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cover art for Episode 131 - Total Saints Podcast

Total Saints Podcast

Episode 131 - Total Saints Podcast

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Its back-to-back wins (and back-to-back clean sheets!) for Saints now, after a comfortable 2-0 win vs West Bromwich Albion. TSP131, featuring your regular foursome of Ben, Steve, Glen and Dan, reflects on all the key talking points from St. Mary’s, as the Baggies were put to the sword in very professional style. Alongside the excitement of that, discussion covers the impending International break, Transfer Deadline Day, Ibrahima Diallo’s arrival (32:30) and also a Fantasy Premier League update. Finally, after Eric Dier’s rapid exit from the pitch earlier this week, the chaps discuss rare occasions when ‘nature has called’ for footballers (i.e. “Jason Puncheon, he sh*ts when he wants”!) Total Saints Podcast goes to the heart of all things Saints FC. Web: www.totalsaints.co.uk E-mail: totalsaintspodcast@yahoo.com Twitter: @TotalSaintsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/TotalSaintsPod Patreon: www.patreon.com/TotalSaintsPodcast Edited and Produced by Alex Graham

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  • Preston 1–0 Southampton! Saints Blow It Against the Bottom Club | TSP 402

    01:04:20|
    Saints had the chance to head into the international break on a high. Instead, a 1–0 defeat at bottom-of-the-table Preston left familiar questions about slow starts, missed chances and possession without penetration.Martin Starke is joined by Steve Grant, Glen de la Cour and Alfie House to dissect a frustrating afternoon at Deepdale. Have opponents found a blueprint for beating Southampton? The panel discuss the tactical setup, Leo Scienza’s fitness and form, Kevin Schlotterbeck’s shoulder injury, Nathan Wood’s omission and the growing debate over January reinforcements.Chris from the Rams Review Podcast also joins us to preview Derby County’s visit to St Mary’s after the break, with Saints hoping to welcome back key players and rediscover their cutting edge. Plus, we reflect on Saints Women’s 4–1 win over Sheffield United and discuss the latest comments on the St Mary’s waterfront redevelopment.Support Total Saints Podcast and join our community: https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalSaintsPodcastShop TSP merchandise: https://shop.totalsaints.co.uk/The Saints Fan Advisory Board is holding a “Meet the FAB” drop-in before the Derby game on 21 November, by the information desk near the Kingsland Stand, opposite the bridge, and in the Northam Fan Zone. Follow @saintsfab on Instagram or search “Saints FC FAB” on Facebook for details.
  • West Brom 1–1 Southampton! Saints Miss Their Top-Two Chance | TSP 401

    01:00:44|
    Southampton’s 1–1 draw at West Brom leaves Saints reflecting on a missed opportunity to move into the Championship’s top two. But was it a point gained or two points dropped?Martin Starke, Steve Grant and Glen de la Cour are joined by the Press Association’s Simon Peach to discuss a game of two very different halves at The Hawthorns. With Saints failing to register a shot before the break, we examine Tonda Eckert’s tactical approach, his decision against half-time substitutions and the response that brought Sam Edozie’s equaliser.There’s frustration over missed chances for Lewis Dobbin and Finn Azaz, a discussion about Divin Mubama and Saints’ options up front, and concern about the opportunities opponents are being allowed to create. We also debate James Bree’s use of the dark arts.Oli Hargreaves from the Butter Pie Podcast then joins us to preview Saturday’s trip to Preston. With North End struggling, we discuss team selection, the danger of complacency and how Saints can finish this run of fixtures with a win before the international break. Plus, we reflect on Jay Rodriguez’s Saints career following his retirement announcement.This episode is sponsored by Red 76 Tax, specialists in self-assessment, business taxes and tax investigations. Find out more at https://red76tax.com/Support independent Southampton coverage and help us reach 750 Patreon members by Christmas. Paid members can enjoy ad-free episodes and our members’ WhatsApp community, while free members can join the community chat and Prediction League: https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalSaintsPodcastWatch our regular Sunday show live at 7pm: https://www.youtube.com/@TotalSaintsPodcastVisit https://totalsaints.co.uk/ for more from TSP.
  • Southampton 4–1 QPR! Saints Hit Four as Promotion Belief Grows | TSP 400

