from six yards.
Reading midfielder James Harper then had the ball in the net only to see it ruled out for offside before McGoldrick spurned another chance to kill off the game after a lightning break.
Coppell's side dominated possession but were unable to grab an equaliser in a frantic end to proceedings.
Reading (4-4-2): Hahnemann - Rosenior, Bikey, Ingimarsson, Armstrong - Kebe, Harper (Gunnarsson 83), Cisse (Matejovsky 55), S.Hunt - Doyle, N.Hunt (Long 61). Subs not used: Andersen, Henry.
Southampton (4-2-1-2-1): Davis - James, Cork, Perry, Skacel - Lallana, Schneiderlin, Surman, McGoldrick, Wright-Phillips - Robertson (Paterson 75). Subs not used: Wotton, Mills, Bialkowski, Gasmi.
Booked: Surman, 45.
Attendance: 23,121.
Your Say YourDaily Echo
sjames29, Curdridge says...
5:06pm Sat 22 Nov 08
John of Bassett, Southampton says...
5:08pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Denzil, Chilworth says...
5:09pm Sat 22 Nov 08
LOVINIT LOVINIT LOVINIT!
Strasser, SOUTHAMPTON says...
5:09pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Brilliant result.I'll bet the bedwetting stay away whingers are dissapointed.
How did Eastleigh get on lol !
juliusevola, Southampton says...
5:14pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Well done Saints.
Well done JP.
ken j, Highcliffe says...
5:16pm Sat 22 Nov 08
666wizard, New Forest says...
5:23pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Solent Saint, Lee on the Solent says...
5:24pm Sat 22 Nov 08
St.Yorkie, Pocklington says...
5:25pm Sat 22 Nov 08
From what I heard on "Score" it was well deserved, and for once the young team played to their full potential. Some reference was made to Reading no tuning up, but let's not focus on that.
Perhaps because Reading play football and are not the most physicl side we had a chance (as I predicted). How did young James do after the dom and gloom predicted?
With Charlton in free fall, now would be a good tme to win at home (Tuesday) and attempt 3-wins on the trot.
Can't wait for Derek and Kate to go way overboard...
Who will be the first team member to be interviewed? I know who it won't be - do you?
Sounds like Robertson linked up well, and BWP found his shooting boots.
Confidence will be sky high for Tuesday, but what about the fear factor? Players become available again - so will Jan name an unchanged side? Personally I would bar injuries - why change a winning formula?
Oh happy days - almost better tahn sex - but one swallow and all that...
Bright Spark, Stubbington says...
5:25pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Condor Man, Southampton says...
5:29pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Listening to the Radio Hampshire commentary it's likely that Jack Cork won't be staying on after Christmas- we need to find a replacement. Perry was quality at the back and even Lloyd James played well.
I'm a JP fan, he exudes passion and belief. If only we could win at home.
666wizard, New Forest says...
5:29pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Unfortunate choice of phrase?
Bright Spark, Stubbington says...
5:41pm Sat 22 Nov 08
St.Yorkie, Pocklington says...
5:55pm Sat 22 Nov 08
666wizard wrote:No a very deliberate choice of words.
"Oh happy days - almost better tahn sex - but one swallow and all that.." Unfortunate choice of phrase?
It is a great feeling to win on a Saturday night. As I say though it all means nothing if we don't win on Tuesday.
Charlton's the next away game and the following will again be large and noisey. Away support is FANtastic - it could be the same at SMS if Blocks 1 and Block 2 were opened again.
Respect to those who went and made all that noise - 3rd Half on radio compared it a home game...the fans at SMS are never as noisey as those at away games
seeing red, Hedge End says...
5:58pm Sat 22 Nov 08
tiquismiquis, L'Olleria says...
5:59pm Sat 22 Nov 08
666wizard, New Forest says...
5:59pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Bright Spark wrote:Waste of time, as soon as you post anything on the fishy newspaper site it gets reported as unsuitable and removed.
Another good day for logging onto the Portsmouth News website and winding that lot up on their sports pages. Just tell them they're on the 'SLIPPERY SLOPE' since 'arry left, they get well wound up!!
Ah, don't you just love freedom of speech!
Chin Strain, Chandlers Ford says...
6:12pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Good reporting by the echo.....the write up is word for word exactly the same as the one on the sky sports website - hope they're paying for the service.....
Saints No 1 Fan, New Forest says...
6:21pm Sat 22 Nov 08
BrianGriffin, Southampton says...
6:22pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Chin Strain wrote:It's called pooled copy. Lots of papers will have the same report.
Cracking result. Nice one lads.
Good reporting by the echo.....the write up is word for word exactly the same as the one on the sky sports website - hope they're paying for the service.....
The Echo won't put up its on report until after The Pink comes out.
RedRover, Romsey says...
6:37pm Sat 22 Nov 08
RedRover, Romsey says...
6:41pm Sat 22 Nov 08
miltonarchers, Winchester says...
6:46pm Sat 22 Nov 08
SS!!!!!! Well done lads and up yours UTS and the rest of the negative, bigoted stay aways. This result has really spoilt your weekend.......good!!
!
