Saints fan Louis James answers
20 questions ahead of Monday night's game at The Hawthorns where 9th placed
Albion take on the Premier League's bottom side.
Why
Southampton?
No other
choice growing up; father's a huge Saints fan, as was my grandfather.
How long
a fan?
Since I was
about 8-years-old (around 1999). I used to queue up outside the Dell on every
home game with my old man collecting autographs and having photos with the
players. I've had a season ticket now for the past four seasons, as well as
attending a handful of away games.
Highlight of supporting the club?
There have
been a few, but it has to be our back-to-back promotions over the past couple of
seasons. The dream return to the Premier League.
Favourite current Saints’ player?
Rickie
Lambert - the man will always be a
Southampton legend.
Favourite all-time Saints’ player?
Marian
Pahars - my idol as a kid.
Thoughts
on last season, what were the main reasons behind your success and promotion?
Obviously
ecstatic that we were promoted, but a tiny bit gutted we didn't win outright.
Momentum from the previous season's promotion was key, as well as some solid
signings (Jos Hooiveld, Billy Sharp).
What
were your summer transfer dealings like? And were you happy with them?
We're said
to be the seventh highest spenders in
Europe over the summer, signing Uruguayan playmaker Gaston Ramírez
for a club record £12million, as well as England U21 defender Nathaniel Clyne
and striker Jay Rodriguez. Japanese centre back Maya Yoshida, former Rangers
skipper Steven Davis, and the 2012 African Cup of Nations Golden Boot winner
Emmanuel Mayuka were also brought in.
Whilst a
lot of fans are happy with some of the attacking signings, the lack of strength
and depth in our defence is a big problem. Conceding 26 goals in 9 games says it
all really.
The big
question… Can you stay up this season?
I'm not as
confident as I was pre-season, but I think there are at least 3 teams worse than
Southampton, so yes.
Thoughts
on Nigel Adkins, what sort of manager is he? What are his formations and tactics
like?
Where do I
start? Never short of a cliché or two (be sure to check this out: www.askadkins.info),
Adkins has had two great seasons as Saints boss. He's a very likeable guy with a
"half glass full" attitude. He is not scared to change things around and try out
new formations/tactics but this can be his downfall, particularly this year.
Whilst he is still learning as a manager, I expect big things from him in the
future (hopefully as Saints' manager).
What do
you make of Southampton’s start to the season? Have you got the results and points you deserve or
expected?
Despite
losing both, our games against City and United showed others that we had a lot
of fight and weren't prepared to give up the spot we'd worked so hard to get in
the first place. But apart from a comfortable 4-1 win over Villa, our
performances haven't been as pleasing. We have to change something, and fast, if
we're going to start picking up points.
Who’s
been your best player so far?
Morgan
Schneiderlin, without a doubt. Exceptional work rate - he's the engine of the
team.
Anyone
been a let-down, anyone been particularly poor?
A lot of
the players found their level in the Championship; Danny Fox is very suspect at
left back for starters. Jos Hooiveld, one of the players of the season last
year, has been disappointing at centre back, whilst Super Kelvin Davis has sadly
lost his "super" title.
What are
your thoughts on former Baggie Richard Chaplow?
Very high.
He was a vital player in our return to the Prem and it's a shame he hasn't
featured more this season. I sometimes feel we lack his tenacity and energy.
Are you
taking pleasure in watching the struggles of Portsmouth or would you prefer to be facing them in the Premier League?
Neither
really. It's funny how roles have completely reversed from two years ago, and
deservedly so, but the rivalry is a big part of both clubs, so it would be a
shame for that to cease. There are a few Saints fans taking great interest in P*mpey's
plight, when they should really be more concerned with our performances.
Any
particular memories of Albion v Southampton games
that stand out?
Not
necessarily Albion vs. Saints, but I can remember cursing you on the final day
of the 2004/05 season when we went down and you stayed up. All is forgotten now
though!
Prediction and thoughts for Albion’s season?
Admittedly,
I had the Baggies as relegation candidates before the start of the season, but
you guys are off to a flyer under Steve Clarke. I expect a mid-table finish at
the very least.
Albion player you admire?
Lukaku is a
quality signing (even if it is only a loan deal). Chris Brunt has been in my
fantasy football team for the past 3 seasons and always scores me a load of
points!
Premier
League Champs?
Man City
Three
teams for the drop?
QPR,
Reading, Villa
Prediction for Monday’s game?
We have to
win really, but I can see a 2-2 draw. As long as it's not as bad as the last
away game I attended (Arsenal 6-1)...
Really
enjoyed reading through your website. Good luck for the season, mate!
Thanks,
Louis
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