Sidebar

19
Fri, Apr

Typography

John Gorman and Jason Dodd will get full backing from the Saints players for as long as they remain in charge.  That is the view of Stern John who has thrown his weight behind the caretaker duo who have overseen a marked improvement in performances since taking temporary charge.

 

 

Saints are currently hunting for a replacement for George Burley following his departure to take over as Scotland boss. 
But the Trinidad and Tobago striker reckons they can take their time over the search as the team is in safe hands on the evidence of Saturday's hugely-committed 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
 
John said: "I am just a player so I don't know what the situation is with appointing a new manager and who or when it might be. 
"But I do know John Gorman and Jason Dodd have done a fantastic job. They have done really well and the lads are fighting for them.
 
"They have continued where George left off and had a bit of input themselves and the reaction from the players has been wonderful. 
"They can all express themselves which is very important and as long as results keep going for us they have a great chance to continue to the end of the season.
 
"They deserve a chance. What they have done for Southampton Football Club has been fantastic and they have got a good response from the players. Everyone has stepped up a gear and I would love to see them here." 
John was delighted to poach the late equaliser at Selhurst Park - particularly after missing a penalty against Norwich in midweek.
 
He added: " It was nice to score especially after Tuesday. I was gutted to miss the penalty. 
"My technique was poor and if you are going to miss then at least force the keeper to make a save.
 
"But that is water under the bridge and it was nice to get a goal. Andrew Surman is a wonderful player and put the ball right where I wanted it. 
"It was good to get a point because this is a tough place to come but we battled hard and we would not have deserved to lose.
 
"We could have led at half-time. We had the better chances and when they took the lead it was against the run of play. 
"It was a horrible game. They play per centage football and fight for the second ball and that is how they got their goal.
 
"But we showed a lot of character after that. We showed resilience and kept going and strung together a good move for the equaliser." 
The result left Saints stuck in 14th place and seven points adrift of the play-off places. But John believes they have the ability and attitude to make a late surge.
 
He added: "I have played in the league for the last couple of seasons and it is so up and down that any team who put a run together will have a chance. 
"We just need to find consistency and we definitely need to win our home games. But we have a good squad and spirit.
 
"We have shown great resilience in the last couple of weeks. No-one has let their heads drop and we just need to continue playing the way we have been and the results will come."