Time for an honest appraisal of Saints after five games. 

In truth we are not improving. If we had beaten Ipswich it would have only papered over the cracks. We can’t defend.

We can’t score goals. We rarely show any attacking flair or pace. We still put pointless possession above incisive forward play. Our desire to go backwards takes precedence and bores the fans to death. 

No one wants to take a risk, and yet so often we tip tap it around and then give it away. 

Russell Martin has a system which he stubbornly refuses to change and which is unlikely to save us from oblivion. 

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Some players are stepping up to this level, Dibling, Downes, Fernandes - but too many others seem incapable of doing so. 

The fans need to see some progress; sadly this is a forlorn hope if we go on playing like this.

It’s an obvious conclusion that Martin is incapable of making the step up we need, but he surely tells the players to play this way?

The fans are desperate for some attacking football, some better tactics, but can Martin deliver this?

Bob Barton
Chandler's Ford