Sandhurst Red

Sounds like someone enjoyed Southampton away a few weeks ago ...

I think we have a new found OTIB keyboard warrior in our Seagull member, who would argue that Black is White tbh.

I have no issue with this. Other teams that have used data to a high level in the last few years and seen success. Brighton Brentford Burnley You can become over reliant on it, but give the guy chance to get across his methods. It feels like some held Pearson in so high regard they fail to remember some of the awful football, and results we had under him. Even more so, any lack of consistency in terms of results. Other clubs would have disposed of Pearson long before we did. I can't stress enough the superb job NP did, in terms of rebuild the club and actively change the ethos/mess inherited and for that we should all be grateful. Manning has been here for around 30 days and already people want him gone. He's not even had one transfer window and we are missing arguably 6 players who would argue their case for a starting place. Just be a little more patient and see how this evolves.

Sadly seems to always happen at big away games where we sell out. It's not right and the minority won't change but last night the behaviour from both sets of fans was pretty awful tbh. Where we were (near the front left of the stand) there were some exchanges with an absolute moron of a Saints fan who was wearing what can only be described as a pink salmon jumper. The personal abuse he was subjecting toward some of our fans was embarrassing but worse, the stewards did NOTHING. All of them just stood their, as if it's not part of their job - shrugging their shoulders. Then on the way out, an isolated saints fan who was minding his own business near the away exit (only recognised by having a Southampton Bobble Hat) had a group of 10-12 young lads verbally abuse and then physically intimidate him because he supported the opposition. He perhaps didn't help himself when he told them to "@#£& off" when they called him Pompey Scum, but then what followed was just pathetic yobish behaviour. All of this was infront of my 8 year old (we've done over 15 away games in the last 3 seasons) then turning to me saying, "I used to love going away with you Dad, but I hate this part of the experience". At no point did they even consider to tone down their behaviour or language thinking of who else was around. If you were one of those... Take a look in the mirror, give yourself a pat on the back for being a complete moron.

I'm just going off what I've been told, not meaning to stir or cause issues. As ever, two sides to every story but relationships were strained for time behind the scenes, that there is no denying or conjecture.

Spot on. Very well written and accurate post.

Completely understandable and logic based on resume and prior results, would suggest NP was better placed to deliver success again. It's right we have concerns and he will not be a Messiah and will definitely get things wrong, but I'm hopeful and optimistic about what he will do, and we can progress forward. We'll never know what may have happened under NP, but as a fan base, we owe it to the new manager to get behind him and not be as dismissive, as some are.

What really happened or the real reasons perhaps we'll never know, but from JL's interview, it as least the party line... For now.

A good and balanced point. When you also add in Simpson and Downing and their constant youth experience (especially at England level) it should have worked. You answer your own conundrum if I can say, Holden inherited a mess and his lack of experience to remove it, coupled with a COVID era where football and supporting was a very different experience, ultimately cost him his job. I'm not surprised to see Simpson doing so well with Carlisle and Holden will achieve more in the game. For us too much expected, too soon and something the Lansdown's have never taken responsibility or accountability for.

Pearson did a very good job. But I think the club felt he had hit a glass ceiling. Not taking anything away from what he did, we have MUCH to be thankful about during his era, this was about ensuring we now kick on again.

Thanks for the constructive response. Not sure how I'm talking in 'riddles and bullshit' so feel free to elaborate. I respect your opinion, but I would heavily challenge you about all teams playing the same, and how they work through attacking transitions with ball at feet and into defensive shapes. A good example of that yesterday was Forest v Villa. 2 very different playing sides. Forest tactically set-up and outplayed Villa, and had to work hard to execute it. Just because the coaches have the same badges means very little. The best teams reflect an identity of their manager, and play to a certain approach. This is what I reference about the game changing. If you genuinely want to know more, read Tim Rich's book about Bielsa.

I meant more in his style of play, and approach. There were signs of a change approach in how he set up defensive blocks and space control, but not to the level that successful sides are showing. Ipswich showed that in abundance just 2 weeks ago.

All of whom only say very good things about him, including the current youth setup. Manning paid the ultimate price for players going and new ones coming in and arguably he overachieved the season before. In the modern game (unless you are LJ) you can't get away with a losing streak like he did, but I wouldn't be fooled by that blot on his copybook. They lost games, but were outplaying teams but didn't score when they had chances.

This thread has the makings of a OTIB classic. Mark my words there will be some humble pie being served in 6-12 months time. Manning has a tough job but we as supporters are so out of touch with modern football coaching in the main - we are the WORST people to determine he is the wrong person for this club. Speak to people in the game and read up about Manning and based on who we are, it's a perfectly acceptable if not a very good choice for us. Too many on here are blinkered by football manager and 'names' that they fail to see, the game of football has evolved massively in the last 24 months. At professional level, it's being played in a way and system not seen before and some clubs will get left behind. NP was stuck in the old school approach (nothing wrong with that, if your thing) but we've actually gone and got ourselves a progressive coach, that develops youth and yet posters are besides themselves at who is coming in. I understand what a forum is for, but some perspective wouldn't be a bad thing.

I've simply provided info that someone I trust has given me, from an outside club source I'll take all pelters if it's wrong.

Paid the price for a summer turnover. 8 senior players left MK that summer and he recruited unknowns based on budget available. Difference here is we have gneuine talent coming through the academy, talent in the squad and will have some budget, even if not huge. Most managers have a blip on their record.

From the person I know (not connected to City I hasten to add), it's been someone we've courted for some time. His win % is high. His teams play attacking and pressing football and he is well respected within the game for his approach to youth development. Just because it's not a 'name' it surprises me how some on here have debated and reacted to him as a choice. He's very much of the McKenna mould from Ipswich, and I think he's a great choice personally.

Will be formally appointed in next 24-48 hours.

It's Manning. A very positive and forward thinking appointment.

Bamford may be in trouble.... would rather he not play us on Saturday TBH.

Andy King will go to coach/manage at a very high level in football. He just has that professional side about him. Post-this season, which is probably his last as player, we would be wise to keep him involved as a coach, and to help develop our younger players. I'll even go as far as saying that I can see him being a future manager for us.

Genuine question - what are their roles in the modern game? Aside from off-sides, you rarely see them actually get involved with any type of indication to the ref. Throw-ins, Corners, Fouls - they stand their with the flag and wait for the ref to make the decision and then use the flag to reaffirm the decision the ref makes - even when they are next to the situation, having a far better view than a ref that is 20+ yards away. Are others seeing the same as me?

At the risk of staying the obvious, and probably written countless times on this thread. The officiating in this league is simply atrocious.

Exactly this. Spot on.

Genuinely shocked by that - and makes my original post look a tad daft - albeit on only one area. His overall game I felt was very good, and as ever, stats can be manipulated and presented to distort the reality of the situation.