St Landrew

Yes, well that will teach Seatbelt to check his facts first. On his side, the Norton Commando was mainly identified as a 750 motorcycle and later as an 850, once Triumph had turned the Bonneville into a 750. Both manufacturers made a mistake in doing so IMO, as the enlarged engines then proceeded to gnaw their own big-ends away. Personally, I thought both parallel twins reached their peaks as 650s. The Triumph engine, most certainly so. As to the Quadrophenia Scooter.. surely the one that would be sought after would be the one on the original album cover. It's a Vespa too, if I'm not mistaken. In that case, maybe the film one should be the sought after one.

Match First-Half Thread is now open.

I appreciate what you say, but it has been made clear from the start that the poll is based on the BEST player, not the CULT hero. Look back to the top of the thread, and you'll see I have made things very clear. This criterium goes for the nominations too. Having said that, if I tampered with the nominations so that Francis Benali didn't appear in the final 6, people would cry FIX, because he clearly had several nominations. It's not for me to tamper, but merely to act as the guide, and set the rules. The point you make about Alan Shearer is a good and valid one. By all means nominate Shearer. There may be older fans nominating Peter Osgood, for example, who was absolutely superb for Chelsea, but was perhaps a shade past his best for Saints. Or Kevin Keegan even..? Or Phil Boyer and Ted MacDougall. Outstanding players that may not even get a mention, let alone get into the top 6. Would their inclusion make for the strongest team, or would they be the weak link..? It's all about ability and effectiveness. And btw, don't worry too much if your nominated player doesn't get into the final 5 or 6. Players like Mick Mills, and especially Nick Holmes and MLT for example, have played in more than one position well, so they may get into a top 6 more than once. However, if they are selected for the A team, then they will no longer be eligible for further nomination. From now on I will make this clear with every new thread on this topic.

I watched him a few times at Staplewood while he festered in the reserves. Not a bad player at all, but a bloody frustrated one. He was absolutely hating it, and I've never known a footballer come out with so many expletives within hearing range. Had the circumstances been different, i.e. no relegation, no untimely injury to the player, he could well have become a regular at LB.

How's the debate on electronic aids and video replays for improved refereeing going..? Is there a trial of these things finally underway..? Amongst the vast majority of correct decisions the refs make, week in, week out, are some real clunkers. They may be about little things on the pitch, or they may be huge. All are significant in their own way, and that just might add up at the end of the season, when one team may gain a Championship or be relegated unfairly. Yes, there are those opposed to electronic refereeing aids in football. The phrases that normally pop up are: the luck evens out over the season; it's part of the game; and it'll break up the flow of the match. To my mind this is a rather outdated argument. Luck, if there is such a thing, doesn't necessarily even out over a season. Yes, bad refereeing decisions are part of the game - a BAD part. And players arguing with the referee over his bad decision, also breaks up the flow of the game. A conclusive video replay could put an end to that. Anyone like a poll on this question..?

Van Damme..?

Yep, nice one. After the penalty, I liked the way the defenders traced the flight of the ball, as it arced overhead, and realised they'd been had. Did the second goal really stand..?

There are one or two reported incidences of supposed virgin births in modern times, although I'd always question the validity of them.

Perhaps this'll help matey: http://www.simplehelp.net/2006/08/14/how-to-convert-flac-files-to-mp3-using-windows/

Yes, I've thought along similar lines. Hence, I think, why we may have some real contact with Glenn Hoddle's forgotten young players academy.

I'm beginning to think so. It's not even my baby. Darren Le Tiss asked for it, and I offered to run it. The object was to find the very best players that have ever played for Saints in a team formation. Obviously, this was going to be subjective because it was restricted to players that had been seen by the supporters who would nominate and vote. But one criterium would be fundamental, and that would be the quality of the footballer. Not whether he hailed from Southampton or Timbuktu, or whether he was liked, loved, hated, had nice boots on, played for Saints for years, or played for 6 months, was an idiot, or had a degree in Ballistics. But purely on the quality of his football playing - that is... the most effective player for the position he played or plays in. I could name 5 or 6 for each position, without nominations, and you could all vote, but that's not democratic. So we have a nominations thread first. The players with most nominations get into the top 5 or 6 to be voted for in the poll thread. This means some players get left out, and some slip through. But do you honestly think a football poll should be considered even remotely valid if in response to the question... who in your opinion is your club's greatest LB, that the answer should be something about their appearance, and because they loved the player..? I would have thought the question quite simple to answer, and so might you..? It might indeed throw up several candidates. Hence a poll to decide. But please, let's nominate and vote for the right reason from now on, eh..?

