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Poortvliet: We must learn Celtic lesson quickly
Jan Poortvliet
Jan Poortvliet

JAN Poortvliet believes his young squad need to learn a big lesson from their 2-0 defeat to Scottish champions Celtic last night.

Although Saints played some attractive football going forward, they were exposed on a number of occasions, especially in the first half, at the back.

Saints' head coach was delighted with the display in the first 20 minutes, but said there was a lot to take on board.

"It was a game where we learnt a lot," he said.

"We need to play simple and think simple.

"The young players want to go out and show their game, with dribbles and one-twos, but sometimes you have to play a bit safer.

"But I was satisfied and I think it will help them all grow up as footballers.

"I think the first 20 minutes were great from us, then after that Celtic were very good.

"The quality is there and now they have to learn to go out and say I'm here' and impose themselves.

"I think in the first 20 minutes they did that, but then Celtic came back and they played an excellent first half."

The game represented Saints' sternest pre-season test and, although the score could have been more, Poortvliet drew plenty of encouragement from the opening spell.

"It was a big test for us and I think they did well, especially in the first 20 minutes," he said.

"We played some great attacking football then, with a lot of passing and movement.

"The only thing we didn't do was make a goal out of it and maybe some of the players need to learn to go for goal themselves a bit more, rather than try to find someone else."

Full story in today's Daily Echo along with five pages of Claus Lundekvam testimonial reports, reaction and pictures.

2:11am Saturday 19th July 2008

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Posted by: Dowayne Neufville, Southampton on 7:44am Sat 19 Jul 08
I was at the game with my soon to be 3 year old boy. it was his first game and he loved the whole occation. The team played well overal, good passing etc. Celtic were the better team and showed more infront of goal.i think saints can do well this season if the belief is installed in them.Would like to see Le tis involved in the background or training, he has so much to offer the club.Can't understand why the game was not a sellout.How do you get loyalty from future players if after 10 years or so of commitment you cannot pack your own stadium.For me it shows that fans and players are alike, thier for the good times and elsewhere any other time.Saints Forever!
Posted by: Rich on 8:12am Sat 19 Jul 08
I was there too.Bearing in in mind the amount of substitutions and the fact for the 10 minutes we had a couple of "guest" players it was an impressive performance.Poortvli
et has already stamped his mark on the team and it showed.
Our new signings looked good and the likes of BWP and Euell look new players.
It bodes well for next season and makes the negative bed-wetters look rather foolish.
Posted by: david warner, gosport on 8:25am Sat 19 Jul 08
i watched the game last night on celtic tv whilst listening to dennis rofes' genius commentary on radio solent and as i said on here a few weeks ago saints seemed to play a 4-2-3-1 formation. i felt saints looked ok, very neat and tidy on the ball without ever really creating a clear cut chance and they did get caught short of numbers at the back a couple of times. but against decent opposition and bearing in mind this is a new formation they've only been playing for a couple of weeks i'd say the signs are good. i thought scneiderlin looked very capable and technically very good and kelvin davis looks sharp and ready to go.
i would like to see a bit more experience in the team though and on the radio yesterday tony husband said rasiak, john, skacel, saganowski and viafara were all sat behind them in the stands. whilst i can understand that wages are a problem for the club now, i dont think we can afford to have all those experienced players leave the club. skacel and viafara perhaps and maybe rasiak as a lone striker isnt his strength but john and saganowski would slot in to this formation nicely and i'd like to see them stay. but maybe jan poortvliet just didnt want to risk them last night and with only a few weeks till the season starts (thank god, i'm getting a bit twitchy without footy to watch daily)the next couple of games should give us all a better indiation on where certain players stand in the dutch revolution!
Posted by: leigh, coventry on 8:32am Sat 19 Jul 08
glad we made the journey down to say thanks to Claus and to see Le Tiss etc once more (he makes it look so easy!) was impressed with work rate and gillett stood out for me but will feel better when Davies back as CH and cant help feeling that we looked very lightweight up front, I honestly don't think that McGoldrick is the answer in the championship and for me BWP has a long way to go before I would select him on a regular basis. Great commitment from a lot of the youngsters and a lot of glimpses of potential and I think JP will realise that he does need a bit more experience & "presence" in some areas. On Occasions like this I feel proud and privilaged to be a saints fan when you see supporters reactions to Claus, Svennson & Le Tiss etc.
Posted by: mallet the saint, taunton on 8:37am Sat 19 Jul 08
was at the game last night and what a great night it was.the celtic fans and team were a credit to there club.the difference in saints play was outstanding short passes,no aimless passes from back to front and lots of energy.i would say a right back and possibly another winger would be needed.
Posted by: Summing it Up on 8:39am Sat 19 Jul 08
Tippy tappy football = no end product

Soft central midfield = over-run in the Championship

But great to see Killer back. Have to remember this was Saints 4th game and that was Celtic's first. They were going through the motions really.
Posted by: Bitterne Bhoy, Glesca on 8:55am Sat 19 Jul 08
It would have been nice if you'd mentioned who scored!
Posted by: Niemi on 9:38am Sat 19 Jul 08
Not much mention of Kelvin Davis' performance. He made 3 or 4 excellent saves and the score could have easily have been 6 or 7 without him.

