FM 2006 - Sinners to Saints: Returning Southampton to the EPL

[Butter]

League Cup Final
Everton 1:1 Liverpool
-Liverpool win 5-3 on PK's, scoring on every PK they took, and capitalizing on Phil Neville's miss in the 4th round.

We make a Bosman signing, penning 22 year old Cameroonian DM/AM-C Valery Mezague to a 3 year deal worth a total of about $2 million. Mezague has played sparingly for French 2nd division Montpellier this year, but has the skill to perform. He is a terrific physical specimen with above average passing skill, and should help us out wherever we play him next season.

Most of the team is in poor spirits as we begin a crucial 3 game road trip before finishing with 4 out of 7 games at home.

March 4, Match 37
17-8-11, 4th pl., 59 pts.
@ Preston North End (16-11-9, 6th pl., 59 pts. - Leading scorer: Danny Dichio, 15)
Pvs. meeting: Saints 3:1 PNE
Fav: Saints, 5:4

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Jakobsen, Hajto, Svensson, Cranie
M: Wise, Griffit, Prutton, Tejera
S: Blackstock, Z

9'- Prutton's free kick is almost sent in for an own goal... then Tejera just misses a 10 yard header on the ensuing scramble.

20'- A slow ball into the box for Preston, and Smith slides down to try and take control... instead, he bobbles it loose, and a Preston attacker is gifted a shot into an open goal. 1-0, Preston.

31'- Cranie with a good ball onto Z... Z crosses for Blackstock, who heads it on from 8 yards, but it shoots over the crossbar.

I sympathize with the team, as even the play-by-play notes that we're unlucky to be trailing here.

51'- Z heads a Wise corner kick off the crossbar, and Prutton's rebound attempt is stuffed by several defenders.

57'- Cranie to Prutton... he passes forward to Z, who is near the right corner flag... Z cuts the ball back inside, then swings a cross into the far post... Blackstock is there, and Griffit charges at it... everybody collides, and a penalty is awarded! Blackstock to take it. The youngster takes a deep breath, steps up... and buries it!!! 1-1 in a key match!

63'- We fail to hold up at the back, though, as a Preston attacker is able to sneak in behind the defense and head a lofted 15 yard ball in past Smith. 2-1, Preston.

68'- Prutton with a DEEEEP cross to Blackstock, who connects with a header from 10 yards, but it goes inches wide.

77'- Fuller on for an ineffective Z, and McCann enters for Cranie as we again switch to a 3-4-3.

85'- Prutton crosses to the middle, and Fuller heads it... off the bar again!!! Griffit passes back post to Prutton, who has a shot from 10 yards, but the save is made! AAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!! Belmadi in for a tiring Wise as we get even more offensive.

88'- Griffit's throw in toward Belmadi is headed away... Prutton gathers at 30 yards, then passes to Fuller with a man on his back at 12 yards... Fuller quickly turns and shoots, and scores! A hard low shot goes in, and we may have gotten our point!

The final whistle goes, and I'm fairly happy with the point. We probably should have won this game, but the way we're going now, any point's a good point. I sympathize with the team.

Draw, 2-2, drop to 5th
Shots/on target: PNE 10/5, Saints 16/4
Poss: 56-44, Saints
MoM: David Prutton - 30/40 passing, 1 assist
Ratings:
9 - Prutton
A: 18,774

Millwall win to pass us into 4th. Here is the top 10 right now:

1. Leeds - 68 pts., +17 GD
2. Crystal Palace - 65, +18
3. Sheffield Utd. - 64, +5
4. Millwall - 62, +16
5. Southampton - 60, +15
6. Preston - 60, +9
7. Norwich - 54, +9
8. Wolves - 54, +9
9. Ipswich - 54, -5
10. Leicester - 52, -3

Prutton is picked to the Team of the Week.

9 more games left... can we finish strong and lock up a high playoff spot? Or will we barely squeak in at 6th... or even worse still, fall out of the top six altogether?

[Butter]

March 11, Match 38
17-9-11, 5th pl., 60 pts.
@ Cardiff (11-8-18, 21st pl., 41 pts. - Leading scorer: Dion Dublin, 9)
Pvs. meeting: Saints 1:0 Cardiff
Fav: Saints, 4:5

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Higginbotham, Svensson, Powell, Cranie
M: Folly, Surman, Prutton, Belmadi
S: Fuller, Z

1'- About 60 seconds in, striker Cameron Jerome heads a Jason Koumas centering ball past Smith for a 1-0 Bluebirds lead.

15'- An unbelieveable 45 yard ball into the box for Dublin, and he beats his man and heads it past Smith from 5 yards out... but luckily Dublin was offside.

23'- Z gets loose in the box and fires from 12 yards, but the Cardiff keeper with a good save.

We up our attack at halftime, and I try to encourage the boys to go out and get the equalizer.

61'- Z plays a ball through his man's legs, then into the box... he shoots under pressure from 15 yards, but it nearly goes out of the stadium.

63'- McCann on for a struggling Surman, and Ormerod in for an ineffective Fuller. Ormerod returns to the field for the first time since the end of January.

70'- A good counter attack, as Higginbotham makes a steal... to McCann... ahead to Z, who plays it left to Ormerod... Ormerod's speed gets him past his man, then at 10 yards he tries to square it for Z... but the Cardiff keeper with good skill to cut the ball off and corral it.

73'- Z with a good play off another midfield takeaway... he holds the ball up at 35 yards, then plays Belmadi through... but his shot is well wide.

83'- Oakley in for Cranie, and again by necessity we're forced into a 3 man back line.

We pretty much fail to even pressure Cardiff, forcing Warner to make only 2 key plays all match long.

Loss, 1-0, remain 5th
Shots/on target: Bluebirds 7/4, Saints 4/0
Poss: 52-48, Bluebirds
MoM: Cardiff DC Darren Purse - 12 pass interceptions, 19/20 headers won
Ratings:
8 - Powell
A: 11,095

A big win for Cardiff to avoid relegation, while we continue to try and give our position away. Preston now with a game in hand on us in 6th. Luckily, they lose the game, at Selhurst Park to Palace, 2-0 so we remain 5th.

[Butter]

Former Saint attacker Antimo Iunco is in the news, having stated that he is tired of English football and wants to leave as soon as possible. Good luck with that guy, Crewe. He's got 3 assists for them in 9 starts since the sale.

Not sure what to do with our squad now that we're in free fall. No idea. I think in the next match, I'm putting everybody back to a flat 4-4-2, and we'll see if we can get back to basics.

March 18, Match 39
17-9-12, 5th pl., 60 pts.
@ Stoke (14-10-14, 10th pl., 52 pts. - Leading scorer: Sambegou Bangoura, 20)
Pvs. meeting: Saints 4:1 Potters
A: Saints, Even

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Jakobsen, Davenport, Hajto, Cranie
M: Kosowski, Prutton, Tejera, Oakley
S: Ormerod, Z

9'- A mistake in the corner, as Ormerod steals the ball from a Potters' defender, then crosses for Z, but his volley hits the crossbar and bounces clear.

15'- Z with a bad pass in midfield, and it's stolen away by Stoke... the pass ahead to Bangoura, and it's a foot race between Hajto and Bangoura... and Hajto brings him down. The penalty is given, and converted. 1-0, Stoke.

Just no fight in this team at all. We switch to a flat 3-4-3 at the break with Blackstock replacing Hajto.

47'- Former French and Metrostars midfielder Youri Djorkaeff strikes a 20 yard free kick through the wall and in past Smith for a 2-0 Stoke lead.

54'- Z with a nice cross to the back post, where Ormerod has time to settle it, but a tough angled shot goes just wide of the far post.

82'- Oakley is sent off with a second yellow card. We're down to 10 men, which makes a comeback bloody unlikely at this point.

90'- Bangoura makes it 3-0 Stoke in the final minute of regular time.

Another embarrassing loss. I'm going to get sacked if we keep this up.

Loss, 3-0, drop to 6th
Shots/on target: Potters 11/6, Saints 6/1
Poss: 51-49, Saints
MoM: Stoke D Lewis Buxton - 9/11 headers won, 9 rating
Ratings:
5 - Kosowski, Oakley
A: 14,306

I decide to publicly criticize both Matthew Oakley and Kenwyne Jones for their poor play of late. Jones was the natural choice, since he's been mediocre all year, while Oakley's red in the last match helped make him my focal point of anger.

I almost hope I get fired at this point so I can be rid of this gutless bunch.

[Butter]

Derby attempt to buy 17 year old wunderkind Theo Walcott with $1.4 million + 30% and Morten Bisgaard. I counter, asking for $3.5M plus 30% of next sale.

The fans are surprisingly behind my criticism of Oakley, agreeing that he is "gutless".

Darren Kenton picks up a case of food poisoning and will miss 3-7 days of action.

Derby agree to my terms for Walcott, so I part ways with the good looking youngster. He might well be a good player for us someday, but I can't worry about the future. I need money and new players NOW.

FA Cup Quarterfinals
Aston Villa 2:0 Sheff Wed.
Hull 0:2 Newcastle
Man City 0:2 Chelsea
Man U 2:1 Arsenal

Nigel Quashie finally returns to training after breaking a rib in a previous match. He has been out 2 months.

March 25, Match 40
17-9-13, 6th pl., 60 pts.
v. Queen's Park Rangers (13-11-15, 16th pl., 50 pts. - Leading scorer: Stefan Moore, 18)
Pvs. meeting: QPR 1:0 Saints
Fav: Saints, Even

Just for posterity's sake, I decide to bring up reserve keeper Alan Blayney and give him a crack in goal.

Lineup:
GK: Blayney
D: Higginbotham, Svensson, Powell, Cranie
M: McCann, Belmadi, Tejera, Prutton
S: Z, Fuller

5'- A poor clearance by QPR, and Belmadi is on the ball... to Prutton, with a quick pass to Z, who one touches it home past the keeper! Finally, a lead! 1-0, Saints.

7'- Higginbotham's 25 yard corner is just saved by the QPR keeper.

25'- Blayney with a good 1-v-1 save against Stefan Moore.

45+'- Z pops loose against the back 4... he drags the defense with him, then takes a tough shot... it's blocked out in front, where Ricardo Fuller taps it in! 2-0 Saints at the break!

Not much action for the remainder of the half, but Blayney is playing well in goal, and we've finally put some goals together.

57'- Moore again denied by Blayney, and Svensson with the clearance.

71'- Prutton with a bad pass backward to Cranie, and he is skinned by a QPR striker... the striker centers to their leading scorer Moore, who has no one near him from 12 yards, but Blayney with another save!

73'- Surman on for a tiring Tejera, and Pahars gets some time just because, replacing Z.

The time winds down, and we finally get another win! Our first win in March could not come at a better time.

Win, 2-0, remain 6th
Shots/on target: Saints 9/5, Rangers 15/10
Poss: 51-49, Saints
MoM: Michael Svensson - 12/15 headers won, 8 interceptions
Ratings:
9 - Svensson, Prutton
8 - Blayney, Higginbotham, Cranie, McCann, Z
A: 18,261

We continue to be 2 points ahead of 7th place Wolves, and level with Millwall on points, trailing by 1 goal in GD.

[Butter]

Svensson and Prutton are named to the Team of the Week.

Brett Ormerod pulls a hamstring during training, and he'll miss nearly a month of action.

As April 1st hits, Chairman Rupert Lowe offers me a new two year contract worth $375k per season. This is actually a pay cut from my current $475k deal. Lowe also indicates that our transfer budget will be around $3.2M, and our wage bill will need to be reduced from its current $10.25M state to down around $8.25M.

