Boss's praise for returning Kelv (From Daily Echo)

I am personally glad to see Kelvin back. Although he did not have a huge amount to do on Saturday the difference he made for me was the feeling of confidence in the back line and that spreads throughout the team. When I have watched Paulo the defence looks nervous, the croud are nervous, and he looks nervous. Give Kelvin a run. The whole team have grown as a unit since those first four games and I think kelvin did not deserve to take the blame. We are far stronger with Luke Shaw on the left Nd Cline on the right and the two centre backs have found their way. Paulo will definitely have his day. . But I don't think he is quite ready yet.

How many games has Super Kelv played for Saints and the DE has found a picture where he looks like we've just conceded and there's a group of depressed fans in the background.

Come on DE change that picture to something more positive.

As for Kelvin, another poster (not sure who) said it all on Saturday. It's not just that he did okay (not that he had to do much) on Saturday, it's the professional way he went about losing his place. He's continued to work hard and was ready when called back into the eleven.

He's a top bloke and top pro and, like the other keepers we have, will always have my backing whilst he's at the club and giving everything for it.

Agreed! i feel so much more confident when hes in goal, knowing that the ball wont slip through his legs etc!

Ross123 wrote:
Agreed! i feel so much more confident when hes in goal, knowing that the ball wont slip through his legs etc!

I hope that post doesn't come back to haunt you Ross

We all want a perfect keeper but there is no such animal I was more than a bit surprised to see KD in the line up on Saturday but because the defence is so much more together now then any reasonably competent keeper should be ok

Ross123 wrote:
Agreed! i feel so much more confident when hes in goal, knowing that the ball wont slip through his legs etc!

iam 50 50 as who should be in goal but clean sheet will do him the world of good.i don't rate boruc on what i have seen so far from him

Yes he had a good game but didn't really have a lot to do. However you cannot knock a clean sheet so has to stay for the next game. He's come in for a lot of stick for letting in goals at his near post but who saw the Swansea keeper on MOTD. He's let in 3 at his near post. So I think we should forgive Kelv for the odd one. Great to see us climbing the table after our bad start.

I reckon new GK brought in in Jan to be number 1 Kelvin on bench and Gazza out to Champ/League 1 to gain experience to challenge the new number 1 next season.

SO50 Saint wrote:
I reckon new GK brought in in Jan to be number 1 Kelvin on bench and Gazza out to Champ/League 1 to gain experience to challenge the new number 1 next season.

Could be right sounds a good call. That and loaning in another centreback and I dont think we will do much else in the January window.

The thing about the squad system is that any player that loses his place, tries harder if he gets it back. It can also have the reverse effect, in that a player who gets dropped, will sulk and not give 100%. A Manager has a tough job trying to keep them all up to speed, especially those sat on the bench, they have to appreciate that although they may not be first pick, they still have a job to do and to take their chance when it comes.

SaintMax wrote:

SO50 Saint wrote: I reckon new GK brought in in Jan to be number 1 Kelvin on bench and Gazza out to Champ/League 1 to gain experience to challenge the new number 1 next season.

Could be right sounds a good call. That and loaning in another centreback and I dont think we will do much else in the January window.

Rumour on BBC this morning that NA will go back in Jan for Hooper.

If the keepers are reasonably well protected then it is a matter of degrees between them regarding shots on goal. A lot of corners and intesive crosses and how the keeper commands his area is another question that remains with Kelv. But we look so improved at the back now. It could well be the key to our survival in the Prem.

``Intensive crossing`` - I meant, :)

Perhaps Kelvin has done a good job over the last couple of years, but once again he spilled one of he only saves he had to make and didn't react at all to the one that hit the post. Gazza will ony get better and it takes time to establish a good relationship with your defence and for each to have confidence in the other. People should just get off his back and give him a fair chance. After all, the rest of the defence is only just beginning to settleand get to know each other.

Dear Echo - can you do us a favour and put something controversial, negative or concerning our near neighbours on this website as it is annoyingly quiet today and at least it will provoke some debate.

See everyone - positive news from the Echo is dull, dull, dull.

Brilliant work from the Saints again on Saturday and, personally, glad to see Kelvin back in goal if only temporarily.