COYR
knuckle dragger, Southampton says...
6:50pm Sat 22 Nov 08
juliusevola, Southampton says...
7:14pm Sat 22 Nov 08
RedRover wrote:Sorry mate but you have stopped going because we are in The Championship.You and your fellow fairweather "boycotters" can tart it up anyway you like.
Oi, Strasser & Julius,I'd like to know wtf you two really know about supporting this club. I am ecstatic that we won today ok. Since I started my "personal boycott" of SMS until we see the back of "him", I make do with listening to Solent every week and if you think thats easy you're idiots. It's more nerve shredding than being at the match, especially for matches like todays when we're hanging on for the win. Thing is, this is the first time I've felt I should stay away because I was made to feel that the people running the club are taking the pi$$ out of me. "Fair weather fan" Julius? Don't make me laugh. Were you there in the mighty Milton in the 70's when you couldn't be sure you'd be going home in one piece, when the mancs and the scouse would try/take the end and it was mayhem? I was and I kept going. The gooners kicked the crap out of me & 2 mates in the rose gardens in 73 but I kept going. All the time in div 2 I kept going. Through all the highs and lows I kept going. I kept handing over my hard earned until the light went on and I realised that the board did not share my ambitions for Southampton FC, so I stopped going. But thats all I did, I still love this club, I still wear the shirt every matchday, hate to lose and despair at where we are at the moment. But as I've posted before I live in hope that we will do well. Stop painting everyone with the same brush because it's bo((ocks.
BTW how is the club being ruined if we have a young exciting team (called the best footballing side in the league by another manager)capable of pulling off results like these ?
Thankfully not many fans share you views seeing as we took 4,000 today.Hardly the sign of a club in the doldrums is it.
jezza, Stanstead Abbotts says...
7:16pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Great result today, and a real indicator of what this team is capable of, we just need to transfer it to home games now.
All I would say is that something is scaring the kids out of performing at home. If you think it might be you, (e.g. you have booed in the last 10 weeks), then maybe you should consider joining the stayaways!!
COYR
loweout, East Cowes says...
7:28pm Sat 22 Nov 08
!!!!!!!!
neworder, says...
7:29pm Sat 22 Nov 08
sainth, southampton says...
7:33pm Sat 22 Nov 08
worried of e sussex, says...
7:40pm Sat 22 Nov 08
worried of e sussex, says...
7:40pm Sat 22 Nov 08
St.Yorkie, Pocklington says...
7:45pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Not everone who does not go to SMS or wannabe luvvie is a fairweather fan.
Many of the boycotters actually care more about the ambition of the club.
My fear now is that the team will get some belief and go on a great run. Injuries aside and suspensions we could actually play the same eleven for a couple of weeks and start a run.
Don't shoot me I'm only the messenger...when January comes and we have gone 8/9 games without defeat, home games are easy wins, and we look like we are going to do something - what happens?
The bank says we have to sell?
Read between the lines - and bank wants their investment to suceed, so selling your best players makes no sense.
Who do you believe when Lalanna, Surman, Davies et al are all sold to the highest bidder?
Call me sunical but everyone had a great game, and there were bound to be scouts at Reading to look at Reading players. Cork will return to his club in January...but who else will be gone.
What will you all say then? Blame the stay aways because our money could have stopped the fire sale?
Dress it up anyway you like...I'll follow them in the Blue Square if it happened, but not with the dark one at the helm.
Great result
Better fans
Smell the coffee
MattProbert, Harefield says...
7:46pm Sat 22 Nov 08
adgerb, Frome says...
7:48pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Well done you Saints today
Nicola C, Southampton says...
8:02pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Hope we can keep it up for Plymouth and charlton.
Well done Saints!!
St.Yorkie, Pocklington says...
8:04pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Two insults in one thread, I must of touched a nerve.
So I'm boring.
So I live up norf!
So I have an opinion!
Never want Saints to lose.
Don't want to see them drop another Division.
The team is now honest and giving 110% - WHAT MORE COULD ANYONE WANT? (sorry about the capslock)
the third hardest man in sholing, southampton says...
8:04pm Sat 22 Nov 08
robhythe, Southampton says...
8:05pm Sat 22 Nov 08
sainth, southampton says...
8:07pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Rudd Gillett, Saffhampton says...
8:11pm Sat 22 Nov 08
COYR COYR
TedStripes, Southampton says...
8:11pm Sat 22 Nov 08
RedRover wrote:I was there through all of the mayhem both home and away; but thats where we differ I`m still going and I`m not going to let that prat RL spoil my day out. The club needs me and the other 13,999. We are the rock they can build from.