Or, I have been offered the following alternative budgets (an impressive first for this game):
Wage budget Transfer budget
$8,250,000 --- $3,200,000
$9,000,000 --- $2,400,000
$10,000,000 -- $1,600,000
$10,750,000 -- $725,000

I opt for the $10M wage budget and the $1.6M transfer budget. This combination looks the most appealing to me, meaning I'll be able to spend more on players in the open market during the offseason. And, I can always supplement my transfer budget by selling players if necessary.

David Prutton finishes 2nd in the Player of the Month voting.

Nigel Quashie mentions to the media that he is pleased that I am staying on after my new contract is finalized, saying that I am "capable of great things".

April 1, Match 41
18-9-13, 6th pl., 63 pts.
v. Crystal Palace (20-12-8, 2nd pl., 72 pts. - Leading scorer: Andy Johnson, 18)
Pvs. meeting: Eagles 1:0 Saints
Fav: Saints, 5:4

Obviously, a key match for both clubs.

Lineup:
GK: Blayney
D: Higginbotham, Svensson, Powell, Cranie
M: Griffit, Prutton, Quashie, Oakley
S: Z, Fuller

4'- Blayney is caught out a bit on a long lofted shot, but he is able to recover as the shot hits the bar... the rebound is tipped over by Blayney.

13'- Prutton heads away a cross attempt, and Quashie sends it long to Z... Z is being harassed, and holds off a defender and draws another as Fuller sneaks to the far post... Z spots him and sends it across about 10 yards from the end line, and Fuller volleys it in past the sprawling keeper! GOAL!!!!! 1-0, Saints!

20'- The ball bounces around a bit in the arc, then Tom Soares decides to tee up and shoot from there... Blayney with another great save!

25'- Quashie with a cross to the back post, and Z with a vicious volley, but a good reaction save by Gabor Kiraly keeps it out.

28'- Andy Johnson is able to squeak past Svensson's attempt at dispossession, and slots it home past Blayney... 1-1.

33'- Z's pass attempt to Fuller is hoofed away... Quashie steals it, and taps back to Prutton... Prutton with a long low pass to Fuller at the edge of the 18... Fuller is able to turn on his man and hit a screamer... and it goes in!! Marvelous strike by Fuller, and we take back the lead!

38'- Svensson knocks it down the left for Z... he cuts back to the inside, and tries a weak left footer... the keeper has trouble with it, and it hits the crossbar! Fuller there for the follow-up, but a last ditch tackle saves the day for Palace!

41'- Darren Powell is called for a handball on a corner kick! Penalty shot for Palace! Clinton Morrison to take it... Blayney saves it!!!! A hard well placed shot, but Blayney with an amazing save to keep us on top!

This summary needs some more exclamation points.

McCann and Tejera enter for Oakley and Griffit at halftime, both of whom are not playing well.

50'- A pass slips through the defense untouched, and Tejera has a walk in at the back post... but Kiraly saves it!

58'- Blayney picks up a game ending injury on a collison with Emmerson Boyce! Boyce is forced to leave as well. We use our last sub sending in Smith to replace Blayney.

67'- Andy Johnson with a nice 15 yard shot, but Smith makes the outstretched save!

Palace are piling on the pressure... we back into a defensive shell.

85'- Fuller with a breakaway to ice it, but Kiraly makes a save.

We spend the 4 added minutes earning corner and free kicks, and then the final whistle comes! That's it! We take the much needed 3 points today! We play our game of the year, and get a huge win.

Win, 2-1, up to 5th place
Shots/on target: Saints 9/6, Eagles 13/7
Poss: 50-50
MoM: Guillermo Zschusschen - 1 assist, 3 shots, 4 key passes
Ratings:
9 - Z
8 - Blayney, Prutton, Fuller
A: 24,187

Blayney should only miss a week with an injured foot.

We stretch our lead over 7th place to 5 points, and jump 3 points ahead of 6th place Millwall, and now 3 points behind 4th place Preston.

[Butter]

Vans Trophy Final
Bradford City 1:2 Gillingham

Champions League Quarterfinals
Milan 2:2 Barcelona (AC Milan win on away goals)
Juventus 1:0 Sporting Lisbon
Man U 6:2 Fenerbahce
Liverpool 4:1 PSV

UEFA Cup Quarterfinals
Espanyol 1:0 CSKA Moscow
Osasuna 3:2 Hertha Berlin
Panathinaikos 2:1 Hamburger SV
Roma 4:0 Sevilla

5 matches left, and we could still sneak into the top 2 if we can win out and Palace loses their form. But, more than likely we're playing just to get into the playoffs at this point.

April 8, Match 42
19-9-13, 5th pl., 66 pts.
@ Ipswich (16-12-13, 8th pl., 60 pts. - Leading scorer: Sam Parkin, 15)
Pvs. meeting: Saints 0:1 Ipswich
Fav: Saints, 5:4

Ipswich pretty much have to have this game to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Higginbotham, Svensson, Jakobsen, Cranie
M: Griffit, Belmadi, Tejera, Oakley
S: Z, Fuller

8'- Svensson with a long ball to Z on the counter... he passes right to Fuller, who has a go at the charging keeper, but his shot is saved.

26'- Higginbotham to Belmadi, who one touches it to Z on the run... Z into the box... he has the ball chipped away from him. It heads out just beyond the spot, where Fuller decides to try a bicycle kick. The first time I've actually seen the commentary say "bicycle kick"... and Fuller scores it!! "Pure inspiration" from Fuller, and we lead it 1-0!

39'- Fuller with a half volley off an Oakley chip into the box, but the Ipswich keeper saves it.

57'- Surman on for Griffit, who is struggling with an injury but playing well.

68'- Higginbotham sends it to Surman up the left... Surman cuts the ball back, then sends an early cross toward the far post... both Oakley and Fuller are unmarked at the back post, so an Ipswich defender comes crashing over to get the ball... but he ends up touching it past the keeper and into his own net! 2-0 on an Ipswich own goal.

78'- A nicely worked set piece, as a long free kick comes right, then 3 crisp passes to the left find Sam Parkin at 12 yards... he shoots toward the far post and in. 2-1 now. Prutton enters for a tiring Oakley.

90+'- And in the 2nd minute of 3 extra, Ipswich with a free kick just to the right of the box... it swings in to an unmarked Parkin, and he flicks it past Smith for the equalizer.

An agonizing draw in a game we appeared to have in hand. Guillermo Zschusschen continues to be in fine form.

Draw, 2-2, remain 5th
Shots/on target: Ipswich 9/5, Saints 13/3
Poss: 52-48, Saints
MoM: Z - 7 key passes, 5 forward runs
Ratings:
8 - Higginbotham, Svensson, Belmadi, Griffit, Tejera, Fuller, Z
A: 28,259

Leeds win again to all but lock up the title... Sheffield United beat Crewe to move past Palace for the time being. We sit on 67 points, with Preston ahead of us on 69, and Millwall behind us on 66... 7th place Wolves are on 62 now.

Palace draw with QPR on Sunday, and have been bumped to 3rd, on 73 points. So much for the top 2.

[Butter]

Higginbotham rallies the troops
Southampton's Danny Higginbotham has called on his team to beat Leicester to stand any chance of staying in the race for promotion.

With just four games remaining, the central defender knows that every point will count and his side must go all out for a win on Saturday.

April 15, Match 43
19-10-13, 5th pl., 67 pts.
v. Leicester (14-16-12, 12th pl., 58 pts. - Leading scorer: Mark de Vries, 13)
Pvs. meeting: Foxes 0:5 Saints
Fav: Saints, Even

Lineup:
GK: Blayney
D: Higginbotham, Svensson, Powell, Cranie
M: Griffit, Tejera, Quashie, Prutton
S: Z, Fuller

2'- Tejera with a powerful shot from the left, it's blocked... Z's follow up is saved as well.

14'- Prutton with a great long pass to the penalty spot, as Z flashes to the ball... he gets the pass, turns, shoots, and scores! Z's 13th league goal of the season puts us ahead 1-0.

42'- The Foxes score your standard corner kick/header goal, and it's 1-1.

51'- Pahars on for a tired Z.

61'- Leicester with a nice cross and header in for a goal, but luckily it is disallowed for offsides.

74'- Oakley in for an injured Tejera, McCann on for an ineffective Griffit.

Not much else happens, and we take another point. We're doing just enough to stay in the playoff zone, but not much more.

Draw, 1-1, drop to 6th
Shots/on target: Saints 7/4, Foxes 8/2
Poss: 51-49, Foxes
MoM: Leicester D Patrick Kisnorbo - 1 goal, 12/12 headers
Ratings: All 6's/7's
A: 26,436

Brighton and Crewe have now officially been relegated. Meanwhile, Leeds are one point away from clinching the title. Palace and Sheffield Utd. have clinched playoff spots. We sit 2 points out of 4th, and 1 out of 5th, while Wolves are 3 points behind us for 6th. And we have 2 tough games left against top 5 opponents.

[Butter]

The "possible finish" listed on my main manager screen now says 2nd through 12th. So 2nd is still attainable... but not likely.

David Prutton tries to rally the troops much like Higginbotham did in our last match.

This is a big one. What's worse about it, is that it comes just with one day's rest following that gut-wrenching draw v. Leicester, so we have a lot of players out there who probably shouldn't be playing in a game of this magnitude.

April 17, Match 44
19-11-13, 6th pl., 68 pts.
@ Sheffield United (22-9-12, 3rd pl., 75 pts. - Leading scorer: Danny Webber, 17)
Pvs. meeting: Saints 2:0 Blades
Fav: Saints, 5:4

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Jakobsen, Svensson, Davenport, Cranie
M: Kosowski, McCann, Surman, Griffit
S: Jones, Fuller

We come out in the always imposing looking road yellows for this one.

11'- The Blades with a long series of midfield possession, but we're playing this one with "closing down" set on "often", so they're not getting any space to maneuvre. Yet.

We also have come out with an attacking, direct ball to target man Kenwyne Jones mindset.

17'- Jones is off to the races, and plays it ahead to Fuller... his marker tries to step in on the ball, but Fuller leaves him in the dust! Fuller closes in on Paddy Kenny... and slots it home inside the near post! Fuller's 13th league tally of the year, and we take a 1-0 lead!

34'- McCann goes down in a heap and has to come off... Oakley runs on for him.

45'- Steven Kabba pops loose at 15 yards on a pass in, but Smith makes the save on his quick shot.

We ratchet down to defensive, slow tactics for the 2nd half. Can we time waste an entire 45 minutes?

54'- New entrant Michael Tonge crosses early to the near post, but Smith is able to step in and grab the ball.

59'- Kosowski with a tough lead ball for Fuller, and all he can do is poke at it before the keeper grabs it... over the bar.

65'- Neil Shipperley gets free, splitting the defense with a long run, but Smith stands up again!

75'- Fuller gets a chance off a ricochet, but his shot is deflected out of play.

Kenton in for Jones, Wise on for Surman as we back into a very defensive 5-4-1.

82'- Nervous moments as a corner kick and header connect for the Blades, but it's over the bar.

87'- Rory Delap sends a ball into the six from 25 yards out... Smith backpedals out of goal and to the side, expecting to collect it, but a Blades attacker sneaks in and gets a touch to it, sending it rolling slowly into an open goal! All I can think after that header connects is: WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING YOU USELESS PIECE OF GARBAGE?!?!?!?!?! But I'll keep that to myself.

The Blades are more than willing to back off and take the point. Two straight where we've blown the lead in the final 5 minutes. This team is absolutely agonizing to coach.

Draw, 1-1, remain 6th
Shots/on target: Blades 7/4, Saints 8/6
Poss: 52-48, Blades
MoM: Michael Svensson - 20/33 headers won, 8/9 tackles won
Ratings:
8 - Svensson
A: 26,837

We lose our chance to finish in the top 2 with a strong finish, but 1 more win will put us into the playoffs.

[Butter]

Defender Calum Davenport finishes his loan and returns to Tottenham.

