Inside Southampton

Saints Disappointment at St.Marys Continues

Posted on 23:29 No Comments

Saints defeat at the hands of the mighty Donny Rovers sends us back to second from bottom. Typical Saints eh? Just as we get the chance to pull ourselves out of this mess, we blow it. We did it against Nottingham, and now we've done it again.

Poortvliet blames it on "hesitation in front of goal", though I'd say the route of the problem goes deeper than that. I've always respected Poortvliet's philosophy of playing football the way it's meant to be, but I seriously believe that he's just out of his depth in the English game.

On paper, the squad isn't actually too bad, mid-table at least, but watching them play in the manner they do every week, you wouldn't think it. We were lucky at Barnsley the other week, but the Championship is an unforgiving league, and put simply, you've got to put away your chances or it'll punish you.

As shown at the game today, I think that the fans have finally had enough of the performances we're subjected to week in, week out. There are rumours of potential investors at the moment, although in the current economic climate, it seems extremely unlikely to occur, but with Rupert Lowe at the helm, the only way I can see this club heading is down.

Makes you wonder though: What would have happened if we'd kept Nigel Pearson?

Arturo Lupoli coming to Saints?

Posted on 17:09 No Comments

There's been a few rumours in the past few months of Lupoli leaving Norwich where he's currently on loan and coming down to the South. Apparently he's quite unhappy with how things are developing for him at the Canaries and their recalling of Cureton too from Barnsley (just in time for their match against us!).

Although he's been called lightweight in the past he knows where the goal is and more competition for McGoldrick who's only got to breath to be picked at the moment could be very healthy.

Check this out

Update: Apparently Lupoli has agreed terms with Southampton and could be announced later, although this really is only an apparently

Virgin Media

Posted on 23:37 No Comments

Inside Southampton has officially been recognised on Virgin Media: Football. For anyone that doesn't already know, it offers a fantastic service with extensive Championship match highlights and latest news. If you fancy checking it out go Here

Saints Reserves in Action at Staplewood

Posted on 18:48 No Comments

Saints Reserves host Aldershot Town tonight at Staplewood. I've been showing a little more interest in the Reserves lately, especially the likes of Gasmi, Pulis and Boyle.

The situation is so different at Saints now that there really is that 'seamless-transtition' between the First Team and Reserves squad that if you have a good game, you seem to be able to walk straight onto the team-sheet come Saturday.

There's been a lot of flak directed at Pulis recently, probably more because of the dissatisfaction of the Andrew Davies deal so it would be nice to start seeing him with a football after so many have judged him before he's touched the turf, with the same going for Gasmi.

However, this curiousity isn't half as strong as it is for Boyle, who was personally scouted by Michael Wilde in Jersey. Apparently he scored a bit of a wonder goal recently, and I can think of one other player who might be able to speak highly of that island...

Saints Yth 0 - 1 Watford Yth

Posted on 09:10 No Comments

So Saints Youth are out of the Cup which is a real shame. Henderson fielded a strong side against the Hornets with Oscar Golbern and Kayne McLaggon both featuring, however they still couldn't really penetrate the defence. Sound similar anyone?

If they'd progressed they would have faced either Crystal Palace or Ipswich in the next round. Ah well, there's always next year... Match Report Here if you want to have a butchers.

Saints Youth vs Watford Youth

Posted on 16:08 No Comments

After knocking out Derby in the previous round, Saints Youth host their Watford counterparts tonight at St. Mary's. Stewert Henderson's side overcame Derby 3-1 in the third round, with Watford dispatching of Leyton Orient by Four goals to nil. Should be an excellent game with both teams boasting excellent academies.

7 PM Kick off at St. Mary's. Tickets £3 Adults, £1 Concessions

Saints in for Winger?

Posted on 16:00 No Comments

Saints are interested in signing Leeds' midfielder, Bradley Johnson. The £1.5m rated winger is also said to be attracting interest from QPR and Bristol City. Johnson, who is an ex-team-mate of new signing Lee Molyneux, was sent on loan to Brighton by Gary McAllister but new Leeds boss Simon Grayson has also been less than welcoming on his return.

In my opinion, this could be a good purchase. Johnson's a natural winger and likes to get to the by-line, something we've been missing all season, however with the return of Holmes and the arrival of Smith I'd be surprised if it happened. Plus there's the whole £1.5m thing...

Barnsley 0 - 1 Southampton

Posted on 15:47 No Comments

David McGoldrick's late header gave Southampton a crucial away victory after Barnsley had dominated much of the match at Oakwell.

The hosts missed a series of first-half chances to take the lead, with Jamie Cureton wasting the best opportunities.

Jon Macken's swivel and shot also went just over the bar before half time.

But McGoldrick nodded in a Lee Holmes cross 14 minutes from time to seal the Saints' first league win in nine games, though they remain third from bottom.

One thing Poortvliet did want from his players was for them to 'fight' for wins. Too many times we've played some beautiful stuff and then thrown it away through a lack of finishing and able defending. Let's hope the arrival of big Jan-Paul Saeijs and return of Saga can help propel us up the table.