Oi, Strasser & Julius,I'd like to know wtf you two really know about supporting this club. I am ecstatic that we won today ok. Since I started my "personal boycott" of SMS until we see the back of "him", I make do with listening to Solent every week and if you think thats easy you're idiots. It's more nerve shredding than being at the match, especially for matches like todays when we're hanging on for the win. Thing is, this is the first time I've felt I should stay away because I was made to feel that the people running the club are taking the pi$$ out of me. "Fair weather fan" Julius? Don't make me laugh. Were you there in the mighty Milton in the 70's when you couldn't be sure you'd be going home in one piece, when the mancs and the scouse would try/take the end and it was mayhem? I was and I kept going. The gooners kicked the crap out of me & 2 mates in the rose gardens in 73 but I kept going. All the time in div 2 I kept going. Through all the highs and lows I kept going. I kept handing over my hard earned until the light went on and I realised that the board did not share my ambitions for Southampton FC, so I stopped going. But thats all I did, I still love this club, I still wear the shirt every matchday, hate to lose and despair at where we are at the moment. But as I've posted before I live in hope that we will do well. Stop painting everyone with the same brush because it's bo((ocks.
ONWARDS & UPWARDS.
COYR
doctorsaint, Hedge End says...
8:11pm Sat 22 Nov 08
I can really understand why lots of good, loyal fans have boycotted SMS. I am no Lowe fan, but he will get his dues in time. Time to return guys. If you love the Saints, which I'm sure you do, the last two games are clear evidence of why your return will have an incredibly positive impact.
Roperdon, Southampton says...
8:23pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Are they boycott or fair weather fans?
2002/2003 season,15 home league matches,with attendances of over 30000 ,Rupert in charge ,8th position in the Premier League .How many refused to attend the cup final as a protest against the chairman ?
My thanks to those that continue to attend games .Without your support ,there would be no club .
St.Yorkie, Pocklington says...
8:33pm Sat 22 Nov 08
You are right I have found something else to do on Saturday afternoons, but I have a problem...whilst I say I've given up after 40+years I AM KIDDING MYSELF!
The sad fact is I still care, but I'm not spending another penny whilst Rupes is there.
The last 3-years have been particularly bad. Sure I went along, paid my money, sang my heart out and enjoyed every minute of it. The results don't matter - do they if your honest? Sure it's nice to win occassionally but it's not the end of the world to lose - is it?
I am a great believer in being honest, honourable and reward someone who does a good job.
I was there in The Itchen on the last game of the season. I went on the pitch. I ended up in The Northam with tears in my eyes when Nigel Pearson took the applause.
Then we had to cut our cloth. Pearson should have been awarded with a 2/3year contract for what he achieved with the bunch of overpaid journeymen who left it until the last 20-mins to save our great club. But NO!
Many things can be blamed for my anti-Lowe stance going back many years, but this was one of the final straws that broke this camels back.
I'm not proud to be doing what I do - I never came to SMS every week anyway.
I could probably arrange a business trip to coincide with a night over in Southampton on Tuesday (on expenses) but I won't. Cutting my nose off to spite my face? Nah but it's another amount into the warchest for the new regime.
I tried to get excited after the Derby game. I tried to get excited about the Rotherham Cup tie. I missed out at Doncaster (wife's 50th) and didn't bother with Preston.
Let me throw a question back at you...
Even if we turn the corner on the pitch, even if the figures issued on Monday show us to be in the brown stuff, what happens when the team is broken up to satisfy the bank? Will you blame me and the few hundred stayaways?
There will be a meeting between SFC Ltd and the bank (no doubt) asking for forecasts. No matter what the team does, how far up the league they are going - the company will be showing in January a big influx of cash from sales. The business plan will show this - and no matter if 32,000 turned up week in and week out it would always be the same.
If we know this now why isn't the club looking for alternative funding or investment?
F Fan, Winchester says...
8:34pm Sat 22 Nov 08
I don’t usually go to away games but did today. Great game and atmosphere - how good it must be for our guys to play in a full stadium with all the noise and passion. Of course they are denied that at home because we have such c**p stawaway fans. Don’t know how simple I have to make it for them to get the point. Hardly anyone has a good word for Lowe, that’s not an issue worth debating. The only issue is do you support your team or not. If you can’t afford it, don’t want to watch non-premiership football or simply don’t think the team are worth supporting, that’s fine. Stop coming, go and watch Eastleigh –it’s a free world. Just stop coming on here like you still have a right to debate as fans, pretending that your absence somehow helps the team. You openly want the team to get relegated (which is what will happen if we go into administration because of a lack of gate income). It will be your fault if we have to sell in January. Certainly, Lowe takes the can for us dropping into the Championship. And you can debate all you want over why it went wrong after he was ousted. But it will be your fault if we go down to League one. Wilde may well be a Judas but he is in the company of a few thousand others.
This is a team of great promise who deserves our support. If our gates go up we might keep it together.
St.Yorkie, Pocklington says...
8:40pm Sat 22 Nov 08
What is a fair weather fan?
Must be someone like Tijuana Tim who lives in LA - the weather is always good over there!
the third hardest man in sholing, southampton says...
8:45pm Sat 22 Nov 08
F Fan wrote:absolutely bang on the mark,F fan you are a true supporter and i salute you.