April 22, Match 45
19-12-13, 6th pl., 69 pts.
v. Watford (11-17-16, 21st pl., 50 pts. - Leading scorer: Darius Henderson, 24)
Pvs. meeting: Watford 1:0 Saints
Fav: Saints, 4:5

We need 3 points to clinch advancement to the playoffs.

Watford desperately need 3 points to stay clear of relegation.

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Jakobsen, Bjarsmyr, Higginbotham, Kenton
M: Griffit, Wise, Tejera, Prutton
S: Z, Fuller

3'- Watford with an early ball over the top of defense, and it finds an attacker charging into the six who touches it home past Smith. 1-0, Watford.

We can generate absolutely nothing on offense. Unbelievable! I jump all down everybody's throat at halftime.

Blackstock on for Bjarsmyr, McCann in for Wise as we go with a 3-4-3.

Watford is sending 6 men at the goal on every attack opportunity.

67'- Finally, an opening... Z steals a pass in midfield and heads toward the Watford goal on a dead run... he passes through to Fuller, who has a go from 15 yards... it's blocked... but Blackstock is there for the follow-up chance, and scores! 1-1!

The crowd is urging us on at every touch now!

69'- Prutton with a steal... ahead to Z, who leaves 2 men in his dust! Z with a wide open chance at goal... and he scores! He scores! Top right corner, and Dutch star Guillermo Zschusschen has put us on top!

73'- Darren Kenton scores a GOD DAMN OWN GOAL in the 73rd, trying to clear away an attempted cross. It's 2-2.

Kenton is outta here in the offseason.

79'- Surman on for an exhausted Tejera.

82'- Smith with 2 dazzling point blank saves to save us a point.

88'- And another great save on a wide open 8 yarder.

We take a point.

Draw, 2-2, remain 6th
Shots/on target: Saints 9/6, Watford 14/5
Poss: 54-46, Watford
MoM: Paul Smith - 3 saves
Ratings:
8 - Smith, Z
5 - Kenton, Bjarsmyr
A: 18,830

Good news for Watford, though, as Luton lose at home to Burnley, and fail to pass Watford for 21st. Good news for us as well, as Wolves lose at home to Cardiff 2-1, thus putting us through to the playoffs! It's been a struggle, but at least we're in a position to succeed now. Now we just need to show up when it matters most.

FA Cup Semifinal
Newcastle 0:1 Chelsea

[Butter]

FA Cup Semifinal
Man U. 0:1 Aston Villa

Villa was leading the Premier League for several months, but a bad patch of form has dragged them back to 4th... but they'll still get a shot at some hardware, against Chelsea in a few weeks.

Championship League result
Crystal Palace 2:1 Sheffield United
-Palace and Sheffield were level on 76 points heading into this game, and an improbable strike from 16 year old U-18 regular Jack Lyons for Palace in the 89th minute won the game for them, and clinched automatic promotion for the Eagles. They now sit 3 points clear of the Blades, and hold a +15 goal difference advantage over the 3rd place team.

Wigan is the first team to earn relegation from the EPL, and Everton, Fulham, Sunderland, and Birmingham are fighting against being the 2nd and 3rd teams to join them.

It turns out that Theo Walcott could not agree a deal with Derby, so we're still stuck with the boy. He's going to be sold during the offseason... especially if we don't get promoted.

Champions League Semifinals, Aggregate Scores
Juventus 2:1 AC Milan
Liverpool 7:2 Manchester United

If we beat Millwall by 3 goals, we'll pass them in the table. Otherwise, we'll finish 6th if we draw or lose and Preston earn a point. Either way, I'm going for 4th, and will play an all out attacking game to do so.

April 30, Match 46
19-13-13, 6th pl., 70 pts.
@ Millwall (19-16-10, 4th pl., 73 pts. - Leading scorer: Barry Hayles, 21)
Pvs. meeting: Saints 1:1 Millwall
Fav: Saints, Even

We're coming out in a 3-4-3 today.

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Higginbotham, Svensson, Powell
M: Griffit, Belmadi, Tejera, Prutton
S: McCann, Jones, Z

12'- Griffit tees up from 15, and his shot is deflected... right to Z, but his shot is blocked away by the keeper.

19'- Smith comes out and makes a great tip save of a long cross that was headed right for an unmarked striker at the back post.

The Lions have pretty much figured out our attack by the end of the first half, and are controlling the action. Jones is rating a 5 at the break, so Brett Ormerod replaces him.

53'- Millwall with a shot off the crossbar, but the rebound is not held by Smith, and Millwall taps it in. 1-0, Lions.

69'- Pahars for an ineffective McCann, and Kosowski is on for an ineffective Griffit.

The final time runs out, and we don't even really sniff the goal in the second half. Not much of an attacking scheme, this 3-4-3 today.

Loss, 1-0, finish 6th
Shots/on target: Lions 8/2, Saints 8/3
Poss: 52-48, Lions
MoM: Millwall ST Barry Hayles - 29/39 passing, 2 shots
Ratings:
8 - Higginbotham
5 - Jones
A: 17,722

Birmingham and Sunderland will join Wigan in the Championship next season.

Meanwhile, at the top, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Arsenal all still have a chance at the EPL title, while Chelsea and Man U. sit 5th and 6th with no prospects of moving up on the final weekend.

Luton earn a draw with Leeds on the final weekend, but fail to win and take advantage of a Watford loss to Palace, so will join Crewe and Brighton in relegation to League One for next season.

Our order of finish is Leeds, Palace, Sheff Utd., Millwall, Preston, and Southampton.

[Butter]

I figure, all we have to do to move on to the Playoff Final at this point is avoid pissing ourselves.

May 10, Championship Playoffs Semifinal Leg Two
@ Sheffield United
Fav: Saints, Even

We're going with a 5-4-1 today.

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Jakobsen, Svensson, Bjarsmyr, Powell, Cranie
M: Wise, Prutton, Belmadi, McCann
S: Ormerod

8'- Leon Knight gets a great ball from Danny Webber, and slots it home past Smith. Powell was far too slow to react to that play.

11'- Ormerod crosses to McCann at 10 yards, but his header is just off target.

22'- Leon Knight is red carded for elbowing Bjarsmyr! We get another advantage, going up a man.

26'- Ormerod with a wicked 12 yard shot... it's blocked, and the clearance trickles out to Prutton, who has an open 10 yarder and finishes! 1-1!

28'- Higginbotham in for Prutton, and Jakobsen moves to DM while Wise moves to midfield.

Ormerod misses at least 2 wide open chances in the final 10 minutes of the half.

I tell the team I am pleased at halftime, and hopefully we'll cruise to victory, barring a 5 goal meltdown.

57'- A bad backpass to a defender is nicked by Ormerod... he attacks from the right and lets go a low 15 yard shot, and it sneaks through the keeper's legs and in! 2-1, Saints, and we take a 6 goal aggregate lead.

The fans begin to stream out of Bramall Lane as their dream is dying... and the final whistle goes while we're passing the ball around a bit, and we take a convincing semifinal win. I congratulate the team on reaching the final.

Win, 1-2, Southampton advance 7-1 on aggregate
Shots/on target: Blades 6/3, Saints 12/5
Poss: 51-49, Blades
MoM: Darren Powell - 11/12 headers won, 9/9 tackles won
Ratings:
9 - Powell
8 - Bjarsmyr, Svensson, Cranie, Wise, McCann, Ormerod
5 - Higginbotham
A: 30,886

We will face Preston North End in the final on May 21st at Wembley.

[Butter]

UEFA Cup Final - From Rotterdam
Osasuna 0:0 Roma
-Osasuna win a yawner 2-1 on PK's.

FA Cup Final
Aston Villa 1:1 Chelsea
-Hernan Crespo with a dramatic late equalizer for Chelsea to send this game to extra time... and when no one was able to score in extra time, it was Lee Hendrie sending him the 4th straight PK for Villa to give them the 4-2 shootout win over the Blues. No hardware for Chelsea this season.

Over in Germany, it was Bayern Munich retaining the title after week 33, leading Werder Bremen by 7 points with 1 to play.

In Spain, it is Real Betis winning the title for the first time since 1935, squeaking past surprising Athletic Bilbao by 1 point on the final match day.

Tomasz Hajto agrees to a deal with Bristol City, and the 33 year old Pole will not be back with us in the fall.

UEFA Champions League Final - From Lisbon
Liverpool 1:1 Juventus
-Liverpool score in the 14th, as Peter Crouch scores off a Gerrard cross, but Juventus with an 84th minute equalizer... and, you guessed it, this one heads to PK's. And in the shootout, it's Liverpool winning the European title on kicks for the 2nd consecutive year, 5-4 as Sami Hyypia scores the 5th and final one for the Reds.

[Butter]

And so, it all comes down to this. Since we were unable to win consistently during the regular season, now we must win here. No excuses, if we lose we deserve another season in the Fizzy Pop league. But if we win, I'll be hailed as a bright up-and-coming star for taking a seemingly sinking ship and getting it turned around at just the right moment.

In the lead up to the match, both Prutton and Belmadi pick up fairly serious injuries... as it's the last game of the season, I authorize injections for pain for both, so that they can play in this match. They'll probably be hurting all summer, but if we can pull off the win, it'll take the edge off.

Can we pull it off? We'll see, as the sport's richest game is about to begin.

May 21, Championship Playoff Final
v. Preston North End @ Wembley Stadium, London
Series: Saints lead 1-1-0
Fav: Saints, Even

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Higginbotham, Svensson, Powell, Cranie
M: Kosowski, Prutton, Tejera, Belmadi
S: Fuller, Jones

1'- The game doesn't start well, as Danny Dichio scores after 14 seconds, as a pass gets through Powell and straight to the onside striker.

3'- Fuller finds Jones in the box, and his shot is deflected wide... Fuller chases it down, but it's knocked behind for a corner. Meanwhile, Prutton doesn't even last 4 minutes as he goes out with an injury. Griffit comes on for him, and Belmadi moves to central midfield.

9'- Dichio's 25 yard effort is off target.

19'- Griffit with a 15 yard side volley off a Kosowski cross, and it's just parried away by Preston's keeper.

29'- Fuller is free down the left... he crosses for Jones, but it's cleared... right to Belmadi at 20 yards, and he sends a screamer at goal... wide!

45'- Fuller steals a ball from a defender at midfield, and he's got acres of space... a center back comes over to close him down, so he sends a cross into the box for the supporting midfielder, Griffit... Griffit's 5 yard header hits the defender... and goes in! Biggest goal of his young life, as we level it going into halftime!

I encourage the time at the midway break. Belmadi is struggling out there with his injury, but we'll leave him out for another few minutes to see what happens.

52'- Dichio's long shot takes a deflection, but Smith is able to fall on it.

62'- Zschusschen on for Belmadi, as we switch to the diamond, pushing Tejera back to DM.

70'- Quick volley from 10 yards, and Smith is able to lay a hand on it! Rebound... blocked by Higginbotham! Svensson makes the clearance!

83'- Jones is struggling with an injury, so Ormerod is on for him. No more subs for us, so hopefully we can finish this one prior to extra time.

84'- Ormerod gets free and takes a crazy 25 yard shot... it pelts the spectators.

Nobody can get close to goal again, and we're going to 30 extra minutes to decide it... or penalty kicks. My nails are bitten to the quick now.

101'- The Preston right winger beats Higginbotham and gets to the end line... he sends in a great cross, and Smith deflects the first shot... but Patrick Agyemang follows up and taps in the rebound... 2-1, Preston.

We push Z up to striker, and Tejera moves up to attacking midfield... we also move Higginbotham and Cranie to DM, and play with 2 in defense.

114'- It has no effect, and Preston score again, breaking a defender completely free against Smith... It's Agyemang again with the goal.

We tried our best, but cannot win the big one. Preston will advance to the Premiership. I tell the team I am elated with them despite the result.