    01:18:54|
    Four goals against QPR and 400 episodes of Total Saints Podcast! Martin Starke, Steve Grant, Glen de la Cour and Alfie House get together in person to celebrate the milestone and assess Southampton’s convincing 4–1 win at St Mary’s.The team discuss Matsuki’s growing importance, Lewis Dobbin’s movement and work up front, Cam Bragg’s goalscoring performance and the influence of James Ward-Prowse. There’s also a debate over the disallowed goal, praise for Saints’ experienced additions and a look at whether injuries and squad depth could become obstacles in the promotion race.Attention then turns to West Brom, with a tough trip to The Hawthorns raising questions about rotation, selection and whether Saints should settle for a point. Plus, reflections on a year of Tonda, contract discussions and how making 400 episodes has changed the way the panel watch and support Southampton.This episode is sponsored by Red 76 Tax, who help with self-assessment, business taxes and tax investigations: https://red76tax.com/Support the podcast and join the TSP community, with free access to the chat and prediction league: https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalSaintsPodcastTSP Live returns to the Halo Suite at St Mary’s on Friday 26th February, supporting Saints Foundation. Full details and tickets are coming soon, with priority access for Patreon members.Thank you to everyone who has listened, watched and supported TSP across 400 episodes. Up the Saints!
  • West Ham 2-3 Southampton! Saints Make a Statement in London | TSP 399

    01:05:30|
    Southampton have secured one of their biggest victories of the season, beating West Ham United 3-2 at the London Stadium! Two goals inside the opening 11 minutes, a spectacular strike from James Bree and a superb goalkeeping display from Daniel Peretz helped Saints claim three huge points and move within touching distance of the Championship's top two.Martin Starke is joined by Steve Grant, Glen de la Cour and Alfie House to reflect on a memorable away win. The panel discuss Saints' positive approach, the standout performances of Lewis Dobbin, Jack Stephens and James Ward-Prowse, and the defensive resilience needed to withstand West Ham's second-half pressure. With Flynn Downes and Cyle Larin both missing, has this result shown just how far Southampton have come?Attention then turns to Saturday's visit of QPR to St Mary's. Rangers supporter Jawad joins the show to assess his side's impressive start to the season, their recent goalscoring form and the injury problems facing the visitors. The panel also give their predictions for another important Championship fixture.Plus, Alfie shares insights from his interview with Southampton sporting director Johannes Spors, including the latest on Tonda Eckert's contract situation and whether Saints could strengthen their attacking options in January.And with Episode 400 coming next week, we look ahead to a special in-person edition of Total Saints Podcast!Proudly supported by our Patreon community. Join us at https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalSaintsPodcastFollow the show at https://totalsaints.co.uk/ or email hello@totalsaints.co.uk
  • Southampton 0-0 Bolton: Referee Fury & West Ham Preview | TSP 398

    01:00:39|
    Saints were left frustrated at St Mary’s after a goalless draw with Bolton – and one refereeing decision in particular gave the panel plenty to talk about.Martin, Steve, Glen and Alfie discuss the penalty Southampton felt they should have been awarded, Tonda Eckert’s unusual tactical setup, the chances Saints failed to take and whether the manager overthought things after five consecutive home wins. There’s also a closer look at the current striker situation, with Cyle Larin not quite firing at his early-season level and Divin Mubama once again left waiting for meaningful minutes.There are still positives to take from the week, though. Saints collected seven points from nine and recorded three successive clean sheets ahead of a full week on the training ground.Attention then turns to a major test at the London Stadium, with Russ from West Ham Network joining the podcast to preview Saturday’s meeting with second-placed West Ham. We discuss their start to life in the Championship, the quality throughout their squad, where Saints could hurt them and whether this is an opportunity for Tonda’s side to make a statement against a promotion rival.Plus, the latest Prediction League scores, Southampton FC Women and our predictions for West Ham away.
  • Southampton 1-0 Norwich! Saints Finally Win Away | TSP 397

    51:29|
    Southampton make it back-to-back 1-0 wins as they beat Norwich City at Carrow Road to claim their first away league victory of the season and move up to seventh.Martin Starke is joined by Steve Grant, Glen de la Cour and freelance journalist Tom Prentki to reflect on another important Saints win. There’s plenty to discuss after Tonda Eckert rotated his squad, with Lewis Dobbin and Sam Edozie getting their opportunity, Kuryu Matsuki grabbing the winner and Casper Jander making an impressive return to the side.The panel also look at a second consecutive clean sheet, the growing competition for places and whether Saints are beginning to find the consistency needed for a promotion push.Plus, attention turns to Saturday’s visit of Bolton Wanderers, where Southampton have the chance to complete a nine-point week and maintain their perfect home league record.
  • James Bree Wins the Derby! Southampton 1-0 Portsmouth | TSP 396