I'll bet he's dying to play Sunderland too and maybe prove a point.

Looking back before the start of the season we're in a better position than I ever expected (even if we drop into the bottom three from not playing next weekend).

Nigel, I think, has managed the squad brilliantly throughout and, when he has made the odd mistake, he's learned from them quickly and always remained positive and dignified.

Onwards and upwards.

PS: I'm beginning to think Harry is going to do a Saints on QPR. All the talk of mercenary/reputation loan signings in January has a familiar ring to it. I think he already has enough players there who don't give a cr@p about the club without bringing others in from the MLS for two months. Henri Camara anyone?

For your Henri Camara i'll raise you Olivier Bernard. Think he had one good game Boro away

KD is a credit to himself and the club, believe me when I say that as our quality rises we may see some really good things from Guly, yes Guly, however we have to get behind him, if he let's himself down so be it, we the fans must play no part in demoralizing our own...

..we show disloyalty to any one of them then those boo's will ring in the players ears and they will do one when clubs come calling...

...fans need to think of the big picture sometimes..

Question, whats up with our crowds?'
2 games in a row we barely make 29 and a half....not right...

warrens 76 wrote:
Question, whats up with our crowds?'
2 games in a row we barely make 29 and a half....not right...

Christmas shoppers and only half of the Reading allocation taken up.

Kelv was great at Reading, must admit he did not get a fair chance been in goal for our toughest fixtures. Plus having the defence we had at the time did him no favours.

How about someone saying something positive about our new and up-and-comng keeper. Gazza is a star of the future Saints. Kelv has had his day and been a good servant to the Club. .

How about someone saying something positive about our new and up-and-comng keeper. Gazza is a star of the future Saints. Kelv has had his day and been a good servant to the Club. .

How about someone saying something positive about our new and up-and-comng keeper. Gazza is a star of the future Saints. Kelv has had his day and been a good servant to the Club. .

Bu the way, the comment about Guly was somthing people should take onboard. He has the ability to play at this level given half a chance from the crowd.

A lot of us have said that Gazza is one for the future, would he have been picked Saturday if he hadn't damaged a shoulder in training, only NA could tell us that, and he ain't saying.

Suttonite wrote:
How about someone saying something positive about our new and up-and-comng keeper. Gazza is a star of the future Saints. Kelv has had his day and been a good servant to the Club. .

I don't see many people being negative about Gazza. He is a very promising keeper and, as with any promising young player, he needs some protection and nurturing. Whatever happens this season, he will have played an important part and developed, so he is stronger next year. He generally looks assured and, like all our young players, is on a big learning curve. If he does miss the odd game, it will only make him more hungry and be part of his development as a top keeper.

To say Kelvin has had his day though is in my opinion jumping the gun.

Brad Friedel is much older and I don't think many Saints fans would turn him down if he was available. In the goalkeeping department, such experience can be invaluable.

I'm not saying that's always the case (Villa are going down the other route with some success), but I don't think anyone should discount either Kelvin or Gazza because one is too young or too old - both have their strengths and will contribute when Nigel calls on them.

Having two hungry keepers in our squad has got to be a good thing.

SaintMax wrote:

SO50 Saint wrote:
I reckon new GK brought in in Jan to be number 1 Kelvin on bench and Gazza out to Champ/League 1 to gain experience to challenge the new number 1 next season.

Could be right sounds a good call. That and loaning in another centreback and I dont think we will do much else in the January window.

Forgive the pun but I echo those thoughts.

I'm so glad to finally read some positivity about Guly! It's been way too long with hearing all the boo brigade slag him off

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
The thing about the squad system is that any player that loses his place, tries harder if he gets it back. It can also have the reverse effect, in that a player who gets dropped, will sulk and not give 100%. A Manager has a tough job trying to keep them all up to speed, especially those sat on the bench, they have to appreciate that although they may not be first pick, they still have a job to do and to take their chance when it comes.

The positive effect that you suggest had obviously applied to Guly,on Saturday.
He certainly made a big impact when he came on.(Regardless of the moronic booing)
He is a talented player but is very inconsistant and occasionally seems disinterested.
This frustrates the general support, including me, who want to see 100% every game from all the players and see him as letting the others down.
Let us hope that good cameo performance, is a permanent improvement in his game.
He will certainly get more starts if it is,and it will also shut up the morons and bring them onside.
COYS.