Loss, 3-1
Shots/on target: Saints 7/3, Preston 27/16
Poss: 56-44, Preston
MoM: Preston ST Patrick Agyemang - Game winning goal
Ratings:
5 - Higginbotham, Cranie, Belmadi
A: 89,959

Another year in the Championship for us, as we fail to capitalize on our chance to advance to the big time.

I imagine I will be on a very short leash next season, as already the board is merely "satisfied" with my performance after we fail to advance.

[NoSkillz]

Great work! Go Southampton!

[Butter]

Final 2005-06 Table


Final 2005-06 Statistics


2005-06 Saint summary
Goals For: 68 (4th - Leeds, 83)
Goals Against: 51 (5th - Millwall, 43)
Avg. attendance: 21,358 (12th - Leicester, 30,065)

Saint players in top 25 of league stats:
Average rating:
1. DC Liam Ridgewell (Sheff. Wed.) - 7.58
2. DC Michael Svensson - 7.46
22. GK Paul Smith - 7.25

Goals:
1. Darius Henderson (Watford) - 25
2. Sambegou Bangoura (Stoke) - 23
24t. Guillermo Zschusschen - 14

Assists:
1. Eddie Lewis (Leeds) - 16
No Saint players

Cup Performance
FA Cup: Out 4th round (began in 3rd round)
League Cup: Out 3rd round (began in 1st round)

[Butter]

And so the offseason begins, and everyone heads home on holiday. We're left to rue the missed chances this season, and there were many... but next year we should be much improved, especially offensively. I begin to scour the transfer wire for my next biggest priority, signing some quality wingbacks.

Speaking of signings, I try to re-sign the players who are currently unsigned who I think will help us.

Departures:
-AM-L Kamil Kosowski- Kosowski had a decent year for us, but only 2 assists in 18 appearances is far from quality. His loan to us from Wisla (Poland) is over on May 31, and he has already been approached by Reading to join them next season.

-DM/AM-C Marcos Marcelo Tejera- The 32 year old Uruguayan had a fine year, 4 goals and 5 assists in 37 appearances, with a 7.08 average rating. But Tejera is also on loan, and I don't wish to re-sign him, as I have a good young DM/AM-C coming in during the offseason.

-D-RLC Darren Kenton- Kenton was perhaps our worst defender all year... I spent the final months of the season figuring out creative ways to keep him on the sideline, despite his versatility. He averaged a 6.53 in 19 appearances.

-FC Marian Pahars- Pahars is far too injury prone and inconsistent to justify paying $600k in salary to for another season or more. The 29 year old Latvian will depart Southampton having only appeared in 29 games in the past 4 seasons, scoring just 3 goals during that stretch.

-DC Michael Svensson- Svensson had a super season for us, starting slow but kicking it into gear late. He averaged a 7.44 rating in 27 starts. He signed with Bolton in the EPL, and he should perform for them. I should've sold him long ago to take advantage of his value, knowing I wouldn't be able to afford him next year.

-DM Dennis Wise- A huge waste of $400k, Wise was largely non-existent most of the year... he was a decent player, but we can do better. He finishes with a 6.87 rating in 23 appearances this year, including 1 goal and only 1 assist.

-AM-RC Djamel Belmadi- The 30 year old Algerian had a decent year, but I am trying to get the team a bit younger... and he was prone to injury. He scored 2 goals and had 3 assists in 24 appearances, while averaging a 6.75 rating.

-DC Tomasz Hajto- Hajto was mediocre this year, but is 33 years old requiring his departure. He started 18 times, earning a 6.94 AvR. He has already signed with League One Bristol City.

-GK Alan Blayney- This 24 year old promising prospect has no interest in re-signing with us, mostly because he feels he is first team caliber and he didn't really get a shot there this season. He is not the caliber of our current keeper, Smith, and will be allowed to leave. He started 3 senior games, allowing 2 goals.

Players unsigned, but wanted to return:
-ST Kenwyne Jones- This 21 year old Caribbean native nearly singlehandedly gave us our semifinal win over Sheffield United with a hat trick in the first leg. He has a tendency to totally disappear for long stretches during the season, though, a dangerous and unhelpful characteristic in a striker. He currently makes $170k per season, and wants a bump to $725k per year. I will try to find some middle ground there.

-ST Brett Ormerod- Ormerod was very dangerous on the ball, with fantastic pace, but he was more apt to hit a spectator with his shot than the goal. He is 29, but may well be a good choice at backup or against lower level opponents. He currently makes $250k per season, but wants only a modest bump to $325k per season for just one more year. I am inclined to give it to him, considering his 7 goal and 7 assist season is actually pretty decent.

-AM-R/L Leandre Griffit- This 21 year old player from tiny French colony Martinique looks unimpressive on paper, but had some wonderful outings for us last season, and is a very good crosser of the ball and passer. He averaged a 7.07 in 15 appearances, including 2 goals and 2 assists... one of those goals coming in the Playoff Final. Unfortunately, he is uncertain about signing a new contract with us right now. I offer him a 50% increase from $50k per season to $75k and hope he's naive enough to take it.

So, that means we need to sign some wingers, as we're losing Kosowski and Belmadi, 2 quality wingers. Also, we're dumping 3 defenders, so our fullback spot is a pressing need. We should be pretty solid at ST again, and at center back.... also, our DM and AM spots look like they'll be in good hands, as Quashie should be back to full speed next season, along with a couple of new arrivals at those spots.

Let the offseason begin.

[Butter]

Brett Ormerod does sign with us, an incentive laden 1 year deal worth $340k (including signing bonus, base salary of $300k).

David Prutton and Michael Svensson are picked to the Team of the Year. A bit surprising in Prutton's case, but he picked it up in midseason and finished well.

Apparently, Kenwyne Jones will be leaving us in the offseason as well, as his conditional work permit has expired and will not be allowed to continue. Jones is a fantastic looking young prospect, but it looks like I failed to play him enough to allow him to stay in the country. Too bad for us. Add striker to our shopping list.

We make our first signing of the offseason on May 25th, signing a reserve... good looking 19 year old AM-RLC Jussi-Pekka Savolainen will join the Saints from Finnish squad Tampere Utd. on November 16th of next season. Savolainen is getting a reserve type contract, but could well end up playing for the senior squad if needed next season. He is still a year or two away from being a quality starter, however, but has the technique and mental game to get him there.

Our second signing of the offseason is a blockbuster... 23 year old Finn Pekka Lagerblom agrees to a big deal with Southampton (details will be disclosed on July 1, signing day). Lagerblom is a DM and MR candidate, and is terrific at both. He comes over from Werder Bremen's reserve squad, but has a lethal first touch (19) and terrific passing skill (16). He is not under an 11 rating in any technical attribute, and is above 13 in most mental and physical attributes. A high quality signing for the red and white.

Marian Pahars will be switching "Hamptons", going from Southampton to Northampton... he signs for the newly promoted club that will be in League One next season.

Our next signing is another one of major proportions... we sign seldom used striker Sandor Torghelle to a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract. Torghelle has been loaned out to Panathinaikos from the Crystal Palace reserve team all season. Torghelle should be able to do the business up front for us, with his deadly finishing and heading skill. He is also very strong, and a superior player when it comes to getting in good position and getting the ball toward goal. The 24 year old Hungarian has 20 caps for Hungary and has scored 7 goals in those appearances. Torghelle is an EPL caliber player.

Martin Cranie picks up 2 assists for the English U-19's, as they beat the Greek U-19's 2-1 in European Qualifying.

Blackpool will join Walsall and Gillingham in the Championship next season, as Blackpool win the League One Playoffs.

Jose Mourinho is sacked by Roman Abramovich at Chelsea following a tough year that found the super-rich Blues fail to win any hardware and also fail to make the Champions League for next season.

We sign Portsmouth reserve defender Aliou Cisse to a nice contract. Cisse is 30 years old, but should provide the depth we currently lack at right fullback. He is an excellent tackler, has good positioning, and is supremely fit. A good solid signing, though we may have overpaid for him a bit.

We make another signing, bringing over aging left winger Jorg Bohme from Munchengladbach's reserve squad. Bohme is 32 years old, but is a supremely gifted technical player, possessing ratings of 20 in corners, free kicks, and penalty taking, while holding 18's in crossing, long shots, and long throws. Bohme should be a very solid player for us, one who can finally scare some teams from the wing, a quality we've lacked. He is in on only a one year contract as we attempt to return to the EPL.

Derby ask us how much we want for DC Darren Powell... he is currently set at $250k, but I decide to go nuts and ask for $1.9 million. And Derby agree to it. I have to take that, considering I can sign a couple more DC's of similar quality as Powell during the offseason here. Powell agrees to a deal with Derby, and we'll gain nearly $2 million in the deal.

Next up, we sign Man Utd. reserve reject Sylvan Ebanks Blake to our reserve team. Ebanks-Blake is only 20 years old, and has great physical and mental attributes... but still needs some work on the technical aspect of the game. He'll join us for 3 years for just $20k per season.

Chelsea hire famed Italian manager Claudio Ranieri to take over for Mourinho.

We sign another good looking young striker to the senior squad... 21 year old Swede Mikael Dahlberg will come over in December from GIF Sundsvall. Dahlberg is a very good looking young player, and will either play in a rotation up front for us, or be sold for a fairly nice transfer fee. His finishing and off the ball skills are already fairly polished, he just needs some playing time to blossom.

Young AM-R/F-C Morten Haestad, a 19 year old Norwegian signs a contract with the Saints. He'll be a reserve player, but could well break into the senior squad if needed. He has similar if not superior skill to Leandre Griffit, and is a pretty cheap replacement if needed. He'll join us in November.

We also sign 18 year old Norwegian AM/F-C Henning Rugland from his Norwegian club team. Rugland has deadly finishing skill, but needs a lot of work. He'll be a cheap project who signs on for about $20k per season for 4 years. He'll also arrive in November.

The European Club Rankings are announced, and Southampton sit 106th. AC Milan is first, with Liverpool moving up to 2nd and Real Madrid 3rd. Valerenga make the biggest jump, from 175th to 92nd.

Dennis Wise signs with League Two Carlisle United.

World Cup 2006 Summary
Group A:Sweden 5, Brazil 4, Trinidad & Tobago 4, Togo 2
Group B:Australia 9, Argentina 6, Turkey 1, Japan 1
Group C:Italy 9, Iran 4, England 3, Ecuador 1
Group D:Holland 9, Uruguay 6, Norway 3, South Korea 0
Group E:Germany 9, Portugal 2, Saudi Arabia 2, Nigeria 2
Group F:Czech Rep. 7, Croatia 5, Mexico 4, Tunisia 0
Group G:France 9, Cote d'Ivoire 4, USA 3, Ukraine 1
Group H:Spain 9, Ghana 6, Jamaica 1, Switzerland 1

Round of 16
Sweden 2:3 Argentina
Australia 1:2 Brazil
Iran 0:3 Holland
Italy 3:2 Uruguay
Portugal 1:1 Czech Rep. (Portugal adv. on PK's)
Germany 1:1 Croatia (Croatia adv. on PK's)
Cote d'Ivoire 0:2 Spain (in extra time)
Ghana 0:2 France

Quarterfinals
Brazil 3:2 Italy (in extra time)
Argentina 1:2 Holland
Portugal 1:2 France (in extra time)
Croatia 0:1 Spain

Semifinals
Holland 1:0 France (in extra time)
Brazil 0:1 Spain

Third Place Game
France 0:0 Brazil (Brazil win on PK's)

Final - From Olympiastadion, Berlin
Holland 1:2 Spain
-Atletico Madrid stud Fernando Torres scores 2 in the first half for Spain to put them in the locker room up 2-0, then the Spanish defense yields a goal in the 50th to Barcelona's Mark van Bommel. But the Spanish defense is able to make the single remaining goal stand up as Spain wins their first World Cup. Their best previous finish was 4th in 1982.