Contrary to what some have said, we didn’t play 442 today. Robertson was up front with McGoldrick in the hole, Lalanna and BWP on the flanks. I felt Robertson gave us a bit of presence up front but lacks pace, and once again we missed out on a lot of chances. Thankfully, our defence was good enough for a change. Perry and Cork were excellent – surely now JP will stick with Perry – he made the difference against Wolves when he came on for Lancashire, great reading of the game and a first class tackler. Cork oozed class on and off the ball, giving good cover to James who was up against the usually dangerous Hunt. Pearce presumably will play on Tuesday with Cork at right back. James showed again he is a good player but still isn’t a full back. Nor is Skacel and we wobbled in the second half when they attacked down their right - with Perry giving great cover time and again. But a terific perfromance all round, as was the case against Wolves. I don’t usually go to away games but did today. Great game and atmosphere - how good it must be for our guys to play in a full stadium with all the noise and passion. Of course they are denied that at home because we have such c**p stawaway fans. Don’t know how simple I have to make it for them to get the point. Hardly anyone has a good word for Lowe, that’s not an issue worth debating. The only issue is do you support your team or not. If you can’t afford it, don’t want to watch non-premiership football or simply don’t think the team are worth supporting, that’s fine. Stop coming, go and watch Eastleigh –it’s a free world. Just stop coming on here like you still have a right to debate as fans, pretending that your absence somehow helps the team. You openly want the team to get relegated (which is what will happen if we go into administration because of a lack of gate income). It will be your fault if we have to sell in January. Certainly, Lowe takes the can for us dropping into the Championship. And you can debate all you want over why it went wrong after he was ousted. But it will be your fault if we go down to League one. Wilde may well be a Judas but he is in the company of a few thousand others. This is a team of great promise who deserves our support. If our gates go up we might keep it together.
derek fo holbury, holbury says...
8:47pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Yes - we had to hang on a bit at the end - but we were able to, and that is improvement.
I do not want to get too embroiled in whether or not Jan gave in to the fans over the 4-4-2, because right now it is not important.
What is important is that against all odds, and popular beliefs of some, we took the same kids who have been critised for so long, up the road to beat high flying Reading.
Not only did we beat them but we outplayed them, and had we taken all our chances we would have thumped them. In the process we added 50% to their goals against tally at home.
Colossal travelling support once again, and a fantastic result as a reward to their belief and following.
Keep on keeping the faith
wonder weasel, southampton says...
8:51pm Sat 22 Nov 08
doctorsaint, Hedge End says...
9:01pm Sat 22 Nov 08
SBF, Southampton says...
9:01pm Sat 22 Nov 08
The banks would still force us to sell. The only thing that will force us to sell one or two of our best young players is the stay away fans.
If you really love the Saints turn up and the support the team.
If you want to get rid of Lowe, try another way rather than this stupid boycott.
Saints No 1 Fan, New Forest says...
9:03pm Sat 22 Nov 08
doctorsaint, Hedge End says...
9:08pm Sat 22 Nov 08
SBF wrote:100% agree. I work for a company where the bank pretty well states who stays and who goes. Not too many white knights out there at the mo. This is a really great club, with so much potential and rubbish management. The management will remain rubbish regardless of whether yor are there or you aren't. The team will improve if you're there and you sing. The team are much bigger than an awful management team, that will probably be gone pretty soon.
There does seem to be any multi millionaire waiting in the wings to buy Saints, and if someone else did take over, very likely they would have no more money than Lowe. The banks would still force us to sell. The only thing that will force us to sell one or two of our best young players is the stay away fans. If you really love the Saints turn up and the support the team. If you want to get rid of Lowe, try another way rather than this stupid boycott.
St.Yorkie, Pocklington says...
9:08pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Didn't realise there was anti-Lowe bile in any of the comments I made...but then again I make no apology if you read between the lines.
Derek - so glad you enjoyed it. As I predicted on Friday if Reading didn't turn up and we played with the heart of the last couple of weeks we could manage a result. A win is beyond my wildest (no pun intended) dreams.
Insults and bile seem to be the flavour of this evening so I'm off.
Enjoyed the banter and debate - and I get more than 3-posts per day regardless!
TottonScrutineer, Totton says...
9:27pm Sat 22 Nov 08
sainth, southampton says...
9:43pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Lorenzo, Arboleas Spain says...
9:48pm Sat 22 Nov 08
NZsaint, Auckland says...
10:44pm Sat 22 Nov 08
What a beatiful day..what a beautiful day...
Plymouth Wednesday morning..COYR, COYR,COYR....
Can't get to the game!!
Auckland out.
COYR
TedStripes, Southampton says...
11:06pm Sat 22 Nov 08
doctorsaint wrote:TOP post for me.
For those of you there against Wolves, it was obvious this was coming. The second half against Wolves was top notch. We really should have beaten them. The atmosphere created by the Northam end must have contributed a lot to this. I don't go away, but I listen to the radio and our away fans must be amongst the best in the land. I take my sombrero off to every one of them. They are a good part of why the team perform better away. I can really understand why lots of good, loyal fans have boycotted SMS. I am no Lowe fan, but he will get his dues in time. Time to return guys. If you love the Saints, which I'm sure you do, the last two games are clear evidence of why your return will have an incredibly positive impact.
Lets see on Tuesday if they are true fans we should have 20K+.
The Spirit of Southampton lives within the 14000 loyal fans. If we have to sell any of these young boys in January the the stay-away FAIR-WEATHER fans are to blame.