SaintJD wrote:

Suttonite wrote: How about someone saying something positive about our new and up-and-comng keeper. Gazza is a star of the future Saints. Kelv has had his day and been a good servant to the Club. .

I don't see many people being negative about Gazza. He is a very promising keeper and, as with any promising young player, he needs some protection and nurturing. Whatever happens this season, he will have played an important part and developed, so he is stronger next year. He generally looks assured and, like all our young players, is on a big learning curve. If he does miss the odd game, it will only make him more hungry and be part of his development as a top keeper. To say Kelvin has had his day though is in my opinion jumping the gun. Brad Friedel is much older and I don't think many Saints fans would turn him down if he was available. In the goalkeeping department, such experience can be invaluable. I'm not saying that's always the case (Villa are going down the other route with some success), but I don't think anyone should discount either Kelvin or Gazza because one is too young or too old - both have their strengths and will contribute when Nigel calls on them. Having two hungry keepers in our squad has got to be a good thing.

I don't entirely disagree with you. However, Friedel has played for years at this level and Kelvin hasn't. The making of a successful team is a settled defence. The more Gazza plays, the better he will get. Putting him out on loan would be the worst move ever, which was suggested earlier. Buying another keeper when we already have 4, is also rediculous.
In January, we need, at the least back-up for our central defenders even though they are improving all the time. We've got mostly a full squad who are getting to grips with the level and gaining experience with every match. Sell a lot of the peripheral players and invest in one quality defender.

Why would putting him out on loan be the worst move ever? Surely game time is vital at his age

Suttonite wrote:

SaintJD wrote:

Suttonite wrote: How about someone saying something positive about our new and up-and-comng keeper. Gazza is a star of the future Saints. Kelv has had his day and been a good servant to the Club. .

I don't see many people being negative about Gazza. He is a very promising keeper and, as with any promising young player, he needs some protection and nurturing. Whatever happens this season, he will have played an important part and developed, so he is stronger next year. He generally looks assured and, like all our young players, is on a big learning curve. If he does miss the odd game, it will only make him more hungry and be part of his development as a top keeper. To say Kelvin has had his day though is in my opinion jumping the gun. Brad Friedel is much older and I don't think many Saints fans would turn him down if he was available. In the goalkeeping department, such experience can be invaluable. I'm not saying that's always the case (Villa are going down the other route with some success), but I don't think anyone should discount either Kelvin or Gazza because one is too young or too old - both have their strengths and will contribute when Nigel calls on them. Having two hungry keepers in our squad has got to be a good thing.

I don't entirely disagree with you. However, Friedel has played for years at this level and Kelvin hasn't. The making of a successful team is a settled defence. The more Gazza plays, the better he will get. Putting him out on loan would be the worst move ever, which was suggested earlier. Buying another keeper when we already have 4, is also rediculous.
In January, we need, at the least back-up for our central defenders even though they are improving all the time. We've got mostly a full squad who are getting to grips with the level and gaining experience with every match. Sell a lot of the peripheral players and invest in one quality defender.

Cool. I didn't say he shouldn't play and I wouldn't put him out on loan, I just suggested that both he and Gazza have a role to play and age is not an issue. Who continues as No.1 at this stage is for Nigel to decide and there are pros and cons for both of them. Gazza = youth, development with the odd mistake, Kelvin = experience and assurance, but probably also the odd mistake.

I, like you, wouldn't see the goalkeeping position is the No.1 priority in January because what is key in goal is stability and continuity - simply because, for a keeper, that continuity is vital both for them and the players in front of them more than for any other position.

In my opinion we need three players as a priority in January. Versatile centre back first, then left side defence as cover for Shaw and to rotate for the odd game to keep him fresh. Potentially need cover at right back too.

Happy with midfield, although if Cork was injured we clearly need a quality holding player to replace him. Up front is fine and I think we have enough in goal, although I wouldn't be adverse to getting someone like Sorensen in for cover in place of Boruc.

