Fitzhugh Fella

For him not sure if both sides have the option .

Sam has an option to return in Jan if things don't work out

Sky are saying it's a season long loan, they are incorrect, the proposed loan is until Jan

Having watched Puel's after match interview and falling asleep half way through, I have to say he's not very inspirational. Koeman did at least have a bit of presence, this guy is like a university professor who has just swallowed a load of valium

Don't know where the goals are coming from with that line up?

Yea the original team were made up of several young teachers who had graduated from a teaching training college in London called I think St John's the college's main colour was red and so they continued using that colour when St Mary's formed. After the sash we went into halves and then quarters before settling into stripes around 1895. Worth pointing out that in those days our shorts were navy blue very much like Athletico. Perhaps we should re adopt that colour for our shorts?

One of Oriel Romeu's strengths, in my opinion, is his desire to find out about what makes Southampton tick in terms of the club's history and the city's culture. He often posts on Facebook little clips of him walking around the town pointing out interesting landmarks. Here is one he has just posted which as a historian I was well aware of but the fact he has dug out a little footage makes it even more interesting.

Shame the Echo piece included a photo of Ron Davies the full-back A Jocky Wilson moment

M.?

It's a shame Pied doesn't seem to speak English but on the positive side he has plenty of European experience.

Just reporting a fairly trustworthy source - of course Fonte could be lying but this forum surely is the place for this sort of 'semi informed' gossip. If Fonte had said yes he was going and I reported that then no doubt I would be getting slated. On this forum we all crave ITK information but we got to be careful we don't chase the bringers of not such good news out of town. Just saying.

A mate of my son who works at the club just spoke to Fonte who said he was going nowhere

I think the Board wanted rid of Koeman, deep down his methods were not liked but they were duty bound to try and get him to sign a new extension because of his record. When Koeman then tried to play Everton and Saints off against each other we pulled the plug without a backward glance. A very similar position we were in with Alan Ball, who was popular with the fans, had kept us up, but the Board (concerned at the company he was keeping) wanted rid. Man City's interest was perfect timing for them. You can say the same about George Burley too, Scotland did us all a huge favour.

When all said and done we are going to miss Mane, big time. His end-of-season form was the reason we finished in 6th. Just look at some of his goals. Exquisite, Klopp is no fool he has bought a game changer and we have lost one. Not criticising the Board here, they had no choice. I approve of the Redmond signing but not in a million years is he going to step into Mane's boots, more's the pity. As things stand, we will be mid-table next season, no more no less. You simply cannot lose players of the calibre of Mane and hope to improve.

For those interested - The launch/signing of "Match of the New Millennium" will take place at the Saints Megastore at St Mary's Stadium on THURSDAY 11 AUGUST between 4.30 and 6.30. Matt Le Tissier (first match) and Kelvin Davis (last match) will be there to sign copies of the book.

I think all this debate to be superfluous. It all boils down to Austin and JayRod staying fit and finding form. They do that we'll be fine as things stand. If they don't then we will rue not signing established replacements for Mane and Pelle. It's that simple.

Alex Crook reckons we are just about done in the market and that we are kidding ourselves http://www.espnfc.com/club/southampton/376/blog/post/2916384/southamptons-lack-of-spending-making-for-an-uneasy-summer

Surely it is suggesting he can establish himself DESPITE playing for Saints? That's the way I read it but if I have got that wrong I apologise most sincerely and promise you all I won't waste any more of your valuable time by starting spurious threads.

There's a cracker in today's Guardian talking about how its time Fraser Forster should now get a chance under Big Sam. While I agree with the sentiments the journo then goes on to say "Forster has been linked with a move to bigger clubs but staying on the South Coast should not preclude him from establishing himself in goal with England". Well what do you know? Remind me again who was the only English premier club to have two players win the Euros and in the case of Schneiderlin moving to United (a so-called bigger club) probably prevented him from establishing a place for his country.

I am waiting for the punchline

Diamond formation

Not sure you have to prefer something to write about it? Much happier writing about footballs golden age but contemporary football I should be banned from reporting according to your logic? Tell you what send me your address and I will send you a book and then you can have another think? Perhaps.

I have spent all afternoon trying to think of something witty to put you in your place but alas I have failed. But thanks for your interest anyway.

Happy to say yes, the club commissioned us to write this one

Our new book, "The Matches of the New Millennium" - The Saints' 100 Most memorable Matches 2001-16 goes to the printers today with a launch date of11th of August, the 15th anniversary of the first game at St Marys. We are really pleased that Katharina Liebherr has contributed a personal foreword in which she talks very passionately about the club. From what she says, and its all her own words, she is as keen as ever to see the legacy of her father continue for a good while yet. Another fantastic contributor has been Rickie Lambert who has given so much of his time talking about individual matches we selected. An absolute gent to work with so David Bull, the co-editor tells me.