Don't throw youth to the Wolves: Roger Moore scores

Hard to swallow? Then let me explain.

Firstly, the financial position of Championship clubs is actually generating better quality football. Forced to re-examine the wage bill, many teams have off-loaded their more expensive talent and reverted to their academy ranks.

Contrary to belief on other less well-informed internet sites, Southampton are far from alone in this. It is evidenced week in and week out.

Many of these younger players (although not all) are more skilful, faster and more confident than their outgoing colleagues. Yes, they lack experience, but they also lack the cynicism and apathy that often comes from a career of 'been-there, seen-it, done-it'.

There are notable exceptions to the rule - Jason Euell and Chris Perry prime among them - but the additional pace, energy and enthusiasm of the younger talent is refreshing after years of watching slightly-past-their-best players give a 'good account' rather than their all.

To date this season, we have not reaped the rewards at home that our endeavours have more richly deserved, but I remain confident they will come.

Yesterday's match with Wolves was a case in point. Undone early by some slack defending, we failed only by the narrowest of margins to equal (if not beat) the high-flying league leaders due mainly to some of the most erratic and incompetent officiating ever to grace our game.

However, for the passion, ethic and heart displayed, it would be impossible to fault Saints' performance. And this pattern is repeating this season with only the occasional aberration. In fact, you could go a long way up and down the Premiership leagues of Europe and still not find a game which bettered ours for drama, excitement and skill.

Second, perhaps as a father, I am enjoying watching flourishing young talent play football they way it was intended. The languid-looking Morgan Schneiderlin passes the ball with sublime ease, flank to flank. The effervescent Adam Lallana marauds through defences at will and in Ollie Lancashire, Jack Cork and Alex Pearce we have the makings of some first-class defenders who are learning the game the hard way against proven scorers like Philips, Iwelumo and Adebola.

Sadly, these lessons often result in conceding, but the defensive progress has been rapid and, reduced to ten men yesterday, the back four showed its considerable mettle. If we can achieve some consistency here - injuries, suspensions and loan-requirements allowing - backed by the hugely improved Kelvin Davis, there is real hope that we have a worthy back five.

And watching players play for their shirts is surely the Holy Grail of the football fan? For me, it is without doubt the reason I watch the game - above and beyond results since those are so often at the whim of fate, officialdom and that evasive mistress - luck.

I genuinely do believe in the old adage that results follow effort and so trust implicitly that ours will come soon.

This brings me finally to the other reason I am enjoying our current season so much.

If you haven't already done so, read Saint Bobby's match-report on yesterday's game. His conclusion is the most valid assessment made by any observer this season. Southampton are not a bad side - far from it, in fact.

The current Southampton are a little bit of experience and belief away from being a bloody good side. One that plays high-tempo, skilful football with a passion and spirit that is actually sensationally uplifting in these barren and turbulent times.

Success may be one week, one month or even two years away but it will come, of that I have absolutely no doubt. So, cast aside your frustration, steel your patience and enjoy the ride. After all, who'd deliberately miss the birth of their own off-spring?