So three as cover, not replacements, across the back for me, with a few, such as Fox, out either on loan or permanently to make space.

To be perfectly honest Kelvin should be our no.1 keeper in the first place.

Gazzaniga is great at long range saves but poor at penalties and short range saves. He is also young and inexpierenced, therefore nervous and more prone to mistakes. This makes the defence more nervous and also prone to mistakes, meaning we concede lots of goals.

Kelvin is fantastic at penalties and one on one stops, and not bad at long range. He is also confident and not nervous which means less prone to mistakes, and the same for the defence as he leadership helps them.

I think we should have Kelvin in goal while Gazzaniga becomes more expierenced, improving what he is poor at and becoming less nervous (experience helps this). When Gazzaniga has achieved this he will be a far better keeper and should then take his place in the Southampton side. Kelvin should then be on the bench (or retire at his age, depending on how long Gazzaniga takes to become good enough).

For experience for Gazzaniga he should go on loan to a League One or Championship side for the rest of the season. Saints should then sign either permanently or alone a first team keeper with Kelvin on the bench or a back-up keeper with Kelvin starting, but they should be good and experienced.

Boruc is not good enough for Southampton.

Near post.

The prosecution rests.

TheSaintsMan wrote:
To be perfectly honest Kelvin should be our no.1 keeper in the first place.

Gazzaniga is great at long range saves but poor at penalties and short range saves. He is also young and inexpierenced, therefore nervous and more prone to mistakes. This makes the defence more nervous and also prone to mistakes, meaning we concede lots of goals.

Kelvin is fantastic at penalties and one on one stops, and not bad at long range. He is also confident and not nervous which means less prone to mistakes, and the same for the defence as he leadership helps them.

I think we should have Kelvin in goal while Gazzaniga becomes more expierenced, improving what he is poor at and becoming less nervous (experience helps this). When Gazzaniga has achieved this he will be a far better keeper and should then take his place in the Southampton side. Kelvin should then be on the bench (or retire at his age, depending on how long Gazzaniga takes to become good enough).

For experience for Gazzaniga he should go on loan to a League One or Championship side for the rest of the season. Saints should then sign either permanently or alone a first team keeper with Kelvin on the bench or a back-up keeper with Kelvin starting, but they should be good and experienced.

Boruc is not good enough for Southampton.

I agree with your comment about Boruc, but not much more. Gazza is better than you suggest and has made some great saves already. Kelvin does not stop as many as he used to, is very prone to parrying the ball back to the oncoming attack and doesn't react to some shots at all that he would have in the past. That is not to disrespect Kelvin's efforts and performance in the past. Gazza needs his experience at this level and is good enough to do the job.A settled defence and the keeper will feed off each other and grow together.

I like Kelv and respect him immensely. But mark my words: the likes of Chelski, Liverpool and even West Brom and Tottenham would absolutely crucify his distribution if he doesn't sort it out.

You can't roll the ball out to the back four, or punt it to the half way line, against the top clubs in this division and expect to keep a clean sheet.

Kelv needs to sort out his kicking or it's back to Gazza, who has awesome distribution and is coming along with the rest of his game.

Sorry super kelv. These are just the facts of the premiership. I hope you get your kicks sorted and prove me wrong mate.

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

warrens 76 wrote: Question, whats up with our crowds?' 2 games in a row we barely make 29 and a half....not right...

Christmas shoppers and only half of the Reading allocation taken up.

And the worst recession in living memory !!

When you see some of the other Prem gates, I think were doing ok ???

Love Kelv, but Gassa is going to be the real deal .......... It's all about confidence, great shop stopper but lacks that confidence in the air that Kelv gives.........

Tough choice for NA coming up , I'm not sure ?????

Opps Gazza !!

Glad that Kelvin got another chance...he didn't deserve to finish his Saints career on that 6.1 defeat. Shows he can still do a job for us.

City Saint wrote:
I like Kelv and respect him immensely. But mark my words: the likes of Chelski, Liverpool and even West Brom and Tottenham would absolutely crucify his distribution if he doesn't sort it out.

You can't roll the ball out to the back four, or punt it to the half way line, against the top clubs in this division and expect to keep a clean sheet.

