Chez

as part of a four he was desperate, always hoofing over his shoulder, never having the confidence to bring it down or take two touches and consequently we gave posession away and were under the cosh. He did however win every single header and that at least kept them at bay and he worked hard. When we moved into a five he holds his position well allowing Lallana to roam free. He still hoofed it but he saw less ball so we kept it better. The consequence was that we played better. I would say that the 4-5-1 is what made the difference as in the first half we were murdered. In the second we weren't - so you can't say Wotton was the difference as he was a constant. No idea why he was subbed though as he was doing a decent job and didn't look tired. Poor decision by AP. Holmes was all out and should have come off.

amazing performance considering how few games he has got this season. Always rated him and so glad we managed to get him on a contract before Scunny stole him. Shame he is not right footed. Harding will have to keep his level high.

Fantastic result and I thought on balance of chances we deserved the win. Totally out played in the first half, we looked a different side once we went to 4-3-3 (or if you prefer 4-5-1) and we were on top most of the second. The main reason was that Lallana got on the ball and we snuffed out their midfield play. They went to pieces and I'd look at their substitution of their striker as partly to blame as he was having a good game and stretching us. Having said that all our players stepped up a gear and we competed very hard. The defence was outstanding. The best I have seen us for a long time. Davis 7 solid again, no real amazing saves Thomas 9 what a goal and a very decent display Jardi 9 brilliant all game, although it should have been a pen at the end but he had no choice but to dive in. Perry 8 best game for a while although it was Jardi winning the headers. Mills 9 Tremendous game. Didn't put a foot wrong defensively. Looks so assured at left back and its a shame he isn't right footed! Chuffed for him as it has been a tough season to date. James 7 decent game and should not have been subbed. Looked composed although sat next to Wotton that is not hard. Wotton 7 ran ragged early doors and every pass was a first time and hoofed ball - some worked , many didn't. He won every header though and tracked runners all day. As part of a 5 man midfield it seems to work, As a four, no chance, not good enough. Should not have been subbed. Holmes 6 Very average if you ask me. Doesn't track back and doesn't beat his man. Tired after 65 minutes and towards the end was on his knees (although stragely he found a second wind during injury time when going forward). Should have been subbed ages before. Not the answer if you ask me. Lambert 6 average game. Terrible first half where he gave the ball away cheaply, improved in the second. A lot of poor service mind you. No real combination work with Barnard but not a lot to work with and then Barnard moved outside. Barnard 6 one half decent chance not taken and a fair bit of running, but for me he looked very average. Tackled and won some flick ons, but he has no real pace, didn't hold it up that well and caused very little problems. No service and then moved to right wing. Hoped for more. I'm sure he will improe and he will have moire time against League 1 defenders. Antonio 7 tremendous impact sub. Another goal perhaps will shut a few of those slating him earlier in the week up. Great outlet and I for one love watching him. I doubt any of those that told him to get rid will hold their hands up though. Lancashire only on for five minutes but he ****ed up a header that should have cost us the win as it lead directly to a stick on penalty that was somehow not given. Gillett - didn't do much. Not sure why he was brought on. MOTM: I thought Jardi was tremendous. He won headers all day long and his power was much needed as their two centre backs were huge and a real threat when they came up. Mills pushed him close though.

so you think Lallana is a ****er too?

can't see the point in giving him any ****. He thinks most football fans are jokes. He'll laugh it off and thanks us for putting millions in his bank.

he was told when offered the job that a `real' money man had bought the club and he would have gazillions to spend. He genuinely believed it and once it became apparent that he was working for a set of clowns he's been moaning quietly ever since. At least Paul Harte showed real dignity and failed to use the money problems as any kind of excuse. Grant continually says how tough or difficult things are in every interview. He's a ****. His pathetic attempts to suggest the Premiership were going against "the spirit of football" by holding the money owed to other football clubs need to flagged up at every oportunity. I can't believe he has the audacity to moan at the Premier League. These rules are set in stone for everyone (Pompey will have voted for them or at least agreed to them) and are there to ensure football clubs get their money first whilst other debtors get screwed.

was that not to a league 2 side?

fair point, but my question still remains, is Barnard a better player han Paterson who has just 5 starts to his name so no real opportunity to prove himself at this level. The fact he scored in the level above is neither here or there I guess, though I think if he had played all of last season we would have stood a far better chance of staying up. I'm looking forward to seeing Barnard tomorrow and hopefully putting all me concerns behind me when he shows me he is much much better than Paterson.

I was critical of James' display at Leeds in the middle, but he played a lot better up at Franchise, so hopefully he can carry that into this game.

the wage bill is closer to £3m not £2m. The £1.8m figure comes from when they were short of £1.8m the first time they were struggling to pay the wages. To be fair to the skates you have failed to take into account any funds coming in. The sales of players may consist of lots of stagered payments that will be due at various stages. Or maybe not.

Is Brighton Beach still going? Quality night out that.

good point. Brum it is then. Shame we only saw him at our place for a season. ****ing Burley...

did he mean a midfielder that gets into the box or just another central midfielder because Melis had left him one short?

what, from Lallana, Holmes, and James?

its a silly question because YOU don't rate him? Well thanks for that. I didn't realise you opinion was fact. As regards your poll, it doesn't adress my question at all. Is Barnard actually better than Paterson is what I asked, not which player fans want. I was after responses from people that know what Paterson is all about and really know Barnard having seen him a fair bit. So thanks for you response. It was worthless.

If he goes anywhere on loan outside the premiership it will be Forest, there is not a chance in hell of him dropping any lower than that, oh and Spurs have won several times with him in the side by the way, West ham and Man City league games recently for starters, not to mention several league cup games and Burnley earlier in the season.

If pointing out the weakness in your aguement is being silly then yes I'm being silly. I repeat, professional football managers make mistakes allt he time with players and this `could' be another.

What, so managers don't make mistakes when accessing young players and their potential to be top notch? Successful managers get it wrong all the time. I give you Akinbiyi for £5m. No hang on how about our mate Ali and Souness.

The Barnard signing was on the Echo before the OS though?

I know but it must have been tied in somehow otherwise why didn't we simply loan him to them?

He would have been free in June. Also its £175k + Patterson.

Personally I think this is an error as every time I have seen the lad (apart from two games) he has looked decent. Giving him away for free is absolute madness in my book. Even if it is part of the Barnard deal it is only going to be £50k. Far too low in my book. I suppose Pardew sees him every day so knows better than I, but I just wonder if having to play against Jardi in training every day has made him look bad. I wonder what other players Pardew has let go during his management career. Perhaps its not long enough to really see if he discarded a few gems. best of luck to the lad. I'll be following his progress and comparing it closely with Barnard who I know nothing about.

I thought Fowler looked decent in that game. He caused us a few problems but just didn't have the pace to hurt us.

is he better than Patterson?

laziest player I have ever seen in a Saints shirt ever. I might point that out to him, on the other hand why even acknowledge him after the way he ****ed us about in the summer. Good riddance.