I have to ask myself if they are a bit miffed today that we didn`t get a gubbing.
A TRUE SAINT CAN ONLY BE 100%
ask Matt Le Tiss or Franny Benali.
COYR!!!!
Shazza (the genuine article, not an imposter), says...
11:54pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Kate, Andover, says...
11:56pm Sat 22 Nov 08
Well, we did, we bloomin' did!
I've said before, even with the youngsters, we can beat any team in this league. We played at 100% and thankfully Reading played at maybe only 75%. I can't remember when I was so cold and I couldn't feel my feet for most of the second half but I didn't care!!!
Well done to JP, the team and the fans - you were all outstanding!! I was almost hoarse by the time the game finished!! Cork and Perry were excellent and I thought James showed a lot of maturity against Stephen Hunt.
Good to see BWP on the scoresheet and I hope that will raise his head for the next few games.
Plymouth on Tuesday - JP, please don't change a thing if you can help it. A winning team is a good place to start when looking for consistency and that is the next thing we need to look for.
COYR!!!
Oh and good luck to Reading, I have a feeling they'll bounce back and go on a good run now. I hope so or the next few weeks are going to be unbearable for me - boyf (Reading fan) was very quiet in the car on the way home......
Andyt66, Salt Lake City, USA says...
12:14am Sun 23 Nov 08
Condor Man, Southampton says...
12:42am Sun 23 Nov 08
mazzie, southampton says...
9:13am Sun 23 Nov 08
timjim, feeding the ducks at riverside park says...
9:34am Sun 23 Nov 08
timjim, feeding the ducks at riverside park says...
9:35am Sun 23 Nov 08
St.Yorkie, Pocklington says...
10:29am Sun 23 Nov 08
After last nights debate I have thought long and hard about the "went to Cardiff" jibe...and to be honest I suppose that was a turning point for me.
It was a great day out, and we all knew after finishing 8th, going into Europe, and consolidate in The Premiership we'd have to spend money - Strachan had gone as far as he could go. Bridgey was sold and the slippery slope started. New managers, journeymen fottballers for big money...well big for Saints but done delivered. We bought Crouchy and he was a sign of intent Beattie was off - well we will never know the full ins and outs; but disruption in the changing room, Luggy's alledged drink problem, the players were getting too big for their boots.
I'd lost a bit of the drive, but I came to the Norwich game at SMS and that reignited the passion. I watched them relegated against ManU, but in some respects looking back it was written in the stars. Fiasco after fiasco, squad after squad, manager after manager and in the end a change...sure it didn't get any better - but new grounds and hope to be able to win something regularly.
Little has changed - we still have great away support, we still have hope - but now we have 11 kids playing their hearts out (well only 8 yesterday and didn't show?).
I only have one question why is there no investment on the horizon? We needed it 4/5-years ago - so in that respect nothing has changed either.
Derek - sorry that you felt it necessary to justify yourself to Costa (or whoever it was) and I am truly sorry to hear of your loss.
normsted, puybossard says...
10:38am Sun 23 Nov 08
oldtimesaint, says...
10:42am Sun 23 Nov 08
jhp767903, Terra Firma says...
11:02am Sun 23 Nov 08
mgprobert, Hamble says...
11:47am Sun 23 Nov 08
Good to stick one up the Shining Wits who said you couldn't manage and were a cr@p team - good on you!!
The future's bright...
Denzil, Chilworth says...
12:13pm Sun 23 Nov 08
Reality-man, Southampton says...
12:52pm Sun 23 Nov 08
Shazza (the genuine article, not an imposter), says...
1:04pm Sun 23 Nov 08
Denzil wrote:That is an unconventional way of celebrating, but thanks for sharing all the same.
I got absolutely smashed last night and pee'd on my mum's floor
Denzil, Chilworth says...
1:11pm Sun 23 Nov 08
Kate, Andover wrote:I love you Kate, tell your boyfriend to jog on to Amazingstoke.
My, my......did that really happen? Is this smile on my face really there? We didn't, we couldn't have.....could we?! Well, we did, we bloomin' did! I've said before, even with the youngsters, we can beat any team in this league. We played at 100% and thankfully Reading played at maybe only 75%. I can't remember when I was so cold and I couldn't feel my feet for most of the second half but I didn't care!!! Well done to JP, the team and the fans - you were all outstanding!! I was almost hoarse by the time the game finished!! Cork and Perry were excellent and I thought James showed a lot of maturity against Stephen Hunt. Good to see BWP on the scoresheet and I hope that will raise his head for the next few games. Plymouth on Tuesday - JP, please don't change a thing if you can help it. A winning team is a good place to start when looking for consistency and that is the next thing we need to look for. COYR!!! Oh and good luck to Reading, I have a feeling they'll bounce back and go on a good run now. I hope so or the next few weeks are going to be unbearable for me - boyf (Reading fan) was very quiet in the car on the way home......
AshSaint, New Milton says...
1:13pm Sun 23 Nov 08
Cracking Win and well deserved. Next up Plymouth.
The Exiled Saint, NEWPORT/Salop says...
