FOLLOWING another worrying weekend for Saints, I feel compelled to share my thoughts.

I am not a 'sack the manager' type by instinct and we did have bad luck with the handball in the last minute.

My main worry is that we seem unable to defend a lead or hold on to a draw.

In six of our 23 league matches we have conceded a goal that has cost points in the 80th minute or beyond. Had we secured the eight points from those games we would be sitting comfortably in ninth place.

The two issues that arise from that are tactics and fitness/concentration.

Against both Watford and Palace we have allowed the opposition to take the initiative and it begs the question of the tactical nous of the manager. Concession of late goals also raises the question of mental and physical toughness.

Having said that, the cause of our perilous position can be traced back to the summer of 2016.

Whoever in their right mind(s) thought that the loss of Pelle and Mane and their 22 goals could be replaced by Nathan Redmond, who by his own admission at the time said that the manager (Puel) was trying to change him into a goalscorer.

Step forward, Ralph Kruger and Les Reed.

Ian Ritchie

Chandler's Ford