Italy, England, and Germany sack their managers almost immediately following the conclusion of the World Cup.

[Butter]

David Prutton is voted Southampton's Fans' Player of the Year.

We pick up $1.2 million in TV rights for next season, and are given a transfer budget of $3.2 million for the year which could be supplemented by player sales.

As promised, we sign GK Paul Smith to an improved contract, worth about $700k over 2 seasons. He was making slightly less than $100k per year.

Our new signings begin to stream in:
19 year old South African AM-RC/F-C Lebohang Mokoena joins for a $650k fee to Orlando Pirates, and will make $700k per season (+15% yearly rise) through 2009.

22 year old Cameroonian DM/AM-C Valery Mezague comes over on a free transfer from Montpellier, and will make $550k per season (+15% yearly rise) through 2009.

21 year old French DM Guillaume Plessis comes over on a free transfer from French club team Clermont, and will make $45k per season through 2010. He will likely start in the reserves, as he is a "hot prospect".

23 year old Congolese DM Mazuwa N'Sumbu comes over for $160k to Israeli side Beitar Jerusalem. N'Sumbu will make $425k per season (+15% yearly rise) through 2009.

21 year old Portuguese GK Julio Coelho joins for $9k to lower level Portuguese side P. Ferreira. Coelho is a very good looking prospect, and will make $24k per season through 2010.

23 year old Finnish DM/M-R Pekka Lagerblom joins on a free transfer. He will make $700k per season (+15% rise) through 2009.

24 year old Hungarian ST Sandor Torghelle joins on a free from Crystal Palace. He will earn $800k per season through 2009.

32 year old German AM-L Jorg Bohme comes over on a free... he'll make $700k per year through 2008.

30 year old Senegalese DM/D-R Aliou Cisse also is in on a free transfer... he'll commandeer $400k per season through 2008.

20 year old English ST prospect Sylvan Ebanks-Blake joins from the ManU reserves. He'll make a cheap $20k per season through 2010. The fans are excited at my ambition to bring such a talented youngster to the club.

We release Darren Kenton, Kenwyne Jones, Djamel Belmadi, and Leandre Griffit.

Our preseason fixture schedule is released, and it looks like this:
July 10, @ Northampton
July 13, @ Cambridge
July 18, @ Wycombe
July 22, @ Margate
July 27, @ Hamilton
July 30, @ Oxford

Chelsea buy Milan's Alberto Gilardino for a fee of $82 million!

We sign Fulham castaway American ST Brian McBride from the transfer wire for cheap... he comes over on a one year deal worth just $130k per season to play one more year of English football.

We throw out some loan offers and get some bites... 19 year old Spaniard Pique agrees to a 3 month loan from ManU's reserves.

Preston reserve defender Adrian Mariappa also comes on a 3 month loan. He is also 19, and English.

Crystal Palace 21 year old MC Ben Watson is also in for a 3 month trial. He is a fine looking young player.

[Butter]

SQUAD PREVIEW

It's looking like I'm going to try out a 3-5-2 or a 3-4-3 this year to take advantage of our strong attacking players, so the preview is based on that type of formation.

Goalkeepers
1. Paul Smith
2. Jake Cole/Julio Coelho

Paul Smith looks to be the obvious choice yet again, but we have a good battle for 2nd string, as Jake Cole and Julio Coelho both look like they could snatch the #2 spot. At a glance, both players look similar, with Cole holding the mental edge, but Coelho holding the goalkeeping skill edge. We'll play both in a couple of preseason matches and try and figure it out.

Defense
1. Danny Higginbotham
2. Michael Jakobsen
3. Aliou Cisse
4. Martin Cranie
5. Mattias Bjarsmyr
6. Pique
7. Adrian Mariappa
8. Cedric De Troetsel

Higginbotham, Jakobsen, and Cisse are the 3 clearest starters on the club. Unfortunately, Cisse has turned up with a back strain that will likely hold him out of the entire preseason schedule. Cranie is Mr. Versatile, with his ability to push up and make a good pass when needed. De Troetsel is very young and raw, but may be pushed into action by necessity. Bjarsmyr struggled last season, but will be given every opportunity to show us what he can do. Mariappa and Pique will be essentially trying out for year long loan spots, as both are here through early October at this point.

Midfield
DMC: Yoann Folly, Mazuwa N'Sumbu, Valery Mezague, Nigel Quashie, Pekka Lagerblom
ML: Jorg Bohme, Quashie, Andrew Surman, Neil McCann
MC: Ben Watson, David Prutton, Matthew Oakley, Quashie
MR: Pekka Lagerblom, Prutton, Oakley, Lebohang Mokoena
AMC: Valery Mezague, Lebohang Mokoena, Neil McCann

We have a log jam of central midfielders. So, that's why a 3-5-2 seems the most likely formation, to allow our best players to be on the field at all times. Our 2 new wingers, Bohme and Lagerblom, look like they're going to be stars. But I don't want to push Prutton off the field, so he will likely support them both from the middle of the field and look to get forward when possible (as he likes to "get into opposition area"). Ben Watson should also be a very good player for us, and we will likely look to extend his loan to a full season when his 3 month trial is up. Both Watson and Prutton should do a good job of holding up play and feeding the wingers, who will cross into our bolstered strike force. Lebohang Mokoena is also very effective playing from outside the area and scoring goals by creating his own shot, while Mezague likes to take long distance shots. Nigel Quashie and Matthew Oakley may well find themselves without jobs by season's end, and could be listed by midseason if this formation works to plan.

Strikers
1. Sandor Torghelle
2. Guillermo Zschusschen
3. Brian McBride (if work permit comes through)
4. Lebohang Mokoena
5. Brett Ormerod
6. Ricardo Fuller
7. Dexter Blackstock
8. Neil McCann
9. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake

Torghelle and Zschusschen look to be our top 2 strikers, but McBride will be a terrific target man if he is able to get a permit, and may cause us to run a 3-4-3 more often using McBride as a target to head onto the other strikers. Mokoena has a ton of potential, and could well become a star. Ormerod, Fuller, and Blackstock may find themselves hurting for playing time if the others can stay injury free. McCann will likely play midfield more often than striker, and Ebanks-Blake will sit in the reserves barring major injuries to our senior squad.

Next up, the preseason begins.

[Butter]

2006-07 PRESEASON

July 10, Friendly #1
@ Northampton Town (League One)

We face long time Saint Marian Pahars in our first friendly. Also our first look at the new 3-5-2, with largely new players on the pitch for us, including an entirely new midfield.

Watson with a nice through ball to Mezague in the 5th minute, and he makes a nice 40 yard run and finishes slotting it to the left of the keeper. Lagerblom to Watson, who one touches it to Z in the 7th, and Z finishes from 15 yards to make it 2-0 quickly. In the 15th, Northamnpton go down a man thanks to a red card for having the last man foul Z. In the 19th, Lagerblom's free kick from about 35 yards curls into the near post, where Z dives onto it and gets it past the keeper. 3-0, Saints. Pahars gets one back for Northampton, touching in a cross from the right to make it 3-1 at halftime.

We remove the entire starting 11, except for Coelho at halftime. Ormerod scores off a pass from Mokoena in the 56th to finish the scoring, but Northampton had no problem pressuring the goal against our high attack formation. Coelho with a decent performance in the race for #2 keeper.

Win, 1-4

We should know in the next day or two if our buy of Brian McBride will be allowed (due to work permit issues). I get the call on July 12th, and find that his permit has been turned down... I appeal, and 2 days later should find out the final decision.

July 13, Friendly #2
@ Cambridge Utd. (Conf. Nat'l)

Cambridge with a surprise short cross and well placed header goal just 150 seconds in. In the 21st, we get the goal back as Ebanks-Blake's attempted short pass to Fuller is deflected, but right into the path of Yoann Folly at the penalty spot, and he finishes. Mariappa gets a straight red card in the 28th for a last ditch tackle. In the 38th, McCann with a wonderful cut back pass on a counter attack, and Mokoena has an easy 10 yard shot to run onto. He converts it to make it 2-1, Saints at halftime.

In the opening minute of the 2nd half, Ebanks-Blake with a very good pass ahead to Mokoena, who is wide open from 15 yards and finishes. 3-1, Saints. Ebanks-Blake having a marvelous game. Cambridge beats the back 3 on a nice counter in the 59th to make it 3-2. In the 69th, Cole's poor goal kick leads to a Cambridge breakaway, and they level the match at 3. Cambridge take full advantage of our man disadvantage, firing in the winning goal past Cole in the 91st minute. Luckily, Ebanks-Blake with another fine play, passing up a tough angled shot to find Fuller alone in front of the net at the edge of the six to make it 4-4. That's how it ends, as Cole does nothing to help his case for playing time. Although to be fair, for most of the game we played Oliver Lancashire, a U-18 player, and Cedric De Troetsel, a player better suited to midfield play, as 2 of the 3 center backs.

Draw, 4-4

Sadly, Brian McBride's work permit application is turned down upon second glance, so no super target man for us. The 3-5-2 is working well at generating chances so far, but we'll be in a lot of shootouts if this keeps up.

England appoint Bryan Robson as new national team head coach.

With the way Ebanks-Blake played in that last match, he may well see some senior squad time this season.

July 18, Friendly #3
@ Wycombe Wanderers (League Two)

In the 22nd, Surman with a great long ball searching for Z, and he outruns his man and shoots it past the keeper for a 1-0 Saint lead. Smith with a poor pass to Oakley that is stolen, and leads to a very fast counter attack and goal. 1-1 at the interval.

Wycombe with a fluke deflection that earns them the go ahead goal in the 50th minute. Mokoena with a nice cross and Z heads it in in the 58th minute. Z's 2nd of the match, he is torching the opposition in the preseason. Cranie with a terrific long ball to Ebanks-Blake in the 65th minute... he has it poked away, but right to Z who has another easy shot and scores his hat-trick. Wycombe finds some more space behind the defense, and make it 3-3 in the 79th as Higginbotham is caught out, and the striker with a fabulous 20 yard worm burner to score a 3rd. Smith with an absolutely dreadful rating of 4 in this match.

Draw, 3-3

July 22, Friendly #4
@ Margate (Semi-Pro)

In the 7th minute, Bohme with a pinpoint cross to Torghelle, who heads it in. Ormerod steals a pass in midfield, then beats the keeper pretty easily with pace in the 11th to make it 2-0. In the 35th, Lagerblom with a terrific strike from the left side of the box after his corner was knocked back at him.

We fail to score in the 2nd half, but for once we also don't give up a boatload of chances as Bjarsmyr and Coelho have very nice games.

Win, 0-3

We pick up one of last year's best defenders on another year long loan deal, as Calum Davenport agrees to join us on loan from the Tottenham Reserves.

July 27, Friendly #5
@ Hamilton Academical (Scottish lower divisions)

After a fairly even first half, Hamilton finally crack our back 3, and score after a missed Mariappa steal. 1-0 Hamilton at halftime.

We lay siege to the Hamilton goal in the second half, but none of our 12 shots can squeak into the back of the net. We lose our first of the preseason.

Loss, 1-0

This really isn't boding well, we're 2-2-1 against far inferior competition. I can only hope this tactic will hold up once the season begins, but I'm not optimistic right now.

July 30, Friendly #6
@ Oxford United (League Two)

We largely start our expected opening day lineup today, which is:
GK: Smith
D: Higginbotham, Bjarsmyr, Jakobsen
M: N'Sumbu, Bohme, Watson, Lagerblom, Mezague
S: Torghelle, Z

In the 23rd, Bohme finds Mezague alone near the spot, and Mezague finishes on a nice quick goal. Again the center of defense is overwhelmed in numbers, and yield a simple straight on 15 yard shot and goal to make it 1-1 at halftime.