1:21pm Sun 23 Nov 08
However, weather permitting I hope make the long journey to be in their number on Tuesday night.
F Fan, Winchester says...
1:31pm Sun 23 Nov 08
Reality-man wrote:Nobody is getting carried away. Pretty much all the fans who still go to games are very much on planet reality, we can see the weaknesses for oursleves. We all know we will win some and loose some, hoping we might just do enough of the former to survive and provide a base to move forward from next season. Calling fans mugs just because they support their team through thin as well as thick says it all about the people who actually live in an unreal world - those who think that starving the team of funds by staying away does anything other than ensure we have to sell to survive. Cloud cukoo land but dangerous.
More fuel for Kate and the other mugs. Give it seven days and it'll be 2 more defeats and you can come and join me back on planet reality. Don't get me wrong it was a great victory and fair play to the boys but why oh why do you lot get so carried away with one victory. Lets win three or four on the bounce and maybe a couple of those at home and then we can start getting carried away.
Saints No 1 Fan, New Forest says...
1:45pm Sun 23 Nov 08
St.Yorkie, Pocklington says...
2:04pm Sun 23 Nov 08
mgprobert wrote:I think that's a bit harsh on those who made a valid observation about the balance of the side. He was forced to play Perry. Skacel and BWP added some must wanted experince too. The balance is getting better - but he is bound to tinker on Tuesday because others will be available.
Well done Jan, well done the boysh. Good to stick one up the Shining Wits who said you couldn't manage and were a cr@p team - good on you!! The future's bright...
Sue from Oz, Perth says...
2:18pm Sun 23 Nov 08
COYR! from a very happy fan downunder!
wilsamsaints, southampton says...
4:16pm Sun 23 Nov 08
WHAT A LOAD OF FICKLE FANS WE HAVE
Dutch Saints Fan, 's-Heerenberg says...
5:14pm Sun 23 Nov 08
Now the so called fans will stop complaining about the your tactic and will support you against Plymouth.
And then we will again 3 points.
COYR !!!!!!!!!!
the third hardest man in sholing, southampton says...
5:14pm Sun 23 Nov 08
Reality-man wrote:err thats what football fans do...we get carried away,from week to week,when we win we`re world beaters starting a dutch revolution or when we lose poortvleit couldnt manage a kids tea party...oh and the dark lord is out to destroy our club.Reality man,i think most of us who will be going to the plymouth match are fully aware of the fact that Saints could play like a tyro under 10s team,its a roller coaster ride all the way.But you never know,we might actually win our 2nd home league match this season and play well,it`s about bleeding time!!
More fuel for Kate and the other mugs. Give it seven days and it'll be 2 more defeats and you can come and join me back on planet reality. Don't get me wrong it was a great victory and fair play to the boys but why oh why do you lot get so carried away with one victory. Lets win three or four on the bounce and maybe a couple of those at home and then we can start getting carried away.
Lehman Bros Banker, Docklands says...
6:12pm Sun 23 Nov 08
Great win and three valuable points. Now here's the reality check. Saints are still 15/8 to fill the third relegation slot, and I don't know any poor bookies.
Nurse come quickly, time again for Mr Lowe's medication.
Costa Baz, Southampton says...
7:14pm Sun 23 Nov 08
Well done to all involved from JP down.
As I have previously said on this site, in September and on other occasions since, this side has the potential to give us more away wins than we have grown accustomed to, over the years.
My reason for that statement was because away from SMS they have more space in which to play passing football.
I see know reason why these away wins shouldn't continue, so long as the home teams don't adapt their own tactics and sit back in order to negate the space we need to play in.
Without being negative, our problems lie with not being able to break through packed and well drilled defences at SMS.
Not sure how Plymouth play, on their travels, but hope they like to attack, so we can exploit any space on the counter attack.
I hope the Hampshire Radio commentator is moved to tears (of joy) again after Tuesday's performance.
Looking ahead to the Charlton game, I'm not sure if facing them under a temporary or new manager is a good thing.
I hope we don't face any backlash based on Saturday's dire home defeat to Sheffield Utd, allied to the fressh ideas of a new man, with players trying to prove their value.
Southseachris, Southsea says...
7:20pm Sun 23 Nov 08
As I have said before, feet on the ground, see how we do against Plymouth - I have a feeling we'll beat them!
Lowes Nemisis, Southampton says...
7:43pm Sun 23 Nov 08
Rudd Gillett, Saffhampton says...
8:03pm Sun 23 Nov 08
COYR
oldtimesaint, says...
8:12pm Sun 23 Nov 08
Lehman Bros Banker wrote:checked the odds after Lehman Bros (b)ankers obsevation that we are still relagation favourites....if you are feeling postive after Saturday we are 500:1 to win the league!!!!....now could a small flutter be the answer to the credit cruch. After all the banks have gambled our money away with no hope investments.....
Dear Rupert, Great win and three valuable points. Now here's the reality check. Saints are still 15/8 to fill the third relegation slot, and I don't know any poor bookies. Nurse come quickly, time again for Mr Lowe's medication.
the third hardest man in sholing, southampton says...
