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THE SCOTSMAN
Niemi's strolling it as Strach's Saints go down a storm
by John Docherty
20-01-03
Antti Niemi
ANTTI NIEMI is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career as Southampton soar up the Premiership and storm through the FA Cup.
The former Rangers and Hearts goalkeeper has been one of the brightest stars in a side sparkling with talent.
Saints are sitting sixth in the league and a 4-0 rout of Spurs at St Mary's on Saturday secured a fourth round Cup tie against Cambridge or Millwall.
And Niemi was quick to stress that much of the credit for their current form goes to boss Gordon Strachan.
The Finland international said: "It's really good working for him and part of that obviously is because the team has done so well.
"He is very approachable and has a good sense of humour. That is probably his best asset, apart from, obviously, his vast knowledge of football.
"Before and after training he talks to the players and jokes about things. But during a training session he does not talk too much, except if someone makes a mistake or if someone does something good.
"He is respected by everyone and it's easy to see why.
"You always want to do your best for him. He's OK if a player makes an honest mistake, he has no problem with that. But what he does expect all the time is 100 per cent and he's been getting that from the lads.
"He's just so enthusiastic and passionate about the game and if you try your best he's brilliant.
"I remember him as a player and he was probably much the same on the pitch as he is as a manager. He gives everything."
Unlike a lot of games this season, Niemi could afford to stand back and just admire his team- mates humble a Spurs side who did not know what had hit them.
However, despite Saints' good run and stunning Cup display, Niemi is not about to get his fingers scorched by being drawn into rash predictions.
He said: "We were absolutely brilliant against Spurs and could have scored even more.
"I would think that has to be our best display since I came to the club.
"I had one save to make. It was very different from our league game with Spurs on the Wednesday which we won 1-0.
"I think everyone, including me, has been surprised at how well we have done.
"Usually the fans are happy if the team has 35 points in March but it's only the start of the year and we are on 35.
"But there is a long season ahead of us. If you lose two or three games you can end up in 14th place or something like that. You just take it a game at a time.
"But it has surprised so many people that we are doing so well, especially at home where our home record is unbelievable."
Niemi knows Southampton's progress is down to team work and enormous spirit.
He said: "As a goalkeeper, you think about the players in front of you such as Claus Lundekvam, Michael Svensson and Wayne Bridge. But it's all down to team effort."
The winners of the postponed third-round tie between Cambridge and Millwall now stand between Southampton and a place in the last 16 of the FA Cup.
Niemi added: "It's a home game for us and that's a good thing. I would assume Millwall will go through but you never know in the Cup.
"I am not saying anything about how far as we can go in the Cup - or in the league. After the game against Spurs, who knows?"
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