    01:13:38|
    Southampton have finally beaten Portsmouth in the league again! James Bree's first-half winner secured a memorable 1-0 South Coast derby victory at St Mary's, with Saints overcoming Cam Bragg's red card to hold on for all three points.Martin Starke is joined by Steve Grant, Glen de la Cour and Alfie House to reflect on a remarkable afternoon. The panel discuss Tonda Eckert's unusual starting formation, Finn Azaz's outstanding creativity, Bree's place in derby folklore and the defensive determination that helped Saints secure their first clean sheet of the season. There's also plenty of praise for Flynn Downes and Kevin Schlotterbeck, although questions remain about just how much Portsmouth contributed to their own downfall.Away from the derby, the FA has finally concluded its investigation into Tonda Eckert's involvement in the spying controversy. With the Saints boss receiving a suspended six-week ban and £28,000 fine, we examine the commission's findings, the implications for the club and whether a new contract could now follow.Attention then turns to Wednesday night's trip to Norwich City. We're joined by Adam Harvey from the Pink Un Norwich City podcast to discuss the Canaries' difficult start to the Championship campaign, Philippe Clement's position and the challenges awaiting Southampton at Carrow Road. With Bragg suspended and Casper Jander returning to fitness, the panel also consider Eckert's selection options and give their score predictions.Plus, we discuss the Saints Foundation's 25th anniversary celebrations, the latest Prediction League results and look ahead to another busy week for Southampton FC.Proudly supported by our Patreon community and Red 76 Tax.https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalSaintsPodcasthttps://red76tax.com/
  • South Coast Derby Preview: Southampton v Portsmouth | TSP 395

    53:21|
    Football is almost back – and there’s no easing ourselves into it, with Portsmouth heading to St Mary’s for the first South Coast Derby of the season.Before turning our attention to Pompey, we discuss the continuing wait for a decision from the FA following Tonda Eckert’s hearing. Ten days on and Saints are still without an answer, leaving uncertainty hanging over the club as preparations begin for one of the biggest games of the season.We’re then joined by Andy from the PO4Cast to get the Portsmouth perspective ahead of Sunday’s derby. We discuss Pompey’s start to the campaign, their injury problems, Jayden Meghoma, uncertainty in goal and what John Mousinho’s side might bring to St Mary’s.Back on the Saints side, there are injury concerns of our own. Daniel Peretz has withdrawn from international duty, potentially opening the door for Aaron Ramsdale, while Cyle Larin is also being monitored after picking up a back problem with Canada. We discuss who should start in goal if Peretz misses out, the latest on Casper Jander and whether Saints’ excellent home form can continue against their rivals.Plus, the panel make their South Coast Derby score predictions, we look ahead to TSP’s upcoming 400th episode, and round up the other Saints stories from the week.Martin Starke is joined by Steve Grant, Glen de la Cour and Daily Echo Southampton reporter Dan Hargraves.TSP is proudly supported by our community of Total Saints on Patreon. You can join for free to access the Prediction League and members’ WhatsApp community, or become a paid member to directly support the podcast.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalSaintsPodcastWebsite: https://totalsaints.co.uk/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TotalSaintsPodcastX / Instagram / Facebook / Threads / Bluesky: @TotalSaintsPodThanks to our sponsors at Red 76 Tax. From self-assessment and business taxes to HMRC tax investigations, find out more at https://red76tax.com/
  • Wrexham Frustration & Tonda’s FA Hearing | TSP 394

    58:08|
    Southampton’s away struggles continued this weekend as Saints fell to a frustrating 2-1 defeat at Wrexham.Despite dominating large parts of the first half and creating enough chances to take control of the game, Saints failed to make their opportunities count before defensive mistakes proved costly. Martin Starke is joined by Steve Grant, Glen de la Cour and Alfie House to discuss Cyle Larin’s difficult afternoon, Leo Scienza’s injury, James Ward-Prowse getting back amongst the goals and whether Southampton’s lack of quality beyond the starting XI is beginning to show.There’s also a potentially significant week ahead for the club, with Tonda Eckert’s FA hearing reportedly set for Thursday. The panel discuss the possible outcomes, the difference between a touchline ban and a wider suspension from football activity, whether Saints could appeal any sanction and what the club might do if Eckert becomes unavailable.Elsewhere, the team discuss the response to Wrexham’s pre and post-match social media posts, Friday’s planned behind-closed-doors friendly against Aston Villa, the latest on Casper Jander, Southampton Women’s goalless draw with Sunderland and the wider issue of Premier League clubs recruiting academy players at increasingly young ages.Thanks as always to everyone supporting Total Saints through Patreon.Join the TSP community:https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalSaintsPodcastPrediction League:https://totalsaints.co.uk/prediction-league/Visit the TSP website:https://totalsaints.co.uk/TSP is also sponsored by Red 76 Tax. From self-assessment and business taxes to tax investigations, find out more at:https://red76tax.com/Follow Total Saints Podcast:X: https://x.com/TotalSaintsPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/totalsaintspod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TotalSaintsPod/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@totalsaintspodBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/totalsaintspod.bsky.social