Christian Kelly, editor of Saints site On The Cross, talks to Chelsea Mad about his side's chances tomorrow, not to mention how they're enjoying life at Saint Mary's... Check out Christian's site at www.onthecross.co.uk!
Saints had a poor start to life at Saint Mary's last season. How are they coping now in such a big stadium, compared with the Dell?
"I think it was more due to a typically poor Saints start to the season, than anything to do with the ground. Stuart Gray continued where he left off the season before and so we were utter pants. Only when Strachan came in did things begin to turn around.
The new stadium is simply fantastic. It took all of 5 seconds to settle in and get behind the side. Our great attendances last season show just how many fans wanted to see the Saints and it's great that we can now accomodate them all."
Marian Pahars and James Beattie both had a blinder at the Bridge last season, but which Saints player should we fear?
"Anders Svensson is the man. If we can give him enough service so he doesn't have to come too deep for the ball he will be a real goal threat and will create for our strikers."
Anti Niemi has recently signed with Southampton- what are the chances of him playing on Wednesday, and is he likely to improve the team?
"50/50. I think he's the better 'keeper. However, it would be pretty unfair on Jones to say 'Sorry mate, but despite playing well in the opening two games you're dropped for someone who has been here five minutes.' Strachan might let Niemi settle in before throwing him in at the deep end."
In my time as a football fan, Southampton have nearly always been involved in a relegation dogfight come April and May. Are you turning over a new leaf under Gordon Strachan?
"You obviously don't remember the '80s then (I was only born in '85- ed). It's not so much a new leaf under Strachan rather than the continuation of our steady progress under chairman Rupert Lowe. Lowe believes we can push for Europe. While I think we're a couple of season off that as a realitic aim, it's great to see some ambition. Lowe is doing it slowly and steadily After a few managerial mishaps (for which Lowe is pretty blameless) we're back on track.
Match prediction for Wednesday?
"I nearly always go for a win whether I believe it or not :-) I'd be happy to take anything to be honest though. I'll say a 1-1 draw."
Saints had a poor start to life at Saint Mary's last season. How are they coping now in such a big stadium, compared with the Dell?
"I think it was more due to a typically poor Saints start to the season, than anything to do with the ground. Stuart Gray continued where he left off the season before and so we were utter pants. Only when Strachan came in did things begin to turn around.
The new stadium is simply fantastic. It took all of 5 seconds to settle in and get behind the side. Our great attendances last season show just how many fans wanted to see the Saints and it's great that we can now accomodate them all."
Marian Pahars and James Beattie both had a blinder at the Bridge last season, but which Saints player should we fear?
"Anders Svensson is the man. If we can give him enough service so he doesn't have to come too deep for the ball he will be a real goal threat and will create for our strikers."
Anti Niemi has recently signed with Southampton- what are the chances of him playing on Wednesday, and is he likely to improve the team?
"50/50. I think he's the better 'keeper. However, it would be pretty unfair on Jones to say 'Sorry mate, but despite playing well in the opening two games you're dropped for someone who has been here five minutes.' Strachan might let Niemi settle in before throwing him in at the deep end."
In my time as a football fan, Southampton have nearly always been involved in a relegation dogfight come April and May. Are you turning over a new leaf under Gordon Strachan?
"You obviously don't remember the '80s then (I was only born in '85- ed). It's not so much a new leaf under Strachan rather than the continuation of our steady progress under chairman Rupert Lowe. Lowe believes we can push for Europe. While I think we're a couple of season off that as a realitic aim, it's great to see some ambition. Lowe is doing it slowly and steadily After a few managerial mishaps (for which Lowe is pretty blameless) we're back on track.
Match prediction for Wednesday?
"I nearly always go for a win whether I believe it or not :-) I'd be happy to take anything to be honest though. I'll say a 1-1 draw."