Can't remember Saints troubling the Celtic keeper apart from Euell's shot.
Posted by: loyal on 9:45am Sat 19 Jul 08
Valid points from most.We still did look a little lightweight but far more skill and commitment from the team especially compared to the dross that was served up last season by Burley and Pearson.
Credit to the new management structure IMO and (dare I say it) Lowe for having the balls to bring them in when it would have been far easier to pander to the less perceptive fans by keeping Pearson.
I am looking forward to the coming season.I cant see promotion yet but obviously there is a long term plan in place.
Posted by: Saint Stephen, fareham on 10:22am Sat 19 Jul 08
I must of been at different game, looked good going forward, no midfield left us exposed at back. Bigest cheer for C L and Gordan S was fans favorite manager. BIGGEST BOO WHEN LOWE CAME ON BIG SCREEN. Its not only me but most of the stadium appeared to feel the same way.
Wake up before its to late. Celtic could of scored 5 but for excellent goal keeping. French lad looks very good BUT rest will have to improve or we will get hammered when it starts for real.
Posted by: Mike, Soton on 10:24am Sat 19 Jul 08
leigh wrote:
glad we made the journey down to say thanks to Claus and to see Le Tiss etc once more (he makes it look so easy!) was impressed with work rate and gillett stood out for me but will feel better when Davies back as CH and cant help feeling that we looked very lightweight up front, I honestly don't think that McGoldrick is the answer in the championship and for me BWP has a long way to go before I would select him on a regular basis. Great commitment from a lot of the youngsters and a lot of glimpses of potential and I think JP will realise that he does need a bit more experience & "presence" in some areas. On Occasions like this I feel proud and privilaged to be a saints fan when you see supporters reactions to Claus, Svennson & Le Tiss etc.
Are you sure you know who Gillett Was?
If not he was the short ineffective one in centre midfield
Posted by: southsea chris, southsea on 10:30am Sat 19 Jul 08
I went to the game and was impressed for the first 5-10 minutes when we moved the ball around quickly and with some threat. Unfortunately it soon became obvious that when we lost possession our defence looked very unsure and Celtic could/should have scored several inside half an hour.
The back four were not given enough cover by the midfield and were therefore left exposed. Large gaps appeared and forwards were given too much room. In fact it was worryingly similar to Inter Milan this time last season.
Furthermore, the comparison in physique was apparent with several Saints players looking like the boys many of them almost still are. This will be a major problem in the Championship as many of you have already suggested.
It was good to see Svennson back and he was strong in the air but looked slow on the ground; maybe more matches will sharpen him.
Overall I liked the style of play, much quicker and sharper, but worries about the light-weightedness of the team and concers about the back four. Come back soon Andrew Davies.
Posted by: Clint, Totton on 10:33am Sat 19 Jul 08
leigh wrote:
glad we made the journey down to say thanks to Claus and to see Le Tiss etc once more (he makes it look so easy!) was impressed with work rate and gillett stood out for me but will feel better when Davies back as CH and cant help feeling that we looked very lightweight up front, I honestly don't think that McGoldrick is the answer in the championship and for me BWP has a long way to go before I would select him on a regular basis. Great commitment from a lot of the youngsters and a lot of glimpses of potential and I think JP will realise that he does need a bit more experience & "presence" in some areas. On Occasions like this I feel proud and privilaged to be a saints fan when you see supporters reactions to Claus, Svennson & Le Tiss etc.
Totally agree about BWP and McG - defence was found wanting at times but was pleased with Killer in 2nd half - he looked polished and confident - all he needs now is match practice. Davies and Killer together would be strong. Holmes looked useful and Schneiderlin perhaps a bit over confident and caught on the ball too often. Disappointed in the gate - if you can come from Coventry, why so many empty seats for one of our great players?
Thought the Celtic fans staying on and applauding Claus along with us was a nice touch.
Posted by: Prof, The Bunker on 10:36am Sat 19 Jul 08
As ever, football is all about opinions. Last night was first and foremost a testimonial, which was played with a nice competitive edge. Things will not be a nice and polite when the championship kicks off. Yes, some of our youngsters might be found wanting, and I think that we will need a bit more from the experienced players who did not play a full game last night. Although our defensive midfield seemed to be very niave I am generally encouraged by the performaces of some of the youngster and the style of football played. Of course we will need to discover the "killer streak" both in front our own and the opposition goal. Overall a good night, with the highlights being Clau, "Killer" and of course Le Tiss, but a special respect to Celtic FC, the manager and supporters. A nice occasion, now lets get on with putting a bit of muscle into the team for the serious job of making real progress in The Championship. I certainly feel that we will. Saints Forever.
Posted by: freddy on 10:36am Sat 19 Jul 08
Saint Stephen wrote:
I must of been at different game, looked good going forward, no midfield left us exposed at back. Bigest cheer for C L and Gordan S was fans favorite manager. BIGGEST BOO WHEN LOWE CAME ON BIG SCREEN. Its not only me but most of the stadium appeared to feel the same way.
Wake up before its to late. Celtic could of scored 5 but for excellent goal keeping. French lad looks very good BUT rest will have to improve or we will get hammered when it starts for real.
so you attended a most enjoyable game and one of the key moments for you was when a few cretins booed a glimpse of lowe this shows how a few idiots are letting thier ignorant hatred of lowe get in the way of supporting saints
pls go away and support pompey
Posted by: Saint Stephen, fareham on 10:48am Sat 19 Jul 08
freddy wrote:
Saint Stephen wrote: I must of been at different game, looked good going forward, no midfield left us exposed at back. Bigest cheer for C L and Gordan S was fans favorite manager. BIGGEST BOO WHEN LOWE CAME ON BIG SCREEN. Its not only me but most of the stadium appeared to feel the same way. Wake up before its to late. Celtic could of scored 5 but for excellent goal keeping. French lad looks very good BUT rest will have to improve or we will get hammered when it starts for real.
so you attended a most enjoyable game and one of the key moments for you was when a few cretins booed a glimpse of lowe this shows how a few idiots are letting thier ignorant hatred of lowe get in the way of supporting saints pls go away and support pompey
You clearly did not go to the game, it was NOT a few idiots it was most of the stadium, please wake up its you that needs to leave as you are in the minority. The only piont you pick up on is Lowe you realy are brainwashed. It was a good game and we played well in parts. Best player matt Le god.
Posted by: shaun cooper, dorset on 11:01am Sat 19 Jul 08
celtic where in last 16 of the champions league last season & had most! bar about 3 first choice players on the field to start with up aginst young & inexpierenced youth players, should have been a walk over for them & yet saints didnt look to far off the mark!!!!!
Posted by: bernard, fareham on 11:19am Sat 19 Jul 08
Js Wilson - Its not a majority view. A few idiots might tag on offensive chants but when the Celtic fans were singing the fields of athenrey (spelling?) this is about the Irish potato famine not any terrorist nonsense.
Posted by: Js Wilson, Andover on 11:42am Sat 19 Jul 08
bernard wrote:
Js Wilson - Its not a majority view. A few idiots might tag on offensive chants but when the Celtic fans were singing the fields of athenrey (spelling?) this is about the Irish potato famine not any terrorist nonsense.
Bernard- the promotion of terrorism is illegal in this country.