9:00pm Sun 23 Nov 08
Costa Baz wrote:good point about how we get more success away from home,i just hope that Jan and the boysh figure out a game plan to be a little more direct at home and not get too stretched as we seem to gift the opposition to many clear cut chances and we dont create enough ourselves.Its probably a mental thing thats working against us,the players are stepping out onto the pitch with to many doubts in their minds,which if we had a bigger crowd roaring them on it might galvinise them and produce a few more positive results.Plymouth always have the look of a side neither likely to win promotion or face relegation,i`d imagine that Sturrock will be scenting blood and his bunch of modestly talented but streetwise journeymen will be feeling expecting a positive result,its all about how we react.
That was without doubt a truly remarkable performance. Well done to all involved from JP down. As I have previously said on this site, in September and on other occasions since, this side has the potential to give us more away wins than we have grown accustomed to, over the years. My reason for that statement was because away from SMS they have more space in which to play passing football. I see know reason why these away wins shouldn't continue, so long as the home teams don't adapt their own tactics and sit back in order to negate the space we need to play in. Without being negative, our problems lie with not being able to break through packed and well drilled defences at SMS. Not sure how Plymouth play, on their travels, but hope they like to attack, so we can exploit any space on the counter attack. I hope the Hampshire Radio commentator is moved to tears (of joy) again after Tuesday's performance. Looking ahead to the Charlton game, I'm not sure if facing them under a temporary or new manager is a good thing. I hope we don't face any backlash based on Saturday's dire home defeat to Sheffield Utd, allied to the fressh ideas of a new man, with players trying to prove their value.
Hatman, Basingstoke says...
9:08pm Sun 23 Nov 08
derek fo holbury, holbury says...
10:40pm Sun 23 Nov 08
Beautiful football, well played by an incredibly gifted bunch of kids. Anyone who has seen them this season will have known the potential to do this was always evident.
I don't personally feel it is wrong to get excited and enjoy a good win, and surely it is what all fans do from the amateur game right to to the Premiership. It does not mean that the fans suddenly think - 'this is it' we are now going to win the Championship - it is just jubilent fans doing what comes naturally after seing their side record a great win and collect 3 very valuable points into the bargain. There is a very real possibility that we could lose against Plymouth, but I feel these same fans will understand that we are not going to win every game.
We are in a transitiobnal stage and it will be a long learning curve while the boys are coached into a team that can do this on a regular basis. What pleases us most is the fact that we now appear to have a team made up of players that are proud to pull on the shirt, and those players can actually play football.
The aim this season has to be to retain our Championship status, and then take it to the next stage in the forthcoming season.
I also believe the fans are fully awware that some of these gifted kids will probably be on their way next year, but again - as much as they will be sorry to see them go they also realise it is a fact of life. Lets face it, if you were one of these kids and a top eight team in the Premiership came calling - what would you do? A club of our size has always lost some of our star players to the big clubs and this season is no different, and in the cold light of day we desperately need the cash.
Jan has got these kids playing REAL football that is a joy to watch and I for one am right behind him, because for so many years this sort of football played at our club has always been by the opposition.
So, really happy to be a Saints fan and to have witnessed this wonderful result away from home against a top team in this division. The only thing that made me happier was to read all the positive posts on this site.
Hardly a negative word, and as I said a while ago - the positive feeling is growing, and it is being reflected in the size of the crowd and the good things being said.
Well done the travelling support - you were as usual magnificent and in my eyes were indeed the twelth man. We just need some more of that kind of support at SMS - and slowly but surely it IS coming, believe me
Keep on keeping the faith
derek fo holbury, holbury says...
11:12pm Sun 23 Nov 08
I don't know either why I had to justify myself, and hated myself for rising to the baiting of someone who seems to take pleasure in being unpleasant.
I can take an opposing viewpoint, being shown I am wrong, and also constructive criticism, but I get a little annoyed when it gets prsonal.
A failing I know.
Kate, Andover, says...
10:52am Mon 24 Nov 08
Reality-man wrote:Mugs - for supporting our team and celebrating a win against Reading at Fortress MadStad??
More fuel for Kate and the other mugs. Give it seven days and it'll be 2 more defeats and you can come and join me back on planet reality. Don't get me wrong it was a great victory and fair play to the boys but why oh why do you lot get so carried away with one victory. Lets win three or four on the bounce and maybe a couple of those at home and then we can start getting carried away.
I'm glad we could pull of something that no other championship has done for 30 games and beat Reading on their turf. I'm glad we showed a bit of will, determination and passion.
If that makes a mug then bring it on!!! I know we're going to lose more than we win this season (certainly the earlier part of the season) so you'll have to excuse me for enjoying the feeling of 3 points in the bag against the odds.
I know there's more than a chance we could lose tomorrow but I will still be proud of the lads if they put in a fighting performance as they did on Saturday.
I agree that we need to start stringing a few performances (and wins) together but I won't get carried away until we are mathematically safe. But there is nothing wrong with getting excited over a very good result, isn't that what we supporters are supposed to do?
COYR!!!
Ben280881, Southampton says...
11:04am Mon 24 Nov 08
Obee-One, Lordswood says...