So many IFs. If the youngsters aren't intimidated by the Home venue, and if they start the game at a fast pace, and largely maintain it, and if they can weather the tactics of Plymouth, then I think they'll play the Argyle off the park. If they fall short on any of those points, Paul Sturrock's team will win. It's a great shame this one is not easy to predict, because after Saturday's result, it should be.

Although I wouldn't consider him an idiot, that's almost the perfect description of Bernie Ecclestone.. !

Well could people please start to make their choice on football ability..? This isn't a vote on who is most popular, but the very best quality player. As stated before, if you want a poll on Saints Cult Heroes, then by all means start one.

One of your more interesting little finds MB. Good to see your personal filter is working to distinguish between Lounge and TMS subject matter.

Back in the days of both Walcott and Dyer were in the same Saints academy, the comparison was nothing like as clear cut. Dyer had all the pace that Walcott had, and he appeared to have the necessary confidence too. But within 18 months they were miles apart. Incidentally, at the same time as Walcott and Dyer were comparable, an extremely confident, pacy and skilful striker was being brought on within the academy too. His name was Kenwyne Jones. I saw all three on the same pitch against Eastleigh, and Kenwyne was the best of the bunch. Everyone else thought he was sh!te. Just shows how fortunes can change.

You see..? You haven't read the reasons why the 6 players in the poll are the 6 players chosen, have you..? You prefer to have your say, then totally ignore the fact that it has already been explained that posters on this website nominated these 6 players more than other players. That's why there is a nominations thread. The 5 or 6 players that get most nominations go into the poll thread. Now do you finally get it..? That's the last time I explain this. Anybody else who asks why a certain player hasn't been included can stay confused, as far as I'm concerned.

Yep, same here.

3 points more than we would have otherwise.

Have a guess..? Or perhaps read the reasons why. :mad:

I think one should always read, at least. However, I also think Alpine is conjuring a thread where there really isn't one to be had. Stability in a football club, ultimately doesn't come from players, it comes from the boardroom, where all the earthshaking decisions are made. Whether the playing squad consists entirely of 20+ or 30+ aged players, is neither here nor there.

Yes, that rather odd ditty IMO, MacArthur Park.

God, I wish I hadn't turned this PC back on when I got up to go for a pee. Doesn't anyone read..? The following 6 players for Saints best performing LB have been chosen based on the number of nominations they have gathered. Which means Gareth Bale didn't get enough nominations... OK..? That doesn't make him a bad LB, but he didn't make it into the top 6. Tbh, I think he's miles better than Franny ever was, but people will nominate who they want, whether other people think they're brilliant or not. Apologies, I should get back to bed. Goodnight.

Correct.

The following 6 players for Saints best performing LB have been chosen based on the number of nominations they have gathered. They are: Wayne Bridge [1998 - 2003] 151 appearances [2 goals] David Peach [1974 - 1980] 224 appearances [34 goals] Francis Benali [1988 - 2005] 311 appearances [1 goal] Steve Mills [1969 - 1977] 61 appearances [0 goals] Mark Dennis [1983 - 1986] 95 appearances [2 goals] Dennis Hollywood [1962 - 1972] 262 appearances [4 goals] Voters are asked to remember that this poll is based on the quality of the player in the nominated position. Not whether they are liked or disliked. There is no requirement to comment [unless you want to]. Just vote. One notable absentee from here [Nick Holmes] will almost surely be up for a midfield nomination. There will also inevitably be a substitute's bench, and there will also be a backup team consisting of the second placed players. Players in position so far, are: Greatest Team Goalkeeper - Peter Shilton Backup Team Goalkeeper - Antti Niemi Now get voting for Saints greatest Left Back.