Fitzhugh Fella

it's a drug I can't give up

His "Premiership" wages would be a stumbling block methinks - unless he is prepared to take a cut or Wolves do some sort of deal which I doubt. I expect him to be gracing the Championship next season, possibly with Forest, Leicester, Norwich or another club with serious ambitions of reaching the Prem. I like Drew but I think he is one of that band of players who's attributes lie somewhere between the CCC and the Premiership. Would certainly prefer him to Hammond though.

it all depends how much Waigo would cost. I have never seen a figure mentioned. £250,000 worth a shout....£1m - no rather go with Antonio who is still improving.

Alpine - I dont normally join the long list of people who relish bashing you but (and don't get this wrong) how can you say you would have held on to Perry, Thomas and James if you really haven't seen them play much this season? Not doubting your support for the club etc etc but fans that don't watch the team that much because they live far away cannot really question AP's decisions when it comes to player retention or player performances. I love the "just back from the match threads" that are dominated by people who are just back from the pub. Some of the biggest posters/admin on here, live in So'ton but hardly ever go the matches, but boy do they like to have an opinion on the actual game, usually basing their opinion from what they have heard on the radio!!!! One of the admin chaps actually chastised a postee who had been at the game based soley on what he had heard Dave Merrington had said on Solent. That was the moment I stopped taking this forum seriously.

Careful you will offend Trousers.

You been on that Devon cider again Ottery?

Absolutely nothing. I was just told that. If true make of it what you will. Could be for a variety of reasons. I remember Lowe was reported to be a frequent visitor to Arsenal's training facility.

This is just a rumour but from a good source. NC spends a lot of time at the Chelsea training ground.

To be fair Rupert did not suffer fools. Or a*seholes

horrible - that crest badge whatever is so 70s, should revert to the old city emblem with the 3 roses.

NC's statement is to be welcomed and I found it reassuring. Speaking as someone who had "his ear chewed off" by MLT when I rubbished Pinnacle on this forum, 4 days before the whole deal collapsed, I was once a little hacked off with the man who I regard as the finest ever to don the red and white shirt. However, time is a great healer and I recognise Matt was only doing what he thought best for the club and is guilty of nothing more than probably not doing his homework. Criticising him in print probably went a little too far. Maybe a private phone call would have been better? I think legends like him and LM (I know not everone's idea of a legend) would be best boycotting the Echo because that appears as if they are in their camp and it will only alienate NC. The last thing we need as a club is for the current ownership to fall out with those who have provided us with many of our finest memories. This club needs to be all inclusive and that includes ex-players and managers. The Echo really has gone down hill, I know finances are not good but with the standard of journalism so low it is little wonder hardly anyone buys it and they have to resort to unhelpful sensationalism. Finally I was intrigued about NC's comments on the style of football he wants us to play - very commendable sentiments but ones which any manager would rise an eyebrow to. Should be an interesting season, but with Saints when isn't it?

Although I am not 100% happy with AP this season, replacing him with Cotterill just does not make sense and would be a retrograde step. We will no longer be promotion favourites imo. NC does worry me.

That just goes to show you should not believe a lot of what is said. I am far from "sorted" For the record I have 18 months left of my 2 year term as a branch secretary. The crew have told me they want me to see out that term, I was elected in Dec 09 so will go though until December 2011. I will get some money from Unite while I complete my duties. After that I will be on my own with 2 teenage kids to support. Obviously getting sacked was not in my plans and although I am not going to starve I am pretty unemployable at my age. However I have to say that I believe in what I did and I would do it again, without a second thought. Striking really is our last option - there has been no where else to go.

I don't usually think responding to every rumour is a dignified way to run a football club but NC needs to stamp on this asap - if it is untrue. The longer he let's this fester the more damaging it is becoming. I know someone who spoke to AP this week re the situation and his response was "I am past caring". That can be taken a million different ways but it shows he is fed up with the whole scenario. Despite having small misgivings re AP's tactical acumen I think replacing him would be a foolish step. So SFC; time to put this to bed and hurry up!

Can i just confirm I WAS at the game?

Tbh you had to be there. It was the very patronising way he said it which incensed everyone around me. Once okay, twice irritating 3rd time just unneccessary.

I think people just didn't like being spoken to like they were 5 year olds. The announcement was way over the top and to do it 3 times was incitement.

I hate posting this but the little snippets I have heard over the last few weeks do indicate that all is not well between NC and AP. I do think AP creates a rod for his own back with some of his tactical decisions but most supporters would probably say that about their manager. If he leaves it will not be a good day. This club needs stability more than anything else right now and Pardew has, by and large done well. However, unfortunately there is not much point him staying if he does not have the full confidence of NC.

Thank God this is in the Mail. I can ignore it safe in the knowledge it's made up.

I know what I do and have done will not find favour with many. However I would like to thank the likes of Arizona, Dell days and Co who have sent good wishes despite not agreeing with what I have done. Fair play and your words do really help me tonight. You do what you do and you are what you are. Good ? Bad? I don't know but whilst I genuinely wish no harm I would still do what I did. Just following my principles but to be called "scum" is a little ott. Never mind let's concentrate on Saints - at least we are vaguely united on that front?

Let's hope this thread doesn't touch 500 pages. Thanks for all your messages - not worth getting into the whys and wherefores but for what it is worth this is all about the dispute and my part in it. Regardless of your views on unions take it from me I was sacked for going about my union duties in a manner that BA had over the previous 12 years had no issue with.

We're not pointless anymore! After beating Yeovil at home and wiping out the -10. Brilliant!

Trousers? care to comment - the boy speaks da truth!

Yes but this was Army v Navy. Different kettle and all that