OO ah up the ra (IRA )has no place at a sporting occasion.

Sweeping it under the carpet like this is shameful.
Posted by: StMark, Northampton on 12:23pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Saint Stephen wrote:
freddy wrote:
Saint Stephen wrote: I must of been at different game, looked good going forward, no midfield left us exposed at back. Bigest cheer for C L and Gordan S was fans favorite manager. BIGGEST BOO WHEN LOWE CAME ON BIG SCREEN. Its not only me but most of the stadium appeared to feel the same way. Wake up before its to late. Celtic could of scored 5 but for excellent goal keeping. French lad looks very good BUT rest will have to improve or we will get hammered when it starts for real.
so you attended a most enjoyable game and one of the key moments for you was when a few cretins booed a glimpse of lowe this shows how a few idiots are letting thier ignorant hatred of lowe get in the way of supporting saints pls go away and support pompey
You clearly did not go to the game, it was NOT a few idiots it was most of the stadium, please wake up its you that needs to leave as you are in the minority. The only piont you pick up on is Lowe you realy are brainwashed. It was a good game and we played well in parts. Best player matt Le god.
Guys: when the supporters of a football club hold opposing views (not exactly a new concept!) and each starts asking the others to "leave and support another club" surely herein lies a bigger problem.

We all have different opinions of the way the club is being run but we need to unite in support of the team as we ALL want success on the pitch (don't we????)

Now, stop squabling and support the team :)

