IronCitySaint

Whilst simultaneously getting his money out of China and into a foreign currency. It used to be standard practice for rich Chinese businessmen to move all their money to overseas accounts as they are all petrified that the government is going to take it away. Over the past couple of years the government has really clamped down on sending money out of the country and now each person can only legally send US$50,000 a year out of China. These guys now have to be creative and this looks like the classic example. I can't imagine Gao has any plans to spend a single penny of his own money on SFC again.

First home game of Alan Ball's reign when we thrashed Liverpool on the Monday night game. Snowed all day meaning that the trains were all late so I missed the first goal by MLT.

The manager must have got a bit afraid of the recent winning and has changed the team and tactics accordingly. The players have been useless but they must be stunned and confused by the constant changing of things that are actually working.

Ryan is one of the few players left that has any genuine quality. Signed during the era when the club seemed to have a plan and were keen to bring in young players with something to prove. Those days are gone now. It will be sad to see him playing for Liverpool next season.

Some speculation is that it is more to do with personalities and how people get on with Reed. Apparently, Koeman just did "OK" according to Reed but was let go because he was clearly his own man and had ambitions. Some say Puel was sacked because he refused to change his style of play. I guess he was asked to play the "Southampton (Reed) Way," whatever that means. He had a reputation before moving to Saints of standing up for himself. Pellegrino on the other hand seems to be a total follower and is probably doing things very much in accordance with Reed's coaching philosophy that worked so well at places like Charlton. His personality fits - doesn't matter whether he is useless and taking the team down. He is a Reed man. A cog in the genius management structure and business model that is Southampton F.C. that all other clubs want to follow. Load of ********.

Can't believe that imbecile is still manager today. I thought the only positive thing about that pathetic capitulation being broadcast around the world yesterday was that the owner might actually be bothered to watch a game and realise just how awful things are. Well, it seems he did get to see the game but it looks like they all sat around congratulating themselves on watching all that fantastic Southampton talent on the field. Pity it was all playing for Liverpool, but I'm sure they all toasted the magnificent and unique business model that sold 150 million quid of talent to Liverpool over the past few seasons. Don't suppose anyone mentioned the league position. They probably all got excited about seeing the first half possession stats and how well the 'Southampton Way' was working. On another note, I would take Hughes or almost anyone over Pellegrino. Anyone who has watched more than a couple of games in their lives would have more of a clue than this guy. But, it might be more tricky to get someone in because of the way the club management have this air of superiority about how things are done at Saints. Although Pellegrino is clearly useless, he was also put in a very bad situation by Reed & co. in that he did not bring in his own support team with him and had to work with what was already in place. Almost anyone with any credibility would have insisted on bringing their own assistants with them - people they can trust and discuss things with. Pellegrino, an amateur himself, only has other amateurs to help him out. Someone like Hughes would insist on his own team. Would Reed allow that?

The only good thing about this pathetic capitulation being seen on TV around the world is that our anonymous owner might actually get to see this shambles and ask some questions of old bumbling Les. We are doomed if this idiot "coach" is not sacked before the next game. Does anyone at the club actually care?

Embarrassingly easy for Liverpool. No need to even get out of second gear. Beaten by Swansea and WBA but no need to worry about coming to St. Mary's.

And that is what happens when you play your best team. Hope he finally learns from that.

0/10 and another total transfer window fail. It seems like Reed lives in his own alternative universe bubble, completely neglecting to patch the problems that are so clear to everyone else. Does he even see them? Maybe he and everyone else at the club has just given up. Unfortunately, a lot of good people are going to lose their jobs due to relegation and the incompetence of those in charge. Bet old Les is not one of them - he'll be alright. I was hopeful that they would get rid of the useless manager to compensate for the pathetic transfer window but don't suppose Les has the faintest idea who to bring in as an alternative. Long term planning my arse...

Dismal, yet entirely predictable. Clearly he hopes to sneak a goal and hang on. Pathetic selection for a home game against one of the weaker sides in the league. Expect we will win the possession stats again, though, so Reed will be happy. That is what it is all about - its the Southampton Way.

I would imagine that if he is ever to get the push it will be after the transfer window closes. New managers tend to want to buy players to help with their predicament during the January window. I'm sure that discussion would not go well with Reed.

Just another day in the life of Saints. Who didn't think we would concede 2 goals when Saints got that first goal? This is just like the first game of Redknapp's management where we were two up and conceded an equaliser right at the end. Never recovered and ended up relegated. This season is heading the same way thanks to the Dilberts in charge of the club.

If the manager doesn't get the boot after that then you have to wonder whether the new owners care about staying in the Premier League.

You should. Living in the home of the Stanley Cup Champions of the last two years it is a little weird actually watching a team that wins stuff. I am so used to supporting a team that never wins anything that I didn't know what to do. This city bills itself as "City of Champions" and follows up on it regularly. Still, a cold and windy evening at the Dell in my youth beats any of that.

Only one team deserves to win this, but lost in classic Saints style. Everyone was great except Forester who I would be happy never to see play for us again. Overall game lost by Les Reed and the ineptitude with the defensive situation. If we had two experienced defenders and a goalie today would have been a victory.

Outrageously poor defending there. That is a real blow - dominating the game and they score with both attempts on goal. Could be a thrashing if we are not careful.

Come on Saints. Can we win something for once!

Terrible apart from Gabby. It would be totally complacent to think this is not a relegation battle now. Other teams below are showing signs of life and we get worse every game. Reed has really done a number on this team this season. It is scary haw fast it has deteriorated. Where are you documentaries about the Southampton Way now Les? I blame Puel for the poor tactics and motivation but he has really been dealt a bad hand with the declining quality available. Something needs to change fast.

Should be 4 or 5 goals up through 135 minutes and all over. Going to be a nerve wracking second half.

Only need to hang on to that lead for 160 minutes. Easy.

Frankie for me as well. I was at training at the Dell on the Monday before that game where he scored and none of the players could get near him he was so fast. Ken Monkou in particular was enthralled by his pace, making motorbike sounds as he ran past. He was rubbish with the ball thought!

Fodder. 9-2 over the Christmas period. Can't score and can't defend.

Utter drivel. Pathetic effort today by everyone

Looking like another afternoon of Southampton nil. All hinges on whether Brough can score. Simply awful performance again. Depressing stuff.