suewhistle

Actually just read the article... no substance whatsoever. Taking appropriate quotes from Vassell, added to other ones from AP about signing players: lo and behold 2+2=5.. "Saints are linked"... who by, The Echo??

Yes, you are quite funny, but not intentionally.

Hurrah! That's the first time I can ever recall you using a modal in one of your posts. "Could"! For a bit of variety can I also suggest "may" and "might". It's not just the unremitting pessimism of your posts but the way you are so dogmatic about things. Oh, and your heavy-handed sarcasm and assumptions...

And suewhistle was zombied out after driving through the night from home in Italy to me mum's and suffering the M25 on Friday afternoon!

Basically you have to sit down and read it slowly. Can't say I've bothered either, seeing as there is so much more entertaining stuff on this thread, along with the occasional management summary to help me digest it. Basically they are fregati, foutu, in the deep...

Be fair to pompeyblue: he has got a sense of humour..

and at the moment it's all as clear as mud...

Yep, so I'd heard and he was very quick at Thun and if I recall he played some neat 1/2s with Puncheon. At his age best not to overplay but he'll undoubtedly feature as sub: maybe not the build of Antonio, but he looked compact and strong.

But surely better players would be more expensive? And if they're getting rid of these players as well as the expensive good ones, why did they get them in the first place. Yes, I know I shouldn't be looking for common-sense, logic... or legality.

True, although whether he was entirely happy with that aspect of the summer training camp I'm not sure. As I pointed out earlier the information about the games came out very late and perhaps they weren't in the original plan? I read the Sochaux web-site and i'd agree with you, but I actually saw the Thun game and I'd have no problems about conceding AP's point that it was too early. Thun were sharp and ready for their season: they drew 1-1 with Berne on the Saturday. Saints were in the middle of a training camp designed to bring them up to speed (and presumably try out new formations) and they patently weren't there yet. I'd be very unhappy if I didn't see improvements - and a winning habit - but as usual some of the other posters will jump to their usual conclusions.;-)

I'm sure that can't really be Stu? I've been tempted to kick him in the nuts for some of his more egregiously offensive statements, but if that's him I'd be in danger of losing my foot!

I haven't got one at the moment: the women in the team are mostly too young or straight, unfortunately. Thfffffft

Can anyone confirm the first part of that statement? I haven't seen any evidence. Replica shirts are OK, I use them for footie training..

Guys, give it a rest, for Chrissake!

I suppose it's possible that these friendlies weren't originally in AP's plans and hence their late announcement: both teams in higher leagues and at a later stage of their preparations. It's a balance between difficulty and the opportunity to try out different formations and players. Getting a winning habit is one thing but there must be a place for the experimentation: how to do that is the issue.

The pace has slacken off and loads of Sochaux subs...

Yep , " Le retour de ses cadres fait un bien fou au FCSM qui monopolise le ballon." OC has a chance..

Doesn't look like they're going to mention any Saints player by name. Think I'll go and do music practice and come back later...

I've found what seems like a link on their site "A suivre en direct" after clicking on "Prochain match" but nothing happening..

Having seen him at Thun I think we have. He didn't quite make the 90 minutes but when he went down I knew it was cramp as he'd been working so hard. But he is still a kid so I hope they introduce him carefully. If he avoids injury he'll be a player who will send an expectant buzz around the ground when he comes on as sub.

"there is something terribly wrong in the transfer market." Aha, there's a clue there AA: "Market". I suggest you learn the implications of the term, and how they work.

In the middle of Thun kids were jumping off a bridge into the river which was flowing really fast and then guiding themselves to an iron ladder on the side of the river 200 m downstream.. I'm sure if it were that dangerous it would have been stopped. The funniest thing I saw there was a dog diving for stones at one of the other bridges: I've never seen it before, and his little back legs were kicking away in the air and the water before he'd bring up these big stones (think large potato size) for the owner, who'd then chuck them back in. Even to maintain himself against the current he had to doggy paddle like mad - hilarious. The dog rarely picked up the same stone but was enjoying himself immensely. Beats taking the dog for a walk.

I find it worrying too, but also how many facts I _don't_ remember. It's an age thing, I think.

Terry 'Dodgy Pint' Hurlock. For those too young.. from his profile in the match programme "Greatest Dislike"...

Tomme Jenkins