Common cause and all that?.......
Posted by: leigh, coventry on 12:23pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Mike wrote:
leigh wrote: glad we made the journey down to say thanks to Claus and to see Le Tiss etc once more (he makes it look so easy!) was impressed with work rate and gillett stood out for me but will feel better when Davies back as CH and cant help feeling that we looked very lightweight up front, I honestly don\'t think that McGoldrick is the answer in the championship and for me BWP has a long way to go before I would select him on a regular basis. Great commitment from a lot of the youngsters and a lot of glimpses of potential and I think JP will realise that he does need a bit more experience & \"presence\" in some areas. On Occasions like this I feel proud and privilaged to be a saints fan when you see supporters reactions to Claus, Svennson & Le Tiss etc.
Are you sure you know who Gillett Was? If not he was the short ineffective one in centre midfield
yeah i'm sure, same one as I have watched before and the same one who many people around me said played well. I took it into context considering his experience etc and was impressed yes.
Posted by: saint stephen, fareham on 12:50pm Sat 19 Jul 08
StMark wrote:
Saint Stephen wrote:
freddy wrote:
Saint Stephen wrote: I must of been at different game, looked good going forward, no midfield left us exposed at back. Bigest cheer for C L and Gordan S was fans favorite manager. BIGGEST BOO WHEN LOWE CAME ON BIG SCREEN. Its not only me but most of the stadium appeared to feel the same way. Wake up before its to late. Celtic could of scored 5 but for excellent goal keeping. French lad looks very good BUT rest will have to improve or we will get hammered when it starts for real.
so you attended a most enjoyable game and one of the key moments for you was when a few cretins booed a glimpse of lowe this shows how a few idiots are letting thier ignorant hatred of lowe get in the way of supporting saints pls go away and support pompey
You clearly did not go to the game, it was NOT a few idiots it was most of the stadium, please wake up its you that needs to leave as you are in the minority. The only piont you pick up on is Lowe you realy are brainwashed. It was a good game and we played well in parts. Best player matt Le god.
Guys: when the supporters of a football club hold opposing views (not exactly a new concept!) and each starts asking the others to "leave and support another club" surely herein lies a bigger problem. We all have different opinions of the way the club is being run but we need to unite in support of the team as we ALL want success on the pitch (don't we????) Now, stop squabling and support the team :) Common cause and all that?.......
Makes sence to me, at last.
Posted by: Tom Bewdford on 1:03pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Js Wilson wrote:
bernard wrote: Js Wilson - Its not a majority view. A few idiots might tag on offensive chants but when the Celtic fans were singing the fields of athenrey (spelling?) this is about the Irish potato famine not any terrorist nonsense.
Bernard- the promotion of terrorism is illegal in this country. OO ah up the ra (IRA )has no place at a sporting occasion. Sweeping it under the carpet like this is shameful.
I was close to the Celtic fans and although there was a lot of good natured banter I was horrified at these IRA chants. It seemed these people hate England and the Queen. There were also unsavoury chants about our troops in Iraq.
It was a minority certainly but why do the rest of the Celtic fans put up with this.
Posted by: Rover on 1:19pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Tom Bewdford wrote:
Js Wilson wrote:
bernard wrote: Js Wilson - Its not a majority view. A few idiots might tag on offensive chants but when the Celtic fans were singing the fields of athenrey (spelling?) this is about the Irish potato famine not any terrorist nonsense.
Bernard- the promotion of terrorism is illegal in this country. OO ah up the ra (IRA )has no place at a sporting occasion. Sweeping it under the carpet like this is shameful.
I was close to the Celtic fans and although there was a lot of good natured banter I was horrified at these IRA chants. It seemed these people hate England and the Queen. There were also unsavoury chants about our troops in Iraq. It was a minority certainly but why do the rest of the Celtic fans put up with this.
They don't get away with it at Parkhead or most Scottish games these days as the stewards and Police crack down heavy on it and many of the majority of decent Celtic fans don't stand of it anymore either.

With these friendlies, it attracts many Celtic fans who live in England and like to "play up to the stereotype" of what they think a Celtic fan is. Or they are doing it to purposely wind-up the English fans because of the large association with Glasgow Rangers.

As always, as with the majority of football games, it's the minority who doing these sorts of chants or cause trouble.

But, is it right that many Southampton fans sing about "shooting the Pompey scum" ??
Posted by: Saint on 1:22pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Was there last night.

We might look good in parts, though Celtic was not that great. A decent championship side is going to rip us apart!

We had the ball alot, for good many spells, though we lacked any punch in mid field and up front. Why the hell are we are looking to get rid of our top scorer is beyond me. Stern may be a high wage earn, but so what! In this team we need him, and with the goals he will get, the team will get the confidence they are clearly lacking at the moment. More over they would pay for themselves. Goals win games!

All that talk of 6000 Celtic fans was a joke. 2500 is a big difference! The ones who did turn up,gave good vocal support, but that it. For them I hope their team developes through the preseason, as they were very basic in their play!

Posted by: Costa Baz on 1:30pm Sat 19 Jul 08
I wasn't there last night so can only comment on reports etc. It was always going to be a difficult test but if JP thought we only looked good for 20 minutes, or so, then there is clearly still a lot of work to do.
I know JP is committed to trying the youth, but I would like to think he now has a good idea as to which ones are clearly not ready for 1st team football and which ones are maybe only ready for the subs bench.
With just 4 games left (not counting the Eastleigh game that only has Dyer, Saga & kids) in which to fine tune his line up, I think JP needs to decide on his best 11 and pick them to start the next 4 matches.
With Saga & John starting training late and Dyer not training with the team, he needs to know, should those players be in his thoughts, if they can play his new system.
If he keeps experimenting he will not know if his chosen 11 can play his system effectively, plus by the time we face Cardiff, very few players will have more than a couple of full games under their belts, which would mean they would be unfit.
My own thoughts on the team that should have played last night is that it should have been as close to his best 11 possible, to work on their fitness.
I think the key pre-season game is the one with Stoke because they are nearest to us in stature and will be physical. That would be an ideal game to test the youths to see if they can stand up to the physical assault they can expect in the CCC, but now, with just 4 games left, he'll need to get his first 11 fit and ready for action, which is why I would suggest that the experiments need to stop NOW.

With regards to McGoldrick - make or break time. He's been on loan 2 or 3 times and not shown himself to be anything special, even in a lower league. Could be that he is a late developer or that his level is reserve team only.
Posted by: JVOH in the 95min. on 1:37pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Saint wrote:
Was there last night. We might look good in parts, though Celtic was not that great. A decent championship side is going to rip us apart! We had the ball alot, for good many spells, though we lacked any punch in mid field and up front. Why the hell are we are looking to get rid of our top scorer is beyond me. Stern may be a high wage earn, but so what! In this team we need him, and with the goals he will get, the team will get the confidence they are clearly lacking at the moment. More over they would pay for themselves. Goals win games! All that talk of 6000 Celtic fans was a joke. 2500 is a big difference! The ones who did turn up,gave good vocal support, but that it. For them I hope their team developes through the preseason, as they were very basic in their play!
in the last few seasons Celtic have beaten Milan, Benfica twice,Manchester Utd, Liverpool, Barcelona, Juventus, Stuttgart, Blackburn (men against Bhoys)in COMPETITIVE games. Only the top three clubs in England could have accomplished this. and they sang "ooh aah Samaras", that`s his song.
Posted by: Saint on 1:48pm Sat 19 Jul 08
JVOH in the 95min. wrote:
Saint wrote: Was there last night. We might look good in parts, though Celtic was not that great. A decent championship side is going to rip us apart! We had the ball alot, for good many spells, though we lacked any punch in mid field and up front. Why the hell are we are looking to get rid of our top scorer is beyond me. Stern may be a high wage earn, but so what! In this team we need him, and with the goals he will get, the team will get the confidence they are clearly lacking at the moment. More over they would pay for themselves. Goals win games! All that talk of 6000 Celtic fans was a joke. 2500 is a big difference! The ones who did turn up,gave good vocal support, but that it. For them I hope their team developes through the preseason, as they were very basic in their play!
in the last few seasons Celtic have beaten Milan, Benfica twice,Manchester Utd, Liverpool, Barcelona, Juventus, Stuttgart, Blackburn (men against Bhoys)in COMPETITIVE games. Only the top three clubs in England could have accomplished this. and they sang "ooh aah Samaras", that`s his song.
In English please.

Who ever you may of beaten, and lets get it right..some only just. I am talking about last night game, and did referred to preseason. Celtic was not much last night, and knowing wee GS he would not of been too happy about too. He knows though that this was all for Claus firstly.
Posted by: John, Bournemouth on 1:56pm Sat 19 Jul 08
JS
OOH AAH SAMARAS was the chant you misheard which is obviously about a Celtic player and nothing sectarian.

Excellent game last night - well done Claus!
Posted by: JVOH in the 95min. on 2:09pm Sat 19 Jul 08
We "only just" beat Europe´s best regularly - check out the English teams in the UEFA Cup last season, outside the top four it´s laughable when you consider the money available. Regarding the comment "In English please" check out "Who ever you may of beaten" and then apologise. Lundekvam was a class player and used the ball well, not easy in the Prem, all credit to him as it is a style of play steeped in risk.
Posted by: threestands, Bournemouth on 2:12pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Saint Stephen wrote:
freddy wrote:
Saint Stephen wrote: I must of been at different game, looked good going forward, no midfield left us exposed at back. Bigest cheer for C L and Gordan S was fans favorite manager. BIGGEST BOO WHEN LOWE CAME ON BIG SCREEN. Its not only me but most of the stadium appeared to feel the same way. Wake up before its to late. Celtic could of scored 5 but for excellent goal keeping. French lad looks very good BUT rest will have to improve or we will get hammered when it starts for real.
so you attended a most enjoyable game and one of the key moments for you was when a few cretins booed a glimpse of lowe this shows how a few idiots are letting thier ignorant hatred of lowe get in the way of supporting saints pls go away and support pompey
You clearly did not go to the game, it was NOT a few idiots it was most of the stadium, please wake up its you that needs to leave as you are in the minority. The only piont you pick up on is Lowe you realy are brainwashed. It was a good game and we played well in parts. Best player matt Le god.
I was at the game, it was the usual cretins who booed, baa baa baa baa...... you of course will put a negative spin on any story involving SFC. Nobody around us was booing. Most seem to enjoy the vast improvement on last season. WHAT!!!! passing the ball to a player in red and white?????? Outrage. They are not the finished product yet, but the signs are good, or for you and the rest of the Lowe out negative idiots the signs are bad!!!
Posted by: Saint on 2:29pm Sat 19 Jul 08
JVOH in the 95min. wrote:
We "only just" beat Europe´s best regularly - check out the English teams in the UEFA Cup last season, outside the top four it´s laughable when you consider the money available. Regarding the comment "In English please" check out "Who ever you may of beaten" and then apologise. Lundekvam was a class player and used the ball well, not easy in the Prem, all credit to him as it is a style of play steeped in risk.
I think you are still missing it.

Your view on things are different to mine and many others.

The point is about last night game!You was not that great.You obviously was not there last night! You hardly had the ball, and Samarras or what ever his name is, should be a shamed how he fell down in the box! He went for the penalty only and not for goal! You might like to see this type of football, but not me. It is part of the game now, but it is nothing more than cheating!

As to your comments "who ever we may of beaten". You be suprised in our history. Not once, but Man U and Liverpool who are more successful than Celtic, never liked playing us, and got turn over by us constantly. Last night you played a shadow of a team we used to have, and many of the more experiance menbers were missing too. We are in a bad place in our history at the moment. Celtic should of hammered us, and Strachen said as much before the game. But simply you did not, and never look capabale of doing so! You are Scottish champions, and we just thought of relegation in the championship, and played aload of youngester, which Saints fans never knew who was who. Who would you say had the better night. Our youngters held more than their own with Celtic!
Posted by: Tom Bewdford on 3:25pm Sat 19 Jul 08
John, Bournemouth wrote:
JS OOH AAH SAMARAS was the chant you misheard which is obviously about a Celtic player and nothing sectarian. Excellent game last night - well done Claus!
The chants I heard were about the IRA. In fact some of our own fans remonstrated with these people because of it. For a short time things turned ugly with Celtic supporters throwing missiles. Thankfully the police moved in and removed a couple of dozen Celtic fans from the ground.However most of them were fine and it was overall a good night.
Posted by: NC Fan for Life, Chandlers Ford on 3:32pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Generally a good all round performance from all Saints players, especially 'Killer'.
However we cannot afford the luxury of two wingers as it leaves a hole in the midfield where most championship teams will mussle us out of control.
Posted by: Peter, Inverness, Scotland on 3:36pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Js Wilson wrote:
bernard wrote: Js Wilson - Its not a majority view. A few idiots might tag on offensive chants but when the Celtic fans were singing the fields of athenrey (spelling?) this is about the Irish potato famine not any terrorist nonsense.
Bernard- the promotion of terrorism is illegal in this country. OO ah up the ra (IRA )has no place at a sporting occasion. Sweeping it under the carpet like this is shameful.
That is not what they were singing mate, it was Oo ah Samaras, oo ah samaras. It's been confused for for up the ra before so your mistake is understandable.
Posted by: Positive Pete on 3:40pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Saint wrote:
JVOH in the 95min. wrote: We "only just" beat Europe´s best regularly - check out the English teams in the UEFA Cup last season, outside the top four it´s laughable when you consider the money available. Regarding the comment "In English please" check out "Who ever you may of beaten" and then apologise. Lundekvam was a class player and used the ball well, not easy in the Prem, all credit to him as it is a style of play steeped in risk.
I think you are still missing it. Your view on things are different to mine and many others. The point is about last night game!You was not that great.You obviously was not there last night! You hardly had the ball, and Samarras or what ever his name is, should be a shamed how he fell down in the box! He went for the penalty only and not for goal! You might like to see this type of football, but not me. It is part of the game now, but it is nothing more than cheating! As to your comments "who ever we may of beaten". You be suprised in our history. Not once, but Man U and Liverpool who are more successful than Celtic, never liked playing us, and got turn over by us constantly. Last night you played a shadow of a team we used to have, and many of the more experiance menbers were missing too. We are in a bad place in our history at the moment. Celtic should of hammered us, and Strachen said as much before the game. But simply you did not, and never look capabale of doing so! You are Scottish champions, and we just thought of relegation in the championship, and played aload of youngester, which Saints fans never knew who was who. Who would you say had the better night. Our youngters held more than their own with Celtic!
I am a Saints fan and was at the game and your view of the match is quite wrong. Our youngsters did not hold their own with Celtic, whenever Celtic wanted to play, they did so very easily and carved Saints open time and time again.

The Celtic defence was barely stretched either.

This was Celtics first friendly game of the season and going by the size of Scott MacDonald's gut, they havn't even been back doing fitness training for long... but still managed to out run and out muscle Saints, who have had a number of friendly matches already.

If it wasn't for Kelvin Davis, Celtic would have hammered us. Simple as that.
Posted by: hil on 4:08pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Tom Bewdford wrote:
Js Wilson wrote:
bernard wrote: Js Wilson - Its not a majority view. A few idiots might tag on offensive chants but when the Celtic fans were singing the fields of athenrey (spelling?) this is about the Irish potato famine not any terrorist nonsense.
Bernard- the promotion of terrorism is illegal in this country. OO ah up the ra (IRA )has no place at a sporting occasion. Sweeping it under the carpet like this is shameful.
I was close to the Celtic fans and although there was a lot of good natured banter I was horrified at these IRA chants. It seemed these people hate England and the Queen. There were also unsavoury chants about our troops in Iraq. It was a minority certainly but why do the rest of the Celtic fans put up with this.
and the pompey flag held up by a moron
Posted by: gel-del on 4:43pm Sat 19 Jul 08
js wilson,what pathetic comments ive never heard such bitter ,bigoted comments outside ibrox park ooh ah what?? i think youll find it was ooh ah SAMARAS!what planet do you live on ..let me guess ,some L.O L one i expect ,wake up and smell the coffee sectarian comments such as yours have no place on any level,let alone decency...have a day off!!
Posted by: Saint stephen, Fareham on 5:32pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Positive Pete wrote:
Saint wrote:
JVOH in the 95min. wrote: We "only just" beat Europe´s best regularly - check out the English teams in the UEFA Cup last season, outside the top four it´s laughable when you consider the money available. Regarding the comment "In English please" check out "Who ever you may of beaten" and then apologise. Lundekvam was a class player and used the ball well, not easy in the Prem, all credit to him as it is a style of play steeped in risk.
I think you are still missing it. Your view on things are different to mine and many others. The point is about last night game!You was not that great.You obviously was not there last night! You hardly had the ball, and Samarras or what ever his name is, should be a shamed how he fell down in the box! He went for the penalty only and not for goal! You might like to see this type of football, but not me. It is part of the game now, but it is nothing more than cheating! As to your comments "who ever we may of beaten". You be suprised in our history. Not once, but Man U and Liverpool who are more successful than Celtic, never liked playing us, and got turn over by us constantly. Last night you played a shadow of a team we used to have, and many of the more experiance menbers were missing too. We are in a bad place in our history at the moment. Celtic should of hammered us, and Strachen said as much before the game. But simply you did not, and never look capabale of doing so! You are Scottish champions, and we just thought of relegation in the championship, and played aload of youngester, which Saints fans never knew who was who. Who would you say had the better night. Our youngters held more than their own with Celtic!
I am a Saints fan and was at the game and your view of the match is quite wrong. Our youngsters did not hold their own with Celtic, whenever Celtic wanted to play, they did so very easily and carved Saints open time and time again. The Celtic defence was barely stretched either. This was Celtics first friendly game of the season and going by the size of Scott MacDonald's gut, they havn't even been back doing fitness training for long... but still managed to out run and out muscle Saints, who have had a number of friendly matches already. If it wasn't for Kelvin Davis, Celtic would have hammered us. Simple as that.
Totally agree the best view that Ive read today, a realistic opinion not a bias one, Lowe out and take the dutch bloke with you even he (Lowe) must of heard the boos tlast night, not by a few fans but by most of the stadium.
Posted by: billyboy, london on 5:45pm Sat 19 Jul 08
re j wilsons comments,is he trying to promote sectarianism at football by trying to associate celtic fans with terrorism?i think he should choose his words carefully in view of the serius nature of his comments,i was at the game with saints last night,(im a hearts fan )and at no time did i hear any deliberate attempt by the celtic supporters to promote terrorism..i dont know what his motives are here,but it certainly isnt in the best interest of football,he seems to know quite a bit about this terminology,,such as how can RA be misconstrewed as to mean the ira??next it will be DA represents the uda!! so that will be "up the da" LOL !i really shouldn waste my time in communication of this sort ,but this blatant attempt to undermine the brilliant celtic support does somewhat annoy me ,maybe this person should take up op another passtime,
Posted by: Billy 2 Baps, Waiting for my Whistle on 5:50pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Mike wrote:
leigh wrote: glad we made the journey down to say thanks to Claus and to see Le Tiss etc once more (he makes it look so easy!) was impressed with work rate and gillett stood out for me but will feel better when Davies back as CH and cant help feeling that we looked very lightweight up front, I honestly don\'t think that McGoldrick is the answer in the championship and for me BWP has a long way to go before I would select him on a regular basis. Great commitment from a lot of the youngsters and a lot of glimpses of potential and I think JP will realise that he does need a bit more experience & \"presence\" in some areas. On Occasions like this I feel proud and privilaged to be a saints fan when you see supporters reactions to Claus, Svennson & Le Tiss etc.
Are you sure you know who Gillett Was? If not he was the short ineffective one in centre midfield
I wonder how many times Mike his seen him play. sofa saint maybe? Did you see him at Basingstoke, did you see him in any games last season, Mike?
Posted by: Saint Stephen, fareham on 6:04pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Billy 2 Baps wrote:
Mike wrote:
leigh wrote: glad we made the journey down to say thanks to Claus and to see Le Tiss etc once more (he makes it look so easy!) was impressed with work rate and gillett stood out for me but will feel better when Davies back as CH and cant help feeling that we looked very lightweight up front, I honestly don't think that McGoldrick is the answer in the championship and for me BWP has a long way to go before I would select him on a regular basis. Great commitment from a lot of the youngsters and a lot of glimpses of potential and I think JP will realise that he does need a bit more experience & \\\"presence\\\" in some areas. On Occasions like this I feel proud and privilaged to be a saints fan when you see supporters reactions to Claus, Svennson & Le Tiss etc.
Are you sure you know who Gillett Was? If not he was the short ineffective one in centre midfield
I wonder how many times Mike his seen him play. sofa saint maybe? Did you see him at Basingstoke, did you see him in any games last season, Mike?
I was at the game and he was the worst player on the pitch.
Posted by: Saint on 6:19pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Positive Pete wrote:
Saint wrote:
JVOH in the 95min. wrote: We "only just" beat Europe´s best regularly - check out the English teams in the UEFA Cup last season, outside the top four it´s laughable when you consider the money available. Regarding the comment "In English please" check out "Who ever you may of beaten" and then apologise. Lundekvam was a class player and used the ball well, not easy in the Prem, all credit to him as it is a style of play steeped in risk.
I think you are still missing it. Your view on things are different to mine and many others. The point is about last night game!You was not that great.You obviously was not there last night! You hardly had the ball, and Samarras or what ever his name is, should be a shamed how he fell down in the box! He went for the penalty only and not for goal! You might like to see this type of football, but not me. It is part of the game now, but it is nothing more than cheating! As to your comments "who ever we may of beaten". You be suprised in our history. Not once, but Man U and Liverpool who are more successful than Celtic, never liked playing us, and got turn over by us constantly. Last night you played a shadow of a team we used to have, and many of the more experiance menbers were missing too. We are in a bad place in our history at the moment. Celtic should of hammered us, and Strachen said as much before the game. But simply you did not, and never look capabale of doing so! You are Scottish champions, and we just thought of relegation in the championship, and played aload of youngester, which Saints fans never knew who was who. Who would you say had the better night. Our youngters held more than their own with Celtic!
I am a Saints fan and was at the game and your view of the match is quite wrong. Our youngsters did not hold their own with Celtic, whenever Celtic wanted to play, they did so very easily and carved Saints open time and time again. The Celtic defence was barely stretched either. This was Celtics first friendly game of the season and going by the size of Scott MacDonald's gut, they havn't even been back doing fitness training for long... but still managed to out run and out muscle Saints, who have had a number of friendly matches already. If it wasn't for Kelvin Davis, Celtic would have hammered us. Simple as that.
It not as simple as that. But you are intitled to your views.

I have not said we were awesome, and if you read by post, I did point out that this was in preseason too. But Celtic were not much of a threat, and Davis did well. The point I was making and you missed and did not see in the game. Is we had the ball alot, but we had no punch in midfield and in front of goal! If we did or had someone like Stern, it could of be so different.

If you wish to see Celtic as a big name, and therefore see them as play good football, then that ashame. On the night they freaten very little, and when they seldom did, Davis was up to the job.

The Saint team was young, and very new that most fans were asking whose that so many times. If we had a finisher, it could of been o so different,as a game. The first goal fair enough. The penalty was never a penalty, I was in line with it.

I am not bias to Saints, as many will tell you. Yes I love the club dearly, though I have seen many better championship sides in the league (at leats six or seven) and if we play like this with out scoring. We will be rip appart in the league! This is big worry, and RL is making an almighty gamble here! I hope it pays of, though I am struggling to do so.
Posted by: Saint on 6:22pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Saint Stephen wrote:
Billy 2 Baps wrote:
Mike wrote:
leigh wrote: glad we made the journey down to say thanks to Claus and to see Le Tiss etc once more (he makes it look so easy!) was impressed with work rate and gillett stood out for me but will feel better when Davies back as CH and cant help feeling that we looked very lightweight up front, I honestly don't think that McGoldrick is the answer in the championship and for me BWP has a long way to go before I would select him on a regular basis. Great commitment from a lot of the youngsters and a lot of glimpses of potential and I think JP will realise that he does need a bit more experience & \\\"presence\\\" in some areas. On Occasions like this I feel proud and privilaged to be a saints fan when you see supporters reactions to Claus, Svennson & Le Tiss etc.
Are you sure you know who Gillett Was? If not he was the short ineffective one in centre midfield
I wonder how many times Mike his seen him play. sofa saint maybe? Did you see him at Basingstoke, did you see him in any games last season, Mike?
I was at the game and he was the worst player on the pitch.
Yes Gillett was appauling!
Posted by: CELTARUSA@hotmail.co m, brighton on 6:33pm Sat 19 Jul 08
hi all,im a celtic fan who was at the st marys game last night ,let me say i thought your young team performed admirably against one of the best twenty teams in europe ,lalana played very well ,and considering just how young your squad is i cant understand any criticism of the players or team,i think most of the comments probably came from "so called supporters" who usually justify their remarks from the comfort of there armchair,teams dont become great overnight it takes hard work ,and above all loyalty from the supporters ,and the ones who tuned out last night have more bragging rights in the years to come than the ones who stayed at home,after all celtic didnt have to come and play .
Posted by: Saintly on 6:39pm Sat 19 Jul 08
every TRUE saints fan will appreciate last nights performance.its looking good for the coming season.i think too many supposed fans are being twisted by the fact that rupert lowe has come back and things are going well.they are looking for problems where there arent any.its almost like they want things to go wrong so they can blame lowe.they are not real supporters
Posted by: Better fan than you on 7:17pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Saintly wrote:
every TRUE saints fan will appreciate last nights performance.its looking good for the coming season.i think too many supposed fans are being twisted by the fact that rupert lowe has come back and things are going well.they are looking for problems where there arent any.its almost like they want things to go wrong so they can blame lowe.they are not real supporters
What rubbish. You keep telling yourself you are a better fan than anyone who may not see things the way you do.

So what exactly is going well at Saints? How many points do we have? Wow, we beat Winchester City and Basingstoke, superb. Will serve us well when we are relegated to the divisions they play in.
Posted by: leigh, coventry on 7:42pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Saint wrote:
Saint Stephen wrote:
Billy 2 Baps wrote:
Mike wrote:
leigh wrote: glad we made the journey down to say thanks to Claus and to see Le Tiss etc once more (he makes it look so easy!) was impressed with work rate and gillett stood out for me but will feel better when Davies back as CH and cant help feeling that we looked very lightweight up front, I honestly don't think that McGoldrick is the answer in the championship and for me BWP has a long way to go before I would select him on a regular basis. Great commitment from a lot of the youngsters and a lot of glimpses of potential and I think JP will realise that he does need a bit more experience & \\\"presence\\\" in some areas. On Occasions like this I feel proud and privilaged to be a saints fan when you see supporters reactions to Claus, Svennson & Le Tiss etc.
Are you sure you know who Gillett Was? If not he was the short ineffective one in centre midfield
I wonder how many times Mike his seen him play. sofa saint maybe? Did you see him at Basingstoke, did you see him in any games last season, Mike?
I was at the game and he was the worst player on the pitch.
Yes Gillett was appauling!
appauling??? god how we don't need "fans" like you when you say a young lad who ran his guts out was "appauling" ........how do we attract anyone with prats like you sucking the confidence out of them?.