11:52am Mon 24 Nov 08
Kate, Andover wrote:Come on Saints fans, we should all be united & well proud that we beat high flying Reading.
Reality-man wrote: More fuel for Kate and the other mugs. Give it seven days and it'll be 2 more defeats and you can come and join me back on planet reality. Don't get me wrong it was a great victory and fair play to the boys but why oh why do you lot get so carried away with one victory. Lets win three or four on the bounce and maybe a couple of those at home and then we can start getting carried away.Mugs - for supporting our team and celebrating a win against Reading at Fortress MadStad?? I'm glad we could pull of something that no other championship has done for 30 games and beat Reading on their turf. I'm glad we showed a bit of will, determination and passion. If that makes a mug then bring it on!!! I know we're going to lose more than we win this season (certainly the earlier part of the season) so you'll have to excuse me for enjoying the feeling of 3 points in the bag against the odds. I know there's more than a chance we could lose tomorrow but I will still be proud of the lads if they put in a fighting performance as they did on Saturday. I agree that we need to start stringing a few performances (and wins) together but I won't get carried away until we are mathematically safe. But there is nothing wrong with getting excited over a very good result, isn't that what we supporters are supposed to do? COYR!!!
I was at the game on Saturday & we were excelent, we should have been 3 or 4 up at half time.
Everyone is entitled to there opinion but it seems such a shame that after such a good result that we have are own fans bickering with each other.
I'm not a Rupert Lowe fan myself so I can understand some fans not wanting to attend SMS but I'm a season ticket holder that goes to cheer the lads in RED & WHITE on not Rupert Lowe!
Saints fans are the BEST in the country, I've been to lots of away games & every home game. I'm not trying to split hairs with anyone on this site as I can see what people are saying be it positive or negative but we've all got one thing in common & that's our passion & love for the SAINTS.
If you love the Saints & anyone on this site reading these comments clearly does you will want Saints to do well, even if it's not happening at the moment.
Us Saints fans have been through a lot over the last 4 years but we've always stuck together & seen it through, forget Lowe & Wilde, forget the inconsistant performances & sing your RED & WHITE hearts out for the best & ONLY team on the SOUTH COAST.
SMS is amazing when it's full.
COME ON YOU REDS,
COME ON YOU REDS!!!!!!!
Shoong, Winchester says...
11:58am Mon 24 Nov 08
I expressed my view that I thought we would get thumped, all the indications seemed to point to it, but I'm very glad to have been proved wrong!
jezza, Stanstead Abbotts says...
1:58pm Mon 24 Nov 08
Odd that, especially as most seem to hold the view that RL is only interested in himself. Jealousy is such a disruptive condition.
Jason D, Salisbury says...
3:45pm Mon 24 Nov 08
Reality-man wrote:"Reality-man" – you're hilarious mate, well done. I'll definitely be visiting planet reality if it is a place where we win three or four on the bounce. Hilarious. That's what cracks me up about you guys. For me, our current points tally, ahead of and around a couple of teams who've spent a lot more money and still have some big-wage players is a real achievement this season.
More fuel for Kate and the other mugs. Give it seven days and it'll be 2 more defeats and you can come and join me back on planet reality. Don't get me wrong it was a great victory and fair play to the boys but why oh why do you lot get so carried away with one victory. Lets win three or four on the bounce and maybe a couple of those at home and then we can start getting carried away.
Four wins on the bounce is about as realistic as the current 'boycott', which, let's face it is just a convenient excuse to save your money and be a fair weather fan.
That's fine, but if you're looking for an example of laughable 'spin' then you should start looking at yourselves.
derek fo holbury, holbury says...
1:39am Tue 25 Nov 08
Look, surely we all should have the best interests of the club at heart and just get to the stadium and get behind the lads. You guys who have a beef against Lowe, Wilde, Jones, or whoever the bloody hell it is you hate at the club - just get to the ground. You are making no headway with this so called boycott, as the number of 'happy' fans on this site are proving, and their numbers ARE increasing.
I am not demeaning your protest in the slightest - in truth I do not really understand it all, but if you feel you have a real grievance, that's fine. Keep coming on here to state your case and make as many protests where ever and when ever you want , but come and join us at the games.
It won't mark you out as failiures and you won't be belittled for doing it. You would be welcomed and appreciated
For God sake, we are fighting for our lives and we need you and anyone else who can be persuaded to come to cheer the lads on, and secure a place in this division come the end of the season. In the past it was times like this that rallied our brilliant supporters to come to the aid of their team
We can do it, but it is going to take ALL our support to make it happen. I am sure deep down inside, even with your hatred of Lowe you will all be mortified really if we go down, and it wont make a scrap of difference to the position with our current chairman - he will still be here.
Is it really worth the risk to see us relegated in the vain hope that you will get your wish and he will disappear. I don't think so.
Come back, bury the hatchet just for match days, and lets all see the glory days return. We are better than this, and we can once agin have the best supporters in the country
Your club needs you.
Keep on keeping the faith
Bradley Wright-Phillips heads home Saints' opener
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Saint Madcap, Horndean says...
5:05pm Sat 22 Nov 08
COYR
442 on Tuesday?
Coyr