SW11_Saint

?!? And you proclaim yourself 'smart'?!

Agree, plenty of positives, and I for one am glad to have the dreaded first game out of the way (predictably with the usual result). The hysteria on some of the other threads is ridiculous, and frankly, somewhat embarrassing. Get a grip! (you know who you are). The sky is not falling in, and the season is not over. We remain the strongest squad, and I am still convinced we'll go up. Some people are such drama queens.

Hey don't come on here spouting facts and figures and things! This wasn't a scruffy defeat to Plymouth's one shot (which itself came from defensive error), we were totally and utterly played off the park by a Brazilian-like Plymouth performance. Never seen anything like it before - it was stunning. Couldn't you see that?! are you blind? and it's all Pardew's fault - he needs to be sacked, and sacked immediately, before the rot sets in. Christ what would happen if we draw with Bournemouth? the sky will collapse, the world will implode. Luckily though Alpine & co will be around to say "told you so - we should have replaced Papa Waigo". Today pretty much spells the end of the club. There's no way back from this defeat. If only we had time to turn things around, but sadly that's a luxury we just do not have. We may as well pack it in and resign from the league. I'm off to get my shot-gun and am going to shoot my face off, I just can't face it...

How ironic. Was reading this post while watching the match highlights on Sky, just as Dickson skinned the right-back and sent a perfect cross over. Funny how selective memory works...

What's the point of this thread?

Me too! If Lambert had of been playing he'd have bagged a couple in the first half alone. I thought Dickson was a real bright point. Lost his way a little in the second half, but then so did pretty much everyone else. Better days ahead.

Good, well balanced, assessment.

Have to say you're overreacting. It's one game, it was disappointing, but it's not the end of the world.

Disappointing result, but then never really expected to win - it is the opening game after all! Dickson looked good, and the first half performance was positive, without much end product. Second half terribly disjointed. Things will get better, do not fear, and we WILL get promoted. Remember Norwich's first match last season (and no, I am not suggesting sacking AP and replacing him with Monkey Heed!).

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?24319-SFC-Ban-Press-Photographers Not sure why my thread was closed - this is a much wider issue than the title of this thread suggests. At least The Guardian picking up on it will widen the debate. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/aug/06/southampton-fc-bans-press-photographers

Not sure what to make of this?! Doesn't sound massively positive. Another blow aimed at The Echo? http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/aug/06/southampton-fc-bans-press-photographers

I hope AP pins that article to the dressing room wall. No greater incentive needed - we'll win every bloody game!

Only one opening day win in 21 years. Quite incredible. Let's hope it's 2 in 22 after Saturday!

Would love Antonio back - we're gonna miss his pace. That said, not one of those rumours on Betfair has come true!

Can't post pictures at the moment, but the most obvious one is Rickie Lambert / Donal MacIntyre.

Don't forget a young AP on the far right...

Think it'll be a draw Saturday, but the season will ultimately be great. Can't wait!

Good program actually, whole night on the Football League - though most of it on The Championship. Interviewed Steve Cotterill too.

Predictions: Michael Gray - Sheffield Weds, Saints Clem - Saints, Huddersfield, Brighton Claridge - Saints, Huddersfield, Brighton or Peterborough

Didn't give anything away. At least he didn't say he wasn't playing!

Have to say I quite like Claridge, despite his blue roots. At least he'll say what he thinks and doesn't mind stepping on a few toes.

Mark Clemets and Steve Claridge very complimentary. Claridge questioned where he'd been - ie why did it take so long for his career to kick-off. Says he lost his way at Stockport, then Rovers turned him around. Says he loves the club and has found his spiritual home. Says we're more ambitious than most Championship clubs. Can't wait to start the season. Not bothered by the 'favourites' tag.

Sounds like he had a Matty type diet before Pardew's regime...

Rickie Lambert on R5L now...

If it was a straight choice between him and Papa I think I'd go for Antonio - we're going to miss his pace. Hopefully Connelly will have a better year injury-wise, so Papa's loss may be less of an issue. If we sign him mind, great. I hope the stuff FF has passed on is just rumour - I can't see how Cortese could feasibly sack AP if we're 10 points clear at the top at Xmas for example?! - does make my heart sink a bit though hearing all this stuff just before we start what should be one of our most eagerly anticipated seasons for ages.