Fresh reaction given to Will Still sack calls at Southampton FC - 'you might think I'm crazy' | OneFootball

FLW's Saints Fan Pundit has called for patience with the 33-year-old manager

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

There is belief Will Still should not be sacked despite growing calls from sections of the Southampton fanbase following a dismal 3-1 defeat at Bristol City on Tuesday night - that has left the Saints languishing in 17th place.

The south coast club has certainly endured a torrid start to life back in the second tier under Still, managing just two victories from their opening 11 league games.

In what was supposed to be a campaign focused on an immediate Premier League return, few could've expected Southampton to only be on 12 points.

To make matters worse, the loss at Ashton Gate marked just one win in their last 10 Championship matches since their opening-day triumph over Wrexham.​

Will Still has "done a lot of good" at Southampton despite mounting pressure

FLW’s Southampton Fan Pundit, Martin Sanders, has urged patience with the 33-year-old manager, who was appointed in May on a three-year contract following the club's relegation from the Premier League.

"In my opinion, no - a lot of fans are calling for it but absolutely not, for me," Sanders stated when asked whether Southampton should part ways with Still.

"I back the manager, you might think I'm crazy but I think in eleven games he's done a lot of good, he's trying to change a losing mentality which is difficult, he's still got a lot of players here from last season."

It’s worth a reminder that ​​Southampton endured one of the worst campaigns in Premier League history last term, finishing bottom with 12 points from 38 matches before dismissing both Russell Martin and Ivan Juric.

"I think as a collective, they need to do better - everybody at the club," Sanders added, spreading accountability beyond just the manager.

"Fine margins" and missed opportunities defining Southampton's season

The Fan Pundit pointed to specific moments in recent fixtures where Southampton have created ample opportunities but failed to capitalise, ultimately costing them points.

At Bristol City on Tuesday, Adam Armstrong gave the Saints a 30th-minute lead before defensive errors and missed chances allowed the home side to turn the match around through goals from Anis Mehmeti and a Scott Twine brace.​

"Look, I saw a lot of positives in the game against Swansea, we were creating a load of chances, same as last night, creating a lot of chances," Sanders explained, referencing their frustrating goalless draw at St Mary's where Southampton hit the woodwork twice.

"If Cameron Archer takes his chances last night and Adam Armstrong scores a second - we're 3-0 up and the game's dead and buried and we're not talking about it. Same on Saturday, take our chances, win the game, and things look very different," Sanders added.

Additionally, Still himself has repeatedly emphasised his team's dominant performances and the narrow margins separating Southampton from positive results.

Following the Bristol City defeat, the manager insisted his side were totally in control during the first half and created "three, four really big chances" before defensive mistakes proved costly.

According to FotMob stats, the Hampshire-based outfit have the second-most shots on target per match in the Championship, with five - tying with Hull City but below league leaders Coventry.

Sanders then acknowledged that Saturday's trip to Ewood Park to face struggling Blackburn Rovers could be make or break for the fans backing Still.

Rovers currently sit 23rd in the Championship table with just seven points from 10 matches, having failed to secure a single home win this campaign.

"It is such small, fine margins. It's a big game Saturday, obviously we need to go and win it, I think a defeat there, it would be very hard to keep the fans on board, but I still think he can turn it around personally, that's my honest thoughts," Sanders concluded.