GIVEN the situation at Saints, it is far too early to even discuss making a judgement on Nathan Jones – but first impressions will always count.
The Welshman has spoken well in his initial two press conferences and it is easy to see why Sport Republic settled on him as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s replacement after discussions.
Jones is straight-talking, honest and warm and fans will take to him as such – they enjoyed him coming over to the away end at Anfield and clapping supporters for their efforts.
"They're going to be really key to us because we'll build a rapport with them,” Jones then said, asked about those fans after the 3-1 defeat.
What Jones said next is the reason why the above paragraphs are correct, adding: “But what they have to see first and foremost is a side that they can get right behind.
“That's not a side that concedes three every week and it's not a side that is easy to beat. It's not a side that's a 'nearly' side, a side that goes after the opposition and a side that's aggressive and hard-working and really wants to entertain and score goals.
"And I don't just mean 'tippy-tappy' football, I mean scoring goals because we want to win and we want to score goals.
"We want to win games, we want points and if we do that, then I'm sure the fans will get right behind it, but we've got a lot to prove and we will."
Here's what the Daily Echo readers have said about Jones:
Rob Small: "He is spot on our Nathan, get our iffy defence right first. I like what he says and the way he has carried himself so far. Onwards and upwards."
JanisB: "Ok we are in the bottom three but there are nine points between 9th and 20th. All is not lost. At least Nathan Jones is positive and has 6 weeks on the training park to sort things out and also let Sport Republic know what we need in January. I am optimistic."
Rob Beaut: "He can certainly talk the talk, let's hope he can walk the walk."
Keegs W: "Give the man a chance, judge him when he’s had a fair crack of the whip, I remember a certain Lawrie McMenemy coming from Grimsby, took over for the last few games and we went down. Saints fans moaned then, but I seem to remember him managing Saints and winning us a little trophy called the FA Cup."
On Twitter, supporters added:
Nathan Jones has won me over so far, I have to admit. Really hope he can get into the team a bit and create the necessary mentality for us to survive this season.
— Sam 🔴⚪️ (@s9_sfc) November 14, 2022
I wonder if any players in particular will have a bit of a “second coming” under him. #SaintsFC
Well I’m definitely going to have “We’ve got super Nathan Jones” in my head for the entire World Cup break 🙈🤣 #saintsfc
— Dan Jarvis (@danjarvis91) November 13, 2022
Not the worst first game for Nathan Jones. Plenty of positives - one of which is the fact that Romeo Lavia makes this #SaintsFC side much more fluid.
— Dan Hargraves (@DanJHargraves) November 12, 2022
Big run of fixtures to come after the WC. They have to be ready. pic.twitter.com/atSnqfsktF
Something I did notice is that Nathan Jones barely left the touch line this evening. He was a big presence throughout the 90 minutes. #SaintsFC
— Rob (@SaintRob__) November 12, 2022
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel