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'Plenty of positives to take' published at 14:46 18 May
14:46 18 May
Image source, PA Media
Simon Rusk spoke to BBC Sport after Southampton's defeat against Everton: "Difficult first half for us. We knew it would be an emotional game. We didn't get to the level we'd have hoped in the first half but I was encouraged by the second-half display.
"We have to dust ourselves down and get ready for the last game. There are plenty of positives to take.
"I'm a football fan in general, I understand that it [Everton] is a club with a lot of history. The supporters will have a lot of personal memories. I'm sure they'll enjoy the celebration."
Sutton's predictions: Everton v Southamptonpublished at 16:55 17 May
16:55 17 May
As you all know, it's not often I'm wrong about anything but you may remember me saying in a previous predictions article that I thought I held the record for the fastest senior goal at Goodison Park for my effort after 12.94 seconds with Blackburn in 1995, until Abdoulaye Doucoure scored after 10.18 seconds for Everton against Leicester in February.
It turns out the fastest goal before Doucoure was actually by Bournemouth's Colin Clarke, after 11 seconds in a League Cup tie in 1985, but I still hold the record for the fastest away goal there in a men's league game and no-one is taking that away from me because I don't think Southampton will score at all on Sunday.
Saints will probably be too exhausted from their celebrations after last week's draw with Manchester City to ruin the party as Everton's men's team play their last game at Goodison after 133 years.
I have not got a problem with the Southampton fans celebrating reaching 12 points and avoiding equalling Derby's record for the worst Premier League points tally because they have had to endure an awful season, but it is absolute amateur hour from their players to react the way they did afterwards.
People will say it was down to emotion but how low is your bar if you see that as an achievement? The team should have thanked the supporters, and cleared off down the tunnel.
Everton got taken apart in the first half by Fulham last time out, but were much better in the second half and went to win 3-1 at Craven Cottage.
It would be typical for them to mess up on their big day, but they won't. I fancy Beto to get a goal, and the Toffees to sign off with a win.
Rusk on Walker-Peters, pride and a chance to 'ruin the party'published at 15:17 16 May
15:17 16 May
Alex Fletcher BBC Sport journalist
Southampton interim boss Simon Rusk has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Everton (kick-off 12:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Rusk admitted there is a "decision to be made" on the fitness of Kyle Walker-Peters after he missed last weekend's draw against Manchester City through illness.
He added: "Other than that we've got generally got a fit squad to choose from."
When asked if he will change his side after last weekend's result he said: "The guys who came in last week gave a great account of themselves and played a part in a wonderful result. Ultimately I'll pick the best team for the job on the day."
On the importance of pushing the players in the final two games: "Last week we were fighting to finish the season as strong as possible and in terms of our process going in to these games there is no change. We also know, we mentioned the quality of the Premier League, and I don't think you can go in to this game with a mindset other than trying to be your best."
On playing in the last game at Goodison Park: "It won't be overwhelming for us. How many of these players played in the play-off final at Wembley last year? That supersedes this from our perspective as a football club so that's no concern for me. We want to go and ruin the party if you like, from our point of view we want to finish the season with as much pride as possible."
Rusk added: "We are professional players, when the whistle blows you are focused on your own individual job and the teams job. Whether it's partisan or not or a hot atmosphere on the day, the lads will want to win the game and will want to play well so I don't see that as being a distraction."
Following their 1-0 win at St Mary's in the reverse fixture, Southampton are looking to complete the league double over Everton for the first time since 1997-98.
Q&A: Do Southampton require a squad overhaul?published at 15:58 14 May
15:58 14 May
Image source, Getty Images
In the final part of our special Southampton Q&A, BBC Radio Solent's Adam Blackmore looks ahead to a busy summer and a potential squad overhaul following relegation to the Championship.
Simon: Can you see a total player clearout happening during the summer? There are a lot of players still there who were relegated two years ago, and again now. Their confidence must be totally shot and I can't help but feel like this is something we will need to do to have a chance of bouncing back immediately.
Adam: I agree with you that there is a lot of scarring in the Saints squad from the two relegations, and it would make a lot of sense to overhaul the squad.
On the flipside, there are also a lot of players with the experience of getting promoted from the play-offs in the Championship. When I think of it like that, I do wonder if maybe Saints would be better keeping a core of the squad together, players who can bring new signings in to the club and set standards.
In reality, there will be a number of players sold to pay for the relegation, there will be some who want to leave and stay in the Premier League, and then there are players who will leave because they are out of contract.
So inevitably, we're going to get another fairly big overhaul of the squad. But there is enough quality in it now to compete in the Championship. The key for me is keeping as many players as possible that you think will contribute 30+ games next season, and also reducing the size of the squad drastically. It's way too big and unmanageable.
Joel: Of the current squad, how many of the players are good enough to cut it in the Championship and at least be competing for the play-offs?
Adam: I could generalise and say lots of them, but we know that a lot of this squad, despite how bad they've been in the Premier League, have shown they can cut it at Championship level.
I do not believe Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton-Diaz, for example, would want to stay now, but they could score goals to get Saints promoted, as could Cameron Archer if his head has not been turned since January.
I think if they have Ryan Manning and Wellington at left-back, they are set. Same with Bree and Sugawara at right-back. Nathan Wood, Ronnie Edwards, Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens are all good enough to do well in the Championship. Joe Aribo, Will Smallbone, Flynn Downes and Matheus Fernandes (if they can keep him) give you a top midfield four, wile along with the forwards I mentioned before, if nobody buys Kamaldeen Sulemana and Paul Onuachu, they suddenly have great options up top.
If, and it is a big if, Ross Stewart can stay fit, then he becomes a good live option in the Championship. In reality, I am expecting Aaron Ramsdale, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Tyler Dibling all to be sold to raise funds to pay for relegation.
For me, holding on to Matheus Fernandes could be the difference between challenging for the play-offs/promotion and dancing up automatically.
Q&A: Would it have been better to stay in the Championship?published at 13:26 14 May
13:26 14 May
Image source, Getty Images
On Wednesday, BBC Radio Solent's Adam Blackmore has been answering your questions in a Southampton Q&A.
In part two, he reflects on the 2024-25 season and is asked whether a new boss will be able to turn things around next term.
Barry: Would Southampton have preferred to stay in the Championship if they had known what this season was going to be like?
Adam: I vividly remember many conversations with the great Dave Merrington on this theme. You know, when people say better to go down from the Premier League and regroup to come back up stronger? Dave would say that's rubbish. He said you never want to get relegated, and staying in the Premier League and being in it goes above every other priority.
So, to answer your question, I think it's always better to go up and take the extra status and income the Premier League brings. Going up to the Premier League hasn't been the problem - being bad at recruitment has.
Luke: We really are in a mess! To what extent do you think a new manager will be able to turn round our current squad? I'm not particularly looking forward to next season at the moment, other than no VAR!
Adam: We are all hoping that he will, Luke! And to be honest, your question is tough to answer without knowing who that manager is. I do believe that with his two years of experience in the Championship and his previous coaching at the highest level, Danny Rohl would be a great progressive appointment if they can keep him away from other clubs.
But whoever it is, it has to be a rock-solid appointment for me, an appointment that smacks of experience and authority, not a manager whom the owners gamble on.
And yes, there is a hell of a lot to like about no-VAR-football. It's how the game should be played - you can all celebrate when the ball hits the back of the net, and I can commentate on goals without us having our excitement and moments taken away from us.
Q&A: When will Southampton appoint a new manager?published at 08:20 14 May
08:20 14 May
Image source, Getty Images
Throughout Wednesday, BBC Radio Solent's Adam Blackmore will be answering your questions in a special Southampton Q&A.
In part one, he dives into the club's search for a new manager.
Billy: When can we expect the new manager to be appointed? Surely the sooner the better? It would make sense to have him at the training for the final couple of weeks of the season to assess the players and try to get ahead of the game. We always seem to be slow and behind the curve.
Adam: I agree with you in principle. I wanted them to get the new manager done as soon as possible, just to give everyone a lift. But having spoken to a few people recently, it seems the perceived wisdom is that if you appoint while a manager (interim or not) is doing the job, you create an unwanted distraction for them and weaken their position early. So I think we will be waiting until at least next week at the earliest, and possibly a lot longer.
If Danny Rohl is the number one choice, then reports linking him to lots of jobs are either a good smokescreen or Saints might need to keep looking!
Clive: Has Simon Rusk done enough to keep the manager's job for the next season and would he want it?
Adam: I think Simon has done well to enhance his reputation as a coach with what he has said and done. There is a lot to be said for setting up a poor team to be hard to play against and recognising its weaknesses, something his immediate predecessors refused to do.
But I do not think he should be considered for the permanent job purely because of his lack of experience in the Championship and his lack of managerial experience overall.
It is a very tough league, and Saints can't gamble on their next managerial appointment in my opinion. Would he want it? I think the fact that Simon gave up his role with the Under-21s tells us he felt it was time to put himself forward again in senior football, and I am sure he will want to stay in management if he can.
Come back to this page later on Wednesday for part two
'Rusk has succeeded in his goal as interim boss'published at 12:16 13 May
12:16 13 May
Ray Hunt Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Pop the champagne - Southampton are not the worst team to grace the Premier League, earning a hard-fought draw by frustrating last season's champions Manchester City for a 0-0 draw to make sure of their 12-point target.
Twelve points is nothing to celebrate, but given the abysmal season, and the remaining fixtures, it was very unlikely the total would increase. Saints also went into the fixture low on confidence after the Leicester City defeat and expecting a rout.
However, the whole backline produced their best performances of the season even without stalwart Kyle Walker-Peters. The centre-back trio of Jack Stephens, Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis combined for a total of 10 blocks with wing-backs James Bree and Wellington making six tackles.
Indeed, in coming in for the rested Ryan Manning, Wellington's best display for Southampton staked his claim for inclusion during the remainder of the season and on to the next.
City registered 26 shots without success leading to their defender Ruben Dias fuming about Southampton's strategy.
"They were just wasting time the whole game," he said. "I didn't even feel like they wanted to play the game or win the game."
A point without even trying to play. If that is the only way we can gain points, then I would be happy for 38 games in that same ilk.
Simon Rusk's response: "There were high levels of concentration and having good levels of defending in and around your box is an underrated quality. We've got to do what we've got to do and we did it well."
Rusk has succeeded in his goal as interim boss - to make Southampton harder to beat.
More of the same for the final two games against Everton and Arsenal..
Send us your Southampton questionspublished at 12:51 12 May
12:51 12 May
It has been a miserable Premier League campaign for Southampton, even if a battling point against Manchester City ensured they got the point required to avoid equalling Derby's lowest points tally.
With a long summer ahead, and a busy Championship schedule next season, there is plenty to get stuck into and BBC Radio Solent's Adam Blackmore is once again here to help.
Send us your questions here about the manager, transfer plans, boardroom or anything else and we'll put a selection to him.
Come back to this page later this week to see his answers.
James: Finally something to cheer about. I think Simon Rusk is helping us grow with the team so I think he should give it a shot as a full-time manager.
Mark: So, Ruben Dias didn't like the way we played. It isn't our job to make life easier for Man City. They have a squad worth six or seven times ours but they weren't good enough on the day to win. Well done, lads.
Ryan: A combination of us being resolute and City not moving out of first gear. Nice to surpass the lowest ever Premier League points tally, but still wouldn't mind being a bit more forward thinking. Hard to pick a MOTM after that display.
Steven: We fought, we cared and we were worthy of the point. If only we could have set up and played with that much heart all season. Who knows where we could have been?
Man City fans
Tony: Dreadful display. Guardiola played a safety side instead of going for it from the first minute, with Jeremy Doku or Savinho and Omar Marmoush in from the start. Foden is away with the fairies and Erling Haaland is hopeless in tight spaces.
Mark: I think us supporters deserve an apology for that performance, by the manager and the players. What was Haaland doing? Was he actually playing, because he was totally anonymous throughout the game. The supporters deserve better.
Nigel: Fair play to Southampton - they had a task and stuck to it admirably. Our team selection was questionable but I guess understandable given the final next week. But we didn't offer enough going forward. Teams know how to set up against us and our set-pieces are predictable and almost always terrible, Pep needs a change of set-piece coach I think. Perhaps with Marmoush starting or brought on earlier it may have yielded greater reward. A huge opportunity missed to apply pressure on Arsenal for second place and practically cement a Champions League spot.
Rory: Underwhelming is an understatement. Pep got his tactics all wrong today. Rushed back Haaland when a fully-fit Marmoush was always the better option. It's difficult to admit given all he's done for the club but I worry making the same selection (Haaland over Marmoush) in our final two league fixtures may cost us Champions League football next season.
Southampton interim boss Simon Rusk speaking to BBC Sport after the goalless draw against Man City: "We wanted to be as strong as possible towards the end of season. We did that with abundance. We can be proud of it.
"Against top sides you have to absorb lots of pressure. Concentration levels are key. We did that well. We still found ourselves in one or two dangerous moments we could have capitalised on.
"We were prepared. If I take last Saturday out of it, more of the same [performances] but we found a little bit more."
On avoiding Derby's record low points: "I didn't know much about it, it was hardly mentioned. I understood the importance of it but it wasn't something I was focusing on. I was focusing on performances, improving and the environment [of the team]."
'We've not been good enough'published at 17:55 10 May
17:55 10 May
Image source, Reuters
Southampton captain Jack Stephens said it was a relief to move past the historic low total of 11 points in a Premier League season.
Saints shut out Manchester City to move on to 12 and Stephens hopes it will boost his side going into their season back in the Championship.
He said: "It's nice to get that off our backs. We're obviously still very disappointed with how the season has gone. We've not been good enough.
"[It's about] giving these supporters hope going into the new season.
"We feel quite solid and comfortable in that shape. We got it wrong at Leicester last week. Maybe we felt we could be more expansive. We went back to basics.
"I'm very happy for the lads and the fans to have something to smile about."
Southampton have kept a clean sheet in the Premier League for the first time since December last year against Fulham, ending a run of 18 games without a single shutout in the competition.
Sutton's predictions: Southampton v Man Citypublished at 14:09 10 May
14:09 10 May
Manchester City have got the FA Cup final to look forward to next weekend but they also have a top-five place to secure, so there is no danger they will not be fully focused on that on Saturday.
After winning their past four league games, City also have some real momentum for the first time in a long while. You have to go back to August and early September for the last time they managed a run like that.
So I can only see one outcome at St Mary's Stadium, and it is going to leave Southampton stuck on 11 points for at least another week. The only question here really is how many goals City score.
Image source, PA Media