And that's how it ends, as we continue to muddle through the preseason, still with no real fire or desire to win even when the stakes are relatively low. Smith with another pedestrian performance in goal.

Draw, 1-1
End pre-season.

English Championship promotion odds
Birmingham, Sunderland, Southampton - 7:4
Wigan - 5:2
Sheffield United - 3:1
Wolves - 10:1

I tell the media that not only do I believe we'll achieve promotion, but I think we'll win the division.

[Butter]

2006-07 SEASON START

As we begin the season, let's take a look at the finances.

We currently have $10.7 million cash on hand, and a $3.16 million transfer budget. Our wage bill is very high right now, currently sitting at $12.67 million of an allowable $10 million. Well over our agreed wage budget. I'm sure the board won't tolerate many slip-ups from me now. I have been actively trying to sell Jelle Van Damme, who is personally responsible for nearly $1 million of that wage bill.

The draw for the League Cup is held, and we'll travel to newly promoted League Two Forest Green Rovers on August 23rd.

Time to start the season!

August 5, Match 1
@ Ipswich Town
Series: Ipswich lead 1-1-0
Fav: Saints, 5:4

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Higginbotham, Davenport, Jakobsen
M: N'Sumbu, Bohme, Watson, Lagerblom, Mokoena
S: Ormerod, Torghelle

Z is fatigued, so cannot play in this one.

12'- Nice way to start the season, as Bohme's corner kick is headed in for an own goal by former EPL star Arjan de Zeeuw. 1-0, Saints.

20'- Mokoena with a medicine ball ahead to Ormerod... but Brett's speed gets him there first, and he takes it first time from just inside the box. It shoots low and past the keeper, 2-0!

27'- A long shot is tipped away by Smith, but he can't hold it and the rebound is sent home by Sam Parkin. 2-1.

I urge the team to keep up the good performance in the second half, as we're one held save away from a 2 goal lead.

52'- Bohme with a nice ball for Ormerod... Brett crosses for Mokoena, who gets a head to it, but the Ipswich keeper makes the save.

56'- A bad clearance is sent back in by Mokoena... Jakobsen heads it over the defense, and the Ipswich keeper is for some reason out near the edge of the 18 yard box... Ormerod sneaks in behind the defense, and taps the Jakobsen pass into the open net. What was he doing? We lead 3-1.

65'- Ormerod and Mokoena play the give and go... Ormerod gets free down the right, and his centering ball is headed in by Pekka Lagerblom! 4-1, Saints!

73'- Prutton on for a tiring Watson, and Mezague enters for a tiring Lagerblom. We switch to a 2 defensive midfield set, with Mezague joining N'Sumbu in that role.

75'- Torghelle just misses on a first time shot after a terrific pass from Prutton.

We're able to run out the clock and take an impressive first match win. Our central defenders were just absolutely marvelous today, and by all rights we should've had a shutout.

Win, 1-4, begin in 2nd place
Shots/on target: Ipswich 4/3, Saints 12/7
Poss: 53-47, Ipswich
MoM: Brett Ormerod - 2 goals, 1 assist
Ratings:
9 - Higginbotham, Jakobsen, Davenport, Bohme, Mokoena, Ormerod
8 - Lagerblom, Watson, N'Sumbu
A: 27,896

[Butter]

Sadly, Brett Ormerod injures his foot in the last match, and will miss 2-4 weeks of action. Disappointing, considering Ormerod played so well in our first match.

Community Shield
Aston Villa 0:2 Liverpool

We get a taker for promising reserve DL Jelle Van Damme, as West Ham give us $2 million + 30% of next sale to sign the Belgian wing back.

A short turnaround for the next game, and Wolves manager Glenn Hoddle tells the media he hopes he has a hand in keeping us from getting promoted. I mention that I can't wait to beat Wolves, and 4 of my players (Higginbotham, Prutton, Z, and Jakobsen) like that comment.

Aug. 8, Match 2
1-0-0, 2nd pl., 3 pts.
v. Wolverhampton Wanderers (0-0-1, 18th pl., 0 pts.)
Series: Saints lead 1-1-0
Fav: Saints, Even

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Pique, Bjarsmyr, Cranie
M: Quashie, Surman, Oakley, Prutton, Mezague
S: Fuller, Z

8'- Oakley with a high hard shot at goal from 30 yards, but it just misses the target.

14'- Smith with a nice save after the defense allows an attacker to sneak in behind.

20'- Poor clearance by Smith, and a Wolves attacker with an easy chance down the middle. They score far post on Smith to take a 1-0 lead.

23'- Z with a nice ball to Fuller... he beats his man and shoots from 20 yards... off the upright!

26'- Mezague pops free from 15 yards, but his shot is into the seats.

52'- Wolves go down a man as a striker picks up his second yellow card.

We still seem unable to get through Wolves' back 4.

76'- McCann on for an ineffective Surman, and Mokoena replaces a clueless Z.

88'- Mokoena is sent off for elbowing defender Sam Sodje in the face.

We are thoroughly unable to get any pressure on the Wolves goal in the 2nd half, and fall 1-0. I didn't think we'd get shut out all season, but here we are. Not a good showing at all by the 2nd team.

Loss, 0-1, drop to 9th place
Shots/on target: Saints 5/2, Wolves 7/3
Poss: 51-49, Saints
MoM: Wolves DM Seyi Olofinjana - 1 assist, 6/6 tackles won, 6/7 headers won
Ratings:
5- Mokoena
A: 24,075

Matthew Oakley will miss 1-4 weeks with a thigh strain suffered in this match.

[Butter]

Aug. 12, Match 3
1-1-0, 9th pl., 3 pts.
@ Stoke City (0-2-0, 15th pl., 2 pts.)
Series: Even, 1-0-1
Fav: Saints, 4:5

Lineup:
GK: Coelho
D: Jakobsen, Higginbotham, Cisse
M: N'Sumbu, Bohme, Watson, Lagerblom, Mezague
S: Fuller, Z

10'- Our defense is just not getting wide enough right now... and they have no support. Lagerblom attempts to defend on the left, but the cross still gets in... Jakobsen can't get to it fast enough, and midfielder Ryan Taylor pokes it in past Coelho for a 1-0 Potters lead.

31'- Jakobsen with a terrific long ball down the left for Bohme... Bohme from near the flag with a low centering pass to the arc for Mezague... Mezague runs onto it and drills it into the seats. Goal kick.

35'- A similar play to the first one, as a cross from the left comes to the far post, and no one can stop Ryan Taylor from volleying it in. 2-0, Potters.

45+'- Z with a great pass across goal to Fuller, and he touches it toward goal but it's inches wide.

I tell the team I expect them to perform better after halftime.

61'- After we attack the Stoke goal for a while, they get a nice counter attack that is finished after a pass across goal and a wide open tap in at the far post. 3-0, Stoke.

70'- Fuller and Watson out, McCann and Folly in.

80'- Higginbotham with a foul that looked a good 2 yards outside the box, but a penalty is given. Stoke converts, and it's an embarrassing 4-0 now.

Stoke just came out fired up, and we came out very flat. 2 straight defeats for us at Britannia Stadium by an aggregate score of 7-0. A disastrous debut for Coelho. Cisse played well, rating an 8 for most of the first half before dropping off the table in the 2nd.

Loss, 4-0, drop to 14th place
Shots/on target: Potters 8/6, Saints 10/2
Poss: 50-50
MoM: Stoke D Michael Timlin - 1 goal, 5/5 headers won, 26/32 passing
Ratings:
5 - Higginbotham, Lagerblom
A: 13,022

Already the board have gone from pleased to satisfied after just 2 losses.

Admittedly, they've been bad losses, but still embarrassing.

[Butter]

We drop to 19th after some Saturday results, but could bounce all the way back up to 9th with a convincing win over Hull.

Aug. 20, Match 4 (TV)
1-0-2, 19th pl., 3 pts.
v. Hull City (1-0-2, 20th pl., 3 pts.)
Series: Saints lead 2-0-0
Fav: Saints, 4:5

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Jakobsen, Davenport, Higginbotham
M: Folly, Bohme, Watson, Lagerblom, Mezague
S: Blackstock, Z

23'- Blackstock is bowled over by former Saint Claus Lundekvam and is forced to leave the game. Fuller on for him.

A dreadful match by halftime, as this new formation is looking like total rubbish. We're not keeping possession, and not creating as many chances as I'd hoped. Of course, Hull does play a very defensive game, scoring just once but allowing only four goals through three matches.

78'- Prutton in for a gimpy Z, and Quashie on for an ineffective Bohme as we switch to a 3-6-1, having only brought one striker on the bench.

No goals, not even any dangerous chances in the second 45. What a bad team we are right now!

Draw, 0-0, up to 18th
Shots/on target: Saints 7/2, Tigers 6/2
Poss: 51-49, Saints
MoM: Paul Smith - 2 saves
Ratings: All 6's/7's
A: 18,631

[Butter]

Aug. 23, League Cup First Round
@ Forest Green Rovers (22nd in League Two)
Fav: Saints, 1:4

Lineup:
GK: Coelho
D: Mariappa, Bjarsmyr, Cranie
M: Folly, Surman, De Troetsel, Prutton, McCann
S: Fuller, Ebanks-Blake

5'- Ebanks-Blake is played through by Fuller, but his 12 yard shot is stoned by the keeper.

18'- Another E-B chance, but he puts it right into the keeper again after a fine pass from Fuller.

23'- Fuller tackles the ball away from a Rovers' defender, and De Troetsel is there to pick it up... he runs 40 yards with the ball at his feet, then jinks around the keeper and scores! De Troetsel with a goal in his competitive debut for Southampton!

27'- Fuller with a nice 18 yard shot that is barely saved, and Surman's follow up is saved as well.

Not much happens the rest of this half, or the second for that matter... we do a nice job of keeping Forest Green out of our area, but we can't seem to generate much offense.

90+'- Prutton gets a nice pass from De Troetsel and heads down the right... he crosses to the far post, where Fuller heads it in for the clincher.

Not a great win by any stretch, but a win all the same.

Win, 0-2, advance to League Cup Second Round
Shots/on target: Rovers 2/0, Saints 15/9
Poss: 50-50
MoM: David Prutton - 9/10 tackles won, 3 key passes, 1 assist
Ratings:
9 - Prutton, Fuller
8 - De Troetsel
A: 2,979

I think this incarnation of this formation is dead though. I'm going to switch to a straight 3-5-2 or a 3-4-1-2 without a def. midfielder playing in front of the defense. Splitting 50-50 on possession against a team 75 rungs down the ladder from us is embarrassing. We should have totally dominated this game, but instead played poorly enough to keep them in it until well into the final minute of stoppage time.

This, combined with the other 2 losses in the league have convinced me this formation has no future. I think I'm going to try a straight 3-5-2 with 1 midfielder, 1 def. middie, and 1 att. middie and see where that gets me. We've got much better players than most of the league, but it's not showing right now.

[Butter]

We will play at League Two Oldham in the Second Round of the Carling Cup on Sept. 20.

I think Ebanks-Blake and De Troetsel will be staying with the senior club for the remainder of the season, as they were both impressive in the last match. I will be able to find spots to play them.

Aug. 26, Match 5
1-1-2, 18th pl., 4 pts.
@ Millwall (0-2-2, 21st pl., 2 pts.)
Series: Millwall lead 1-1-0
Fav: Saints, 4:5

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Higginbotham, Davenport, Pique
M: Bohme, Mezague, N'Sumbu, Watson, Lagerblom
S: Torghelle, Z

Again, we're trying out a defensive, counter-attacking 3-5-2 today, with all the midfielders based along the center line instead of trying the diamond formation I like so much.

7'- Higginbotham chases the ball from left to right instead of holding his ground, allowing a cross field pass that leads to an easy 8 yard shot and goal for the Lions. 1-0, Millwall.

