HOW FAST CAN NIGEL GET US FIT??

It is clear from this snippet from the Shoot website that Nigel has worked out that the squad are not fit......

Nigel Adkins started his reign at Saints making all the right noises. He wants so play fast, free flowing football and he wants to win in style.

Another point he made was about fitness. All season the fans have been able to see that the players don’t look fit enough, Nicola Cortese made a point about it at the supporters meeting and now Adkins has brought it up. Hallelujah.

The ill fated pre-season tour and preparations were clearly flawed and six games into the season we are still paying the price for it.

It was no surprise then that, yet again, in Adkins' first game in charge last night against MK Dons, the Saints players looked much the better team in the first half. Saints were playing lovely football and were in complete control. The only thing missing yet again was the end product.

Buoyed by the first 45 minutes, Saints fans started to smile for the first time in a while. More fool us.

The team that came out for the second half were incomplete contrast to their first half energy. Yet again, their fitness told and they were lethargic and second to every ball. MK Dons had a field day, and controlled all the possession. Once Angelo Balanta latched on to Lewington’s through ball and finished superbly, the game was over.

Our team don’t know how to respond to going 1-0 down at the moment and didn’t. Leven hit a close range finish to seal the game late on.

There were certainly some positives to take for Adkins, we looked like a very good side again in the first half, he has already recognized the fitness issue, and has only had three days to fix it so far.

It will be interesting to see if he dips into the loan market. We seem to have a massive lack of competition in certain positions, and that can only lead to complacency.

Adkins will make his bow at St. Mary’s on Saturday with the visit of Colchester United.

Colchester have started the season on good form, so it will be another tough test, but I really think at some point a hatful of the chances we create are going to go in. We have to instill confidence back into the players.

Former Saint Lloyd James, could make an appearance for the Us but Andy Bond will be the one to watch.

I am how many really aren't fit, Lambert yes and Puncheon never looks fit but most of the rest seem to beok. The biggest issue is the lack of competition for places.

Our midfield 4 have been ineffective all season other than when Lallana played but look like being picked week in week out. Wotton Mills and Dickson all have to be brought into the equation in terms of starting. Not saying they are much better than the rest but if they cant get a game when we are losing when will they??

Confidence is really low so I would even go 4 - 5 - 1 away from home to make sure we come away with at least a point until we have put together an unbeaten run.