Chez

fair enough, you have a point about players making comments about doing it right, but almost every season poor early season performance is blamed on fitness and a crap pre-season. I don't buy it. Fans and players look for easy excuses. Getting back to your original point of Lambert's performance under both managers, under Pardew he scored 33 goals, named in the PFA Team of the Year for League One, and won the PFA Fans' Player of the Year award. It's not like he was twiddling his thumbs under Pardew and then Adkins came in and turned him into a player. I already acknowledged he was perhaps fitter, but I think the difference in the quality of his game is not massive. Getting back to the main thread, how much were Palace asking when Bolton came sniffing around in Janurary?

the city wanted to honour the old professional footballer in the country?

You are right he certainly was injured and that led to his loss of form, then confidence and then more loss of form. It went on for a long time after the injury had healed. My point was that the bright lights of Lambert last season under Adkins can be countered by the lows of the previous season. It's not all been plain sailing. It matters not really, he's been bloody great under both managers. The idea that Pardew's pre-season was to blame for his injury is ********. He got injured, so did a couple of others. It happens. Pardew was an experienced manager that had done countless pre-seasons before that one. I didn't notice his **** pre-season technique effecting Newcastle last season.

the hatrick at Milton Keynes is another example. He was scoring goals from all ranges and angles. Not seen that under Adkins. He also completely lost his mojo in the first season with Adkins. Took him 2/3s of a season to find it again. You have to applaud Adkins patience with him though as it paid dividends later. He certainly is fitter and his workrate is much higher, but he's always had that great touch and vision. The fact remains Pardew took the gamble (as all signings are) and brought him here and for that I'm thankful.

One of the reasons he didn't shine in that game is we targeted him defensively. I haven't seen Fox and Lallana make such a massive effort to get tight and double up on a player as they did that day. It was clear as day to me that Adkins and the side recognised his threat and they did a job on him. A brilliant job. Fox had his best game in a Saints shirt and Lallana worked his socks off to cover him. The way Adkins made Zaha top priority in that game makes me think its highly likely that we would try to sign him. You don't make that effort if you don't rate him, and if you rate him why wouldn't you go for him. Whether we value him like Palace seem to if a different matter. In my eyes he's a special talent, someone that could go on to great things. I'm concerned about his temperament, but with the right guide at the right club he might grow out of it. We'd be a good choice for him I think.

he started 5 games in the league. That says everything. The guy had some very good games coming off the bench, turning a few games completely, but despite this he played almost everyone out their at RM rather than him. The criticism Adkins gave him about tracking back was headed immediately by de Ridder, but Adkins didn't seem to be able to forget it that game. I like him, he has great ability, I don't even think its his final ball that is the issue, it's his decision making. Far too often he just doesn't run at opponents, dithering instead. Another problem is he just is not fed. I've seen him come on have an immediate impact and then not see the ball for half an hour.

no Saints fan has watched Steve de Ridder week in, week out, as Nigel clearly doesn't trust him, so hardly ever plays him.

if people had there way our promotion winning side would dismantled completely. Chaplow and Hammond were important cogs in the wheel, not our fringe players.

got the **** kicked out of him in several games (such as the Cardiff game on the box) so I had some sympathy for him. Might get more protection in the Prem. Besides, did a young Ronaldo do much the same?

Yes please. The most exciting talent in the championship in my eyes, Lallana apart. Doesn't strike me as a Nigel sport of player, but he has just what we need, pace, strength, the ability to do something a little different and tricks galore.

media no longer just needing to talk a good game, but play as well. Good luck neil. Don't forget to bring your own kit and match fee.

would be my recommendation too, best fish restaurant in town. Pricey, but top notch.

Ken Bates, the ultimate football vulture seems to be taking pity on the skates by offering £600k for Norris and Varney.

For me both looked extremely comfortable in possession, and unflustered defensively. Both seem pacey. I just thought Clyne could have done a little more going forward. You never know how much freedom fullback have to bomb forward but I only saw him make a run once in two games. Happy to see either at our place. Pace is at a premium in our side and no matter what some say on here it is an absolute must at the top level at both ends of the field

are you basing that assessment on Naughton's showings whilst in the Championship, as trying to keep Nani quiet is a damn sight easier than Chris Burke for instance.

yes please. Remember watching him for Sheffield at SMS a few years back and looking the class player on the pitch. He was just 18 at the time. Surprised Norwich haven't signed him if he is available. Maybe they weren't impressed with that £5m fee, but if anyone knows what he's worth its them. I was more impressed with Naughton in 2007 than I was with Clyne last season. Similar type of players. Not sure how far Kyle has come since then.

agreed. He had a fine game against us at their place but in other games he's looked average to me. There's better out there for me. Gordon being one of them. A Sunderland keeper that has lost his way a bit...rings a bell that.

its very tough to get rid of anyone, what with the huge pay rises promotion brings. Dickson is a case in point. I'd like to see Davis' quality before discarding our own 7/10 every game performer.

Grand Place is worth a look at night, but you'll certainly be disappointed with the Manneken Pis.

middle of the country means its relatively easy to get to loads of Saints games. Go for it.

I was worried his lack of pace would leave him exposed in the Championship, but he had a great season and not once did I ever feel the side was weaker because he came in to replace either CM. He must have been good as a could not rate Morgan higher. Once again I'm worried about his lack of pace as we make another huge step up, but I certainly won't write him off. He's been terrific. Excellent footballer. Decent touch, real battler and works his socks off. Very underestimated.

the fact remains, as Dune says, how do you know for sure? You don't know, for certain. That said, I agree, I doubt we will have.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2012/07/04/ex-rangers-striker-john-fleck-signs-deal-with-coventry-as-steven-naismith-completes-everton-move-86908-23904312/ says that he had objected to transferring contract from old to new company.

so, neither was Fleck when he signed for Cov during the week. There was still a fee agreed. Thought you'd know that.

his positioning is first class. It has to be due to his lack of pace. Didn't see anyone take him apart. Fox with pace would be right up there.