10'- N'Sumbu's 12 yard volley blazes into the stands.

15'- We pick up our 3rd card in the first quarter hour. Nice refereeing here.

25'- N'Sumbu brings down a goalie clearance... and sends Torghelle away against an out-of-position defense... Torghelle with no one to bother him, and his low 15 yarder scorches the back of the net! 1-1 on Torghelle's first in the red and white.

32'- Smith with a brilliant save on an early cross and volley chance... he blindly flung himself in the direction of the ball, and it works out.

Torghelle and Z both pick up knocks just before halftime.

Fuller and Mokoena replace them at halftime.

66'- Pique chases down a long clearance... but instead of blasting it back upfield, he is dispossessed near our 18 yard box... the pass goes backwards, then a low ball in towards the spot... and striker James Harper is there to quickly shoot it past Smith for a 2-1 Millwall lead.

70'- We get a break as a Millwall midfielder picks up his 2nd card, and we go a man up. We have 4 players with yellows, though, so that could turn at any moment.

Cedric De Troetsel gets a chance, subbing in for an ineffective Lagerblom. We switch to much stronger attacking tactics.

75'- Bohme and N'Sumbu play the give and go down the left... Bohme crosses back post where De Troetsel is open, but the Millwall keeper alertly tips it over for a corner. Bohme sends in the corner... and Mokoena heads it in from a sharp angle! We're back level at 2-2!

So, we do enough to earn another point, but that's not helping us get much closer to the top. Good comeback though, even though our defense was quite poor today. We finish with 6 yellow cards as a team.

Draw, 2-2, up to 17th
Shots/on target: Lions 14/4, Saints 6/3
Poss: 55-45, Lions
MoM: Calum Davenport - 17/17 headers won, 9/9 tackles won
Ratings:
8 - Davenport, Torghelle
A: 10,118

Torghelle should miss a few days with a facial injury, while Brett Ormerod finally returns to full training.

[Butter]

Aug. 28, Match 6
1-2-2, 17th pl., 5 pts.
v. Watford (1-3-1, 14th pl., 6 pts.)
Series: Watford lead 1-1-0
Fav: Saints, 4:5

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Bjarsmyr, Mariappa, Cranie
M: Surman, McCann, Folly, Mokoena, Prutton
S: Blackstock, Ebanks-Blake

4'- Blackstock with a ball ahead to Ebanks-Blake... he has all sorts of room down the left... Ebanks-Blake tries to get around the keeper, but his shot is tip saved... Prutton is there for the rebound though, and he scores! 1-0, Saints on a nice goal created by youngster Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

14'- Prutton and Ebanks-Blake hook up again... this time it's a Mokoena free kick down the right for Prutton... he swings in a near post cross, and E-B is able to poke it home past the keeper from close range. 2-0, Saints!

27'- E-B with a great pass to Blackstock... Dex gets to 18 yards, but his low shot is just wide of the post.

29'- Folly with a long ball to Blackstock... he centers to Prutton, who is wide open and shoots low... and scores! 3-0, Saints!

31'- Watford's best chance of the day so far is a wide open chance in front of Smith, but he is able to parry it wide.

45'- Surman's cross to the back post finds Mokoena, but his header is just wide.

49'- Mariappa picks up an injury, and De Troetsel is forced in for him.

54'- Mokoena in the center from 40 yards... he picks out Ebanks-Blake, who beats his man... E-B with a fierce right footer toward the far post... and in! 4-0, Saints!

69'- De Troetsel gets a clearance from the Watford keeper at midfield, and sends it back long toward the box... Prutton is able to come up with it at the corner of the box... he flicks a header goalward, where Blackstock is waiting inside the six... and he pokes it in! 5-0, Saints!

78'- Quashie on for a tired Prutton... Mokoena moves to the right wing.

We absolutely demolish Watford, and would've beaten Chelsea today. Just a great effort all around. The pairing of our 2 youngest strikers works out very nicely.

Win, 5-0, up to 12th place
Shots/on target: Saints 17/10, Watford 12/4
Poss: 51-49, Hornets
MoM: Dexter Blackstock - 1 goal, 1 assist, 27/37 passing, 6 key passes
Ratings:
10 - Ebanks-Blake, Blackstock, Surman
9 - Smith, Cranie, Bjarsmyr, Pruttton, Mokoena
8 - Mariappa, Folly, De Troetsel
A: 16,873

Mariappa has suffered a concussion, and will be out indefinitely.

[Butter]

Valery Mezague picks up a groin strain in practice, and will miss 2-4 weeks of action.

Calum Davenport finishes 3rd in Player of the Month of August voting.

The August transfer window snaps shut without any further major movement of players in to St. Mary's. We're going with who we have, and just have to hope it'll be good enough.

We get a few days off, as qualifying for Euro 2008 kicks into gear.

Smith, Prutton, Surman, Ebanks-Blake, and Blackstock are all named to the Team of the Week.

Lebohang Mokoena picks up a virus, and we send him home for 2-3 weeks so as not to infect the rest of the team.

Sept. 9, Match 7
2-2-2, 12th pl., 8 pts.
@ Reading (3-1-2, 9th pl., 10 pts.)
Series: Even, 0-2-0
Fav: Saints, Even

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Higginbotham, Davenport, Pique
M: Bohme, Oakley, Folly, Watson, Lagerblom
S: Ormerod, Z

1'- For the 3rd game in a row, Bohme picks up a yellow card inside the first 10 minutes.

25'- Pique with a great lofted free kick from 50 yards... it latches right onto Ormerod's run into the box, but his quick shot is just tipped aside by Graham Stack, the Reading keeper. Off the corner, it's Bohme finding Ormerod open in the box... Ormerod settles, turns, shoots, and scores from 8 yards! 1-0, Saints.

29'- Former Saint Kamil Kosowski cuts the ball back to Steve Sidwell, his volley is touched by Higginbotham into the back of the net. Own goal to make it 1-1.

I sympathize with the club at halftime.

Smith and Watson are both playing with minor injuries, while Higginbotham, Bohme, and Z have yellow cards early in the 2nd half.

59'- Ormerod attacks goal from the left, but his shot is saved by Stack. Off the corner, Lagerblom finds Z all alone, but he takes too long and gets dispossessed.

64'- We catch a break, as a Reading defender gets booked a second time for elbowing Ormerod, and we gain a man advantage.

Prutton in for Oakley, and Ebanks-Blake on for a struggling Zschusschen.

84'- Our offseason signings pay dividends, as Pekka Lagerblom lines up a straight ahead free kick from 22 yards... he approaches it, and strikes it into the top left corner! 2-1, Saints! Great free kick by Lagerblom, as he and Bohme have vastly improved our set piece offense this year.

90'+2- Reading have another defender sent off for holding back our strikers, and we go 2 men up.

And we hold on for the win! A nice goal late to take all 3 points from Madejski Stadium. We're starting to play a bit better with this tactic, and our superior players are proving to be the difference.

Win, 1-2, up to 8th
Shots/on target: Reading 7/4, Saints 7/6
Poss: 50-50
MoM: Brett Ormerod - 1 goal, 1 assist, 8/36 headers won
Ratings:
8 - Lagerblom, Ormerod, Prutton
A: 19,137

Not a dominating performance, but we do enough to win it, and now sit just 1 point from a playoff place, and only 5 points behind 1st place Norwich, who are trying to make up for a disappointing season much like we are.

[Butter]

Sept. 12, Match 8
3-2-2, 8th pl., 11 pts.
v. Cardiff (3-4-0, 3rd pl., 13 pts.)
Series: Even, 1-0-1
Fav: Saints, 4:5

Looks like the bookies still aren't sold on Cardiff, despite the strong start.

Lineup:
GK: Coelho
D: Pique, Bjarsmyr, Cranie
M: McCann, Surman, Cisse, Folly, Prutton
S: Fuller, Ebanks-Blake

11'- Pique's 35 yard free kick swings in towards Ebanks-Blake... he heads toward goal and places it well, but a fingertip save keeps us scoreless.

25'- A mad scramble in the box and some poor defending by Cardiff lead to 2 chances by E-B and Fuller, but neither can finish.

27'- Cisse with a masterful long ball to Fuller, who latches onto it, but his pressured shot is saved.

29'- A loose ball is chased down by E-B on the edge of the box... Cardiff's last man sticks his leg out and brings down the young striker... the referee checks his pockets... and oh looky, it's a red card! We go up a man for the remainder! The foul was adjudged to be just outside the box, so McCann lines it up, but misses.

I tell the team we're unlucky not to be winning after we play a dominant first half and are up a man.

We put together some more good attacking play, but can't crack the Cardiff defense.

71'- Cisse out, Zschusschen in as we go to a 3-4-3.

86'- McCann's corner kick is headed on by Cranie, but another excellent save gives Cardiff some hope.

90+1'- And they convert... Surman goes down with an injury while defending on the wing, leaving an open cross and goal for Cardiff... Coelho couldn't get his hands to the close shot, and we trail 1-0.

A tough loss, but Cardiff have now allowed just 3 goals in 8 matches, so I should've expected something like this. We played pretty well, but Cardiff sneaked in and got the game-winner.

Loss, 0-1, drop to 14th
Shots/on target: Saints 15/10, Cardiff 2/2
Poss: 55-45, Saints
MoM: Cardiff GK Neil Alexander - 10 saves
Ratings:
8 - Pique, Cranie, Prutton
A: 17,983

Surman should only miss a few days with a slight concussion.

[Butter]

After the last match, I now notice that 4 players have "lost confidence" in my ability.

Sept. 16, Match 9
3-2-3, 14th pl., 11 pts.
@ Leicester (3-3-2, 13th pl., 12 pts.)
Series: Saints lead 1-1-0
Fav: Saints, 5:4

Lineup:
GK: Coelho
D: Jakobsen, Davenport, Higginbotham
M: Bohme, Oakley, N'Sumbu, Watson, Lagerblom
S: Ormerod, Torghelle

10'- Ormerod with a good chance from in close, but his shot is just into the side netting.

12'- Good cross and header in by Emile Heskey. Heskey is starring for the Foxes this year, and just whipped Coelho on that ball for his 5th of the season.

18'- Ormerod with a nice pass to Torghelle, who wheels at 20 yards, then dribbles and flicks it gently over the keeper and into the top right corner for a goal. 1-1.

34'- Great counter attack keyed by a long Bohme run down the middle with the ball, but Ormerod completely mishits his shot and it remains 1-1.

40'- We get a break, as Lagerblom is brought down in the open field, and the defender receives a straight red for his effort.

43'- Lagerblom's cross is chased down by Bohme, who centers into a mass of people... somehow, Watson is able to bring it down with a bit of space, and tucks it away! 2-1, Saints at halftime.

Torghelle continues to struggle with stamina, at around 70% even after halftime.

53'- Bohme and Watson nearly hook up again, but Watson is stoned again... later, Watson with another chance off a pass from Lagerblom, but his close in shot is saved again.

61'- Our back 3 snooze just briefly, allowing Heskey a clear run at goal, but the young Portuguese keeper Coelho with a fine save.

71'- After Coelho saves a routine long shot, he keys a breakout with Bohme firing ahead to Oakley ahead of the pack... Oakley draws the defense and the keeper to one side, then slides the ball across goal to a wide open Ben Watson for the tap in! Watson with his best game for us, with 2 now as we take a 3-1 lead.

Quashie enters for Torghelle, and we switch to 3 def. midfielders (Quashie, Lagerblom, and N'Sumbu) in front of our 3 man back.

We hold our own for the nice win.

