suewhistle

I don't get the impression of complacency about anyone these days: the attitude of RK to the first 20 minutes on Saturday, and the desire of Pelle' and Tadic to improve (amongst others) is somewhat reassuring.

It's worrying, I know, Sarnia, but I think he's serious, at least judging by previousrandom rants. Art, you post some very useful information on streaming, but I think you should know that people think most of your posts are..um.. a bit odd. It's probably too much vin du pays, so pick up some bottled Marston's Pedigree on your next visit back and soon you'll be as right as rain!

Is that 'scrapbook' or 'scalpbook'?

Anybody care to analyse why this is? The team spirit, ethos and mutual support there was before, backroom staff and/or manager who knew what they're doing, playing well to get a transfer a la Saganowski, historical precedent (Stevie Williams etc.), inflated egos now being burst, not playing so regularly, bad training regimes.. Theories welcome.

Ah, b*****ks.

Got a pair of lungs on him n'all. Maybe he's a brass player, but he goes for ages without noticeably pausing for breath.

Yes, it would be good to have a good start to a game occasionally and improve our finishing and increase both our points total and goal difference. Playing Sunderland every week might get boring though.

Did you enjoy it?!

Not long up. I had this strange dream last night...

Just got home. Had to have a few pints in Southampton after the game (I'm sure you'll all understand), but the 45 minites on the fast train wasn't enough to calm the buzz so went in to the pub (populated by Pompey supporters) by the station when I got off. What were the showing on the big Sky screen? It was at 4-0, but I had to watch again... :-)

The caption underneath the picture on the last Norn Ireland match report on the BBC said "Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis led his side with distinction against the Greeks". Consummate professional.

Why, thank you!:-) So that would be a 'no problems at all' scenario... Apart from suppressed giggling, sn iggering and muffled guffaws down Southampton way.

The pub before and after will be fine..

Because for many going to a game is now an infrequent and expensive treat, so you might as well pay a few quid more and see a good team, or Portsmouth in a cup.. If the price difference is bigger you'll get a good crowd, as the decent crowd for the pre-season friendly show, and the away allocation at Arsenal (which sold out). 30.5 for QPR isn't bad either; no one is going to scrabble around trying to get an expensive ticket for that. People go on about not needing a bigger ground, and the economics are certainly dodgy, but it's an undoubted fact that people are voting with their feet regarding high prices, as even this thread illustrates. That's why we're not selling out.

What? Like a Remploy factory, you mean? Perhaps he should think about solutions before opening his big, privileged mouth.

I think this is one thing that does concern me. There's nothing like the atmosphere of a live match with a decent crowd to get someone hooked and then keep them going to reinforce the habit. I went to Soton U in the 70s and could afford a ticket - it used to be something like the cost of 3 or 4 drinks in the union bar - so the cost of football has far outstripped inflation, or the ability of lower incomes to afford it. The only reason I can still afford one is my low costs now I'm semi-retired, but it takes an awfully big chunk out of my income.

**** me, it's unreadable with those one line paragraphs and staccato style. It must be designed that way for people who trace the words with their finger when they are reading. PS: Danbert, can we have an executive summary please...

I presume "Velikalbanska provokacija u Humskoj" mean Flying albanian provocation at the Humskoj stadium.. Some people are easily provoked though.

It could be in good company: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/11/gibraltar-barbary-macaques-deported-scottish-safari-park-blair-drummond Didn't Pompey go on a pre-season tour there the other year? The plot thickens...

I've been to pretty well all the resorts mentioned bar Samoens, along with various Italian, Swiss, Austrian and Whistler a couple of times, but that was when I was employed and had money. I'll be going back to the Aosta Valley again this year but no idea where I'll be staying. I'll probably drive over and stay in a combination of friends, hotels, flats, whatever, and that way get to ski various places: Courmayeur, Cervinia, Pila, Crevacol, Monte Rosa, La Thuile. I did a translation job for someone over there and am being paid with one of the resorts' lift pass! Will also have a day ticket to the new Monte Bianco cable car. I keep myself reasonably fit for my age but thanks for reminding me I need to do some more specific strengthening, core and flexibility exercises. Incidentally, if anyone needs Italian lessons, let me know as I need some extra income: the summer school money has been spent and skiing is an expensive extra!

Over to you then.

OK guys, an opportunity to comment on a wider stage; over to you lot... http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/oct/11/portsmouth-mansfield-upbeat-debts

If what FF says above is true, that should keep the pot bubbling..

What's itb meant to be, by the way? Is it student accommodation, as if it is that explains a lot!

Indeed. Typical play apparently according to the BBC website: "Martin Skrtel, more concerned with grappling with his man, inadvertently headed the ball against Dejan Lovren"