Kelv needs to sort out his kicking or it's back to Gazza, who has awesome distribution and is coming along with the rest of his game.

Sorry super kelv. These are just the facts of the premiership. I hope you get your kicks sorted and prove me wrong mate.

After reading all the Kelv well wisher posts on here it is refreshing to last read a post from somebody who has noticed Kelvs not so super distribution.

I respect Kelv, appreciate what he has done and am pleased he came on instead of Boruc, but it is unlikely he is not going to drastically improve his kicking.

Gazza almost has it all. Stick with him!! We have bigger problems to fix come January.

That said he is a Legend and nobody saves penalties like our Kelv.

Thornhill Saint wrote:

City Saint wrote:
I like Kelv and respect him immensely. But mark my words: the likes of Chelski, Liverpool and even West Brom and Tottenham would absolutely crucify his distribution if he doesn't sort it out.

You can't roll the ball out to the back four, or punt it to the half way line, against the top clubs in this division and expect to keep a clean sheet.

Kelv needs to sort out his kicking or it's back to Gazza, who has awesome distribution and is coming along with the rest of his game.

Sorry super kelv. These are just the facts of the premiership. I hope you get your kicks sorted and prove me wrong mate.

After reading all the Kelv well wisher posts on here it is refreshing to last read a post from somebody who has noticed Kelvs not so super distribution.

I respect Kelv, appreciate what he has done and am pleased he came on instead of Boruc, but it is unlikely he is not going to drastically improve his kicking.

Gazza almost has it all. Stick with him!! We have bigger problems to fix come January.

That said he is a Legend and nobody saves penalties like our Kelv.

I too totally respect Kelvin...he looked assured on Saturday and I think our backline looked all the more confident with him in charge at the back.
I do agree with Thornhill that his weakness is in his distribution though.
Great to have Kelvin here still...but he ain't getting any younger.
Gazza is ultimately the future for us. KD can play a big part in his improvement and development.

Suttonite wrote:

TheSaintsMan wrote:
To be perfectly honest Kelvin should be our no.1 keeper in the first place.

Gazzaniga is great at long range saves but poor at penalties and short range saves. He is also young and inexpierenced, therefore nervous and more prone to mistakes. This makes the defence more nervous and also prone to mistakes, meaning we concede lots of goals.

Kelvin is fantastic at penalties and one on one stops, and not bad at long range. He is also confident and not nervous which means less prone to mistakes, and the same for the defence as he leadership helps them.

I think we should have Kelvin in goal while Gazzaniga becomes more expierenced, improving what he is poor at and becoming less nervous (experience helps this). When Gazzaniga has achieved this he will be a far better keeper and should then take his place in the Southampton side. Kelvin should then be on the bench (or retire at his age, depending on how long Gazzaniga takes to become good enough).

For experience for Gazzaniga he should go on loan to a League One or Championship side for the rest of the season. Saints should then sign either permanently or alone a first team keeper with Kelvin on the bench or a back-up keeper with Kelvin starting, but they should be good and experienced.

Boruc is not good enough for Southampton.

I agree with your comment about Boruc, but not much more. Gazza is better than you suggest and has made some great saves already. Kelvin does not stop as many as he used to, is very prone to parrying the ball back to the oncoming attack and doesn't react to some shots at all that he would have in the past. That is not to disrespect Kelvin's efforts and performance in the past. Gazza needs his experience at this level and is good enough to do the job.A settled defence and the keeper will feed off each other and grow together.

Gazza is certainly for the future, and when he is more experienced he could be a great keeper. However, he cannot gain this as Southampton no.1 keeper as he has cost us many points with errors so far, points that are vital. He should go on loan to gain experience. I agree with your point of view on Kelvin, and he should be a sub on the bench. We need to sign a new keeper who can play as no.1 for Saints well short term before Gazza comes flying back in.

To suggest that Gazza has been solely responsible for the mistakes is ludicrous. Yoshida, for example, could have dealt with the pass out better even if it did come at a difficult height. He should take some of the blame for the Dyer goal and Fox was at least partly responsible for others. The defence was poor, but now it is settled and improving, as is Gazza. He will do well and should stay as number 1.