Win, 1-3, up to 9th place
Shots/on target: Foxes 6/4, Saints 11/6
Poss: 53-47, Saints
MoM: Jorg Bohme - 1 assist, 29/40 passing, 6 key passes
Ratings:
9 - Davenport, Jakobsen, Higginbotham, Lagerblom, Bohme, Watson
8 - Coelho, Oakley, N'Sumbu, Torghelle, Ormerod
A: 32,389

We're now just 1 point down from the playoff places.

[Butter]

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake pulls a hamstring in training, and is likely to miss an entire month of training.

Higginbotham, Lagerblom, and Watson are picked to the Team of the Week.

Sept. 20, League Cup Second Round
@ Oldham Athletic (1st in League Two)
Fav: Saints, 1:2

Lineup:
GK: Coelho
D: Cranie, Mariappa, Pique
M: Quashie, Folly, Plessis, De Troetsel, Prutton
S: Blackstock, Z

7'- Coelho parries a close in header, but an Oldham winger is there to tap in the rebound, and the League Two leaders take an early 1-0 lead.

15'- Blackstock with a nice pass to a cutting Z, who leaves his man in the dust while slotting it home past the keeper. Nice goal by the Dutchman, his 1st of the season.

Cedric De Troetsel has mediocre ratings, but every time he plays he comes out with great enthusiasm, chasing the ball all over, and usually seems to make a play or two. He is playing well in the first half.

27'- Z with a wide open left footed volley, but he can't get the shot on target with his off foot.

33'- Z with another nice move to create space for himself... he shoots from 12 yards, it pings back off the keeper, but right to Z... he shoots again, again it ricochets off a leg back to him... his 3rd attempt he hits low at the left post, but screams it wide! The play by play says "that's enough to destroy anyone's self-belief".

36'- Z with a point blank header off a corner kick, but again he can't beat the keeper!

43'- Blackstock is off to the races... Quashie gets it, then crosses back to the middle... Blackstock with an open 10 yarder, but he also misses the mark!

Plessis is having a pedestrian game at DM in his Saint debut.

56'- Folly heads away a corner kick... he hits it long to Blackstock, who has left his man in the dust! Blackstock skips past another tackle, and has an open chance... Dex shoots low... and scores! "Magical stuff from Blackstock" as we take the 2-1 lead!

63'- It doesn't take long for Oldham to hit back, as Mariappa stands still watching an Oldham striker get through on the keeper, and he finishes past Coelho for a 2-2 game.

74'- Cisse on for an ineffective Mariappa, and Watson replaces a tiring De Troetsel.

79'- Long ball down the right... Z gives chase, but the Oldham defender beats him to it... then hits it back toward the keeper. Not a good idea as Blackstock is lurking and darts in front of the keeper to poke it into the goal! Great instincts by Blackstock and a terrible clearance by the Oldham defense, once again putting us ahead.

82'- Oldham just won't die, as they keep putting in quality crosses, and our 3 man back is ill-equipped to stop them. Another one connects here, and it's level again!

86'- Z with a great challenge in midfield, and he comes up with the steal... Z plays the 1-2 with Folly... Z crosses back post, but Prutton is out of position, so he just centers a pass... here comes Plessis, without a marker! Plessis hits it first time from 10 yards on the dead run and buries it!!! 4-3, Saints in a remarkable 2nd half here!

90+1'- Another free shot in front for Oldham, but Coelho makes the save this time to keep it 4-3.

I give them a "sensational" after this game... I know it may lead to complacency, but I can't help it. That was a great match.

Win, 3-4, advance to Third Round
Shots/on target: Oldham 13/8, Saints 17/9
Poss: 51-49, Oldham
MoM: Dexter Blackstock - 2 goals, 1 assist
Ratings:
9 - Blackstock
8 - Coelho, Prutton, Folly, Z
A: 7,250

Sadly, our Carling Cup run will likely end next round, as we draw a home game against Newcastle United.

[Butter]

Sept. 23, Match 10
4-2-3, 10th pl., 14 pts.
@ Burnley (4-1-3, 15th pl., 13 pts.)
Series: Even, 1-0-1
Fav: Saints, 4:6

Lineup:
GK: Smith
D: Jakobsen, Davenport, Higginbotham
M: Bohme, Mezague, N'Sumbu, Watson, Lagerblom
S: Ormerod, Torghelle

9'- Bohme with a pass into the six... Torghelle heads it at the goal, and it goes off the keeper and in! Not much of a shot, but the Burnley keeper totally botches it, and Torghelle is gifted a goal.

12'- Ormerod breaks loose... he is forced back toward our goal, but plays a great through ball to Mezague, who is in the clear... a Burnley defender races over, and brings Mezague down 10 yards from goal! Penalty! And a red for the defender! We're drawing reds like nobody's business this year. Jorg Bohme to take it... but he hits it right down the middle, and it's saved!

28'- Ormerod tees up from 25 yards... and hits the woodwork! Ormerod very close to a spectacular goal.

30'- Bohme crosses for Torghelle, who gets a free header from 10 yards, but hits it over.

Ormerod and Torghelle both miss headers late in the half, and we could be up 5-0 at the half easy if not for the poor heading of our 2 strikers right now.

48'- The second half starts like the first ended... Bohme free kick, Ormerod with a free header at 8 yards, a miss.

The secret to attacking us is getting down the wings. Anybody'll tell you. But Burnley is not doing that. And we're dominating possession and chances.

64'- Finally, Ade Akinbiyi with an open shot for Burnley, but he puts it over the bar.

72'- Akinbiyi gets a nice pass from the wing, gets close, and finishes past Smith. Again, we're unable to hold a lead. Fuller on for an ineffective Ormerod.

86'- Lagerblom with a magnificent long ball to Fuller, who powers a header at goal, but the Burnley keeper puts a stop to our last chance.

Another disappointing draw.

Draw, 1-1, drop to 11th
Shots/on target: Clarets 4/1, Saints 19/7
Poss: 54-46, Saints
MoM: Danny Higginbotham - 12 interceptions, 58/71 passing, 6/6 headers won, 3/3 tackles won
Ratings:
8 - Davenport, Higginbotham, Bohme, Mezague, N'Sumbu, Torghelle
A: 13,589

Paul Smith picks up a fairly serious injury in this game, a strained groin, so will miss 3-5 weeks. I put out feelers on bringing in a loan keeper.

[Butter]

We pick up 19 year old Liverpool reserve Paul Robertson on a 3 month loan to pick up the slack for the injured Paul Smith.

Sept. 26, Match 11
4-3-3, 11th pl., 15 pts.
v. Gillingham (2-3-5, 18th pl., 9 pts.)
Series: First meeting
Fav: Saints, 4:6

Lineup:
GK: Lancaster
D: Jakobsen, Davenport, Higginbotham
M: Surman, McCann, Folly, N'Sumbu, Prutton
S: Ormerod, Blackstock

Again, we control the half without taking command of the game... it's scoreless at the break, and I lash out at the team at halftime. Z comes on for a nicked up Blackstock.

The 2nd half comes and goes, and it's a very boring draw. At the end, for the 2nd time recently I notice it says "Southampton should have won this easily!"

I am hurting for my job right now.

Draw, 0-0, drop to 13th
Shots/on target: Saints 12/3, Gills 4/2
Poss: 62-38, Saints
MoM: David Prutton - 35/40 passing, 5/7 headers won
Ratings:
8 - Lancaster, Higginbotham, Prutton
A: 16,582

[Butter]

In a last ditch effort to turn this ship around before I get sacked, we're switching back to a standard 4-4-2 defensive formation with a counter-attack.

Manchester City sack Stuart Pearce, as they are languishing 1 point above the drop zone.

Sept. 30, Match 12
4-4-3, 13th pl., 16 pts.
v. Sheffield United (6-1-4, 5th pl., 19 pts.)
Series: Saints lead 3-1-0
Fav: Saints, 4:5

Lineup:
GK: Lancaster
D: Higginbotham, Bjarsmyr, Davenport, Cisse
M: Bohme, Prutton, Watson, Lagerblom
S: Torghelle, Z

Our best chance of the first 30 minutes was a 20 yard Bohme free kick that hit the wall and went out for a corner.

44'- Lagerblom and Cisse play the 1-2 down the right... Lagerblom beats his man to the flag, then crosses... Torghelle with an 8 yard volley, and he scores! Torghelle's 4th of the season give us another halftime lead.

I implore the team to hold the lead at halftime.

55'- Great ball movement around the perimeter, as we draw the defense out... then Prutton strikes down the middle in space... he gets it at 30 yards, then closes to 18 and fires a dart into the top right corner! 2-0, Saints.

79'- Prutton and Torghelle are both tired, so N'Sumbu and De Troetsel enter for them.

Finally, a good win, as the Blades fail to scare us in the final 15 minutes as we take a much needed win.

Win, 2-0, up to 7th place
Shots/on target: Saints 11/4, Blades 8/2
Poss: 51-49, Saints
MoM: Danny Higginbotham - 15 interceptions, 59/74 passing
Ratings:
8 - All starters except Davenport
A: 24,260

Amazingly, we're still only 3 points out of 2nd place despite our poor first one-fourth of the season.

[Butter]

Michael Jakobsen finishes 3rd in the Young Player of the Month balloting.

Sandor Torghelle is named to the Team of the Week.

Looks like we'll be losing 2 good defenders, as both Pique and Adrian Mariappa's home clubs are unwilling to extend their loans. We do get Ben Watson's loan extended another 3 months which helps a lot, but we'll be in big trouble if we can't dig up a couple more center halfs.

We are able to convince fine looking 21 year old defender Wouter Artz to join us on a 3 month loan from Feyenoord. I have been keeping my eye on this youngster, and if he does well we may end up offering a transfer to Feyenoord for him.

October 14, Match 13
5-4-3, 7th pl., 19 pts.
@ Norwich (8-1-3, 1st pl., 25 pts.)
Series: Norwich lead 3-0-0
Fav: Saints 5:4

We failed to score a single goal in 3 attempts against the Canaries last year. Let's see if we can jump back into contention with an impressive showing at Carrow Road.

Lineup:
GK: Lancaster
D: Jakobsen, Bjarsmyr, Artz, Cranie
M: Bohme, Mezague, Prutton, Lagerblom
S: Blackstock, Ormerod

4'- Lagerblom with a great ball in to Blackstock, but his header is saved by keeper Paul Gallacher.

7'- It doesn't take long for Norwich to get through our defense, as Leon McKenzie with a great short pass to Darren Huckerby, who scores a soft, placed shot over the keeper. Great goal, great start for Norwich.

39'- Ormerod gets past a defender on the counter-attack, and is able to get all the way to the end line before crossing for Blackstock, who has an open 5 yard shot, but hits it right at the keeper.

Norwich don't let up their attack, and Lancaster and the defense do a nice job to hold it to 1-0 through halftime.

50'- A nice long strike by Norwich beats Lancaster, and we're down 7-0 on aggregate to Norwich over the past 4 matches.

Fuller on for Cranie, and we're into a 3-4-3.

64'- Fuller crosses for Blackstock, but his header just misses.

Again, an opposing keeper seems to have the game of his life against us. Granted, better finishing would mean more goals, but we can't do much more than we did today.

Loss, 2-0, drop to 11th
Shots/on target: Canaries 12/7, Saints 12/7
Poss: 55-45, Saints
MoM: Norwich D Adam Drury - 5 key passes, 6 interceptions
Ratings:
8 - Jakobsen, Bohme, Mezague
A: 25,867

Can we right the ship and get back into the top 6? Stay tuned.... I don't know how much more time I've got.

[Butter]

I apologize to anyone who was following along with this dynasty when it got cut off. My workload went way up around Christmas, then I was on vacation for 10 days...

then when I came back to pick the game up, it was pretty clear that I was in for a sacking. And that's exactly what I got today, in mid-November of my 2nd year, with the club continuing to founder mid-table.

Sorry, I hate it when people cut off dynasties mid-stream, but I did have good reasons for it. Plus, I got fired, so that's that.