Tonight Saints play in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. A Trophy that bought so much pride to the City of Southampton last season; Alan Pardew's Saints lifted the prize with a proud Marcus Liebherr looking on taking pictures with his digital camera. Five months on and both Leibherr, who sadly passed away and Pardew are gone.
The post Pardew era at Southampton starts tonight, and it is important for the stability of the team that we play well and win. Some may say that this Trophy isn't important that the main priority is getting promoted. That is true but it shouldn't stop us trying to do well in this competition. As Alan Pardew used to say it is all about the winning mentality. After the heroics of Bristol Rovers, this has to carry on tonight.
In terms of the opposition Swindon are no pushover. As we saw from last season they are tricky customers, beating us twice in the League 1-0 last season. They may have had a poor start to the season picking up just two points in four games and I don't expect them to reach the heights they did last year but they should never be underestimated, Painterless or not.
As for Saints I would think we will make a few changes especially if Lallana is still suffering from the knock he picked up on Saturday. Jaidi may also come in for Martin. I don't expect any major changes in team personnel however or changes in the formation, as Dean Wilkins approaches his first game in charge.
So lets go and enjoy the game tonight, lets show our appreciation for Alan Pardew and fall back in love with the journey that is the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
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